Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: CRAFTS GROUP LLC Location: Vancouver, WA, US Job Type: Regular Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Date Posted: 2026-05-18T23:23:00 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute on-brand, mobile-responsive email campaigns and digital assets for a portfolio of craft brands.
• Produce print-ready files for a variety of marketing materials, including catalogs, packaging inserts, flyers, and signage.
• Apply and maintain brand guidelines consistently across all design touchpoints to ensure brand integrity.
• Collaborate closely with marketing and copywriting teams to translate creative briefs into compelling visual designs.
• Develop and animate GIFs and other digital assets to enhance campaign engagement and bring creative concepts to life.
• Maintain organized file structures and version control for seamless project handoffs and efficient workflow management.
• Conduct thorough quality assurance checks on all design work, ensuring accuracy in copy, color, bleed, and dimensions.
• Participate in design reviews, support A/B creative testing initiatives, and contribute insights into design performance and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for an entry-level Graphic Designer with a focus on both digital (email) and print design. The company, CRAFTS GROUP LLC, operates within the crafting industry, managing several well-known brands. The role emphasizes hands-on creative ownership, cross-functional collaboration, and growth within a creative team environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and build visually appealing, mobile-responsive email templates and campaign assets that align with brand identity and marketing objectives.
• Create high-quality, print-ready files for diverse marketing collateral such as catalogs, packaging inserts, flyers, and in-store signage, adhering to production specifications.
• Ensure consistent application of brand guidelines across all creative outputs for multiple craft brands, maintaining a unified brand experience.
• Partner with marketing and copy teams to interpret creative briefs, conceptualize design solutions, and deliver assets that effectively communicate campaign messages.
• Develop and animate engaging GIFs and other dynamic digital assets to enhance online campaigns and social media presence.
• Implement and maintain rigorous file management practices, including clean folder structures and version control, to facilitate efficient collaboration and asset retrieval.
• Perform detailed quality assurance (QA) on all outgoing designs, meticulously checking for errors in typography, imagery, copy, color profiles (CMYK/RGB), bleed, and dimensions before final submission.
• Actively participate in design critique sessions, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to A/B testing strategies for creative elements to optimize campaign performance.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and applying new design techniques and industry best practices in both digital and print design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of digital and print design execution, with a strong emphasis on brand consistency and collaborative workflow. The inclusion of QA and A/B testing participation suggests an environment that values data-informed design decisions and meticulous execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related creative field is often preferred for entry-level positions. Equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio can also be considered. Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, with a demonstrated ability to produce both digital and print design work. This can include internships, freelance projects, or significant academic projects.

Required Skills:

• A strong, demonstrable portfolio showcasing proficiency in both email design and print collateral creation. Student, freelance, or personal projects are acceptable.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically:
  • Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and logo design.
  • Adobe Photoshop for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe InDesign for layout design and print production.
  • Adobe After Effects for motion graphics and animation.
• Solid understanding of fundamental design principles, including typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, composition, and balance.
• Working knowledge of email design best practices, including mobile rendering capabilities, image-to-text ratio optimization, and file size considerations for deliverability.
• Comprehension of print production requirements, such as bleed, trim, crop marks, color modes (CMYK vs. RGB), resolution standards, and basic preflight procedures.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a keen eye for detail, enabling the management of multiple projects simultaneously and adherence to strict deadlines.
• Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate design rationale and present work effectively to various stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic video editing skills for creating short promotional clips or social media content.
• Familiarity with HTML/CSS as it pertains to email design and deployment, aiding in understanding technical constraints.
• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello) for tracking project progress and deadlines.
• A genuine interest in crafting, fiber arts, or the maker community, which can inform and enhance design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that includes both email and print work, coupled with specific Adobe Creative Suite requirements, defines the core technical qualifications. The "preferred skills" suggest areas where an incoming candidate could quickly add value or accelerate their development within the team.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects that clearly demonstrates capabilities in both digital (email campaigns, social media graphics, GIFs) and print (brochures, flyers, packaging, signage) design.
• Case studies for at least 2-3 key projects, detailing the design challenge, your creative process, the tools used, and the final outcome.
• Specific examples of email designs that highlight mobile responsiveness and effective visual hierarchy.
• Print design samples that showcase understanding of layout, typography, color, and print production considerations (e.g., mock-ups with bleed and trim).
• Evidence of ability to apply and maintain brand guidelines consistently across different projects and brands.

