Event Creative Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Event Creative Designer

Company: Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Penske Entertainment)

Location: Indianapolis, IN, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Sports & Recreation

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: 0-3 years (up to 5 years preferred)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute high-impact print and digital design solutions to enhance brand presence and event appeal for iconic motorsports properties.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, event operations, and partner management, to deliver creative assets that meet strategic objectives.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously within a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Support the creative needs for major events such as the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix of Nashville and other Penske Entertainment properties.

• Contribute to conceptualization and design of integrated marketing campaigns across various channels, including social media, out-of-home advertising, and digital collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within Penske Entertainment, a prominent entity in motorsports, encompassing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), INDYCAR, IMS Productions, and Motorsports Events Management (MEM). The Event Creative Designer will play a critical role in visually communicating the excitement and brand identity of these organizations, with a primary focus on event-specific creative for MEM. The emphasis on "breakthrough ways" for partner clients suggests a need for innovative and impactful design solutions that drive engagement and value.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design a wide array of print and digital assets, including but not limited to GIFs, advertisements, collateral materials, out-of-home (OOH) advertisements, social media graphics, web banners, and email templates, ensuring strict adherence to existing brand guidelines.

• Receive and manage job requests via Wrike, collaborating closely with the Marketing Operations Manager, Senior Art Director, and Graphic Designer to ensure all creative deliverables are met on time and to specification.

• Develop a thorough understanding of brand guidelines, brand identities, and partner-specific guidelines to ensure all creative output is consistent and on-brand.

• Provide production art support to full-time designers, assisting with asset preparation and execution on various projects as needed.

• Actively participate in creative team brainstorming sessions and project-related meetings to contribute to the conceptualization and design of integrated campaigns for IMS events, INDYCAR, and other IMS properties.

• Meticulously file and maintain digital archives of all project assets, ensuring easy retrieval and organization for future reference.

• Assist with the creation and deployment of digital assets and support event marketing activities during critical race weekends and event periods.

• Demonstrate a proactive and continuous learning mindset, actively seeking opportunities to grow professional design craft and stay abreast of industry trends.

• Deliver exceptional service to internal stakeholders, external partners, and guests, fostering positive relationships through strong communication and reliable execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of execution and collaboration. The mention of "Wrike" as the project management tool indicates a structured workflow for receiving and tracking design requests. The need to "become familiar with brand guidelines, brand identities, and partner guidelines" emphasizes brand stewardship. The role also involves acting as a "production artist" for senior designers, suggesting a foundational level of technical execution is expected. The requirement to "assist with digital assets and event marketing activities during race weekends" implies a hands-on role during high-pressure, high-visibility periods.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 0-3 years of professional design experience is required.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential.

• Motion Graphics Basics: Familiarity with Adobe After Effects for creating animated graphics and motion elements.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for general business communication and document creation.

• Project Management & Organization: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong people skills with the ability to foster positive co-worker relations and collaborate effectively within a team.

• Work Ethic: High integrity, commitment to confidentiality, and openness to receiving and incorporating feedback.

• Initiative & Adaptability: Innovative thinking, self-starter mentality, and a collaborative spirit are crucial for success.

• Brand Awareness: Ability to understand and apply brand guidelines, brand identities, and partner-specific requirements accurately.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital asset management systems.

• Familiarity with project management software like Wrike.

• Basic understanding of web design principles and email marketing platforms.

• Experience in the motorsports or live event industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is broad, catering to both entry-level talent and those with a few years of experience. The emphasis on "0-3 years of professional design experience required; up to 5 years preferred" suggests a degree of flexibility in hiring. The inclusion of "After Effects" as a required skill, even if basic, points towards a growing need for dynamic visual content beyond static graphics. The emphasis on "High integrity, confidentiality, and openness to feedback" and being a "self-starter" points to a need for a candidate who can be trusted with sensitive brand information and work independently.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Impact Showcase: The portfolio must clearly demonstrate the ability to create high-impact print and digital design solutions that are visually compelling and effectively communicate brand messages.

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Provide examples that explicitly show how you have worked within and applied existing brand guidelines, illustrating consistency and attention to detail.

• Project Diversity: Include a range of work examples, such as digital ads, OOH, social media graphics, web assets, and email designs, to showcase versatility across different media.

• Motion Graphics Examples: If applicable, include examples of simple animations or motion graphics created using Adobe After Effects to demonstrate proficiency in this area.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Management: Be prepared to discuss how you have managed multiple design projects, prioritized tasks, and met deadlines in previous roles, potentially referencing tools like Wrike if used.

• Collaboration & Feedback Integration: Showcase examples of how you have collaborated with team members, received feedback, and iterated on designs to achieve desired outcomes.

• Asset Archiving & Organization: Describe your approach to organizing and archiving digital assets to ensure efficient retrieval and long-term project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal "portfolio requirement" in the job description, the nature of a design role necessitates a strong portfolio. The expected skills in Adobe Creative Suite and the responsibility of creating various digital and print assets mean that candidates must be able to visually demonstrate their capabilities. The mention of "file and maintain project digital archives" also implies an understanding of asset management and organization, which should be reflected in how a candidate presents their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans are provided.

