Co-Op: Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Co-Op: Graphic Designer

Company: TTI, Inc.

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full time, Co-op

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry Level/Co-op)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the development and execution of design work across multiple touchpoints, contributing to impactful creative projects for leading brands like Milwaukee® and RYOBI®.

• Ensure strict adherence to brand guidelines across all visual assets, maintaining brand consistency in print collateral, digital assets, packaging, and promotional materials.

• Collaborate with experienced designers, marketers, and cross-functional partners to understand project requirements and deliver on creative briefs.

• Gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, real-world design environment, learning brand strategy, design problem-solving, and project management fundamentals.

• Develop foundational skills in graphic design, production, and creative services, with opportunities for growth and learning within a dynamic team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically a co-op position, indicating it is geared towards students currently enrolled in a graphic design program. The focus on "full time" alongside "Co-op" suggests a structured, immersive experience, likely full-day engagement for the duration of the co-op term. The emphasis on supporting established brands like Milwaukee® and RYOBI® points towards a need for strong brand stewardship and a keen eye for detail in maintaining brand integrity across various marketing channels.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Uphold and enforce Milwaukee Tool brand guidelines across all design projects to ensure visual consistency and brand integrity.

• Assist in the creation of compelling visual assets for a diverse range of mediums, including print collateral (brochures, flyers), digital assets (web banners, social media graphics, digital ads), packaging, and promotional materials.

• Contribute to the conceptualization and development of creative ideas, layouts, and visual elements for marketing campaigns and initiatives.

• Actively participate in team brainstorming sessions, offering creative input and insights while learning about brand strategy and design problem-solving methodologies.

• Review and proofread design work to guarantee accuracy, consistency, and a high standard of quality before finalization and deployment.

• Maintain organized design files and assets, contributing to the efficient management of the company’s Digital Asset Management (DAM) system.

• Provide support for photo and video coordination for specific projects, assisting with asset acquisition and organization.

• Learn to manage multiple small to mid-scope projects concurrently under guidance, developing time management and prioritization skills in a high-volume environment.

• Conduct research on current trends in design, branding, marketing, and relevant technologies, applying insights to enhance creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of execution and learning, typical for a co-op role in a fast-paced marketing environment. The emphasis on "brand guidelines," "print collateral," "digital assets," and "packaging" signifies a need for a designer who can adapt to various output formats. The mention of "DAM platform" and "photo and video coordination" indicates exposure to broader marketing operations and content management processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a College or University graphic design program. A bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field is often a prerequisite for co-op placements, or will be pursued upon completion.

Experience: Some graphic design experience acquired through coursework, internships, freelance engagements, or personal projects, demonstrating practical application of design principles.

Required Skills:

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

• A strong portfolio showcasing creativity, visual design skills, and a foundational understanding of design principles (typography, layout, color theory).

• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing polished, high-quality work.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment and follow direction accurately.

• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills, essential for project discussions and feedback.

• Demonstrated organizational skills, reliability, and a proactive interest in understanding business and brand objectives.

• Enthusiasm for learning and developing technical and craft skills in a professional setting. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Adobe After Effects or other motion design tools.

• Exposure to 3D rendering, animation, or photography principles.

• Understanding of digital asset management (DAM) systems and best practices.

• Basic knowledge of web design principles or UI/UX fundamentals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are standard for an entry-level graphic design role, with an emphasis on core Adobe Creative Suite proficiency and a demonstrable portfolio. The preferred skills indicate areas where a candidate can stand out, suggesting a forward-thinking design team that values animation and broader digital media capabilities. The educational requirement focuses on active enrollment in a relevant program, aligning with the co-op nature of the position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design work that clearly demonstrates foundational design principles, including typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Examples showcasing proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) through project execution.

• Projects that highlight an understanding of branding, including the application of brand guidelines and the creation of on-brand assets.

• Visuals representing diverse project types such as print collateral, digital assets (social media, web banners), and potentially packaging concepts.

• Case studies or project descriptions that explain the design process, challenge, solution, and impact, even for academic or personal projects. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process followed for selected portfolio pieces, from concept ideation to final output.

• Understanding of workflow stages involved in design projects, including brief interpretation, concept development, revisions, and final delivery.

• Demonstrated awareness of how design processes integrate with marketing objectives and brand strategy.

• Familiarity with file organization and asset management best practices, as evidenced by the structure of portfolio files or descriptions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op graphic designer, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary indicator of their understanding of design fundamentals and their potential to learn and apply brand standards. The emphasis should be on demonstrating foundational skills and a clear thought process, rather than solely on professional experience, which is expected to be limited.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a Co-op position, compensation is typically structured as an hourly wage. Based on industry standards for graphic design co-op roles in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and considering the experience level (0-2 years), a competitive hourly range would be approximately CAD $18 - $25 per hour. This estimate is derived from aggregated data for similar co-op roles in the Greater Toronto Area, factoring in the cost of living and typical student intern compensation benchmarks.

