Creative Staffing in Minneapolis
Freelance, contract and full-time creative talent for Twin Cities agencies and in-house teams — portfolios reviewed by people who have art-directed, not by keyword filters.
How You Can Hire With Tamsin
From a freelancer for one campaign to a creative director for the next five years.
What Our Creatives Make
We Read The Book Before We Read The Résumé
Tamsin was started in 2016 by an art director and a copywriter who were tired of recruiters who couldn't tell a strong portfolio from a pretty one. Every recruiter here has worked in a studio, and every creative we put forward has had their work reviewed against your brief — not just their job titles.
We work with agencies in the North Loop and Northeast, and with in-house brand teams across the Twin Cities.
- ✓Portfolios reviewed by former art directors and writers
- ✓Shortlists matched to your brand, not just your job title
- ✓Honest, published rates for freelancers
- ✓Freelancers paid weekly, on time
Six Crafts, Recruiters Who Practiced Them
Graphic & Brand Design
Brand designers, art directors, packaging and production designers.
UX, UI & Product Design
Product designers, UX researchers and design systems specialists.
Copywriting & Content
Copywriters, UX writers, editors and content strategists.
Marketing & Digital
Campaign managers, social strategists, SEO and lifecycle marketers.
Video & Motion
Editors, motion designers, animators and videographers.
Creative Operations
Producers, traffic managers and creative project managers.
From Brief To First Day In The Studio
Brief With A Creative
Thirty minutes with a recruiter who has done the job — brand, tone, tools and deadline.
Portfolio Shortlist
Three to five portfolios chosen against your brief, usually within 72 hours.
Meet Or Test
Interview the people you like, or run a short paid test project first.
Start And Check In
We handle contracts and timesheets, and check in after the first week.
From Studios And The Creatives They Hired
We needed a senior art director and two production designers for a launch in three weeks. Tamsin sent portfolios that actually matched our brand, not a stack of résumés, and the team was in the studio the following Monday.
They read my book before they called me. Every project they've sent since has been something I was proud to add to it.
Our in-house team was drowning in production. Tamsin embedded a pod of four for the busy season and we converted two of them to full-time.
Launch Deadline Looming?
Tell us what you're making and when it's due. We'll send portfolios that fit within three days.
Work That's Worth Adding To Your Portfolio
Freelance, contract or full-time — we only call you about projects and roles that fit your craft and your rate. Rates are discussed openly, freelancers are paid weekly, and you'll get honest feedback on your book whether or not a role works out.
- ✓Projects matched to your portfolio and rate
- ✓Weekly pay for freelancers and contractors
- ✓Honest portfolio feedback from former creatives
- ✓No fees for creatives, ever
Show Us Your Work
Share your portfolio and what you're looking for. A recruiter in your craft will be in touch within two working days.
Questions, Answered
How quickly can you send portfolios?
For most freelance and contract roles you'll see three to five portfolios within 72 hours of your brief. Senior and leadership searches take longer, and we'll give you a timeline up front.
How do your fees work?
Freelance and contract creatives are billed at an hourly or day rate that covers their pay, payroll taxes and our service. Direct-hire placements carry a one-time fee, charged only when your new hire starts.
Can we run a test project first?
Yes. Many clients book a short paid test before committing to a longer contract or a full-time hire.
Can a freelancer join us full-time?
Yes. Conversion terms are set out in your agreement before the contract starts.
Do creatives pay anything?
Never. Our clients pay our fees. Registering, portfolio feedback and placement are free.
How are freelancers paid?
Weekly, by direct deposit, for hours or days approved by the client the week before.
Will you share my portfolio without asking?
No. We only send your work to a client after you've agreed to that specific project or role.
Do you place remote creatives?
Yes. Many of our freelance projects are remote or hybrid, mostly with clients in the Twin Cities.
Send Us A Brief
What you're making, the skills you need and your deadline. A creative recruiter will reply within one working day.