• Life Insurance: Basic life insurance coverage is included.

• Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan with a 100% company match up to 5% of contributions is offered.

• Paid Time Off: Generous allotment of paid vacation days, personal days, and sick days.

• Holidays: 12 paid holidays throughout the year.

• Family Support: Paid parental leave and tuition assistance programs are available.

• Wellness & Lifestyle: Access to an on-site fitness center and various wellness programs.

• Employee Perks: Discounts on meals, merchandise, and other company offerings.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, totaling 40 hours per week.

• Extended hours will be required during peak event periods, including race weekends, and for other key event timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a graphic design role with this experience level in Indianapolis. This estimation utilizes data from industry salary surveys for creative professionals and considers roles within the sports and entertainment sectors in mid-sized US cities. The provided benefits are directly extracted from the job posting and are presented to highlight the comprehensive package offered.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Entertainment (Motorsports)

Company Size: Penske Entertainment is part of a larger organization, with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its associated entities employing a significant number of individuals, likely in the hundreds, across various operational, marketing, and administrative functions. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for cross-departmental interaction.

Founded: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was founded in 1909, making it one of the oldest and most iconic motorsports venues globally. This long history imbues the organization with a rich heritage and a deep-rooted culture of excellence and tradition in motorsports.

Team Structure:

• Creative Services Team: The Event Creative Designer will be part of the Creative Services team, reporting to the Senior Art Director and working alongside a Graphic Designer. This team is central to producing visual content for all Penske Entertainment brands.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The role reports to the Senior Art Director, indicating a clear line of management for creative direction and project oversight. There are no direct supervisory responsibilities at this level.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The designer will collaborate extensively with Marketing Operations, event operations teams, and external partners, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills to align creative output with broader event and marketing strategies.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: Emphasis is placed on adhering to established brand guidelines and partner requirements, ensuring a consistent and professional visual identity across all communications.

• Project Management Tools: Utilization of tools like Wrike suggests a structured approach to managing creative workflows, requests, and deadlines.

• Iterative Design Process: The role involves receiving feedback and supporting senior designers, pointing to an iterative process where designs are refined based on input and strategic goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in the high-octane world of motorsports, characterized by a fast-paced environment, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for creating world-class events. The emphasis on "unforgettable moments" and "excitement, purpose, and impact" suggests a dynamic and mission-driven workplace. The "equal opportunity employer" statement underscores a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in event-specific creative, motion graphics, and the unique brand aesthetics of motorsports.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or Art Director roles within Penske Entertainment by demonstrating strong design skills, project management capabilities, and a deep understanding of the brand and its audience.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working with major motorsports brands and events, opening doors to further opportunities within the sports and entertainment industry.

• Mentorship: Learning directly from a Senior Art Director and experienced design team members provides practical guidance and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" is interpreted through the lens of a creative role within an operational context. "Operations" here refers to the functional area of creative production and marketing support for events, rather than traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations." The growth opportunities are framed around advancing within the creative discipline and the sports entertainment industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace is designed for collaboration, with opportunities to interact closely with fellow designers, art directors, marketing teams, and event operations staff. This fosters a team-oriented atmosphere where ideas can be shared freely.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and project management tools (Wrike) is provided to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality output.

• Event Immersion: The on-site nature allows for direct experience with the energy and atmosphere of major motorsports events, providing unique inspiration and context for creative work.

Work Schedule:

• The standard schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. However, the nature of event-driven work necessitates flexibility, with extended hours frequently required during race weekends and key event periods to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by its fast-paced, event-driven nature, requiring adaptability and a willingness to work irregular hours. The blend of office-based design work and on-site event support is a key aspect of this role. The mention of "event noise" in the physical demands section, though not directly in the work environment description, reinforces the active and sometimes loud nature of the event settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills, relevant experience, and alignment with the company's creative needs.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the hiring team (Senior Art Director, potentially other creative leads). This session will focus on design rationale, problem-solving approaches, ability to work with brand guidelines, and proficiency in required software. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, your role in them, and the outcomes.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: A practical exercise may be given, such as designing a specific asset (e.g., a social media graphic or a banner ad) for an upcoming event or brand, or a brief to be completed within a set timeframe. This evaluates your ability to apply skills under pressure.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will assess your work ethic, collaboration style, ability to handle feedback, and alignment with Penske Entertainment's core values. Expect questions about how you handle tight deadlines and work in a team environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager (e.g., Director of Marketing or Creative Director) to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that showcases print and digital design, brand guideline adherence, and any motion graphics experience.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the challenges, your design process (sketches, iterations), and the final outcome. Highlight how you met the client's or brand's objectives.

• Highlight Impact: If possible, quantify the results of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful event promotion).

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a mix of asset types (social, web, print, OOH) to show your range.

• Keep it Concise: Be ready to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on key takeaways relevant to the role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any creative brief provided for a design challenge. Ask clarifying questions.

• Prioritize: Focus on the most critical elements of the brief and deliver a polished, on-brand solution within the given timeframe.

• Brand Consistency: Ensure your submission strictly adheres to any provided brand guidelines.

• Presentation: Be prepared to briefly present your solution and the rationale behind your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate not only design talent but also the candidate's ability to integrate into a fast-paced, collaborative, and brand-sensitive environment. The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential creative challenges is standard for design roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for raster image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logo design, illustration, and scalable artwork.

• Adobe InDesign: Key for layout design of print collateral, brochures, and other multi-page documents.

• Adobe After Effects: Required for creating motion graphics, animations, GIFs, and video elements.

Project Management & Collaboration Tools:

• Wrike: Used for receiving job requests, tracking project progress, and team collaboration on design assignments.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for general business communication, documentation (Word), data organization (Excel), and presentations (PowerPoint).

Potential Additional Tools (Not explicitly mentioned, but common in the field):

• Adobe Premiere Pro: For more advanced video editing if motion graphics extend into video production.

• Figma/Sketch: Increasingly used for UI/UX design and web-based asset creation, though less likely to be primary in this specific role.

• Cloud Storage Solutions: For asset archiving and sharing (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, or internal company solutions).

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around the Adobe Creative Suite, which is standard for graphic design roles. The explicit mention of "Wrike" indicates a specific workflow management tool that candidates should be familiar with or prepared to learn quickly.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values (Penske Entertainment Core Values):

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering world-class events and experiences, reflected in the high standards for creative output and attention to detail.

• Integrity: Upholding honesty, ethical conduct, and confidentiality in all dealings, especially with sensitive brand information and partner relationships.

• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where individuals support each other to achieve common goals, essential for cross-functional project success.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and new approaches to design and problem-solving to keep brands fresh and engaging.

• Passion: A shared enthusiasm for motorsports and creating memorable experiences that drives dedication and high performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team operates with a strong emphasis on collaboration across departments (Marketing Operations, Event Operations, Partner Management) to ensure creative assets align with strategic objectives and partner needs.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to feedback is a key trait, with designers expected to work collaboratively and iterate on designs based on input from senior team members and stakeholders.

• Shared Purpose: A collective drive to support major motorsports events and brands creates a sense of shared purpose and dedication, fostering a cohesive working environment focused on delivering successful outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is shaped by the high-stakes, high-energy environment of motorsports. Values like excellence, integrity, and teamwork are crucial for managing complex events and client relationships. The emphasis on collaboration is vital for a role that interfaces with multiple departments and external partners.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Brands: Balancing the distinct brand identities and guidelines of IMS, INDYCAR, and various MEM events while ensuring creative consistency.

• Fast-Paced Environment & Tight Deadlines: The nature of event marketing demands quick turnaround times and the ability to perform under pressure, especially during peak seasons and race weekends.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that meet strict brand guidelines and partner requirements.

• Adapting to Evolving Event Needs: Quickly responding to changes in event plans or marketing strategies that may require immediate creative adjustments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Skills: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe After Effects and potentially explore other motion graphics or video editing tools.

• Motorsports Industry Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of event marketing within the unique context of motorsports, understanding audience engagement and sponsorship activations.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a strong portfolio with high-profile projects from iconic brands, which can be a significant career asset.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from a Senior Art Director and experienced design team members provides continuous learning and skill development opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a role supporting large-scale, dynamic events and multiple brands. The growth opportunities are geared towards skill development within the creative field and specialized industry knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure all deliverables were met?" (Focus on Wrike or similar tools, prioritization methods, and communication.)

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback on your designs, especially if you disagree with it?" (Highlight openness to feedback, iterative process, and collaborative problem-solving.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to strictly adhere to brand guidelines. What was your process?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand stewardship and attention to detail.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about working for Penske Entertainment and the motorsports industry?" (Show genuine passion for the brand and industry.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative atmosphere." (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and support for colleagues.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each selected project, tell a story that includes the brief, your creative process, challenges, solutions, and the final impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean, well-organized, and mirrors the professionalism expected in your design work.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe, highlighting key aspects rather than detailing every minor element.

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to briefly discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant tools in your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical design skills but also the candidate's ability to be a collaborative, adaptable, and brand-conscious team member within the demanding motorsports environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Event Creative Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UltiPro job board.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 4-6 of your strongest design projects that best align with the requirements of this role, emphasizing print and digital assets, brand guideline adherence, and any motion graphics experience.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, project management skills, and any experience in fast-paced or event-related environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on storytelling, showcasing your design process, and articulating your rationale and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss your enthusiasm for motorsports and your ability to work collaboratively.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR, and Penske Entertainment's brands, recent events, and overall mission. Understanding their visual identity and target audience will be beneficial.

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

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