Environmental Graphic Designer - Sign Manufacturer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Environmental Graphic Designer - Sign Manufacturer

Company: Southwood Corporation

Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Environmental Graphic Design / Signage Manufacturing

Date Posted: August 07, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute environmental graphic design projects from concept development through to final production-ready documentation, ensuring creative vision translates into tangible signage solutions.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Senior Environmental Graphic Designers, Project Management, and Preconstruction, to align on project objectives and deliver cohesive branding experiences.

• Develop impactful environmental graphics, wayfinding systems, dimensional signage, and architectural branding elements that enhance client spaces and elevate brand presence.

• Maintain a high standard of design quality and accuracy, ensuring all deliverables are organized, well-documented, and meet both internal specifications and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior position, indicated by the "0-2" years of experience and the requirement for a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. The focus is on execution and documentation rather than strategic design leadership, with a strong emphasis on translating existing creative direction into production-ready assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute environmental graphic design work from concept inception to final documentation for assigned projects, ensuring creative direction is accurately translated into production-ready deliverables.

• Contribute to the iterative design development process by refining concepts and effectively incorporating feedback from senior designers and stakeholders.

• Produce high-quality, detailed design work that adheres to internal quality standards and specific project requirements, maintaining meticulous organization of files and documentation.

• Collaborate effectively with the Senior Environmental Graphic Designer and cross-functional teams to ensure project goals are met, communicate progress, and proactively address any questions or challenges.

• Manage assigned tasks and project workloads efficiently to meet established deadlines and milestones, prioritizing effectively across multiple concurrent projects.

• Proactively identify and flag potential risks or delays to the Senior Environmental Graphic Designer, enabling timely mitigation strategies.

• Seek out opportunities for professional growth by actively pursuing feedback and expanding design skills and technical knowledge relevant to environmental graphic design and signage manufacturing.

• Contribute positively to a collaborative, solutions-oriented team environment, fostering a culture of shared learning and mutual support.

• Stay abreast of current trends, emerging technologies, and best practices within the environmental graphic design and architectural signage industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on execution role, emphasizing the end-to-end process from concept to production documentation. Key areas include design quality control, cross-functional collaboration, and proactive project management, all critical for a sign manufacturer focused on delivering high-quality architectural signage.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Environmental Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, or a related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a design-related role, with a preference for experience in signage design, fabrication, or installation. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for creating vector-based graphics, signage layouts, and detailed production drawings.

• Demonstrated ability to execute environmental graphic design work from concept through to final documentation.

• Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and spatial design as applied to environmental graphics and signage.

• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines consistently.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and potential client interactions.

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

• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities to translate design concepts into practical, buildable signage solutions. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with sign design software or manufacturing processes.

• Familiarity with wayfinding system design principles and implementation.

• Knowledge of dimensional signage, architectural branding elements, and material applications in signage.

• Experience working within a manufacturing or production environment.

• Basic understanding of architectural drawings and site plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements emphasize technical design skills (Adobe Illustrator), practical experience in a relevant field, and strong soft skills like time management and communication, which are crucial for project execution in a manufacturing setting. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests a focus on developing foundational skills within the company's specific operational context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of environmental graphic design projects, demonstrating conceptual thinking and design execution.

• Examples of production-ready documentation, illustrating the ability to translate creative designs into clear specifications for manufacturing.

• Demonstrated application of Adobe Illustrator to create detailed signage layouts, wayfinding graphics, and architectural branding elements.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight problem-solving skills related to design challenges in physical spaces. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating clear and concise design documentation that supports fabrication and installation processes.

• Examples of how feedback has been incorporated into design iterations, showing a structured approach to design development.

• Demonstration of organized file management and documentation practices for design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Environmental Graphic Designer role in a sign manufacturer, the portfolio should clearly show not just aesthetic design but also the technical ability to produce files that are directly usable in a production environment. This includes detailed vector work, clear annotation, and consideration for materials and fabrication methods.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• An estimated annual salary range for an Environmental Graphic Designer with 0-2 years of experience in Rock Hill, SC, typically falls between $45,000 and $60,000 USD. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Southeast region, considering the cost of living and entry-level to junior designer compensation. Actual salary will be determined by qualifications, experience, and specific project responsibilities. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing