GRAPHIC DESIGNER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: DHI CORP (Design House®)

Location: Mequon, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: Contract-to-Hire

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: October 22, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 Years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in-office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design compelling visual content across digital and print channels to enhance brand presence and engage target audiences.

• Develop on-brand visual assets for web, social media, email campaigns, and marketing collateral.

• Create impactful imagery and layouts for eCommerce product listings and online platforms.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, product, and sales teams to ensure cohesive brand execution and strategic alignment.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to production-ready file standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while primarily focused on graphic design, operates within a marketing and product context, bridging creative execution with business objectives. The hybrid nature and contract-to-hire structure suggest a need for adaptability and a proven ability to integrate into established teams. The emphasis on eCommerce and consumer goods indicates a requirement for understanding market trends and consumer engagement through visual design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce eye-catching visual assets for digital marketing campaigns, including social media posts, email newsletters, banner ads, and website graphics.

• Develop and execute print design projects such as packaging, labels, product catalogs, brochures, and sell sheets, ensuring brand consistency and print-readiness.

• Create engaging imagery and optimized layouts for product listings on various eCommerce platforms, focusing on conversion and user experience.

• Collaborate closely with marketing managers, product development teams, and sales representatives to translate project briefs into effective visual solutions.

• Manage the end-to-end design process for multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing tasks, and meeting strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Prepare final production-ready artwork, including pre-press checks, color correction, and file formatting, and liaise with external print vendors to ensure high-quality output and accuracy.

• Maintain and evolve brand guidelines, contributing to creative brainstorming sessions and proposing innovative design solutions to enhance brand perception and market reach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can not only execute creative briefs but also understand the strategic intent behind the visuals, particularly in relation to marketing objectives, product presentation, and sales enablement. The mention of "print-ready files" and "working with vendors" points to the importance of technical print production knowledge.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a preference for candidates with a background in consumer goods, retail, or eCommerce industries.

Required Skills:

• Advanced Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert command of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Strong Understanding of Design Principles: Demonstrated expertise in layout, typography, color theory, and photography principles.

• Digital Asset Creation: Proven ability to design compelling visuals for web, social media platforms, email marketing campaigns, and digital advertising.

• Print Production Knowledge: Experience designing for print, including packaging, labels, and marketing collateral, with an understanding of pre-press requirements and vendor collaboration.

• Brand Consistency Management: Ability to interpret and consistently apply brand guidelines across all design outputs.

• Project Management & Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines consistently.

• Communication & Collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy in all aspects from initial concept to final file delivery.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic Video Editing Skills: Familiarity with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects) for creating short promotional clips or social media content.

• eCommerce Platform Design: Experience in designing product imagery and layouts optimized for major eCommerce platforms (e.g., Amazon, Shopify, Wayfair).

• AI Tool Integration: Interest in or experience utilizing Artificial Intelligence tools to enhance content creation efficiency.

• PIM/DAM & Metadata Tagging: Familiarity with Product Information Management (PIM) or Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems and metadata tagging for efficient asset organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "preferred skills" indicate areas where the company is looking for candidates with a forward-thinking approach and a willingness to adopt new technologies. Experience with PIM/DAM systems is particularly valuable in a consumer goods context where managing extensive product catalogs is crucial for GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects that demonstrate proficiency across digital and print design.

• Include examples of work created for eCommerce platforms, highlighting an understanding of product presentation and conversion optimization.

• Present case studies of projects that required collaboration with marketing, sales, or product teams, detailing your role and contributions.

• Feature examples of packaging or label design, illustrating attention to detail in production-ready file preparation.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have managed design projects from brief to final delivery, including any process improvements you implemented.

• Include examples of how you collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve design objectives, detailing communication strategies.

• Showcase your approach to ensuring print quality and accuracy when working with external vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to not only showcase creative talent but also demonstrate practical application in a commercial environment, particularly within eCommerce and consumer goods. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design choices and the process followed is as important as the final design itself.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in the Mequon, WI area, and considering the hybrid, contract-to-hire nature of the role, a competitive hourly rate or salary range would typically fall between $25-$35 per hour or an annual equivalent of $52,000 - $73,000. This estimate is based on data from similar roles in the Midwest region, factoring in the cost of living and demand for skilled creative professionals.

Benefits (During Contract Phase):

• Potential for conversion to full-time employment with comprehensive benefits package.

• Hybrid work schedule offering flexibility and work-life balance.

• Exposure to a growing home décor brand and collaborative team environment.

Benefits (Upon Full-Time Conversion - Assumed):

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Opportunities for Professional Development and Training

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement requires 2 days per week in the Mequon office, with flexibility for remote work on other days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for the contract-to-hire phase. Full-time benefits would be contingent upon successful conversion. The hybrid schedule is a key component of the compensation package, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Goods / Consumer Products / Retail. Design House® operates within the competitive home décor market, focusing on providing affordable, quality products for various home spaces.