Benefits:

• Structured training program designed to build foundational skills in branding, production, and creative services.

• Hands-on field experience with industry-leading brands (Milwaukee®, RYOBI®), providing invaluable practical knowledge.

• Mentorship from experienced designers and cross-functional partners.

• Exposure to a fast-paced, professional marketing and design environment.

• Opportunity to build a professional portfolio with real-world projects.

• Networking opportunities within a large, established organization.

Working Hours: This is a full-time Co-op position, typically requiring 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Specific daily schedules will be confirmed upon hiring, but generally align with standard business hours to facilitate collaboration with the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical co-op compensation rates in the Toronto market for creative roles. The benefits listed are those explicitly mentioned in the job description, highlighting the developmental aspects of the co-op experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (specifically Power Tools, Outdoor Power Equipment, Floorcare, Hand Tools & Accessories). TTI operates in a highly competitive market, focusing on innovation, product performance, and strong brand recognition.

Company Size: TTI is a large, global organization. While the specific size of the Toronto design team isn't detailed, the parent company is a multi-billion dollar enterprise with thousands of employees worldwide. This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact.

Founded: TTI was founded in 1985. This history indicates a company with a proven track record, robust operational frameworks, and a deep understanding of its markets and brands.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Milwaukee Tool brand's brand team, likely part of a larger marketing or creative services department.

• Expect a team structure that includes senior designers, marketing specialists, brand managers, and potentially production artists.

• Collaboration will be key, involving close work with marketing professionals, product teams, and potentially external agencies or vendors. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied, with a focus on brand strategy and market impact.

• Emphasis on operational excellence and process efficiency, common in manufacturing and large corporations.

• A culture that rewards innovative thinking and supports employee development, as stated in the company's mission.

Company Website: https://www.ttigroup.com/ (Parent company), and likely specific brand sites for Milwaukee® and RYOBI®.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes TTI's leadership in the power tools industry and its focus on strong brands. For a graphic design co-op, this means working with established, high-profile brands, requiring a strong understanding of brand stewardship and market presence. The "operational excellence" and "innovative thinking" aspects suggest a dynamic environment where efficiency and creativity are valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, co-op position designed for students. It serves as a foundational stepping stone into the graphic design and marketing operations field within a large corporate structure.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer Co-op will report to a Senior Graphic Designer, Design Manager, or Marketing Manager responsible for creative services. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight.

Operations Impact: While a co-op role, the Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception and marketing effectiveness. Consistent and compelling visual assets are crucial for communicating product value, driving consumer engagement, and supporting sales initiatives across all channels. Their contributions to campaigns, collateral, and digital presence directly influence how the brand is perceived by professionals and consumers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., motion graphics, 3D rendering) or design areas (e.g., packaging, digital advertising).

• Brand Exposure: Experience working with multiple high-profile brands, broadening understanding of different brand identities and target audiences.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining insight into the power tool and outdoor equipment industry, understanding its unique design and marketing challenges.

• Professional Network: Building connections with experienced design and marketing professionals within a large organization.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful co-op performance can lead to recommendations for future internships, contract roles, or even full-time positions upon graduation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the developmental aspect of a co-op role. While it's not a traditional career ladder, it provides crucial practical experience and industry exposure that can significantly shape a student's future career path in design and marketing. The "Operations Impact" is framed in terms of how design contributes to broader business and marketing goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site" with the location being "Toronto Headquarters." This suggests a professional office environment within TTI's Canadian headquarters.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This implies working within a major urban center, likely with access to public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office setting where interaction with designers, marketers, and other cross-functional teams is encouraged.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware, including the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

• Potentially a dynamic workspace that reflects the energetic culture TTI describes, supporting creative output.

• Opportunities to observe and participate in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project reviews.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time business hours (likely 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday) to ensure integration with the team and facilitate real-time collaboration on projects. Flexibility might be offered on a case-by-case basis, but the core expectation is on-site presence during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes a traditional office-based co-op experience, prioritizing in-person collaboration and direct mentorship. The Toronto headquarters location is a key piece of information for candidates considering commute and work-life balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Discussion about academic background, design experience, understanding of brand guidelines, and motivation for the co-op. This stage may include behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: A more in-depth review of the candidate's portfolio, potentially with a discussion about specific projects. A small, timed design challenge may be given to assess problem-solving skills and application of tools under pressure.

• Final Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager or senior team members to assess cultural fit, enthusiasm, and readiness for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 strong projects that best represent your skills and understanding of design fundamentals relevant to the role (branding, print, digital).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process, and the final outcome. Visual aids showing sketches, mood boards, or iterations can be beneficial.