Process Documentation:

• Include examples of how you approach project briefs, translate them into design concepts, and iterate based on feedback.
• Showcase your file management system, demonstrating how you organize and version control design assets for efficient collaboration.
• If possible, provide examples of how you've QA'd your work or participated in testing to improve design outcomes.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the workflow from initial concept to final asset delivery for both digital and print channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on showcasing a breadth of skills across digital and print, demonstrating process thinking, and proving an understanding of practical design execution, including brand consistency and technical requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 per year. This is a target annual salary for this entry-level Graphic Designer position in Vancouver, WA. The range is set based on industry benchmarks for junior graphic design roles in the Pacific Northwest region, considering the specific skill set required (email and print design, Adobe Suite proficiency) and the company's stated salary offering.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match, supporting long-term financial planning.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, allowing for rest and rejuvenation.
• Paid parental leave to support new parents during this significant life event.
• Exclusive employee discounts across all Local Crafts Group brands (Connecting Threads, Superior Threads, Knit Picks, Crochet.com, Jimmy Beans Wool, Berroco), offering significant savings on crafting supplies.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week.
• This is a hybrid role, requiring 3 days per week in the Vancouver, WA office, with flexibility on which days are worked remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated, which is helpful for candidates. The benefits package is comprehensive and includes unique perks relevant to the company's industry (crafting discounts). The hybrid work arrangement is clearly defined, including the required in-office days.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates in the Crafting and Hobby industry, specifically focusing on the design, curation, and retail of fabrics, threads, yarns, and tools for makers. They manage a portfolio of well-established brands in this niche. Company Size: The provided information does not explicitly state the company size, but managing multiple distinct brands suggests a mid-to-large sized organization within the industry. Founded: The founding date is not provided. However, the existence of multiple established brands implies a history of growth and market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Senior Creative Manager, indicating a clear reporting line within a creative department.
• The role involves collaboration with marketing and copywriting teams, suggesting a cross-functional team structure common in marketing departments.
• The creative team likely includes other designers, potentially specialists in areas like web design, branding, or packaging, fostering a collaborative environment focused on brand development.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a data-driven approach to design, evidenced by the mention of A/B creative testing and a desire for designers to be curious about performance ("what works and why").
• There's a focus on process and quality, with requirements for file management, QA, and attention to detail.
• The culture encourages ownership, feedback, and continuous learning, aiming to improve both individual skills and team output.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=437862c9-0faf-4289-ab26-fb2a132cf647&ccId=9201384837940_3 (This is an ADP recruitment portal link, not the direct company website. The company's brands mentioned, like Knit Picks and Crochet.com, likely have their own websites, and a parent company site might exist.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on the crafting industry is a key differentiator. The culture described emphasizes collaboration, data-informed decisions, and a strong commitment to quality and brand integrity. The structure implies a supportive environment for a junior designer to learn and grow.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level Graphic Designer role (0-2 years of experience). It is designed for individuals beginning their professional careers in design, offering foundational experience across multiple design disciplines (digital and print). Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to a Senior Creative Manager, providing mentorship and guidance. This structure is typical for junior roles, offering a clear path for learning and development under experienced leadership. Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and customer engagement across various channels. High-quality, on-brand designs are crucial for driving sales and building brand loyalty within the crafting community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects) and gain practical experience in email design best practices, mobile responsiveness, and print production workflows.
• Brand Exposure: Work across a diverse portfolio of established craft brands, gaining experience in tailoring design to different brand identities and target audiences within the maker community.
• Cross-functional Learning: Collaborate with marketing, copywriting, and potentially product teams, understanding the broader Go-To-Market strategy and how design contributes to business objectives.
• Mentorship: Receive guidance from a Senior Creative Manager, fostering professional growth and career advancement within the design field.
• Potential for Specialization: Over time, could lead to specializing in digital design, print production, motion graphics, or brand management, depending on interest and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement, brand exposure, and cross-functional understanding, common for entry-level creative roles. The "operations impact" is reframed to highlight how design contributes to business success, aligning with the broader GTM context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning a mix of in-office and remote work. The company provides an office environment for collaboration and specific tasks, while also allowing for remote work flexibility. Office Location(s): The primary office location is Vancouver, WA. Specific details about the office layout or amenities are not provided, but it serves as the hub for the 3 required in-office days.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The 3 in-office days are designed for collaboration, team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and direct interaction with the Senior Creative Manager and other marketing/creative team members.
• Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially company-provided hardware or a robust IT infrastructure for both in-office and remote work.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model balances focused individual work (potentially done remotely) with team-based activities and idea exchange that occur in the office.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature allows for flexibility in structuring the remote workdays, though in-office days will be structured around team needs and collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring self-discipline for remote days and active participation during in-office days for collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of submitted resumes and portfolios by an HR or recruiting team. Candidates must ensure their portfolio clearly highlights relevant skills.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Senior Creative Manager to assess design skills, creative thinking, understanding of design principles, and cultural fit. Portfolio walkthrough is expected.
• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a small design exercise or a take-home assignment to evaluate their practical design abilities, problem-solving skills, and adherence to brand guidelines under a time constraint.
• Cross-functional/Team Interview: Potentially meet with members of the marketing or copywriting teams to assess collaboration and communication skills.
• Final Interview: May involve a final review with a department head or HR to discuss compensation, benefits, and confirm suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest 5-7 projects that best represent the required skills (email and print).
• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process, challenges faced, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio explicitly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, understanding of email design constraints, and print production knowledge.
