Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: 16 On Center

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-02

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead visual asset creation for a diverse portfolio of live music venues, restaurants, bars, and food halls, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.

• Manage a dynamic request queue, prioritizing and executing design projects for marketing materials, branding initiatives, signage, and digital content.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including leadership, property management, marketing professionals, and IT to bring creative visions to life.

• Partner with vendors for production and installation of physical assets, including signage and vinyl graphics, ensuring quality and adherence to brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the "Creative & Design Operations" category, bridging creative output with operational execution for a multi-faceted hospitality and entertainment company. The responsibilities emphasize not just design but also project management and vendor coordination, crucial for GTM and operational success in a branded environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute a wide range of creative projects including advertisements, menus, signage, branding materials, and larger-scale creative initiatives for multiple properties.

• Develop visual assets for marketing campaigns, social media content, website updates, and other digital platforms, maintaining brand integrity.

• Assist with production responsibilities, including liaising with vendors, managing material orders, and overseeing the installation of vinyl graphics and signage.

• Provide on-site creative support for property-specific projects and installations, ensuring seamless integration with brand standards and overall creative vision.

• Manage multiple design projects for internal clients efficiently, maintaining organization, attention to detail, and transparent project communication through designated project management tools.

• Collaborate closely with 16 On Center leadership, property management teams, music marketing professionals, and fellow graphic designers to foster cohesive creative strategies.

• Partner with IT, Creative, and Marketing teams to ensure brand consistency across websites, digital signage, and other digital touchpoints.

• Support the development and execution of branding initiatives for new concepts, events, and existing properties, contributing to strategic brand evolution.

• Produce a high volume of design work while rigorously maintaining quality, accuracy, and meticulous attention to detail.

• Manage an evolving request queue, effectively communicating timelines and deadlines to stakeholders and ensuring transparent project progress updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational management. The emphasis on vendor management, installation support, and managing a high-volume request queue points to a need for strong process adherence and project coordination skills, common in operational roles supporting GTM functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent practical work experience.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a Graphic Designer role, with a preference for backgrounds in marketing, hospitality, live music, or related creative industries.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, for creating and manipulating digital and print assets.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating creativity, organizational skills, and the ability to articulate design decisions and their strategic rationale.

• Adeptness in drawing and sketching, coupled with a solid understanding of fundamental design principles including layout, color theory, grid systems, and typography.

• Ability to effectively work within established brand guidelines while also proactively proposing innovative creative solutions and pushing design boundaries.

• Demonstrated experience in both digital and print mediums, with the capacity to recommend appropriate formats, specifications, and production methods for various projects.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse cross-functional teams, external partners, and vendors.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with After Effects, digital animation software, or similar motion graphics tools for dynamic content creation.

• Familiarity with project management tools such as Basecamp for tracking requests, timelines, and communication.

• Knowledge of or experience within the music venue, hospitality, and live events industries, providing industry-specific design context.

• Passion for delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences, aligning design work with customer and team member engagement goals.

• Comfort with physical aspects of the job, including occasional movement between locations and lifting of marketing materials or signage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, a strong portfolio, and understanding of design principles are standard for design roles. However, the preference for experience in hospitality/music, alongside skills in vendor management and project tracking tools like Basecamp, suggests a need for operational acumen to support a multi-brand GTM strategy effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of visual identity development and brand consistency across multiple concepts or properties.

• Showcase projects that required balancing creative execution with specific project requirements, deadlines, and stakeholder feedback.

• Include examples of both digital assets (e.g., social media graphics, web banners) and print materials (e.g., menus, flyers, signage).

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you manage and prioritize a high volume of design requests, illustrating your workflow and organization methods.

• Showcase projects where you successfully navigated existing brand guidelines while introducing fresh creative concepts.

• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders.

• Detail any experience with production processes, including working with printers, sign makers, or other relevant vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role that blends creative and operational tasks, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic quality but also the candidate's ability to manage processes, collaborate effectively, and deliver results within a business context. Demonstrating experience with production and vendor management is key for this role's operational demands.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $68,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance with employer contribution.

• Voluntary Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, Accident, and Hospital coverage options.

• Employer-paid Life Insurance and optional Voluntary Life Insurance.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Parental Leave after one year of service, supporting work-life balance.

• Transit and Parking Program to assist with commuting costs in Chicago.

