(S) Seasonal Visual Designer Job at SXSW in Austin

March 15–21, 2027 | Austin, TX

Careers
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries.

Join the SXSW Team

We Embrace Unexpected Discoveries
SXSW is committed to the discovery and development of diverse talent. We believe that when creative people express their individuality, it births new ideas, challenges bias, signals inclusion, promotes diversity and awakens a culture rooted in belonging.

SXSW is responsible for providing a space for creatives to thrive by bringing their unique personalities to the table to create an unprecedented culture unlike any other. We are intentional about building an environment more representative of the communities we serve because it creates a stronger and more creative workplace proven to deliver the best results.

SXSW is committed to the discovery and development of diverse talent. We believe that when creative people express their individuality, it births new ideas, challenges bias, signals inclusion, promotes diversity and awakens a culture rooted in belonging.

SXSW is responsible for providing a space for creatives to thrive by bringing their unique personalities to the table to create an unprecedented culture unlike any other. We are intentional about building an environment more representative of the communities we serve because it creates a stronger and more creative workplace proven to deliver the best results.

Diversity: The presence of differences that represent society at all levels.

Increasing diversity means we decrease conformity, while leading to more engagement, innovation and creativity.

Equity: Our commitment to eliminate barriers and ensure opportunities for everyone.
Increasing equity ensures impartiality and fairness for all communities. We pledge to remove structural inequities in the employee life cycle, build policies that ensure accessibility for all, and take continual steps to confront bias in decision making.

Inclusion: The actions taken to be sure everyone feels invited, embraced, and valued.
Increasing inclusion affirms that our SXSW community feels a shared belonging, respected, and valued with equitable opportunities to contribute their individuality to the organization and advance their skill sets and careers.

Culture and Values
Our Culture
Curious
Our staff’s deep interests and creative passions are often reflected in their work. We thrive in an open-minded environment, where we believe in continuously exploring new ideas, knowledge, and skills.

Independent
SXSW is authentic and unlike any other experiences, and we celebrate its originality. We like to figure things out, and we value independent thinking to solve problems and fuel innovation, creativity, and growth.

Inclusive
We celebrate the unique identities, contributions, perspectives, and lived experiences of the SXSW community. By cultivating an inclusive environment, we unlock a wealth of talent and create a vibrant experience where everyone can succeed.

Adaptable
Our business is never static. We are resilient, we find ways to adjust, and we embrace the dynamic, ever-changing nature of our world.

Hard-working
We embrace challenges and have high expectations. We are passionate and dedicated to doing what it takes to deliver a stellar SXSW experience.

Collaborative
We believe that collaboration brings about remarkable results. We value teamwork and seek diverse perspectives to support the success of creative people.

Our Values
Creativity
We foster discovery and shine a light on artists and innovators whose work is fresh, non-obvious, and pushes boundaries. We believe original thinking drives visionary problem solving and positive change.

Community
We recognize the power of human connections and shared experiences—from within our SXSW team and participants from around the world—to help fulfill our purpose. By fostering a sense of belonging, we can unleash potential that contributes to the progress of creative people everywhere.

Individuality
We celebrate self-expression and value each other’s differences and unique perspectives. We believe that embracing individuality means creating an inclusive and supportive experience for all.

Human Potential
We view what’s ahead as a big opportunity. We advance the ideas and accomplishments of forward thinkers and believe in the power of humans to do the impossible to create a better future.

Company Perks & Applicant Questions
Company Perks
We offer a competitive benefits package to all regular, full time staff that includes but is not limited to:

Company-Subsidized Medical Plans

Employer Paid Dental

Employer Paid Life Insurance

Employer Contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA)

Optional Discounted Vision Plan

Short and Long Term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

401K

Staff Badge Perks

Unique and Collaborative Work Environment

Unforgettable Experiences

Applicant Questions
What happens after I apply?
Once you submit your application it will be reviewed by a member of the Human Resources Team. Your amazing skill set is compared to job requirements and core competencies to determine job fit. If the application is complete and in line with the job requirements you will receive a call for a brief phone interview. The final step is a face to face interview with the hiring manager.

Who can I speak with if I have additional questions?
All questions regarding the job opening, response timeline, feedback, and the hiring process can be directed to the Human Resources Department. Please email careers@sxsw.com .

