Contract Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Contract Graphic Designer

Company: Forestry Suppliers

Location: Jackson, Mississippi, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Production

Date Posted: 2026-06-11

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role serves as a dedicated creative production resource for the marketing department, operating on a monthly retainer basis.

• Responsibilities include producing professional design assets for email, social media, print, and digital advertising, aligned with a defined campaign calendar.

• The position requires close collaboration with the VP of Marketing for creative direction and the Digital Campaign Coordinator for production timing and file specifications.

• This is positioned as a potential pathway to a full-time in-house designer role for a contractor who demonstrates strong performance and cultural alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the emphasis on campaign calendars, email platforms (Listrak), social media ad specifications (Meta Business Suite), and print production coordination places this role firmly within the marketing operations and creative production function. The "contractor" status and focus on asset creation rather than strategic campaign planning differentiate it from a senior marketing role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce all visual assets and graphics for scheduled marketing email campaigns, ensuring correct rendering across devices and email clients.

• Create engaging graphics for social media feed posts, stories, and paid advertisements across various platforms, adhering to specific platform dimensions and requirements.

• Develop print-ready artwork for direct mail campaigns, including flyers, brochures, and postcards, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and USPS requirements where applicable.

• Design banner ads, homepage graphics, and other digital advertising creative assets for web placement, maintaining brand consistency across all digital touchpoints.

• Collaborate with the VP of Marketing to translate creative direction into compelling visual assets that adhere to established brand standards and style guides.

• Work closely with the Digital Campaign Coordinator to understand and implement specific file formats, dimensions, and technical specifications for seamless deployment across marketing channels.

• Maintain and develop reusable email templates that align with brand standards and optimize for consistent delivery and appearance.

• Adapt existing campaign visuals for use across different channels (email, social, web, print) to ensure a cohesive brand experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a tactical, production-focused role. The emphasis on "producing assets" rather than "setting strategy" is a key differentiator for operations-minded candidates who excel at execution within a defined framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio is paramount, suggesting formal education in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience is implied by the "Mid-Level" AI assessment and the need for proven experience in specific design environments.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A robust portfolio showcasing professional work across digital (email, social, web ads) and print media is essential.

• Platform Experience: Proven experience designing specifically for email marketing platforms, social media channels, and print production environments.

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• File Management: Ability to deliver production-ready files in correct formats and specifications for diverse channels and platforms.

• Brand Adherence: Strong attention to brand consistency, with demonstrated ability to work within established visual standards and style guides.

• Communication: Excellent communication skills, including responsiveness within one business day and proactive communication regarding timeline concerns.

• Self-Management: Self-directed and deadline-driven, capable of managing a monthly deliverable scope with minimal oversight.

• On-site Availability: Willingness to attend occasional in-person meetings in Jackson, MS.

Preferred Skills:

• Industry Experience: Experience in e-commerce, catalog design, or direct mail environments.

• Sector Familiarity: Background or familiarity with the forestry, outdoor, or B2B industrial industries.

• Email Platform Knowledge: Experience with email marketing platforms such as Listrak, Klaviyo, or similar tools.

• Social Media Ad Specs: Familiarity with Meta Business Suite ad creative specifications and requirements.

• Local Proximity: Located in or near Jackson, MS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" emphasize practical application and execution, aligning with an operations focus. The "Preferred Skills" indicate a desire for industry-specific knowledge, which can accelerate ramp-up time for specialized B2B marketing efforts.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Cross-Channel Examples: Showcase a diverse range of projects demonstrating proficiency across email campaign graphics, social media assets (feed posts, stories, ads), print materials (flyers, brochures), and web graphics/digital ads.

• Brand Consistency Case Studies: Include examples that highlight your ability to adhere to and effectively implement brand style guides and visual standards across multiple campaign assets.

• Production-Ready File Examples: If possible, demonstrate your understanding of file specifications by including examples of how you organize and deliver final files for different platforms (e.g., print-ready PDFs, web-optimized JPEGs/PNGs, specific email banner dimensions).

• Reusability Focus: Highlight any work that involved creating reusable templates or design systems, particularly for email marketing, to showcase efficiency and scalability.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Visualization: Be prepared to briefly explain your typical design workflow from receiving creative direction to final asset delivery, emphasizing your process for managing multiple deliverables and deadlines.