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) to promote flexibility and employee well-being.

Working Hours: Full-time, Exempt position. A hybrid schedule is expected, with regular in-office days required for collaboration and operational tasks. The typical working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with standard business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Graphic Designer role with 2-5 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Chicago. The hybrid work arrangement and unlimited PTO are attractive benefits that balance operational needs with employee flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality & Live Entertainment (Live Music Venues, Restaurants, Bars, Food Halls).

Company Size: 16 On Center operates multiple venues and concepts across Chicago and New York, indicating a mid-to-large sized organization with a significant operational footprint.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company is described as one of the country's leading independent promoters, suggesting established experience and a strong market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative team, reporting to leadership within that department.

• This role involves significant cross-functional collaboration with property management teams, marketing professionals, IT, and leadership across various concepts.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a data-driven approach to service and operations, aiming for effective marketing and customer experience.

• Workflow planning and optimization are evident in the need for efficient project management and vendor coordination to support a high volume of diverse projects.

• Automation and efficiency are likely encouraged through the use of project management tools and streamlined design processes to maintain brand consistency across many locations.

Company Website: https://www.16oncenterchicago.com/ (Based on domain derived, actual URL may vary)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's multi-concept, multi-location structure suggests a need for adaptable and scalable creative operations. The culture likely values individuals who can manage diverse brand identities and collaborate effectively across a complex organization, particularly in the fast-paced hospitality and entertainment sectors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It offers a blend of creative execution and operational responsibility, serving as a potential stepping stone to more senior design or creative management roles.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to leadership within the Creative team. However, they will also work closely with and receive project briefs from various property management teams and marketing professionals, indicating a matrixed reporting or strong cross-functional advisory structure.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, and marketing effectiveness across all 16 On Center properties. High-quality, consistent visual assets are crucial for driving foot traffic, promoting events, and building brand loyalty in the competitive hospitality and entertainment markets. Efficient design operations contribute to cost savings through effective vendor management and timely project delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in specific areas like branding for hospitality, event promotion design, or digital marketing assets.

• Leadership: Potential to advance to a Senior Graphic Designer or Creative Lead role, overseeing projects and potentially mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gaining experience in project management, vendor relations, and marketing strategy through close collaboration with other departments.

• Industry Exposure: Deepening understanding of the music, hospitality, and live events industries, which can lead to specialized career paths within these sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential by embedding a designer within a dynamic operations environment. The exposure to multiple brands and operational facets provides a unique opportunity to build a robust portfolio and develop skills beyond pure design, preparing them for leadership roles in creative operations or brand management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company utilizes a hybrid work model, indicating a combination of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a modern office setup designed to facilitate collaboration on designated office days.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Chicago, IL, with potential for travel to various company locations, venues, and event spaces. Specific office details are not provided, but the operational hub is likely in Chicago.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model and collaborative nature of the role suggest a workspace that encourages interaction and team-based problem-solving on in-office days.

• Access to standard design software and hardware is expected, along with potential for project management tools and communication platforms.

• Opportunities for interaction with fellow creatives, marketing teams, and property management will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, exempt, with a hybrid schedule. While specific daily hours are not dictated, the expectation is around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through unlimited PTO, balanced against the need for consistent in-office collaboration and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment requires self-discipline and strong remote communication skills, alongside the ability to be present and engaged for in-office collaborations. This model is common for creative roles supporting distributed operational teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios by the hiring team to assess basic qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design decisions, and how their skills align with the company's needs and brand diversity.

• Skills Assessment: A potential practical design exercise or case study focusing on creating assets for one of the company's brands or solving a specific design challenge.

• Manager/Team Interviews: Interviews with the Creative Director, marketing leads, and potentially property managers to evaluate collaboration, communication, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview with senior leadership to confirm suitability for the role and discuss compensation/benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 strong projects that showcase versatility across different brands (hospitality, music, food/beverage) and mediums (print, digital, signage).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, the challenges faced, and the measurable impact or outcome. Use case study formats to demonstrate operational thinking.

• Highlight Brand Adaptability: Emphasize how you've worked within or evolved brand guidelines for diverse concepts.

• Showcase Production Knowledge: Include examples that demonstrate your understanding of print specifications, vendor coordination, or installation considerations.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and any experience with animation, project management tools, or specific production methods.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brands: Research 16 On Center's various venues and concepts to grasp their unique visual identities and target audiences.