• Highlight Brand Awareness: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of brand consistency or adapting designs for specific target audiences.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Organized Presentation: Use a clean, professional format (PDF or dedicated portfolio website) that is easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of typography, color theory, layout principles, and basic design composition.

• Brand Guideline Practice: Familiarize yourself with how to interpret and apply brand guidelines. Think about how you would maintain consistency.

• Tool Familiarity: Be prepared to quickly navigate and utilize core functions in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Problem-Solving Approach: Think about how you would approach a design brief that has limited information or specific constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process outlined is typical for co-op roles, balancing assessment of technical skills with potential and cultural fit. Emphasis on portfolio review and a potential design challenge is standard for creative positions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Photoshop (raster graphics editing, photo manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logo design, illustration), and InDesign (page layout, print collateral design).

• Adobe After Effects: Preferred for motion graphics, animation, and video post-production, though listed as a "plus."

• Microsoft Office Suite: Likely used for presentations (PowerPoint), documentation (Word), and potentially basic data handling (Excel).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for the designer, exposure to tools used for tracking digital asset performance (e.g., web analytics, social media analytics) could be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the graphic designer's core function, but understanding how marketing assets are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms could provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on Adobe Creative Cloud, which is standard for graphic design roles. The mention of After Effects as a "plus" signals an opportunity for the co-op to gain exposure to motion graphics if they have prior interest or skill.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: TTI rewards innovative thinking, suggesting a culture that encourages new ideas and creative problem-solving in design.

• Operational Excellence: This points to a focus on efficiency, process, and delivering high-quality work reliably. For a designer, this means meeting deadlines and adhering to established workflows.

• People-Centric: TTI emphasizes its people, suggesting a supportive environment where learning and development are prioritized.

• Brand Stewardship: A strong emphasis on powerful brands implies a deep respect for brand identity and a commitment to maintaining its integrity through design.

• Data-Driven: While not explicit for design, understanding how design choices impact business goals likely plays a role in project prioritization and creative direction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires collaboration with marketers, designers, and other partners, indicating a team that works interdependently.

• Feedback-Oriented: A willingness to learn and be open to feedback is crucial, suggesting a culture where constructive criticism is common and valued for development.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals indicate a culture that supports mentorship and the sharing of design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values emphasize a blend of creativity, efficiency, and teamwork. For a co-op, understanding these values means being adaptable, open to feedback, and mindful of how their creative contributions support broader business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Brand Consistency at Scale: Maintaining strict brand consistency across a wide array of products and marketing materials for major brands like Milwaukee® can be challenging.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Working in a high-volume, fast-paced environment requires strong time management and the ability to produce quality work under pressure.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Integrating creative vision within established brand guidelines and business objectives requires careful balance.

• Learning New Tools/Processes: Adapting to TTI's specific workflows, DAM systems, and potentially new design software.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and explore motion graphics or 3D rendering.

• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience in the manufacturing sector, understanding product design and marketing nuances.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced design professionals on craft, career development, and industry best practices.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with real-world projects that will be valuable for future job applications.

• Networking: Connect with professionals across marketing, design, and operations within a large, global company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to prepare the candidate for the realities of a corporate design role, emphasizing the need for adaptability and efficiency. The growth opportunities highlight the key benefits of this co-op position for a student's professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adhere strictly to brand guidelines. How did you ensure consistency?" (Assesses understanding of brand stewardship and attention to detail.)

• "Walk us through a design project from your portfolio. What was the objective, your process, and the outcome?" (Evaluates design thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs?" (Gauges openness to critique and collaborative spirit.)

• "What interests you about working with the Milwaukee Tool brand specifically, and what do you know about our brand identity?" (Tests research, brand awareness, and genuine interest.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you hope to gain from this co-op experience at TTI?" (Assesses career goals and alignment with the program.)

• "How do you stay updated on current design trends and new software?" (Indicates proactivity and continuous learning.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to it." (Evaluates cultural fit and collaboration style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as mini case studies. Clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the impact (even if academic).

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and easy to follow. Use high-quality images and concise text.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate skills directly applicable to the job description (e.g., brand consistency, digital assets, print collateral).

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical execution, and how you handled challenges within each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview questions are tailored to assess a co-op candidate's foundational design skills, understanding of brand, collaborative potential, and motivation for the role and company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, design projects, and any previous internships or volunteer work that showcases design skills, particularly proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and understanding of design principles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and showcases your best work, focusing on projects that demonstrate brand adherence, creativity, and technical proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design process, explain your project choices, and discuss what excites you about TTI and the Milwaukee Tool brand during interviews. Practice presenting 2-3 key portfolio pieces concisely.

• Research TTI & Milwaukee Tool: Familiarize yourself with TTI's company mission, values, and the specific branding of Milwaukee Tool and RYOBI®. Understand their market position and product offerings.

⚠️ 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.