Associate Graphic Designer, Temp

La Jolla Group
Full-time$28-31/hour (USD)Tustin, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Graphic Designer, Temp

Company: La Jolla Group

Location: Irvine, CA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-02T19:20:28.401

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • Supports the Marketing team in developing engaging, on-brand creative across a variety of digital and physical marketing channels, ensuring consistent visual representation for La Jolla Group's apparel brands.

  • Assists with the design and production of email campaigns, digital advertising, social media content, e-commerce and website assets, marketplace creative, and in-store marketing collateral.

  • Translates marketing initiatives into compelling visual content by working within established brand guidelines and creative direction.

  • Manages multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to deadlines within a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically designated as "Temp," indicating a contract or temporary position. The focus is on supporting marketing initiatives through graphic design, with a strong emphasis on digital channels and brand consistency for an apparel management company.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and produce multiple, weekly email campaigns adhering to brand guidelines and mobile-first design best practices for all La Jolla Group (LJG) brands.

  • Create digital marketing advertisements for Display Advertisements and Affiliate Advertising, including dynamic social advertisements for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok that follow industry best practices.

  • Develop engaging graphics and video assets for social media platforms (Instagram, IG Stories, TikTok, YouTube, blog), including animated GIFs and carousel ads.

  • Design seasonal marketing and product visuals for specific brand marketplaces, such as O'Neill's Amazon store.

  • Assist in the design and development of seasonal in-store point-of-purchase marketing collateral.

  • Create essential web assets, including banners, product detail page (PDP) imagery, landing pages, and blog graphics.

  • Maintain a calendar of deadlines, demonstrating strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively within a team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a broad range of digital and physical design tasks crucial for marketing and e-commerce success within the apparel industry. The emphasis on "weekly email sends," "dynamic social advertisements," and "seasonal marketing" indicates a need for a designer who can work efficiently and adapt to recurring and seasonal demands.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Art, Graphic Design, or a comparable field of study.

  • Equivalent professional work experience will be considered in lieu of a formal degree. Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience, with a focus on digital marketing and e-commerce assets.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently and effectively resolve design-related challenges. Required Skills:

  • Proven proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

  • Strong understanding of graphic design principles, including typography, layout, and illustration.

  • Familiarity with current design, art, fashion, and apparel industry trends.

  • Ability to interpret and apply company philosophy and art direction accurately.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills for professional interaction with coworkers, customers, and vendors.

  • Skill in organizing daily activities and working collaboratively as a team player.

  • Ability to follow both oral and written instructions precisely.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet managerial goals.

  • Experience in creating engaging email marketing content and social media graphics.

  • Knowledge of creating assets for e-commerce platforms and websites. Preferred Skills:

  • Working knowledge of Figma for collaborative design workflows.

  • Experience with Asana or an equivalent task/project management application for workflow tracking.

  • Familiarity with the O'Neill brand heritage and current design trends within the apparel sector.

  • Ability to present concepts clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section emphasizes both technical design software proficiency and softer skills like communication, organization, and problem-solving. The inclusion of Figma and Asana as preferred skills suggests a modern design workflow that values collaboration and project management integration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A strong, curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design work.

  • Demonstrations of design versatility across various marketing channels (email, social media, digital ads, web assets).

  • Examples of work adhering to established brand guidelines and creative direction.

  • Case studies or examples highlighting the ability to translate marketing initiatives into compelling visual content.

  • Evidence of understanding and application of typography, layout, and illustration principles. Process Documentation:

  • While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement for submission, candidates are expected to be able to articulate their design process, including how they:

    • Interpret briefs and brand guidelines.

    • Develop concepts and iterate based on feedback.

    • Manage project timelines and deliverables.

    • Ensure brand consistency across all outputs.

    • Utilize design software efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description strongly implies the need for a robust portfolio. While specific process documentation isn't requested upfront, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design methodology and workflow during the interview process, particularly concerning project management and adherence to brand standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Estimated hourly rate: $28.00 - $31.25 USD per hour. Benefits:

  • Generous discounts on apparel brands offered by La Jolla Group.

  • Occasional employer-provided lunches.

  • Participation in year-round local events. Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week.

  • The role operates on a hybrid work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a temporary role, it is explicitly stated as "not eligible for benefits." The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for an Associate Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in the Irvine, CA area, considering the hybrid work arrangement and the temporary nature of the position. Standard full-time hours are assumed unless otherwise specified.

📍 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel Management, Retail. La Jolla Group manages and supports recognized apparel brands, indicating a fast-paced, consumer-focused environment driven by trends and marketing effectiveness.

Company Size: La Jolla Group is part of a larger organization, suggesting a structured corporate environment with established processes, but the specific team size for marketing and design may vary.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's description implies a mature organization with a proven track record in brand building and growth.

Team Structure:

  • The role reports to the Marketing team, specifically supporting marketing initiatives.

  • Collaboration is expected with other marketing team members, brand managers, and potentially external agencies or partners.

  • The graphic design function is likely integrated within the marketing department to ensure cohesive brand messaging. Methodology:

  • Focus on data-driven creative, particularly for digital channels like email marketing and performance advertising, suggesting an iterative approach to design based on campaign performance.

  • Emphasis on brand consistency and adherence to established guidelines across a portfolio of brands.

  • Collaborative workflow, utilizing tools like Figma and Asana, indicating a structured approach to project management and design execution.

Company Website: [La Jolla Group Official Website - Assuming Lajollagroup.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: La Jolla Group positions itself as a supportive partner for apparel brands, emphasizing innovation and operational expertise. The culture is described as collaborative and high-energy, with a commitment to employee growth. The hybrid work schedule and employee perks like discounts and events contribute to a positive work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Associate Graphic Designer (Temporary). This role is entry-to-mid-level within the graphic design function, focused on execution and support rather than strategic creative direction.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Marketing Manager or Creative Lead within the Marketing team. The temporary nature means this is likely a project-based assignment rather than a long-term career track within La Jolla Group itself.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts marketing campaign effectiveness and brand perception by creating visually appealing and on-brand assets. Success contributes to driving engagement, conversions, and sales through effective digital and physical marketing materials.

Growth Opportunities:

  • For a temporary role, direct career progression within La Jolla Group might be limited. However, successful performance could lead to future contract opportunities or potentially full-time roles if they arise.

  • Skill Development: Opportunity to gain experience with diverse apparel brands, refine digital marketing design skills (email, social, ads), and work with project management tools like Asana and Figma.

  • Portfolio Enhancement: The diverse range of projects (email, social, web, marketplace) offers excellent material for expanding the candidate's professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a temporary position, it offers valuable experience in the apparel industry and exposure to various marketing channels. The primary growth opportunity lies in portfolio enhancement and the potential for future contract extensions or roles based on performance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. Employees are expected to work some days in the office and some days remotely.

Office Location(s): Irvine, CA (92606). The office likely offers a collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and creative output.

Workspace Context:

  • A collaborative environment is encouraged, fostering interaction and idea-sharing among marketing and design team members.

  • Access to necessary technological resources and design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) is expected.

  • Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing professionals to understand campaign objectives and creative briefs. Work Schedule:

  • Approximately 40 hours per week, adhering to a hybrid model. This offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

  • The role requires managing deadlines, indicating a need for efficient time management regardless of work location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a modern workplace that values both in-person collaboration and employee flexibility. The Irvine location is a hub for various industries, including retail and technology, providing a dynamic work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design aesthetic.

  • Portfolio Review & Interview: Discussion of design work, process, and experience, potentially including a creative exercise or case study. This stage will likely assess design skills, brand understanding, and fit with the team.

  • Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Further discussion on role expectations, team dynamics, and cultural fit.

  • Offer: For a temporary role, the process may be expedited.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate your strongest, most relevant work, focusing on digital marketing assets (email, social, ads), e-commerce visuals, and any apparel-related design projects.

  • Clearly articulate your role in each project, the objectives, your design process, and the outcome or impact.

  • Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, and an understanding of current design and fashion trends.

  • Highlight any experience with Figma or Asana if applicable.

  • Be prepared to discuss how you adhere to brand guidelines and translate marketing briefs into visual solutions. Challenge Preparation:

  • Be ready for a potential design challenge that might involve creating a social media graphic, email banner, or adapting existing creative for a different platform, all within a specific brand context.

  • Practice articulating your design choices and rationale concisely, focusing on how your design meets the marketing objective.

  • Prepare to discuss your workflow for managing multiple projects and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" and the specific types of creative assets required (email, social, web, marketplace) mean candidates must tailor their portfolio to directly address these needs. The interview process will likely involve assessing both technical design skills and the ability to integrate into a marketing team.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required, particularly:

    • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
    • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and layout design.
    • InDesign: For layout of marketing collateral and potentially web assets.
  • Figma: Preferred tool for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX elements, especially for web and digital assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a primary design tool, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., click-through rates on ads, engagement on social media) is beneficial. Familiarity with common analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights) is a plus. CRM & Automation:

  • Asana: Preferred tool for project management, task tracking, and workflow management. Familiarity with how design tasks fit into broader marketing campaigns managed via Asana is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Figma and Asana are highlighted as preferred tools, indicating a modern and collaborative design workflow that integrates with project management systems. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and how they contribute to efficient design execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to maintaining and enhancing the visual identity and brand guidelines across all La Jolla Group's portfolio brands.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively within the marketing team and potentially with other departments to achieve common goals.

  • Efficiency: Delivering high-quality creative assets in a timely manner to support ongoing marketing campaigns and initiatives.

  • Creativity & Innovation: Bringing fresh ideas and engaging visual solutions to marketing challenges, while staying abreast of industry trends.

  • Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to design details, typography, and brand consistency is crucial.

Collaboration Style:

  • The role emphasizes working as a "team player" and communicating "professionally with coworkers."

  • Expect a dynamic, possibly fast-paced environment where designers collaborate closely with marketers to execute campaigns.

  • Feedback exchange is likely integral to the design process, especially when working within established brand directions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values collaboration, efficiency, and a strong adherence to brand standards. The temporary nature of the role means integrating quickly into an existing team and contributing effectively to ongoing projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Multiple Brands: Designing for a portfolio of brands requires quick adaptation to different visual identities and target audiences.

  • Fast-Paced Environment: Meeting weekly deadlines for email campaigns and supporting ongoing digital advertising requires efficient workflow management.

  • Translating Marketing Briefs: Accurately interpreting marketing objectives and translating them into compelling visual designs can be challenging.

  • Temporary Role Integration: Quickly onboarding and becoming a productive member of the team within a defined contract period.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Brand Exposure: Gaining experience with well-known apparel brands and understanding their unique market positioning.

  • Digital Marketing Design Specialization: Deepening skills in designing for email, social media, and performance advertising.

  • Workflow Optimization: Learning to manage time and projects effectively in a hybrid, deadline-driven environment.

  • Portfolio Building: Creating a diverse range of assets that can significantly enhance a designer's professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a designer in a multi-brand retail environment. The growth opportunities are primarily focused on practical skill enhancement and portfolio development, which are highly valuable for a temporary contract role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for creating an email campaign graphic from brief to final asset."

  • "How do you ensure brand consistency when designing for multiple brands?"

  • "Walk us through a social media ad campaign you designed. What were the objectives, and how did your creative address them?"

  • "How do you prioritize tasks and manage deadlines when working on multiple projects simultaneously?" Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about La Jolla Group and our portfolio of brands?"

  • "How do you stay updated on current design, fashion, and apparel trends?"

  • "Describe a time you had to work within strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?"

  • "How do you handle creative feedback, especially if you disagree with it?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your ability to create digital marketing assets, adhere to brand guidelines, and demonstrate strong typography and visual design.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, explain the challenge, your role, your design process, the tools you used, and the outcome or impact. Quantify results if possible.

  • Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presentation explicitly shows your proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and any experience with Figma or Asana.

  • Brand Adherence: Be prepared to discuss how you interpreted and applied brand guidelines in your showcased work.

  • Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and efficient, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your design process, ability to work within brand constraints, and project management skills. A strong portfolio presentation is crucial, as it serves as tangible evidence of your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting2.ultipro.com.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3+ years of professional graphic design experience, specifically mentioning your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and any experience with Figma or Asana. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X email campaigns per week," "Contributed to Y% increase in engagement through social media creative").

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features work relevant to digital marketing, email, social media, e-commerce assets, and ideally, apparel brands. Organize it clearly and make it easy to navigate.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your understanding of brand guidelines, and your experience with the required software. Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and prepare for potential design challenges.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with La Jolla Group and its portfolio of brands. Understand their market position and target audience to better align your responses and design aesthetic during the interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.


Application Requirements

Candidates must have at least three years of professional experience and a degree in Art or Graphic Design, supported by a strong portfolio. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is required, along with a solid understanding of design principles, typography, and current fashion industry trends.