• Think Operationally: If given a design challenge, consider not just aesthetics but also production feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and integration with marketing objectives.

• Practice Articulation: Be prepared to clearly explain your design choices and justify your approach, especially concerning brand alignment and operational constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on a candidate's ability to translate creative vision into tangible assets that support business objectives across a diverse portfolio. The portfolio review is critical for demonstrating not just artistic skill but also operational thinking and brand management capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and detailed illustrations. Essential for scalable brand assets.

• Adobe InDesign: For page layout and design of marketing materials, menus, signage, and publications. Critical for print production.

• Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creation of digital assets like social media graphics and web banners.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Basecamp (Preferred): Experience with project management and collaboration tools like Basecamp is a plus for managing requests, timelines, and team communication efficiently.

• Other Project Management Tools: Familiarity with similar platforms (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) is transferable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite is fundamental. Experience with project management software like Basecamp is highly valued, indicating a need for candidates who can integrate their creative work into structured operational workflows and communicate effectively within a project management framework.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and pushing creative boundaries while respecting brand identity.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams work together seamlessly.

• Efficiency & Organization: Valuing meticulous attention to detail, strong project management, and timely delivery of high-quality work.

• Customer Focus: A commitment to creating memorable experiences for patrons and contributing to the success of the company's hospitality and entertainment concepts.

• Adaptability: Embracing the dynamic nature of the hospitality and live events industries, responding effectively to evolving needs and projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with marketing, IT, and property management to ensure design aligns with overall business goals and operational realities.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to constructive criticism and iterative design processes to achieve optimal results.

• Transparent Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, timelines, and potential challenges.

• Brand Stewardship: Acting as a guardian of brand identity across all visual touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a results-oriented approach where creativity is a tool to drive business success in the competitive hospitality and entertainment sectors. Collaboration is key given the diverse portfolio and need for integrated GTM strategies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Brand Diversity Management: Effectively managing and creating distinct visual identities for a wide array of concepts (music venues, restaurants, bars, food halls) while maintaining overall company coherence.

• High Volume & Fast Pace: Juggling numerous projects simultaneously in a fast-paced industry where deadlines can be tight and priorities can shift rapidly.

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Constraints: Innovating visually while adhering to established brand guidelines and operational requirements.

• Production & Vendor Coordination: Ensuring smooth execution of physical assets, which involves managing external vendors and potential on-site challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to refine skills in specific design areas or explore new software and techniques relevant to the industry.

• Brand Strategy Exposure: Deepen understanding of brand development, marketing strategies, and their impact on the hospitality and entertainment sectors.

• Project Management Acumen: Develop robust project management and organizational skills through daily task management and collaboration.

• Industry Insight: Gain invaluable experience within the live music, restaurant, and bar industries, which can open doors to specialized career paths.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a designer supporting a multi-brand organization in a dynamic industry. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to develop a well-rounded skill set that extends beyond pure design into operational and strategic areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create visual assets for multiple brands with distinct identities. How did you maintain consistency while differentiating each brand?" (Assesses brand management and strategic thinking.)

• "Walk us through your process for managing a high volume of design requests with competing deadlines. How do you prioritize and communicate timelines?" (Evaluates project management and operational efficiency.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about 16 On Center and our diverse portfolio of venues and concepts?" (Assesses research and genuine interest.)

• "How would you contribute to our team culture, which values collaboration and a fast-paced environment?" (Gauges cultural fit and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your solution, the design process, and the outcome. Use visuals to illustrate key stages.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, highlight any metrics or results tied to your designs (e.g., increased social media engagement, successful event promotion).

• Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase a range of work that highlights your ability to design for different brands, mediums, and purposes relevant to 16 On Center's operations.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any experience with specific production techniques or project management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also strong operational skills, such as project management, stakeholder communication, and an understanding of business objectives within the hospitality and entertainment sectors.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate experience with diverse brands, print and digital mediums, and any vendor coordination or production management. Showcase 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant pieces.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any relevant industry experience (hospitality, music, marketing). Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative decisions, and how you manage projects and collaborate with teams. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with 16 On Center's various venues and concepts. Understand their brand identities and operational scope to better align your responses with their needs.

⚠️ 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.