Creative Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Creative Designer I

Company: Western States Equipment

Location: Meridian, Idaho, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the independent design and execution of diverse graphic content, including layouts, banners, infographics, and multimedia assets, for web, social media, and print channels, directly impacting Go-To-Market (GTM) collateral and brand presentation.

• Actively contribute to video production initiatives, encompassing footage editing, color correction, audio synchronization, and the integration of motion graphics, ensuring strict adherence to established branding standards and GTM messaging.

• Develop innovative design solutions for high-profile marketing campaigns and internal/external presentations, maintaining a consistent brand identity while pushing creative boundaries.

• Create and systematically update graphics for website layouts, email marketing campaigns, and social media posts, ensuring alignment with corporate branding guidelines and marketing objectives.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with marketing managers, digital marketing specialists, and sales teams to ensure design outputs are strategically aligned with broader GTM and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Creative Designer I," the responsibilities indicate a role that bridges creative execution with marketing operations support, particularly in GTM collateral and campaign support. The emphasis on brand consistency, collaboration with sales teams, and creation of assets for various marketing channels suggests a need for understanding marketing objectives and operationalizing them through design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute a wide range of graphic content, including impactful layouts, engaging banners, informative infographics, and dynamic multimedia assets, tailored for web, social media, and print applications, ensuring brand consistency.

• Assist in video production efforts by editing footage, performing color correction, synchronizing audio, and integrating motion graphics, all while meticulously adhering to brand guidelines and project specifications.

• Provide creative design solutions for high-profile marketing campaigns and essential presentations, ensuring a cohesive and innovative visual identity across all deliverables.

• Develop and maintain updated graphics for website layouts, email marketing campaigns, and social media posts, strictly following brand guidelines to ensure a unified brand presence.

• Collaborate closely with internal marketing functions, such as Marketing Managers, Digital Marketing teams, and Sales teams, to ensure design work effectively supports and aligns with overarching marketing strategies and sales enablement goals.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery, adherence to budget constraints, and the highest quality standards for all creative outputs.

• Coordinate the entire creative process, from initial ideation and concept development through to final execution, maintaining meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to project deadlines.

• Evaluate and prioritize design tasks efficiently to meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, ensuring all project requirements are comprehensively fulfilled.

• Proactively participate in team creative meetings, contributing innovative solutions to design challenges and offering constructive feedback.

• Maintain regular communication with internal stakeholders to clearly define project requirements, gather necessary input, and ensure continuous alignment throughout the design lifecycle.

• Collaborate effectively with external vendors and agencies for specialized production needs, such as high-quality printing or advanced video production services, managing vendor relationships and deliverables.

• Consistently adhere to all customer care standards as outlined by Western States Equipment, ensuring a positive and professional interaction in all capacities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for project management skills in a creative context, emphasizing the ability to handle multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines. The collaboration aspect extends to sales enablement, indicating a role that supports revenue-generating activities through design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, or a closely related field is preferred, providing a foundational understanding of design principles and marketing strategy. Experience:

• 1-3 years of demonstrable experience in graphic design, multimedia content creation, or a similar creative field, with a focus on producing professional-grade visual assets. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Adobe CC): Essential expertise in core applications including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator for graphic design and layout.

• Video Editing & Motion Graphics: Advanced skills in Premier Pro for video editing, color correction, sound synchronization, and AfterEffects for motion graphics and visual effects.

• Layout Design & Infographics: Proven ability to create compelling layouts and clear, informative infographics that effectively communicate complex information.

• Multimedia Content Creation: Experience in developing engaging multimedia assets for various digital and print platforms.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Conceptual Thinking & Problem-Solving: Strong ability to develop creative concepts and effectively solve design challenges.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; ability to articulate design rationale and collaborate effectively with stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic Web Development/Editing: Familiarity with HTML and CSS for basic web design or content integration is a plus.

• Microsoft Office Suite & Adobe Acrobat: Proficient use of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) for presentations and collaboration, and Adobe Acrobat for document management.