What does it mean to be seasonal?
The technical definition is a staff member who works 6 month of the year or less. At SXSW being a seasonal employee means so much more than that! Seasonal staff join the company in anticipation of the event and add great value. Although the employment may be short-lived, it’s a great way to learn the industry and be a part of a world renowned global event. Have additional questions? Feel free to reach out to our Human Resources Department. Please email careers@sxsw.com .

Internships
At SXSW, we take pride in offering internships that are comprehensive learning experiences. Our interns are an integral part of a team that produces a world-class international event. We offer opportunities in Brand & Marketing, Innovation, the Music and Film Festivals, Conference Programming, and more.

As a SXSW intern, you can expect to:

Explore your chosen industry and learn how it interacts with other disciplines

Network, making professional connections inside and outside the company

Expand your portfolio and resume, putting your efforts on display to a discerning global audience

Develop and prove your professional skills alongside supportive, invested colleagues and mentors

Experience the whole of the SXSW Conference and Festivals, as both an intern and an attendee with complimentary access

“As an intern, the management team really opens you up to be a part of the culture” –Glassdoor Review

“Great opportunity to look inside what makes one of the world’s largest festivals.” –Glassdoor Review

Note: All internships paid at $12/hr. Enrollment in a college or university is required to be considered for an internship.

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering for SXSW is a great way to meet new people, showcase SXSW and Austin to our global community, and earn great perks to attend SXSW or SXSW EDU!

Learn more about badge types and how you can earn the opportunity to attend SXSW at sxsw.com/volunteer .

Current Career Opportunities
Explore available positions and submit your resume. If there are no positions listed below, please check back for updates.

Position: (S) Seasonal Visual Designer

Location:

Austin, TX
Job Id: 317

# of Openings: 1

SXSW Seasonal Visual Designer

Job Purpose
SXSW is seeking a Visual Designer who is responsible for developing creative concepts and art assets for Content Department campaigns across sxsw.com and social media channels managed by SXSW, LLC. This role is for a highly skilled designer with attention to detail and brand cohesiveness. In this fast‑paced, constantly evolving ownership role, the Visual Designer evaluates content needs to generate creative, multi‑platform content that supports marketing and editorial efforts.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Generate strong visual assets for sxsw.com and various social media platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, YouTube, and Threads.

Contribute to the monthly Content Department needs to support Brand and business goals, including brand awareness, editorial curation, and audience engagement.

Work with the Content Team to turn brand strategy and creative ideas into compelling design experiences that adhere to the Brand Guidelines. Includes coordinating the collection of data points and campaign ideas with Editors to generate assets (i.e., graphics, vertical templates, static/animated).

Assist with templates and deliverables related to motion graphics for videos.

Propose big ideas, backed by audience data, on how design elements can better support audience reach and engagement across digital platforms.

On‑Site Event Responsibilities
Extended hours during the event (i.e., on‑site) in March

Curate and edit photos and videos in real‑time, adhering to the SXSW style guide, which will be used on the website and social media

Coordinate with the Photography team to create Photo Galleries and other visual assets as needed

Create visual assets to support late‑breaking announcements and important event updates.

Help create and publish content across platforms, from daytime Conference sessions to nightly festival and awards coverage.

Occasionally, help capture vertical video for Instagram and TikTok in real‑time

Qualifications & Skills
Qualifications include:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Fluent in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, After Effects, and Photoshop.

Proficiency in Premiere Pro is a plus

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Passion for design, social media, and creativity is a must.

Ability to work under pressure in a high‑stress environment to meet deadlines.

Works well within a team and independently on projects.

Self-starter who can multitask and solve problems quickly and accurately.

Experience working at past festivals, publications, and/or social media teams is preferred but not required.

Basic knowledge of WordPress, Hootsuite, Airtable, and Google Drive is a plus.

Must have a portfolio of previous work to be considered

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully:
Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.

Ability to lift to 15+ pounds occasionally, as needed.

Operation of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.

May require occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, or climbing stairs.

Ability to work outdoors, including exposure to varying temperatures or noise levels.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Location & Schedule
This is a full-time seasonal position located in the Austin, Texas office. You must be available to work additional hours from January through March, including evenings and weekends. You must also be available for the March event, which will have extended on‑site working hours.

#J-18808-Ljbffr