Company Size: DHI CORP (Design House®) is a well-established company with a history dating back to 1872. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, its longevity and broad product offering suggest a significant operational footprint. The marketing team is described as "growing," indicating a dynamic and evolving department.

Founded: 1872. This extensive history provides a stable foundation and a deep understanding of the consumer market, suggesting a company culture that values experience, reliability, and long-term growth.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will join a "growing marketing team," implying a collaborative and potentially expanding departmental structure.

• This role will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, working closely with other marketing specialists, product managers, and sales teams.

Methodology:

• Design decisions are expected to be "on-brand" and "engaging," suggesting a data-informed yet creatively driven approach.

• The emphasis on eCommerce and product listings implies a focus on performance metrics and conversion rates in design outcomes.

• Collaboration with sales and product teams indicates an integrated go-to-market (GTM) strategy where creative assets directly support business objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history implies a stable, potentially traditional environment, but the "growing marketing team" and emphasis on eCommerce suggest a willingness to adapt and innovate. The designer will need to balance brand heritage with modern digital marketing demands.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Graphic Designer. This role is positioned for individuals with foundational professional experience who can independently manage design tasks and contribute meaningfully to marketing initiatives. It's a step beyond junior roles, requiring self-direction and project ownership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or a Creative Lead within the marketing department. They will collaborate extensively with peers in marketing, product development, and sales, but their primary reporting line will be within the creative function.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's brand perception, customer engagement, and ultimately, sales performance. High-quality visual assets for eCommerce, marketing collateral, and digital campaigns are crucial for driving traffic, conversions, and customer loyalty in the consumer goods sector. The ability to translate product features into visually appealing benefits is a key contribution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Contract-to-Full-Time Conversion: The primary immediate growth opportunity is transitioning from a contract role to a permanent position, offering greater job security and access to a full benefits package.

• Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in areas like eCommerce design, packaging design, or digital marketing asset creation. The mention of video editing and AI tools suggests opportunities to learn and integrate new skills.

• Increased Responsibility: As the marketing team grows, there may be opportunities to take on more complex design projects, lead specific creative initiatives, or mentor junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working closely with product and sales teams can provide insights into other areas of the business, potentially opening paths for broader career development within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The contract-to-hire model offers a clear pathway for growth if performance meets expectations. The company's focus on a "growing marketing team" suggests that individuals who can demonstrate value and adaptability are likely to find opportunities for advancement and skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Environment. This role combines remote work flexibility with in-office collaboration, requiring two days per week at the Mequon office.

Office Location(s): 5205 W Donges Bay Rd, Mequon, WI 53092. This location in Mequon, Wisconsin, is the primary site for in-office collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The two in-office days are intended for direct collaboration, team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and fostering a strong team dynamic. This setup supports a blend of focused individual work and interactive group efforts.

• Tools & Technology: The role necessitates proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud. Access to necessary hardware, software, and potentially design-specific peripherals will be provided or expected as part of the setup for both remote and in-office work.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model requires proactive communication and engagement during in-office days to maximize face-to-face interaction with marketing, product, and sales teams. Remote days will rely on digital communication tools.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility on which days are worked remotely, provided the two mandatory in-office days are met weekly. This structure supports efficient workflow management for both design tasks and collaborative activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a structured hybrid schedule and possess the self-discipline to be productive both remotely and in the office. The emphasis on "in-office collaboration" suggests that team cohesion and direct interaction are highly valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and a brief introductory call to assess basic qualifications and interest.

2. Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A more in-depth discussion focusing on your portfolio. Expect questions about your design process, decision-making, and experience with relevant software and project types. This may include a technical assessment or a short design challenge.

3. Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from marketing, product, and sales teams to evaluate your collaboration skills, understanding of their needs, and ability to integrate into the broader GTM strategy.

4. Final Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or senior leader to discuss cultural fit, long-term potential, and confirm details of the contract-to-hire arrangement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best align with the requirements: eCommerce, consumer goods, packaging, digital marketing, and print collateral.

• Tell a Story: For each project, be prepared to discuss the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, your problem-solving approach, the tools used, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, improved product perception).

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase projects where you worked effectively with other teams. Explain how you incorporated feedback and ensured brand consistency.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your command of Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant software. If you have video editing or AI tool experience, highlight it.

• Prepare for "Why": Articulate why you made specific design choices. Connect your design decisions to business objectives like brand enhancement, customer engagement, or sales support.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a design challenge that might involve creating a social media graphic, an email banner, or a conceptual layout for a product listing, often with a tight deadline.

• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the Design House® brand and target audience.

• Be prepared to present your solution, explaining your rationale and how it meets the prompt's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also the candidate's ability to integrate into a collaborative team and contribute to business goals. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates process, collaboration, and results is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

• Adobe Premiere Pro / After Effects (Preferred): Basic video editing capabilities for social media content or promotional clips.

eCommerce & Asset Management:

• Product Information Management (PIM) / Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems (Preferred): Familiarity with systems used to manage product data and digital assets is a plus.

• Metadata Tagging: Understanding the importance and application of metadata for asset organization and searchability.

Collaboration & Productivity Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: Standard productivity tools for communication and document creation.

• **Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com - Assumed):**Likely utilized for task tracking and project workflow management.Emerging Technologies:-Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Content Creation (Interest/Ability): Openness to leveraging AI tools to streamline design workflows and enhance productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud. However, familiarity with PIM/DAM systems and an openness to AI tools suggest that the company is looking for a designer who is not only technically skilled but also forward-thinking and adaptable to evolving design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce visually compelling and original designs that capture attention and resonate with consumers.

• Brand Integrity: A deep respect for and commitment to maintaining and evolving the Design House® brand standards across all platforms.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A proactive approach to working with others, sharing ideas, and contributing to a positive and productive team environment.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A focus on delivering high-quality work on time, utilizing effective design processes and potentially new technologies to optimize output.

• Customer Focus: Designing with the end consumer in mind, understanding their needs and preferences to create impactful visual experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with marketing, product, and sales teams, requiring clear communication and an understanding of diverse departmental goals.

• Feedback & Iteration: A willingness to receive and incorporate constructive feedback on designs, participating in iterative design processes to achieve optimal results.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where team members are encouraged to share insights, best practices, and creative approaches to collective problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of established brand principles and modern approaches to marketing and design. The emphasis on collaboration and efficiency suggests a results-oriented team that works together to achieve common goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Heritage with Modern Aesthetics: Effectively translating a long-standing brand identity (founded 1872) into contemporary visual designs that appeal to current consumer markets, especially in the fast-paced eCommerce landscape.

• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Juggling multiple design projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements and deadlines, across both digital and print mediums.

• Adapting to Hybrid Workflows: Successfully navigating the demands of both remote and in-office collaboration, ensuring consistent productivity and team integration.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends: Continuously learning and applying new design techniques, software features (like AI tools), and platform best practices to keep content fresh and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Acquiring New Skills: Opportunities to develop proficiency in video editing and explore the integration of AI tools into the design workflow.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience within the consumer goods and retail sectors, understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior from a design perspective.

• Career Progression: The contract-to-hire model offers a direct path to becoming a full-time employee, with potential for increased responsibility and specialization within the growing marketing team.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Learning how design impacts other critical business functions like product development and sales through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in dynamic creative roles within established companies. The growth opportunities are tied to the company's expansion and adoption of new technologies, making this an exciting prospect for a designer eager to learn and evolve.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to interpret and apply strict brand guidelines to a new design project. What was your approach?" (Focus on understanding brand consistency and your process.)

• "Walk us through a project where you designed assets for an eCommerce platform. What were your key considerations for product presentation and conversion?" (Highlight your eCommerce design thinking and results.)

• "How do you manage your workload when you have multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Demonstrate your organizational and prioritization skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Design House® and our product range?" (Research the company, its history, and its product offerings.)

• "How do you envision your role contributing to our 'growing marketing team'?" (Show your understanding of team dynamics and your proactive potential.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., Digital Marketing, Print

Collateral, eCommerce) or by client/industry.

• Narrative: For each selected project, clearly articulate:

  • The Problem/Brief: What was the objective?
  • Your Role: What specifically did you do?
  • Your Process: How did you approach it? (Research, ideation, design, iteration)
  • Tools Used: Which software/techniques were critical?
  • The Solution: Present the final design.
  • The Results/Impact: What was the outcome? (Quantify if possible.)

• Brand Alignment: For Design House® specific examples, explain how your design choices align with their brand values and target audience.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present 3-5 key projects thoroughly but efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only has strong design skills but also understands the business context of their work, can collaborate effectively, and is eager to contribute to a growing team. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3-5 years of professional design experience, emphasizing skills in Adobe Creative Cloud, digital/print asset creation, eCommerce design, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Curation: Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects that best showcase your abilities in areas relevant to Design House® (consumer goods, eCommerce, print, digital marketing). Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet project objectives.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Design House® thoroughly. Practice articulating your design process, motivations behind your creative choices, and how you handle feedback and collaboration. Prepare specific examples for common interview questions related to design, teamwork, and project management.

• Understand the Hybrid Model: Be ready to discuss your comfort and experience with hybrid work arrangements and your plan for effectively contributing during both remote and in-office days.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. Specific details regarding salary, benefits upon full-time conversion, and exact interview processes should be verified directly with DHI CORP (Design House®).