Graphic Design Intern / Contract Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Design Intern / Contract Designer

Company: Nanoleaf

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Contract (Fixed)

Category: Marketing & Digital Content Support / Creative & Media

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support Nanoleaf's marketing and digital content initiatives through creative production and asset design.

• Develop engaging visual assets for a range of digital channels, including website, email, social media, and advertising campaigns.

• Ensure all created content adheres strictly to Nanoleaf's established brand identity and visual guidelines.

• Gain hands-on experience with a global consumer technology brand, contributing to real marketing efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry-level opportunity for aspiring designers, focusing on the practical, production-oriented aspects of graphic design within a marketing context. The emphasis on "production-ready assets" and "day-to-day creative production" suggests a hands-on, execution-focused position rather than a purely conceptual design role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce website banners, homepage graphics, landing page visuals, and other digital promotional content.

• Create compelling graphics for email newsletters, product launches, seasonal campaigns, and ongoing marketing initiatives.

• Develop social media graphics, paid media assets, display ads, and visual content for partner marketing collaborations.

• Adapt and resize existing creative assets to meet the specific requirements and formats of various digital platforms and advertising placements.

• Assist with visual content updates for Nanoleaf's e-commerce channels, including Shopify.

• Prepare, organize, and export design files for both internal and external use, ensuring proper naming conventions and version control.

• Retouch, crop, resize, and format product images to enhance their visual appeal and suitability for digital platforms.

• Contribute to the organization and maintenance of Nanoleaf's internal image and asset library.

• Ensure all digital assets are visually consistent, clear, and aligned with Nanoleaf's brand identity and guidelines.

• Support the Graphic Designer in maintaining design consistency across all marketing channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on execution and asset creation for digital marketing channels. The mention of "Shopify-related visual content updates" and "e-commerce channels" suggests a need for understanding basic e-commerce design principles and asset delivery for online sales platforms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree or diploma in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related creative field.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, with a focus on digital content creation, internships, or freelance projects.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for digital asset creation.

• Familiarity with Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• A strong understanding of visual design principles, including layout, typography, composition, and visual hierarchy.

• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in design execution and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Ability to manage multiple design tasks and projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines effectively.

• A positive, collaborative attitude and a strong desire to learn and grow within a creative team.

• Portfolio showcasing digital design work, including web graphics, email assets, social media visuals, or marketing campaign materials. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing graphics specifically for email newsletters.

• Familiarity with Shopify or general e-commerce content design principles.

• Basic understanding of digital asset specifications and the principles of responsive design.

• Exposure to motion graphics, GIF creation, or short-form animated content.

• A genuine interest in smart home technology, consumer electronics, interior design, or lifestyle branding.

• Mandarin Chinese language skills (an asset, not required).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical design skills and software proficiency, crucial for a production-focused role. The "Nice-to-Have Skills" section provides excellent guidance for candidates on areas to highlight if they possess them, particularly relating to e-commerce and digital advertising.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of digital design projects demonstrating proficiency in creating assets for web, email, and social media.

• Examples of work that adhere to specific brand guidelines and maintain visual consistency.

• Showcase of ability to adapt designs for various digital platforms and formats.

• Evidence of strong layout, typography, and composition skills applied to marketing content. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated, candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of organized file management and version control for design assets.

• Ability to follow established workflows for asset creation, revision, and delivery.

• Understanding of how design processes integrate with marketing campaign timelines and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary requirement for this role is a strong portfolio. For an entry-level or contract position, the portfolio should highlight practical application of design skills in a marketing context, rather than complex strategic design thinking. Demonstrating organized workflow and file management is key for a production-oriented role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $18 - $20 CAD per hour (estimated based on Toronto market rates for junior/intern graphic design roles, contractually based).

Benefits:

• Opportunity to build a professional portfolio with real-world projects for a global brand.

• Hands-on experience in digital marketing creative production.

• Learning and mentorship from experienced creative and marketing professionals.

• Exposure to a fast-paced, design-driven work environment.

• Centrally located office in downtown Toronto, easily accessible via public transit.