• Brand Guideline Integration: Be ready to discuss how you integrate and apply brand style guides and visual standards into your design process.

• File Specification Management: Demonstrate an understanding of how you manage and adhere to technical specifications for various output channels (e.g., print resolution, digital color modes, email client rendering).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role focused on production, the portfolio is crucial. Candidates should highlight their ability to execute within defined parameters and demonstrate a professional, organized approach to asset creation and delivery, mirroring the operational efficiency expected in a marketing department.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract position with a monthly retainer, specific hourly or project rates are not provided. However, based on industry standards for experienced contract graphic designers in a hybrid role within a mid-sized B2B company in Mississippi, a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 per month is a reasonable estimate. This range accounts for approximately 20-30 hours of work per week at an estimated hourly rate of $30-$50 per hour, depending on the breadth of deliverables and specific skill set.

Benefits:

• Contractual Engagement: Independent contractor status, offering flexibility in work schedule and location (primarily remote with occasional on-site meetings).

• Monthly Retainer: Predictable monthly income based on an agreed-upon scope of work and retainer fee.

• Potential for Full-Time: Explicitly stated as a potential pathway to a full-time employee position, offering future career growth opportunities.

• Creative Partnership: Opportunity to work closely with a marketing team and contribute to ongoing campaign efforts.

• Brand Development: Chance to deepen understanding and application of a specific brand's visual identity.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per month, distributed flexibly across the month, with the expectation of responsiveness within one business day. Occasional in-person meetings in Jackson, MS, will require dedicated time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on typical contract graphic designer rates for a mid-level professional in a region with a moderate cost of living, factoring in the retainer model and the explicit mention of a monthly cadence. The benefits highlight the unique aspects of a contract role, particularly the potential for conversion to full-time employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Forestry and outdoor supplies. This suggests a customer base likely interested in nature, conservation, professional forestry, and related outdoor activities. Marketing efforts may lean towards practical, durable, and reliable messaging.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Forestry Suppliers is a well-established company in its niche, indicating a mid-sized operation likely with a structured marketing department. This size suggests a collaborative environment where individual contributions are visible and impactful.

Founded: Founded in 1973, Forestry Suppliers has a long history, implying stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of its market. This longevity suggests a culture that values tradition, quality, and long-term customer relationships.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Department: The designer reports to the VP of Marketing, indicating a direct line of communication with leadership on creative direction.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with the Digital Campaign Coordinator for asset deployment, and implicitly with other marketing team members for campaign planning.

• Creative Production Focus: The team operates with a defined campaign calendar, suggesting a structured, proactive approach to marketing initiatives.

Methodology:

• Campaign-Driven: Marketing activities are tied to a monthly campaign calendar, requiring a structured and planned approach to creative production.

• Brand-Centric: Strong emphasis on adhering to established brand standards and visual style guides.

• Collaborative Execution: Creative direction is provided by leadership, with production executed by the designer and deployment managed by a coordinator, highlighting a division of labor within the marketing operations.

Company Website: http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's industry (forestry) and its long history is crucial for a designer to create relevant and effective visuals. The B2B/B2C mix in this industry means visuals might need to appeal to both professional users and hobbyists.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Contract Graphic Designer" with a clear pathway to a full-time employee position. It is a mid-level production role, focusing on executing creative direction rather than defining strategy. The operational aspect lies in consistently delivering high-quality assets on a defined cadence.

Reporting Structure: The designer reports directly to the VP of Marketing, offering high visibility to leadership. They also work closely with the Digital Campaign Coordinator, indicating a collaborative workflow within the marketing operations.

Operations Impact: The designer's impact is measured by their ability to consistently produce high-quality, on-brand visual assets that support marketing campaigns, directly influencing brand perception, customer engagement, and potentially conversion rates through effective visual communication across various channels.

Growth Opportunities:

• Full-Time Conversion: The most significant growth opportunity is the explicit potential to transition into a full-time in-house designer role, which would likely come with benefits, a more comprehensive scope, and greater career stability.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like email template design, social media advertising creative, or direct mail production, becoming a specialist within the marketing team.

• Industry Acumen: Gaining specialized knowledge and experience within the forestry and outdoor supplies industry, which can make the designer a more valuable asset to companies in similar sectors.

• Process Improvement: By consistently executing within an established workflow, the designer can identify opportunities for process efficiencies in asset creation or file management, demonstrating operational value beyond design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of this contract role being a "first step toward a full-time in-house designer position" is a key growth indicator. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their reliability, efficiency, and cultural fit to maximize this opportunity.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role requires occasional in-person meetings in Jackson, MS, but the primary work is expected to be remote. This suggests a flexible work arrangement that balances team collaboration with individual productivity.

Office Location(s): Jackson, Mississippi. This location is specified for required in-person meetings, implying a physical presence for the company's core operations.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: The contractor is responsible for their own workspace, software, and equipment, allowing for a personalized and efficient remote setup.

• Collaborative Tools: While not explicitly stated, a hybrid model implies the use of digital collaboration tools for communication, file sharing, and project management.

• Brand Immersion: Occasional in-person meetings provide an opportunity to understand the company culture, team dynamics, and the physical context of the business operations.

Work Schedule: The role is structured around a monthly cadence and campaign calendar, implying a need for consistent output rather than rigid daily hours. The expectation is for 40 hours per month, which can be distributed flexibly, but responsiveness within one business day is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires a candidate who is comfortable working independently and remotely, but also capable of engaging effectively in person when needed. This balance is typical for many modern marketing operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an assessment of portfolio quality and alignment with brand aesthetics and required skills.

• Creative Director/VP Interview: Discussion of creative direction, brand standards, and how the candidate approaches design challenges within defined parameters. This stage will assess alignment with the VP of Marketing's vision.

• Operations Coordinator Interaction: Potential conversation with the Digital Campaign Coordinator to gauge understanding of file specifications, deployment processes, and communication protocols.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session to walk through selected portfolio pieces, demonstrating design rationale, process, and ability to meet channel-specific requirements.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of responsiveness, proactivity, and alignment with the team's collaborative and deadline-driven culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in email graphics, social media ads, print materials, and digital ads, mirroring the job scope.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: For each selected project, briefly explain how you incorporated brand guidelines, maintained consistency, and met specific client requirements.

• Demonstrate Production Readiness: If possible, include annotated examples or brief explanations of how you prepared files for print (e.g., CMYK, bleed, resolution) and digital (e.g., RGB, file size optimization, correct dimensions for platforms).

• Showcase Process: For a few key projects, briefly describe your workflow, from initial brief to final delivery, emphasizing organization and communication.

• Address Industry Preference: If you have relevant experience in e-commerce, catalog, or outdoor/forestry industries, ensure those projects are prominently featured.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mini Design Challenge: Be prepared for a small, timed design exercise focusing on a specific deliverable (e.g., a social media graphic or an email banner) based on a provided brief and brand guide.

• File Specification Scenario: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific file requirements for different channels or troubleshoot common production issues.

• Brand Consistency Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would ensure brand consistency across a set of related assets for a campaign.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "contract" role and "monthly retainer" suggests a focus on execution and reliability. The interview process will likely assess not just design skill but also the candidate's ability to work independently, communicate effectively, and meet deadlines consistently.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign are explicitly required. Proficiency in these industry-standard tools is non-negotiable for producing professional print-ready and web-optimized files.

• File Sharing: An agreed-upon file-sharing method (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer) will be necessary for delivering organized, clearly named files.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, an understanding of how design impacts performance metrics (e.g., click-through rates on email banners, engagement on social posts) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Email Platforms: Experience with platforms like Listrak (explicitly mentioned), Klaviyo, or similar tools is preferred, as it indicates a working knowledge of how email graphics are deployed and rendered.

• Social Media Management: Familiarity with Meta Business Suite for ad creative specifications is preferred, highlighting an understanding of the operational aspects of social media advertising.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is Adobe Creative Suite. However, preferred experience with email and social media ad platforms signals a deeper understanding of the marketing operations ecosystem and how design assets are integrated into automated workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Reliability and Consistency: As a contract role with a monthly retainer, dependable delivery of high-quality assets on schedule is paramount.

