Experiential Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experiential Graphic Designer II

Company: CannonDesign

Location: Denver, CO

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Experiential Graphic Design / Environmental Graphics

Date Posted: 2026-08-11T21:07:51

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on translating client identities and visions into tangible, inspiring physical experiences through graphic and environmental design.

• It involves end-to-end project involvement, from initial concept ideation and client engagement to detailed artwork production and fabrication documentation.

• The position requires a strong blend of creative talent, technical proficiency in design software, and collaborative skills to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

• Successful candidates will contribute to a "Living-Centered Design" movement, aiming to create impactful and memorable built environments that connect with users on an emotional and functional level.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Experiential Graphic Designer II," the description also mentions "entry level position" in the opening sentence. Based on the "Minimum of 4 years of related experience" requirement and the "II" in the title, this is interpreted as a mid-level role, not an entry-level one. The initial mention of "entry level" may be a template oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Participate in all phases of the design process, including concept development, design iteration, and final artwork production for experiential graphics.

• Translate client needs, visions, and missions into compelling graphic concepts expressed through two- and three-dimensional graphics, signage, and exhibits.

• Support project execution from initial storyboarding through to the creation of final design documentation and camera-ready artwork for fabrication.

• Develop comprehensive design documentation for graphic programs, wayfinding and signage systems, donor recognition programs, and interpretive exhibits, under the guidance of design leaders.

• Collaborate closely with interior designers, architects, and other project team members to integrate experiential graphics seamlessly into the built environment, preparing digital models with mockups and visualizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a hands-on role in the entire design lifecycle, from ideation to production, with a strong focus on translating abstract client needs into concrete visual solutions within physical spaces. Collaboration with architects and interior designers is highlighted, indicating a need for understanding architectural contexts.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Minimum Bachelor degree in Graphic Design, Architecture, or a related design field.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of related experience in experiential graphic design, environmental graphics, or a closely aligned field.

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio demonstrating a background in a variety of markets (e.g., commercial workplace, healthcare, sports).

• Exceptional typography skills and a keen eye for visual hierarchy and aesthetic appeal.

• Demonstrated skill and interest in 3-dimensional design, wayfinding systems, exhibition design, and environmental graphics.

• Proficiency in all phases of the design process, from initial concept to final production.

• Robust communication skills with proven strategies for effective collaboration in fast-paced, complex project teams.

• Analytical and independent thinking abilities to solve design challenges effectively.

• Meticulous attention to detail.

• Proficiency on Mac operating systems using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge and experience with Revit.

• Proficiency in SketchUp for 3D modeling and visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of creative and technical skills, with a strong emphasis on 3D and environmental design. Proficiency in core Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable, while BIM software like Revit and 3D modeling tools like SketchUp are considered advantageous, suggesting the role involves integration with architectural design processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of projects demonstrating your ability to conceptualize and execute experiential graphics across different markets and scales.

• Include case studies that highlight your process from initial client brief to final implemented design, emphasizing problem-solving and creative strategy.

• Present examples of 2D and 3D graphic design, signage systems, wayfinding strategies, and exhibition design elements.

• Demonstrate your understanding of how graphics integrate with architectural and interior design, including mockups or visualizations on digital models. Process Documentation:

• Your portfolio should implicitly or explicitly illustrate your understanding of the design process, from discovery and concept development to detailed documentation and artwork production.

• Include examples that show how you manage project phases, collaborate with teams, and iterate on designs based on feedback and technical constraints.

• Highlight any contributions to workflow optimization or efficiency improvements in your design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing final visuals. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, problem-solving approach, and how they collaborate with other disciplines. Demonstrating an understanding of the built environment and how graphics enhance it will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $63,640 - $79,550 annually. This range is an anticipated base compensation range at the time of posting and may vary based on geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Flexible spending account options.

• Voluntary insurance offerings.

• Paid time off (PTO).

• Flex-time schedules, offering adaptability in work hours.

• Remote work options, indicating a hybrid or flexible work environment.

• 401k plan for retirement savings.

• Employee perk programs providing additional benefits and discounts.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through flex-time schedules and remote work options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is typical for a mid-level designer in a major metropolitan area like Denver. The benefits package is robust, indicating a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance. The mention of "flex-time schedules" and "remote work options" suggests a modern, adaptable work environment, aligning with a hybrid arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Design Services. CannonDesign operates at the intersection of strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and social impact.

Company Size: CannonDesign is a large, established firm with a significant global presence, indicated by its extensive career site and multiple locations.

Founded: CannonDesign was founded in 1945, bringing a long history and deep experience to its "Living-Centered Design" philosophy.

Team Structure:

• The Experiential Graphic Design (EGD) team is a specialized unit within CannonDesign, likely comprising designers with expertise in graphic design, environmental graphics, and potentially related fields like architecture or interior design.