• Organize Clearly: Use clear navigation and labeling. If possible, create a dedicated section for email design and another for print work.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio website or PDF is well-designed, error-free, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and dissect any design challenge brief. Identify key objectives, target audience, and constraints.
• Brand Consistency: If a brand is provided, thoroughly research it (if not already familiar) and ensure your design aligns with its established visual identity.
• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a simulated timeframe, prioritizing crucial elements.
• Clear Rationale: Be prepared to articulate the design decisions you made, explaining why you chose specific colors, typography, layouts, and imagery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is standard for creative roles, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio. The tips focus on practical advice for presenting work and preparing for potential design challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and brand elements.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, retouching, digital compositing, and creating digital assets.
  • InDesign: For page layout, brochure design, catalog creation, and print collateral production.
  • After Effects: For motion graphics, animated GIFs, and simple video editing.
• Email Design Platforms: While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency in using or understanding the constraints of common email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Klaviyo, or internal proprietary systems) is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with or understanding of how design elements are tested and analyzed for performance. This might involve using built-in platform analytics or dedicated A/B testing software.
• Web Analytics (Basic Understanding): Familiarity with how digital assets contribute to website traffic, engagement, and conversion, even if not directly using tools like Google Analytics.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms (Conceptual): Understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation workflows for email campaigns is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is clearly defined by the Adobe Creative Suite. The mention of A/B testing and email design implies an understanding of performance-driven creative work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A strong emphasis on producing high-quality work, reflecting the company's roots in the crafting industry. This translates to attention to detail and a commitment to excellence in design.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: The hybrid environment and cross-functional responsibilities highlight the importance of working effectively with others, sharing ideas, and contributing to a collective goal.
• Curiosity & Learning: The company encourages a mindset of continuous improvement, asking designers to be curious about performance and open to feedback.
• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's work, proactively following through on tasks, and flagging issues before they escalate.
• Passion for Craft: A genuine interest in the crafting world is valued, suggesting that employees who connect with the company's mission and products will likely thrive.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with marketing and copy teams, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate diverse inputs into cohesive visual solutions.
• Feedback-Driven: The culture embraces design reviews and feedback as essential tools for growth and improvement, necessitating an open and receptive attitude.
• Knowledge Sharing: The team environment likely encourages sharing best practices, new techniques, and insights, especially with the hybrid model promoting both focused individual work and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style emphasize a blend of creative excellence, teamwork, and a passion for the company's industry. This suggests a supportive yet results-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Digital & Print Demands: Effectively managing the distinct requirements and workflows for both email design and print production simultaneously.
• Brand Consistency Across Portfolio: Maintaining individuality for multiple craft brands while ensuring all designs adhere to overarching company quality standards and brand guidelines.
• Adapting to Feedback: Processing and implementing constructive criticism from various stakeholders to refine designs, especially for an entry-level role.
• Staying Current: Keeping up with evolving design trends, email marketing best practices, and print technology advancements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Skills: Opportunity to master advanced features within Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects for animation and potentially exploring other design tools.
• Email Marketing Expertise: Deepen understanding of email marketing platforms, HTML/CSS for email, and conversion optimization strategies through design.
• Print Production Workflow: Gain hands-on experience with print vendor interactions, file preparation, and quality control for physical marketing materials.
• Brand Strategy: Learn how design contributes to broader brand positioning and marketing campaigns for established consumer brands.
• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from a Senior Creative Manager, fostering professional development and career trajectory within the design field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a junior designer expanding their skillset. The growth opportunities are framed around acquiring specialized knowledge and practical experience within the company's specific industry context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project from your portfolio where you had to balance creative execution with specific technical constraints (e.g., email rendering, print specs). How did you approach it?" (Focus on problem-solving and technical understanding).
• "How do you approach receiving and implementing feedback on your designs, especially when it differs from your initial vision?" (Assess receptiveness to critique and collaborative spirit).
• "Imagine you're given a brief for a new product launch email for one of our craft brands. What are the first steps you would take, and what information would you seek?" (Evaluate process, strategic thinking, and brand alignment).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a company focused on the crafting industry, and specifically for CRAFTS GROUP LLC's brands?" (Gauge genuine interest and cultural fit).
• "How do you stay organized when managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Assess organizational skills and time management).
• "Can you share an example of when you had to adapt your design based on A/B testing results or performance data?" (If applicable, or discuss willingness to learn/apply data).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project or by skill (e.g., email, print).
• Highlight Process: For each key project, walk through the problem, your solution, the tools used, and the outcome. Visuals are key.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for entry-level, if a project had measurable success (e.g., in a student project), mention it. For this role, focus on demonstrating understanding of potential impact.
• Address Requirements: Explicitly point out how your work demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Suite, email design, and print production knowledge.
• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time; focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are tailored to assess the core competencies and cultural fit for this specific Graphic Designer role, emphasizing practical application, collaboration, and industry interest.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP recruitment link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant skills such as Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, email design, print production knowledge, and any experience with the crafting industry. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of both email and print design work. Organize it clearly and be ready to present key projects.
• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Be ready to demonstrate your design skills through a potential take-home assignment or in-person exercise, focusing on brand consistency and technical execution.
• Research CRAFTS GROUP LLC and its Brands: Familiarize yourself with Connecting Threads, Superior Threads, Knit Picks, Crochet.com, Jimmy Beans Wool, and Berroco to understand their brand identities and target audiences.

⚠️ 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.