• Brand Stewardship: A deep respect for and adherence to established brand guidelines is critical for maintaining a cohesive marketing presence.

• Efficiency and Productivity: The ability to manage workload effectively, meet deadlines, and produce assets efficiently within the agreed scope.

• Proactive Communication: Responsiveness and proactive updates on progress and potential timeline concerns are vital for seamless workflow.

• Collaboration: Willingness to work closely with the VP of Marketing and Digital Campaign Coordinator, taking direction and providing clear communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Execution-Oriented: The designer's role is to execute creative direction provided by the VP of Marketing.

• Process-Driven: Work is organized around a monthly campaign calendar, requiring a structured approach to planning and delivery.

• Clear Handoffs: Smooth transitions between creative direction, asset production, and deployment are essential, facilitated by clear communication with the Digital Campaign Coordinator.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture values dependable execution, adherence to brand standards, and clear communication. Candidates should emphasize their ability to work independently while also being a responsive and collaborative team member.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Channels: Ensuring a unified visual identity across email, social media, print, and web, each with unique technical requirements and best practices.

• Balancing Creative Execution with Production Demands: Delivering high-quality, creative designs while meeting strict deadlines and production specifications for various platforms.

• Adapting to Evolving Platform Specifications: Staying current with the ever-changing design requirements and best practices for email clients, social media platforms, and digital advertising networks.

• Remote Work Management: Effectively managing time, priorities, and communication as a remote contractor to ensure consistent output and responsiveness.

• Transitioning to Full-Time: Demonstrating sufficient value, skill, and cultural alignment during the contract period to be considered for the potential full-time role.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Industry Knowledge: Gaining specialized expertise in the forestry, outdoor, or B2B industrial sectors.

• Master Email & Social Ad Design: Becoming an expert in designing for specific platforms like Listrak and Meta Business Suite, understanding their unique constraints and opportunities.

• Print Production Nuances: Enhancing skills in print pre-press, color management, and working with printers.

• Brand Strategy Integration: Learning how creative assets contribute to broader marketing strategies by working closely with the VP of Marketing.

• Career Advancement: The explicit opportunity to transition into a full-time role with increased responsibilities and benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying these challenges and growth opportunities demonstrates a forward-thinking approach and an understanding of the role's potential beyond immediate tasks.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking creative direction from a VP and translating it into final design assets for multiple channels like email, social, and print." (Focus on workflow, communication, and brand adherence.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a variety of digital and print deliverables for a single campaign?" (Highlight your approach to style guides and asset management.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to meet specific technical file specifications for different platforms (e.g., email vs. print vs. social ad). What was your process?" (Demonstrate your understanding of file formats, dimensions, and production readiness.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Forestry Suppliers and our industry?" (Research the company's mission, products, and target audience; connect your design style to their brand.)

• "How do you approach working as a remote contractor, and what is your strategy for staying organized and communicative?" (Emphasize your self-management skills, responsiveness, and preferred communication tools.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to the success of our monthly marketing campaigns?" (Connect your design execution to broader marketing goals like engagement and brand perception.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Walkthrough: For each chosen project, clearly state the objective, your role, the creative direction received, your design process, the final output, and the outcome (if known).

• Highlighting Operations: For relevant projects, explain how you managed deadlines, adhered to specifications, and ensured efficient delivery of production-ready files.

• Brand Focus: Emphasize your ability to work within brand guidelines for each project.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices, software usage, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also operational efficiency, reliability, and a clear understanding of the contract/hybrid nature of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Trakstar platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature examples of email graphics, social media assets, print materials, and digital ads that align with the requirements. Prioritize work demonstrating strong brand adherence and production-ready file delivery.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, experience with email and social media design, and any relevant industry experience (e-commerce, B2B, outdoor). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for Portfolio Walkthrough: Be ready to discuss your selected portfolio pieces in detail, focusing on your process, adherence to brand standards, and ability to meet technical specifications. Practice explaining your workflow and how you manage deadlines.

• Company Research: Investigate Forestry Suppliers' current marketing efforts, website, and social media presence to understand their brand aesthetic and target audience. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for interview questions about your interest and fit.

⚠️ 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.