Melissa Morgan
Verified Expert in Design
Senior Designer
Previously at
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Hire design directors, on demand. Top companies and startups choose design directors from Toptal for creative leadership, brand identity refinement, UX/UI strategy development, cross-functional design team management, and more.
Toptal gave us access to the best designers out there, and they're not easy to find.
Thierry Jakriceic, General Manager of Digital Solutions, Bridgestone
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Featured Talent
Tom Koszyk
Verified Expert in Design
17 Years of Experience
Design Director
Tom is a digital product designer with more than 15 years of experience in this field, designing products (strategy, UX, and visuals), facilitating workshops, and leading design teams. He worked with companies of all sizes from various industries and taught design courses, including university courses. Tom believes that great products are not only useful, usable, and desirable, but also meet business requirements. He is a big believer in a process-driven approach to product creation.
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Bruno Santiago
Verified Expert in Design
17 Years of Experience
Design Director
Bruno is an award-winning design-oriented product strategist with a passion for digital transformation challenges. Over the past 30 years, he has gained experience in the following industries: fintech, travel, automotive, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and fashion. Bruno has both been part of and led creative teams for top agencies (Wunderman, JWT, Isobar) serving global clients (such as Microsoft, Unilever, Mars, and Sony).
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Alex Engzell
Verified Expert in Design
21 Years of Experience
Design Director
Alex has worked with some of the biggest brands on the planet, including Nike, Converse, Heineken, Vogue, and CoStar Group. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Wired, and Communications Arts. With a hefty number of awards, 15 years of experience, and the philosophy of practicing what he preaches, Alex is known for his minimal and timeless designs. He thrives when working with bold brands and has a deep appreciation and understanding of the impact that great design can have.
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Simon Moolman
Verified Expert in Design
15 Years of Experience
Design Director
Simon has more than 15 years of experience in the creative industry. He became an integral part of agencies, such as MC Saatchi, VML, and Ogilvy—where he led various creative teams. He has worked with the world's largest brands and transformed emerging brands into competitive entities. His focus is interactive and experience design. Simon constantly pursues meaningful storytelling through design that makes a difference in people's lives.
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Discuss your requirements and refine your scope in a call with a Toptal domain expert who specializes in your area of need.
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Get a shortlist of expertly matched design directors within 24 hours to review and interview.
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Start working with your chosen design director. You’ll have up to two weeks to assess the fit: Pay only if you’re satisfied.
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Trusted Talent Only
Our talent network is composed of thoroughly vetted professionals who ramp up quickly, function as essential team members, and deliver results.
Precise Matching
Our experienced talent matchers specialize in identifying talent that fits your needs. They work to understand your exact requirements and hand-select the best professionals for your project.
Seamless Hiring
We handle all aspects of billing, payments, and NDAs, streamlining the hiring process so you can focus on innovation, not overhead.
No-risk Trial Period
We want to be sure your engagement is a total success, so we offer a no-risk trial period. Work with your new hire for up to two weeks and pay only if you’re satisfied.
Effortless Scaling
We help you scale your team up or down as needed, with quick and efficient hiring in under 48 hours.
Flexible Engagements
Our flexible engagement models allow you to choose the engagement type that suits your needs and adjust it anytime: hourly, part time, or full time.
Our Designer Screening Process
26.4%Applicants Pass
Language and Personality
Toptal designers possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. We test each candidate’s ability to convey complex design concepts clearly across multiple collaboration tools and communication mediums. We also assess personality traits, looking for candidates who are passionate and fully engaged in their work.
7.4%Applicants Pass
In-depth Skill Review
Designers are required to demonstrate their knowledge and problem-solving ability through various assessments. We evaluate candidates based on their specialized work experience and relevant design practices, such as UX design, UI design, product design, prototyping, design systems, and more. We also review the strength of their portfolio and their extensive history of completing successful projects with clients.
3.6%Applicants Pass
Live Screening
Toptal designers are skilled at tackling complex design challenges creatively and independently. Each candidate participates in a live screening with one expert designer, where they must demonstrate their ability to evaluate design problems, propose multiple solutions, and explain their decisions in real time.
3.2%Applicants Pass
Test Projects
Toptal designers are required to complete a test project that reflects real client work. During this step, candidates demonstrate their ability to ideate, scope, prototype, and solve design challenges in real-world scenarios.
3%Applicants Pass
Continued Excellence
Toptal designers are expected to maintain a strong track record while working with clients. We continuously evaluate our talent throughout engagements to ensure our high standards for excellence and performance are consistently met.
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We have a 98% trial-to-hire success rate.
Up to two weeks to try talent and evaluate fit
No obligation to pay or hire at the end of the two weeks
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Why Organizations Choose Toptal®
Toptal gave us access to the best designers out there, saving us a lot of time and allowing us to build the best possible product.
Thierry JakircevicGeneral Manager, Digital Solutions, Bridgestone
Toptal’s talent is really excellent. They are able to work through large business problems and code incredibly efficiently.
Emily LemonSenior Director, Cleveland Cavaliers
The kind of people we looked for were hard to find. Toptal helped us achieve our goals by bringing high quality resources to bear on very short notice.
Elmar PlatzerDigital Transformation Leader, CSR
If you’ve tried working with other vendors, Toptal is going to be a different type of company to work with; they’re going to meet you where your needs are.
Matthew SchumacherSenior Product Manager, Alpha - Precision Drilling
Top design directors are in high demand. Ready to get started?