• Spanish Language Proficiency: An added advantage for communication with a broader range of stakeholders or customer segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Adobe CC proficiency, including specific software like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and AfterEffects, is critical. The "1-3 years of experience" indicates an entry-level to junior role, suitable for candidates looking to build their portfolio and gain practical experience in a corporate marketing environment. The preference for HTML/CSS suggests a growing need for designers who can contribute to digital asset creation beyond static images.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 1-3 years of professional design work, demonstrating a strong command of graphic design principles and visual storytelling.

• Clear examples of digital assets (web banners, social media graphics, email templates) and print collateral (brochures, flyers, presentations) that highlight versatility and brand adherence.

• Specific case studies demonstrating the design process from concept to completion, emphasizing problem-solving and the achievement of project objectives.

• Evidence of motion graphics and video editing projects, including before-and-after comparisons or explanations of the creative process and technical execution.

• Documentation of any web-related design contributions, such as website mockups or contributions to HTML/CSS implementation, if applicable. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and articulate the design process for various projects, from initial briefing and concept development to final asset delivery and iteration.

• Showcase an understanding of workflow management for creative projects, including task prioritization, timeline management, and stakeholder feedback integration.

• Demonstrate how design decisions are informed by project requirements, brand guidelines, and marketing objectives, with examples of iterative improvements based on feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Creative Designer role, especially at the "I" level, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis should be on demonstrating practical skills with the required software, understanding of brand guidelines, and the ability to translate marketing objectives into visual assets. Portfolio pieces should ideally include examples relevant to B2B marketing and sales enablement if possible, given the company's industry.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the entry-level to junior experience requirement (1-3 years) and the location in Meridian, Idaho, a competitive annual salary range for a Creative Designer I would typically fall between $45,000 and $60,000 USD. This estimate is based on regional salary data for creative roles in the Mountain West region, considering the cost of living and the specified responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match, aiding in long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO policy including vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, and potentially conferences to enhance design skills and stay current with industry trends.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.

• Potential for Travel: Occasional overnight travel opportunities for specific projects or vendor collaborations.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, typically 40 hours, with a primary focus on business hours to facilitate collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders. Flexibility may be offered based on project demands, with potential for occasional overtime to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for entry-level creative roles can vary significantly by region. Meridian, ID, being a growing but not a major metropolitan hub, suggests a moderate salary range. The benefits listed are standard for full-time employees in corporate environments and are crucial for attracting and retaining talent in creative fields.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment and Machinery Dealership. Western States Equipment operates within the industrial sector, specializing in the sale, rental, and servicing of heavy machinery, construction equipment, and related power systems. This B2B environment requires a focus on reliability, durability, and technical expertise in its marketing and design efforts.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. With operations across multiple states (Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming) and a significant employee base, Western States Equipment functions as a large, established organization. This size implies structured processes, potentially larger marketing teams, and a need for brand consistency across all touchpoints.

Founded: 1956. With a long history, Western States Equipment has established itself as a reputable and stable employer in its operating regions. This longevity suggests a company with deep industry knowledge, strong customer relationships, and a commitment to its values.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Department: Likely structured with specialized roles such as Marketing Managers, Digital Marketing Specialists, Content Creators, and potentially a dedicated Creative team. This role would be part of this broader marketing function.

• Reporting Structure: The Creative Designer I will likely report to a Marketing Manager or a Lead Designer, who oversees campaign execution and brand integrity.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with Sales teams is essential for understanding their collateral needs and with Digital Marketing for online asset creation, as well as with service and parts departments for technical illustrations or informational graphics.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not directly responsible for deep data analysis, the designer must interpret marketing briefs and performance feedback to inform design choices, ensuring assets align with campaign goals.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role involves managing personal workflow for multiple projects, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring efficient project completion within defined timelines.

• Automation & Efficiency: Focus on leveraging design software efficiently and potentially using templates or pre-defined brand assets to speed up production, especially for recurring marketing needs.

Company Website: https://www.westernstatescat.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the B2B, heavy equipment industry is crucial for a designer. This means creating professional, often technically-oriented visuals rather than purely lifestyle or consumer-focused graphics. The company's long history and multiple state presence suggest a need for robust branding and clear communication strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is an entry-level (0-2 years) role within the Creative and Marketing Operations domain. It serves as a foundational step for individuals aspiring to a career in graphic design, multimedia production, or marketing communications within a corporate setting. The focus is on executing defined creative tasks under guidance.

