Request for Qualifications:
Designer for Branding and Printed Publications

 

Overview

Brew House Arts is seeking a graphic designer for ongoing project-based engagements, including branding and printed materials for exhibitions. Branding will be used for promotion of exhibitions across all platforms including web, social media, and print. Printed pamphlets and gallery guides will be available at Brew House to gallery visitors. The goal of designed materials is to reflect the content and themes of each exhibition. We’re looking for a designer who can work with us on an ongoing, contract basis  for each project. 


About Brew House Arts

Brew House Arts (BHA) is a nonprofit art center located in Pittsburgh’s South Side. We produce and present fine art exhibitions in a contemporary gallery and provide studio spaces for professional artists. Emerging artists and curators work with us through our residency programs to develop their skills and hone their artistic voices. Distillery is an artist residency program, which offers studio space, mentorship, and professional development to a cohort of seven Pittsburgh-based emerging artists. The program culminates in a group exhibition every spring.
Prospectus is our curatorial residency program, which provides the space, financial support, and mentorship for two emerging curators. More information about our organization and current brand can be found on our website at brewhousearts.org 


Scope of Work 

  • Oversee graphic design for exhibition branding and title design. 
  • Oversee graphic design for printed exhibition materials, which will include curatorial essays, artist headshots and bios, and artwork photography. 
  • Oversee printing of exhibition pamphlets and postcards. 
  • Attend remote  meetings with BHA staff 
  • Follow project timelines with regular check-ins.
  • Collaborate with BHA staff and program participants and respond to questions throughout the design process as needed.
  • Utilize BHA logo and provided brand standards.
  • Have a final follow up with BHA to provide feedback from the experience. 

Please review Examples of past gallery guides and folding posters. 


Budget/Fees

Typical budget for each project is $1200-$2000 for designer fees, commensurate with scope & experience.


Sample Project Timeline

  • Three months before event: Initial meeting with BHA staff to review preliminary ideas and share exhibition titles, images, artist lists, and themes. 
  • Two months before event: Virtual meeting to review rough drafts for branding and title design, and print designs. 
  • Six weeks before event: Delivery of digital branding/title design assets. 
  • Four weeks before event: Final design meeting for printed materials. 
  • Two weeks before event: Print Deadline
  • One week before event: Materials printed and delivered to BHA Gallery. 


Application Process and Selection

Proposals must be submitted via email to bnakamoto@brewhousearts.org with the subject line: Designer RFQ: NAME”. Proposals must be submitted by November 6, 2026. Proposals should include the following information and be compiled into a single PDF document::

  • Statement of interest (250 words or less). Express your interest in the project and address how your past experience demonstrates that you can successfully meet the goals of this project.
  • Resume.
  • Proposed budget/fee 
  • Portfolio of past work. Please provide up to five (5) work samples of completed projects. Work samples may be either JPEG, PDF. For all work samples, please provide the year, and a brief description of the project. 
  • References. Please provide the name and contact information for at least two (2) professional references. References will not be contacted unless you are selected for an interview.

Application Timeline

  • September 7-November 6, 2026: Open application period
  • November 6, 2026: Applications due
  • November 16-20, 2026: Applicant interviews

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated on their quality of work and experience. 

The ideal candidate has:

  • Experience working with commercial printers.
  • Experience working collaboratively with partners and responding to feedback.
  • Strong project management skills, including managing a timeline and budget.
  • Ability to work within the proposed timeline.

 

Contact Information

All questions should be submitted to Brent Nakamoto at bnakamoto@brewhousearts.org.