• Potential for future full-time opportunities for high-performing candidates.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring 2 days per week in the Toronto office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on the provided AI data and general market rates for contract/intern graphic designers in Toronto. Benefits are inferred from the "Why Join Nanoleaf?" section, emphasizing growth and learning opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Technology / Smart Home / Lighting & Design. Nanoleaf operates in a rapidly evolving sector, blending technology with interior design to create innovative smart home products. The company's focus on aesthetics and user experience is central to its brand.

Company Size: Nanoleaf is a growing global company with offices in multiple international locations, indicating a dynamic and expanding organizational structure. This suggests opportunities for exposure to various markets and a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Founded: 2012. Nanoleaf has established itself as a significant player in the smart home market, building a global brand through innovation and strategic partnerships. This history suggests a company with a proven track record and a clear vision.

Team Structure:

• The role reports directly to Nanoleaf's Graphic Designer, indicating a hierarchical structure within the creative team.

• Close collaboration with the broader marketing team is expected for day-to-day creative production and campaign support.

• This structure allows for direct mentorship and guidance from a senior creative lead. Methodology:

• Design work is expected to be production-ready and aligned with established brand guidelines, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy.

• Collaboration with marketing ensures that creative output directly supports business objectives and campaign strategies.

• A focus on digital channels means an understanding of asset optimization for web, email, and social media is key.

Company Website: https://nanoleaf.me

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as design-driven, fast-paced, and collaborative, typical of a growing tech company with a strong product aesthetic. The "Why Join Nanoleaf?" section highlights contributions to global campaigns and building a portfolio, suggesting a supportive environment for early-career professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level position, suitable for individuals with 0-2 years of experience, often referred to as a Junior Graphic Designer, Graphic Design Intern, or Contract Designer. The scope is focused on executing design tasks under supervision.

Reporting Structure: The position reports directly to the Graphic Designer, who likely manages the day-to-day creative output and brand consistency. This provides a direct line for feedback, guidance, and skill development.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense of Revenue or Sales Ops, this graphic design position directly impacts the company's Go-To-Market strategy by creating visually compelling assets that support marketing campaigns, product launches, and e-commerce sales. Strong visual assets are crucial for brand perception and customer engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma, and gain practical experience in digital asset production for various marketing channels.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with diverse digital content examples for a global consumer tech brand, showcasing real-world campaign contributions.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into the consumer electronics, smart home, and lifestyle branding sectors, potentially leading to specialization.

• Future Full-Time Potential: High-performing contract or intern designers may be considered for future full-time positions, offering a pathway for career advancement within Nanoleaf.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on skill acquisition and portfolio building, which are critical for early-career designers. The potential for a full-time role is a significant growth opportunity to highlight.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring presence in the Toronto office two days per week. This offers a blend of remote flexibility and in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Downtown Toronto, described as centrally located and steps from Union Station and TTC, making it highly accessible for commuters.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely collaborative, fostering interaction with the Graphic Designer and the broader marketing team.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology is implied, supporting efficient creative production.

• This setup facilitates direct communication, team brainstorming, and a shared understanding of project goals.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (40 hours per week) with a hybrid arrangement. This allows for structured workdays while balancing personal flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and central Toronto location are key selling points for work-life balance and accessibility, important considerations for any professional. The emphasis on being "local to the GTA" or having the ability to commute confirms the importance of physical presence for this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Candidates will submit a resume, portfolio/design samples, availability, and rate expectations (for contract roles).

• Portfolio Showcase: Expect a review of your portfolio, focusing on digital design work, brand consistency, and technical proficiency in required software.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or technical questions to assess proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma, and understanding of layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.

• Interview(s): Discussions with the Graphic Designer and potentially marketing team members to assess creative approach, problem-solving skills, cultural fit, and ability to work within brand guidelines.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest digital design work relevant to web banners, email, social media, and marketing campaigns.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include projects where you successfully followed and applied brand guidelines.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Show examples of how you've adapted designs for different platforms or formats.

• Explain Your Process: For key projects, briefly explain your creative process, challenges, and how your design met the brief.

