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High-Craft Design Recruiting

We're former designers and design leaders turned recruiters. We know the work because we've done it.

Specialized search for the design and product talent that defines great companies: founding designers, senior ICs, and design leaders.

We focus on three disciplines that are increasingly hard to hire well: Product Design, Creative, and Design Engineering. Whether you need a Founding Designer, a creative lead, or a Design Engineer who can ship, we know the profiles, the portfolios, and how to find the people other recruiters miss.

MetaInstagramWhatsAppFulcrum AiBCG Digital Ventures500.CoGreenlite AiVali HealthApplied IntuitionLumarilNinety.coComfyMext AiY CombinatorMetaInstagramWhatsAppFulcrum AiBCG Digital Ventures500.CoGreenlite AiVali HealthApplied IntuitionLumarilNinety.coComfyMext AiY CombinatorMetaInstagramWhatsAppFulcrum AiBCG Digital Ventures500.CoGreenlite AiVali HealthApplied IntuitionLumarilNinety.coComfyMext AiY Combinator

A Recruiter Who's Been on Both Sides

Former Designer

Before I recruited designers, I was one. I spent years as a Product Designer and Founding Designer at early-stage startups and portfolio companies backed by 500.co and Plug and Play. I know what good design thinking looks like, how it shows up in a portfolio, and what it doesn't.

10+ Years in Recruiting

I've spent 10+ years in recruiting, including 6 years at Meta placing designers, creative directors, and product engineers across Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook. I've hired Founding Designers, senior ICs, design leaders, product and design engineers, and creatives for early-stage and fast-growing companies. I've reviewed thousands of portfolios. I know what elite looks like and I know how to find it.

Boutique

X2Talent is intentionally small. When you work with us, you get me — not a junior coordinator working from a job board. Every search gets hands-on attention, honest feedback, and a recruiter who can have a real conversation with your candidates.

Design Community

I've spent years building relationships with the design community — running communities, mentoring designers, and staying embedded in the space. When I reach out, designers respond. That access is the difference between a good shortlist and a great one.

How We Work

Retained Search
For your most critical hires. We work exclusively on your role with dedicated sourcing, weekly updates, and a structured process from kickoff to close.
Contingency Search
No upfront cost — you only pay when we place. We move fast and draw on our active network to get quality candidates in your pipeline quickly.
Contract & Freelance
Need design talent for a project, a sprint, or a gap between hires? We place contractors and freelancers who can hit the ground running.
Contract-to-Hire
Not ready to commit full-time? Start with a contract engagement and convert when the fit is confirmed.
Fractional Design Leadership
Need a senior design leader before you're ready to hire one full-time? We can connect you with experienced fractional CDOs and Heads of Design.

A Process Built for Startup Speed

  1. Step 1

    Week 1

    Kickoff

  2. Step 2

    Week 1–2

    Active Sourcing

  3. Step 3

    Week 2–3

    Curated Shortlist

  4. Step 4

    Weeks, not months

    Offer

Loved by designers, founders, and hiring teams.