Reporting Structure: The Creative Designer I will report to a Marketing Manager or a Senior Creative Lead. This structure provides mentorship and oversight, guiding the designer's development and ensuring alignment with company objectives.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue streams, the Creative Designer plays a vital role in supporting Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies by creating visually compelling collateral. Effective design enhances brand perception, aids sales enablement, and contributes to the overall success of marketing campaigns, indirectly impacting lead generation and customer engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Progress to a mid-level Creative Designer role with increased autonomy, project complexity, and specialization (e.g., motion graphics expert, UI/UX designer).

• Learning & Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, explore new design software and trends, and gain exposure to video production workflows and digital marketing principles.

• Leadership Potential: With proven performance and expanded skill sets, there's potential to move into a Senior Designer position, team lead, or even a Marketing Specialist role focusing on creative strategy and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "I" designation clearly marks this as an entry-level position. Growth will depend on performance, initiative in learning new skills, and the ability to contribute effectively to marketing and sales objectives. The role provides a solid stepping stone into corporate creative and marketing operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, meaning the Creative Designer will work from a physical office location within Western States Equipment's facilities. This environment is conducive to in-person collaboration, direct feedback, and immersion in the company's operational workflow.

Office Location(s): Meridian, Idaho. This location offers a specific base for the role, likely within a corporate office environment that supports marketing and administrative functions. Proximity to the company's operational hubs may also be beneficial.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting will facilitate direct interaction with marketing colleagues, sales teams, and potentially other departments, fostering a collaborative atmosphere for brainstorming and project execution.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a dedicated workstation equipped with necessary hardware and software, including the full Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially other project management or communication tools used by the company.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design critiques, and informal discussions that enhance creative output and foster a sense of team cohesion.

Work Schedule:

• The role operates on a standard 40-hour workweek. While flexibility may be accommodated for project deadlines, the primary expectation is adherence to regular business hours to ensure consistent availability for team collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles that benefit from direct team interaction and access to company resources. For a creative role, this physical presence can be advantageous for receiving immediate feedback and fully integrating into the company's operational rhythm.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output. Emphasis will be placed on the relevance of your past work to B2B industrial marketing.

• Technical/Creative Assessment: This may involve a practical design exercise or a detailed review of your portfolio to evaluate skills in Adobe CC, video editing, and problem-solving. Be prepared to discuss your process and rationale for design choices.

• Manager/Team Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager and potentially other marketing team members to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and understanding of marketing objectives.

• Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with a higher-level manager to discuss long-term fit and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize pieces that showcase your proficiency in Adobe CC, video editing, and ability to create assets for B2B/industrial contexts if possible.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the challenge, your role, the solution, and the outcome. Highlight your problem-solving approach and how you translated objectives into design.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate your capabilities in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects through specific examples.

• Brand Consistency: If you have examples of maintaining brand guidelines across multiple assets or campaigns, include them.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate (digital preferred), and free of errors.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a timed design challenge that may involve creating a graphic asset (e.g., social media post, banner ad) based on a given brief, or a short video editing task. Focus on efficiency and meeting the brief's requirements.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would approach a design problem, handle difficult feedback, or manage conflicting project priorities.

• Articulate Your Strategy: Practice explaining your creative decisions and how they align with business or marketing goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is the most critical element for this role. Candidates should tailor their portfolio to demonstrate the specific software proficiencies and types of deliverables mentioned in the job description. Understanding the B2B industrial context of Western States Equipment will be beneficial for showcasing relevant work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Adobe CC):

  • Adobe Photoshop: For raster image editing, manipulation, and graphic design.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout, brochure design, and print collateral creation.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: For professional video editing, including cutting, sequencing, and basic color correction.
  • Adobe AfterEffects: For motion graphics, visual effects, and advanced video compositing.

• Adobe Acrobat: For creating, editing, and managing PDF documents, essential for print-ready files and internal document sharing.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Particularly Word for documentation, PowerPoint for presentations, and Excel for basic data handling or tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility, familiarity with how design assets perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement, website click-through rates) is beneficial. This might involve occasional use of analytics dashboards provided by digital marketing. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are listed as primary responsibilities for this role, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns (e.g., email marketing) would be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit