Junior Graphic Designer

NEII $17-$20 / hr

REPORTS TO THIS POSITION TITLE  Art Director

PURPOSE

Collaborating with the art director and our senior designers to create innovative and visually appealing packaging that reflects the unique and artisanal nature of our products. Involved in all stages of the packaging design process, from concept to execution, helping to ensure that our packaging aligns with brand guidelines and resonates with our craft-focused customer base.

POSITION ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING KEY RESULTS

• Performs key job duties while upholding the Company’s Mission & Guiding Principles.
• Assist in the design and development of packaging concepts for our craft products, considering product functionality, brand aesthetics and customer trends.
• Work within established brand guidelines to create packaging solutions that maintain consistency across product lines, while incorporating creative elements that successfully highlight our products.
• Collaborate with the senior designer and art director to brainstorm and develop creative packaging concepts, solutions and mockups.
• Prepare artwork and ensure files are production print-ready, paying close attention to print specifications, color, layout and requested file format. Including an understanding of print packaging, including: dielines, bleeds, trims, safety areas, digital resolution, color modes, and effectively managing files to ensure accessibility for others.
• Follow through on the production of new products and new product packaging. Includes proofing, following QC procedures, and resolving issues as they arise with product vendors.
• Maintain a high standard of quality and service to ensure expectations are met or exceeded.
• Work cross-functionally with brand, copywriters, craft designers, and photographers to ideate initial concepts and influence final production art.
• Provide creative ideas or solutions in team meetings and project kick-offs.
• Able to easily work in cross-functional collaborations and receive feedback from a variety of key stakeholders to ensure packaging designs meet the functional, marketing and cost objectives.
• Able to successfully and consistently meet deadlines with a positive attitude.
• Implement revisions based on feedback from key stakeholders, senior designers or the art director in a timely manner, while maintaining a high standard of design quality.
• All other duties as assigned in support of the future growth and success of iLoveToCreate.
• This job profile is subject to change with/without advance notice due to the business needs.

TALENT PROFILE

• Ability to manage time and resources to meet and beat deadlines while maintaining clear communication with team regarding project needs and processes as they progress.
• Passion for craft and artisanal products with a keen sense of design, tailored to fit the marketspace.
• Ability to think creatively and solve design problems with a focus on customer experience and brand alignment.
• Enthusiasm for learning about packaging trends and techniques to further improve our customer’s experience with our products.
• Strong organizational skills, plus a willingness to receive and adapt to feedback, quickly learning our in-house workflows.
• An understanding of graphic design fundamentals, a keen eye for visual details which includes color theory, typography, proportion, scale, layout, and visual presentations.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe’s 3D, and Adobe’s AI tools, to support the placement of all design elements properly.
• Strong ability to process, manage and manipulate raw camera data as well as digital imagery for online and packaging.
• Continuously aware of current market or craft trends through social media and sharing that insight with all key shareholders.

BEHAVIORS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Love of color, a drive to create excellent design and a strict adherence for attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize jobs and adapt quickly to changing priorities, work well under pressure, and deliver excellent work under extremely tight deadlines.
• Inhabit a natural curiosity about our ever-changing consumers, our marketplace, and our creative contributions.
• Strongly motivated to achieve and excel in a team environment with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A proactive and positive attitude with all stakeholders, a “can-do” mindset.
• Being innovative, cheerful, professional, cooperative, and instructive with all tools, resources, and processes.
• Ability to effectively work in a hybrid environment.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2-year Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design/Communication, Art, or Advertising with studies in design fundamentals, color theory, illustration, typography, social media design and understanding brand guidelines.
• 1-2 years’ experience as a graphic artist in a corporate or agency environment, with strong evidence of a variety of design talent, work, and contributions.
• Graphic design experience a must. Experience in the creative industry is a plus.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND/OR EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, MACHINES

• Proficient in iMac
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Firefly)
• Workfront
• Microsoft Office
• AI Prompt Software
• OneDrive
• ShareFile
• SharePoint
• RingCentral
• ESKO
• Digital Assets Management (DAM/Portfolio)
• WeTransfer
• Server file structure/maintenance
• ESPON Printers
• Mockups; cutting tools and box fabrication

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• iLoveToCreate is committed to the highest safety standards. The responsibilities of the position include compliance with all federal and state safety regulations and procedures as well as understanding and application of all safety policies in accordance with the iLoveToCreate Safety Manual and the Company’s Injury Illness & Prevent Program (IIPP).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this position the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach above/ below shoulder level.
• Occasionally required to lift/carry/push up to 40 lbs, repetitively use both hands/arms/shoulders, forward bending/stooping and light grasping and fine dexterity of both hands. Ability to participate in a team lift for any lifting necessary over 40 lbs.