Carl made my job search a lot less painful. He gave me real options instead of pitching whatever he needed filled. And once I chose where I wanted to go, he stayed with it the whole way through and provided support at every stage. Happy to recommend him to anyone hiring or looking.
Bishal M.Designer
Creative is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about Carl. I've had the pleasure of working with Carl for the summer, during which we worked on the original designs for Alumnify. Above all, I was impressed with Carl's ability to create beautiful designs, hit deadlines, and be an amazing teammate to everyone else in the company. Carl would be a true asset for any positions requiring innovation and design and comes with my highest recommendation.
AJ AgrawalFounder, OnBrand
Working with Carl has been great! He truly cares about my interests and makes sure to find a role that's a perfect fit for me. He's been so supportive and is always there when I have any questions or concerns. Highly recommended!
Aline JalalianStaff User Experience Designer at Adobe
Carl Wheatley has been an exceptional career advisor and mentor to our students at Mento Design Academy. We hosted regular workshops and webinars with Carl on topics like job hunt strategies, portfolio, and career growth. He has been instrumental in helping our students navigate the job market, refine their portfolios, and prepare for interviews.
Radu VuceaAward-Winning Product Leader, ex-Meta
I've had the opportunity to not only work with Carl when building the design team, but he brought me to Meta. As the first point of contact for a candidate, he's thoughtful, responsive, and proactive. His network is vast and he prioritizes his connections with people. Carl is one of the best sourcing and recruiting partners I've had the pleasure of working with.
Christine ImaizumiDirector, Product Design at Meta
When Carl reached out about a leadership opportunity at Facebook, I honestly didn't think it'd be the right fit. His willingness to spend the time, answer the questions, make the introductions, and offer an inspiring perspective that brought the opportunity to life made all the difference. Carl has an outstanding ability to make meaningful relationships with candidates.
Noah RichardsonDesign Leader
I was a big fan of working with Carl. He knows recruiting systems and technologies like the back of his hand. Carl built Greenlite's talent function into a well-oiled machine. Any organization would be lucky to have a top-tier talent professional like him.
Lisa WyseEnterprise Account Director at LinkedIn
Carl made my job search a lot less painful. He gave me real options instead of pitching whatever he needed filled. And once I chose where I wanted to go, he stayed with it the whole way through and provided support at every stage. Happy to recommend him to anyone hiring or looking.
Bishal M.Designer
Creative is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about Carl. I've had the pleasure of working with Carl for the summer, during which we worked on the original designs for Alumnify. Above all, I was impressed with Carl's ability to create beautiful designs, hit deadlines, and be an amazing teammate to everyone else in the company. Carl would be a true asset for any positions requiring innovation and design and comes with my highest recommendation.
AJ AgrawalFounder, OnBrand
Working with Carl has been great! He truly cares about my interests and makes sure to find a role that's a perfect fit for me. He's been so supportive and is always there when I have any questions or concerns. Highly recommended!
Aline JalalianStaff User Experience Designer at Adobe
Carl Wheatley has been an exceptional career advisor and mentor to our students at Mento Design Academy. We hosted regular workshops and webinars with Carl on topics like job hunt strategies, portfolio, and career growth. He has been instrumental in helping our students navigate the job market, refine their portfolios, and prepare for interviews.
Radu VuceaAward-Winning Product Leader, ex-Meta
I've had the opportunity to not only work with Carl when building the design team, but he brought me to Meta. As the first point of contact for a candidate, he's thoughtful, responsive, and proactive. His network is vast and he prioritizes his connections with people. Carl is one of the best sourcing and recruiting partners I've had the pleasure of working with.
Christine ImaizumiDirector, Product Design at Meta
When Carl reached out about a leadership opportunity at Facebook, I honestly didn't think it'd be the right fit. His willingness to spend the time, answer the questions, make the introductions, and offer an inspiring perspective that brought the opportunity to life made all the difference. Carl has an outstanding ability to make meaningful relationships with candidates.
Noah RichardsonDesign Leader
I was a big fan of working with Carl. He knows recruiting systems and technologies like the back of his hand. Carl built Greenlite's talent function into a well-oiled machine. Any organization would be lucky to have a top-tier talent professional like him.
Lisa WyseEnterprise Account Director at LinkedIn
I've worked with Carl Wheatley a number of times over the years, and he's someone I know I can count on to find great people. Most recently, we asked Carl to help MEXT (acquired by AMD) find a senior UI/UX designer. Within days, he brought us several excellent candidates, and we hired someone with exactly the technical skills we needed who was also a great cultural fit with the team.
Gary SmerdonCVP at AMD, Former CEO & Founder at MEXT
Carl is product focused. He has an excellent sense of design and understanding of the technology space. He is adaptable and highly professional. I can trust Carl to handle any business situation with great success. He produces great work on an individual basis and is a great contributor in a team setting.
Alex ShiraziDesign Engineer
Carl has been so nice in taking a personal interest to help locate creative work and gigs. He is quick to return questions and follow through with business. So refreshing! I would recommend him to everyone.
Rick PirmanDesign
Carl was excellent at reading my skills and personality attributes to find the perfect role. He was dedicated in helping me in my job search, valued my time, and only mentioned opportunities that were worthwhile. He is professional and thorough in communicating. I highly recommend Carl!
Annie von HachtAssociate Design & Media Manager at Intuitive