• The EGD team collaborates closely with larger project teams, which include architects, interior designers, engineers, and strategists, forming a multidisciplinary approach to design.

• Reporting structure involves working under design leaders within the EGD team and collaborating with larger project leads. Methodology:

• CannonDesign emphasizes "Living-Centered Design," a philosophy focused on creating human-centric, impactful, and sustainable solutions that address significant societal and client challenges.

• Their approach integrates strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and social impact to deliver holistic solutions.

• The firm values optimism, empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to creating extraordinary, joyful work.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CannonDesign is a well-respected, large-scale design firm. The emphasis on "Living-Centered Design" suggests a culture that prioritizes user experience, social impact, and innovation. The EGD team likely functions as a specialized consultancy within the broader firm, supporting large architectural and interior design projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an "Experiential Graphic Designer II" role, indicating a mid-level position. It requires a foundation of 4+ years of experience and implies a growing level of autonomy and responsibility beyond entry-level tasks. The role is expected to contribute significantly to design concepts and execution.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to design leaders within the Experiential Graphic Design team and collaborate with architects, interior designers, and other project stakeholders. This structure allows for mentorship from senior designers while also fostering cross-functional teamwork.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts client satisfaction and brand perception by translating their identity into tangible, memorable physical spaces. Successful design contributions enhance user experience, improve wayfinding, and create environments that resonate with a client's mission and purpose, ultimately contributing to the overall success and perceived value of CannonDesign's projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of EGD, such as complex wayfinding systems, interactive exhibits, or large-scale branding implementations.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading design efforts on smaller projects or specific components of larger projects, gaining experience in client management and team coordination.

• Mentorship: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior designers or interns, contributing to the growth of the EGD team.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to architectural, interior design, and strategic planning processes, broadening understanding of integrated design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" designation and 4-year experience requirement firmly place this as a mid-level role. Growth opportunities likely involve taking on more complex projects, leading design elements, and potentially moving towards senior designer or team lead positions within the EGD group.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: CannonDesign offers a hybrid work environment, combining in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. The specific office in Denver will likely have a modern, collaborative design studio atmosphere.

Office Location(s): Denver, CO. This location suggests the designer will be part of a vibrant metropolitan area with diverse project opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact with a talented team of designers, architects, and other professionals.

• Access to industry-standard design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations and relevant software, will be provided.

• The environment encourages lively design critiques and open communication, supporting the firm's values of transparency and innovation.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the mention of "flex-time schedules" and "remote work options" indicates a degree of flexibility. This allows for balancing project deadlines with personal needs, which is beneficial for deep creative work and complex problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect. Candidates should expect a mix of in-office time for collaboration and design reviews, and remote time for focused individual work. The Denver location implies a professional office setting within a major city.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design aesthetic. Expect a focus on relevant project experience and technical skills.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio with members of the EGD team. Be prepared to discuss your design process, rationale behind key decisions, problem-solving approaches, and how you handled challenges.

• Skills-Based Exercises: Potential for a design exercise or case study, either pre-interview or during an interview, to assess your conceptual thinking, design execution, and ability to work under time constraints. This may involve translating a brief into visual concepts or developing a portion of a design system.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit: Interviews will likely assess your communication skills, collaboration style, enthusiasm for "Living-Centered Design," and alignment with CannonDesign's values (optimism, empathy, curiosity). Questions about your experience working in multidisciplinary teams will be common.

• Final Round: May involve meeting with senior leadership or key project stakeholders to discuss your fit with the team and broader firm.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating expertise in environmental graphics, wayfinding, signage, and exhibition design. Include projects with a clear narrative of problem, process, and solution.

• Show Your Process: For each project, detail your ideation, concept development, research, client interaction, and problem-solving steps. Visuals of sketches, wireframes, mood boards, and iterative designs are valuable.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, showcase projects where you worked with architects or interior designers and explain your role and contribution within that team.

• Quantify Impact: Where feasible, mention the impact of your designs – e.g., improved user flow, enhanced brand recognition, positive client feedback.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and showcases your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite. Include examples that demonstrate your 3D design capabilities if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you approach translating abstract client needs into concrete, impactful visual experiences.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of how design impacts user experience and brand identity in built environments.

• Familiarize yourself with CannonDesign's "Living-Centered Design" philosophy and be ready to discuss how your work aligns with it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to defend their design choices and articulate their process. Understanding CannonDesign's specific design philosophy ("Living-Centered Design") is crucial for demonstrating cultural fit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for graphic creation, image manipulation, and layout design.

• 3D Design Software: Proficiency in SketchUp is preferred for creating mockups and visualizations of environmental graphics in context.

• BIM Software: Working knowledge of Revit is a plus, indicating potential integration with architectural design workflows and understanding of building information modeling.