• Ensure Accessibility: Provide a clear, easily navigable link to your online portfolio.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design choices and process.

• Understand Nanoleaf's brand aesthetic and target audience.

• Research current trends in smart home technology and consumer electronics design.

• Practice articulating how your design skills can support marketing objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes portfolio strength, as is standard for design roles. Providing specific tips for portfolio curation and interview preparation will help candidates present themselves effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, icons, and scalable design elements.

• Figma: Familiarity required for collaborative design, prototyping, and handoff to developers/marketing teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Not directly applicable for this design role, but understanding how digital assets perform (e.g., click-through rates on banners) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Shopify: Basic familiarity with uploading and managing visual content within an e-commerce platform is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are clearly defined. Highlighting Figma is important as it's a modern standard for collaborative UI/UX and digital asset design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Nanoleaf values pushing boundaries in design and technology to create unique consumer experiences.

• Brand Consistency: A strong emphasis on maintaining a cohesive and recognizable brand identity across all touchpoints is paramount.

• Efficiency & Production: For this role, delivering high-quality, production-ready assets on time is a key expectation.

• Collaboration & Learning: The company fosters a team-oriented environment where learning from peers and contributing to collective goals is encouraged.

• Customer Delight: Ultimately, all creative efforts aim to enhance the customer experience and satisfaction with Nanoleaf products.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with marketing managers, product teams, and potentially e-commerce specialists to ensure creative aligns with business objectives.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from the Graphic Designer and marketing team is crucial for iterative design improvements.

• Agile Workflow: Likely involves working within a fast-paced environment with quick turnarounds for marketing campaigns and digital updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasizing Nanoleaf's specific values, such as brand consistency and customer delight, helps candidates understand the underlying principles guiding the creative work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Turnaround Times: The fast-paced nature of digital marketing often requires quick creation and delivery of assets for time-sensitive campaigns.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs strictly adhere to brand guidelines across a multitude of platforms and formats can be challenging.

• Balancing Creativity with Production: Producing high-quality, visually appealing work while meeting strict production requirements and deadlines.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with design trends and platform specifications for optimal digital asset performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Design Software: Gaining advanced practical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma through real-world application.

• Digital Marketing Design Expertise: Developing a strong understanding of designing for specific digital channels (web, email, social, ads).

• E-commerce Design Acumen: Learning the nuances of designing visuals that drive conversions and enhance the online shopping experience.

• Industry Insight: Exposure to the smart home and consumer tech market, understanding how design influences consumer perception and purchasing decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Framing challenges as opportunities for growth helps candidates see the developmental aspect of the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt a design for multiple digital platforms. What was your process?" (Focus on adaptability, understanding of different formats)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with a given brand's visual identity?" (Focus on brand adherence, attention to detail)

• "Walk us through a digital marketing campaign asset you designed. What was the objective, and what was your creative approach?" (Focus on portfolio presentation, strategic thinking) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Nanoleaf's brand and products?" (Demonstrate research, genuine interest)

• "How do you approach receiving constructive criticism on your designs?" (Focus on collaboration, learning mindset)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or fast-paced team environment." (Focus on adaptability, work style) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Relevance: Prioritize projects that best showcase your skills in digital content creation for marketing.

• Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

• Technical Details: Be prepared to briefly discuss file formats, optimization techniques, and any specific technical considerations for digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Providing specific sample questions and presentation strategies tailored to a graphic design role in a marketing context will significantly aid candidate preparation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design position:

• Submit your resume, portfolio (link or attachment), availability, and rate expectations (for contract applicants) through the Nanoleaf careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features digital design work relevant to web banners, email newsletters, social media graphics, and marketing campaigns. Tailor any case studies to highlight your process and results in these areas.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma. Highlight any experience with Shopify, e-commerce visuals, or digital asset production. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Created 50+ social media graphics per month").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and demonstrating how your skills align with Nanoleaf's brand and marketing needs. Be ready to discuss your availability and hourly/project rate expectations.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Nanoleaf's products, brand aesthetic, website, and social media presence. Understand their target audience and current marketing initiatives to better tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.