Carl is an exceptional recruiter who played a crucial role in my successful journey interviewing with Meta. From the moment I first connected with Carl, I was immediately impressed by his dedication and commitment to supporting me throughout the entire interview process. He took the time to thoroughly understand my skills, experiences, and career aspirations, allowing him to provide valuable guidance tailored to my specific needs.
Jonathan LoPortoProduct Design at Meta
Carl is certainly one of the best I have worked with! A really great recruiter and sourcer who will allow your company to be the best. And overall just an awesome, confident person. You will be impressed by this person, give him a call or email soon.
Job AbrariaCross-Functional Recruiting Leader
I've worked with Carl Wheatley a number of times over the years, and he's someone I know I can count on to find great people. Most recently, we asked Carl to help MEXT (acquired by AMD) find a senior UI/UX designer. Within days, he brought us several excellent candidates, and we hired someone with exactly the technical skills we needed who was also a great cultural fit with the team.
Gary SmerdonCVP at AMD, Former CEO & Founder at MEXT
Carl is product focused. He has an excellent sense of design and understanding of the technology space. He is adaptable and highly professional. I can trust Carl to handle any business situation with great success. He produces great work on an individual basis and is a great contributor in a team setting.
Alex ShiraziDesign Engineer
Carl has been so nice in taking a personal interest to help locate creative work and gigs. He is quick to return questions and follow through with business. So refreshing! I would recommend him to everyone.
Rick PirmanDesign
Carl was excellent at reading my skills and personality attributes to find the perfect role. He was dedicated in helping me in my job search, valued my time, and only mentioned opportunities that were worthwhile. He is professional and thorough in communicating. I highly recommend Carl!
Annie von HachtAssociate Design & Media Manager at Intuitive
Carl is an exceptional recruiter who played a crucial role in my successful journey interviewing with Meta. From the moment I first connected with Carl, I was immediately impressed by his dedication and commitment to supporting me throughout the entire interview process. He took the time to thoroughly understand my skills, experiences, and career aspirations, allowing him to provide valuable guidance tailored to my specific needs.
Jonathan LoPortoProduct Design at Meta
Carl is certainly one of the best I have worked with! A really great recruiter and sourcer who will allow your company to be the best. And overall just an awesome, confident person. You will be impressed by this person, give him a call or email soon.
Job AbrariaCross-Functional Recruiting Leader
Carl reached out to me at just the right time during my job search and connected me with Rox. He was responsive, supportive, and genuinely understood what I was looking for. I wouldn't have found this opportunity without him. Highly recommend working with Carl if you're looking for your next role!
Tianrui GengBrand Designer at OKX
During my job search Carl helped me find a perfect fit! He knows the industry and has the network to find what's in the client's and candidate's best interest. Carl is also an amazing and hardworking individual with a keen eye for design.
James DonovanProduct Designer at Rippling
I had the pleasure of working with Carl at Meta supporting Product Design hiring. In the length of time I have been in the recruiting industry, I have never partnered with a more dedicated colleague in a sourcing role. Carl not only sourced numerous product design managers as well as countless individual contributors, but was also responsible for sourcing and helping to place a very high priority Design Director.
Carley InsuastiSenior Technical Recruiter at Meta
Carl was originally my recruiter into Facebook/Meta. The candidate experience I've received from Carl made my own interview process so much better. I was able to calm my nerves and actually focus on the interview at hand. Carl is a go-getter, and the most accountable recruiter I've ever had the pleasure of working with.
Vicky PrazdnikSenior Staff UX Design Manager at Google
I worked with Carl as a sourcer at Meta. He was always professional and helpful. He helped me land my job as a Product Designer and put me at ease. Thanks Carl!
Alex EmslieProduct Designer at Meta
Carl led the search for our Head of Design at Ninety and delivered genuinely strong, well-vetted candidates, people who fit our culture, not just the job description. What stands out is how easy he makes the process: he listens, communicates quickly and clearly, and handles candidates with real care.
Julie MuellerDirector of People Operations at Ninety
Carl reached out to me at just the right time during my job search and connected me with Rox. He was responsive, supportive, and genuinely understood what I was looking for. I wouldn't have found this opportunity without him. Highly recommend working with Carl if you're looking for your next role!
Tianrui GengBrand Designer at OKX
During my job search Carl helped me find a perfect fit! He knows the industry and has the network to find what's in the client's and candidate's best interest. Carl is also an amazing and hardworking individual with a keen eye for design.
James DonovanProduct Designer at Rippling
I had the pleasure of working with Carl at Meta supporting Product Design hiring. In the length of time I have been in the recruiting industry, I have never partnered with a more dedicated colleague in a sourcing role. Carl not only sourced numerous product design managers as well as countless individual contributors, but was also responsible for sourcing and helping to place a very high priority Design Director.
Carley InsuastiSenior Technical Recruiter at Meta
Carl was originally my recruiter into Facebook/Meta. The candidate experience I've received from Carl made my own interview process so much better. I was able to calm my nerves and actually focus on the interview at hand. Carl is a go-getter, and the most accountable recruiter I've ever had the pleasure of working with.
Vicky PrazdnikSenior Staff UX Design Manager at Google
I worked with Carl as a sourcer at Meta. He was always professional and helpful. He helped me land my job as a Product Designer and put me at ease. Thanks Carl!
Alex EmslieProduct Designer at Meta
Carl led the search for our Head of Design at Ninety and delivered genuinely strong, well-vetted candidates, people who fit our culture, not just the job description. What stands out is how easy he makes the process: he listens, communicates quickly and clearly, and handles candidates with real care.
Julie MuellerDirector of People Operations at Ninety