Analytics & Reporting: Not explicitly mentioned for this design role, but understanding how design performance is measured (e.g., user feedback, brand perception studies) could be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the core design function, but familiarity with project management tools used within large firms (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, or internal systems) could be advantageous for collaboration and workflow tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology requirements are standard for graphic designers but lean heavily into environmental and 3D applications. A strong command of Adobe Suite is mandatory, with proficiency in 3D modeling software like SketchUp being a significant advantage for visualizing designs within architectural spaces.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Living-Centered Design: A core commitment to creating solutions that prioritize human experience, well-being, and social impact. This translates to empathetic design thinking and a focus on how people interact with spaces.

• Client Adoration: A relentless pursuit of exceeding client expectations, aiming for satisfaction that leads to genuine appreciation and strong relationships.

• Optimism and Empathy: Approaching design challenges with a positive outlook and a deep understanding of user needs and perspectives.

• Curiosity: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and approaches to design innovation.

• Transparency and Communication: Open dialogue and clear communication are valued, encouraging idea sharing and problem-solving across teams.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Integration: Working seamlessly with architects, interior designers, engineers, and strategists, contributing graphic design expertise to broader architectural projects.

• Lively Design Critique: Engaging in constructive feedback sessions to refine designs and foster creative growth within the team.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Actively participating in team calls and discussions to ensure alignment and shared understanding of project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: CannonDesign's culture is built around a strong, people-centric design philosophy. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of how design impacts human experience and a collaborative spirit that embraces feedback and cross-functional teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Abstract Concepts: The primary challenge is taking intangible client visions and translating them into concrete, impactful graphic designs within physical spaces.

• Integration with Architecture: Effectively integrating experiential graphics into complex architectural and interior designs, ensuring aesthetic harmony and functional coherence.

• Diverse Market Needs: Adapting design approaches to meet the unique requirements and user expectations of various market sectors (e.g., healthcare vs. sports).

• Production Realities: Ensuring designs are not only conceptually strong but also technically feasible and producible within budget and fabrication constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in 3D visualization, complex wayfinding systems, and interactive exhibit design.

• Project Leadership: Potential to grow into leading design aspects of projects, managing client relationships, and coordinating with project teams.

• Industry Exposure: Working on high-profile projects for renowned global brands, gaining exposure to diverse project types and client needs.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced design leaders within the EGD team and across the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex design problems that require a blend of creativity, technical skill, and strategic thinking. Growth is likely tied to mastering these challenges and contributing to increasingly significant projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex client vision you had to translate into an experiential graphic design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your conceptualization, problem-solving, and execution.)

• "How do you ensure your environmental graphics effectively enhance the user experience and communicate a client's brand identity within a physical space?" (Discuss user-centric design principles and brand strategy.)

• "Walk me through a project where you collaborated with architects or interior designers. What were the key challenges and how did you navigate them?" (Highlight your communication, integration, and teamwork skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'Living-Centered Design' mean to you, and how do you see your work contributing to it?" (Research the philosophy and connect it to your own design values.)

• "How do you approach design critique, both giving and receiving feedback?" (Demonstrate openness to constructive criticism and collaborative improvement.)

• "CannonDesign aims for 'client adoration.' How do you ensure your design work contributes to client satisfaction and exceeds expectations?" (Focus on client-focused solutions and impactful results.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation around the story of each project: the client's challenge, your strategic approach, the design process, and the final outcome/impact.

• Visual Emphasis: Use high-quality visuals of your work, including sketches, mockups, and final installations. For 3D work, utilize renderings or digital model views.

• Process Demonstration: Clearly articulate your role in each project, the tools you used, and how you navigated design decisions and challenges.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work and be prepared to answer questions succinctly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your design thinking, collaborative abilities, and understanding of CannonDesign's unique design philosophy. Your portfolio presentation is your primary tool to demonstrate these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Experiential Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the CannonDesign Careers site at http://www.cannondesign.com/careers/?gh_jid=8696743002.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, easily accessible, and showcases projects relevant to experiential graphics, environmental design, wayfinding, and exhibition design. Highlight your 3D design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 4+ years of relevant experience, specific design skills (typography, 3D design, Adobe Suite), and any experience working within multidisciplinary teams or on projects in commercial, healthcare, or sports environments.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CannonDesign's "Living-Centered Design" philosophy, their portfolio of work, and their commitment to client adoration and transparency. Understand how your design approach aligns with their values.

• Prepare for Portfolio Walkthrough: Be ready to articulate your design process, rationale, and problem-solving strategies for each project presented in your portfolio. Practice explaining your collaborative experiences.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with CannonDesign through their official careers site before making application decisions. Ensure you are applying via their company careers site, as indicated in the job posting, to avoid potential scams.