Companies We've Placed Designers At

Here are just some of the companies we have worked with.

MetaInstagramWhatsAppFulcrum AiBCG Digital Ventures500.CoGreenlite AiVali HealthApplied IntuitionLumarilNinety.coComfyMext AiY CombinatorMetaInstagramWhatsAppFulcrum AiBCG Digital Ventures500.CoGreenlite AiVali HealthApplied IntuitionLumarilNinety.coComfyMext AiY CombinatorMetaInstagramWhatsAppFulcrum AiBCG Digital Ventures500.CoGreenlite AiVali HealthApplied IntuitionLumarilNinety.coComfyMext AiY Combinator

Specialized Design Search

Founding Designer Recruiting

Specialized search for the first design hire at early-stage startups — the zero-to-one designer who sets the bar for brand, product, and team culture before anyone else.

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Product & UX Design Recruiting

Recruiting for Product Designers, UX Designers, and Interaction Designers — the core design roles that define how a product thinks, feels, and works.

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Visual & Brand Design Recruiting

Recruiting for UI, Visual, and Brand Designers — the designers who build the visual systems, identities, and creative direction that define how a company shows up in the world.

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Emerging & Specialist Design Roles

Recruiting for Voice AI Designers, Conversation Designers, and other cross-disciplinary specialists — the hardest roles to find and the ones most recruiters don't know how to evaluate.

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Design Engineering & Technical Talent

Recruiting for Design Engineers, Front-End Engineers, and Product Engineers — the technical talent that sits at the intersection of design and code.

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Design-Literate Recruiters

Carl

Carl

Founder of X2Talent, Ex-Product Designer

10+ years in design. Transitioned from product design to recruiting, building teams at BCG Digital Ventures portfolio companies. Spent 6 years at Meta across Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook. Founded X2Talent.

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Jeremy

Jeremy

Ex-Meta Design Recruiting Leader

11 years at Meta. Came up in design, transitioned to building design recruiting teams. From IC to Org Leader, has personally recruited hundreds of designers and design leaders.

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Questions, Answered

Who do you work with?

We partner with early-stage and fast-growing startups at any funding stage — founders making their first design hire, growth-stage teams scaling a design org, and companies that know great design is a competitive advantage.

What are your pricing models?

We offer retained search (engagement fee + success fee) for senior and critical hires, and contingency search (success fee only, paid on placement) for all other roles. We'll recommend the right model based on your role and timeline, and we're always open to building something custom that works for your needs.

How long does a search take?

We move at startup speed. Expect vetted, high-fidelity candidates in your inbox within the first week — and an offer in hand in weeks, not months.

What roles do you specialize in?

We place across all levels, from individual contributors to leadership. Founding Designers, senior and staff Product Designers, design leaders, Design Engineers, brand and visual designers, Content Designers, and the cross-disciplinary hybrid roles that are hardest to fill, including Voice AI and Conversation Designers, creatives, Digital Designers, and Product Engineers. Not sure where your role fits? Just let us know what you need and we'll figure it out together.