Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Evening Post Publishing

Location: Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-05-22

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute captivating visual graphics for marketing platforms, enhancing client brands and engaging target audiences through static and animated designs.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and sister companies to conceptualize and deliver innovative design solutions across print and digital mediums.

• Present creative strategies, visual proofs, and design concepts to clients and internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment with brand objectives.

• Manage the full project lifecycle from concept to delivery, including ad creative trafficking for the sister company, The Post and Courier.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is unique in that it serves both the agency (King & Columbus) and a sister company (The Post and Courier), requiring adaptability and the ability to manage diverse client needs and internal design requests. The emphasis on "client-facing" interaction and "presenting creative strategy" suggests a need for strong communication and presentation skills beyond pure design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute static and animated visual graphics for various marketing platforms and channels to elevate client brands and audience engagement.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams within King & Columbus and The Post and Courier to develop and implement innovative design solutions that align with client objectives and market trends.

• Translate client briefs into compelling visual narratives, ensuring that key messages are communicated effectively and desired emotions are evoked across all design outputs.

• Produce high-quality design work for both print and digital mediums, including advertisements, marketing materials, web assets, social media graphics, and multimedia presentations.

• Actively participate in day-to-day ad creative trafficking for The Post and Courier's client base, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of advertising assets.

• Create essential visual marketing collateral and design assets for internal departments of both King & Columbus and The Post and Courier as required.

• Stay current with industry design trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in AI-powered design tools to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in visual branding.

• Manage project execution from initial concept and design through to final delivery, ensuring all deadlines are met and quality standards for design execution are upheld.

• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships by demonstrating effective communication, active listening, and a thorough understanding of client needs and brand guidelines.

• Collaborate effectively with external partners and vendors to ensure seamless integration of design solutions within broader marketing campaigns and drive measurable business impact.

• Uphold and enforce brand consistency and integrity across all design touchpoints, reinforcing client identities, market positioning, and overall brand equity.

• Leverage AI-powered design tools and stay abreast of AI's evolving impact on graphic design and visual branding to enhance creative output and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role supporting both an agency and a media company, requiring a blend of client-facing creative strategy and operational ad trafficking. The inclusion of "AI's impact on graphic design" indicates a forward-thinking environment and a need for adaptability to new technologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

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

• Exceptional design sensibility, including a strong understanding of composition, layout, typography, and color theory, to produce aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.

• Proven ability to translate client briefs and strategic objectives into compelling visual narratives and creative concepts.

• Experience in producing high-quality designs for both print and digital mediums, demonstrating versatility across different platforms and applications.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts, creative strategy, and rationale clearly and persuasively to clients and internal teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects) for creating dynamic visual graphics.

• Familiarity with AI-powered design tools and an understanding of how to leverage them for enhanced creative output and efficiency.

• Experience in ad creative trafficking and understanding of media production workflows, particularly within a publishing or advertising context.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines.

• Client-facing experience, including presenting creative work and managing client feedback sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 2-3 years of experience, coupled with a Bachelor's degree, positions this role as a mid-level designer. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, typography, color theory, and composition are foundational for any graphic design role, while the client-facing and AI aspects suggest a need for more advanced skills and adaptability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 years of impactful graphic design work, demonstrating a strong understanding of visual communication principles and brand application.

• Examples of static and animated graphics created for marketing campaigns across various platforms (digital and print), highlighting creative strategy and execution.

• Case studies or project breakdowns that illustrate the design process from concept development to final delivery, including problem-solving and client collaboration.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite tools, with visual evidence of complex design techniques and creative problem-solving.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation of design workflows, from initial brief analysis and conceptualization through to final asset delivery and trafficking, emphasizing efficiency and quality control.

• Examples of how design processes were adapted to meet evolving client requirements or incorporate new technologies, such as AI-powered tools.

• Illustrations of how design solutions were measured for impact, whether through client feedback, engagement metrics, or contribution to campaign success.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role with client-facing responsibilities and potential AI tool usage, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic output but also the strategic thinking behind the designs, the process of collaboration, and the ability to adapt and innovate. The inclusion of ad trafficking for The Post and Courier suggests that a portfolio piece demonstrating organizational skills and understanding of media workflows would be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to support employee well-being.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, allowing for work-life balance.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Such as a 401(k) with potential company match, to support long-term financial goals.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Including access to workshops, training, and potential for attending industry conferences related to graphic design and AI tools.

Working Hours:

• The standard workweek is approximately 40 hours, typically Monday through Friday. Flexibility may be available depending on project demands and team needs, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on national averages for Graphic Designers with 2-3 years of experience, adjusted for the specific location (Columbia, SC) using cost-of-living data and considering the added responsibilities of client interaction and supporting a sister company. Benefits are standard offerings for full-time positions in the media/advertising industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of an in-house graphic design team that serves both King & Columbus and The Post and Courier. This structure implies a collaborative environment where designers share workload, provide peer support, and learn from each other's experiences.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a Design Lead or Creative Director within King & Columbus or a senior manager overseeing design functions for both entities.

Methodology:

• The agency, King & Columbus, likely employs modern creative agency methodologies focused on client-centric strategy, iterative design processes, and data-informed decision-making.

• The Post and Courier, as a media outlet, will have established workflows for content creation, advertising sales, and distribution, requiring adherence to strict deadlines and production schedules.

Company Website:

• https://www.eveningpostpublishing.com/ and https://www.kingandcolumbus.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual nature of this role within a legacy media company and a modern agency presents a unique cultural blend. Operations professionals in such environments often benefit from understanding both the established processes of traditional media and the agile, client-focused approaches of an agency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer/Art Director: With proven performance, skill development, and increased responsibility, career progression could lead to a Senior Graphic Designer role, potentially specializing in a particular area (e.g., digital, branding). Further advancement could lead to an Art Director position, involving more strategic oversight and team leadership.

• Specialization in AI Design: The emphasis on AI tools presents an opportunity to become a specialist in leveraging artificial intelligence for creative design, setting oneself apart in the evolving industry landscape. This could lead to roles focused on design innovation and technology integration.

• Team Leadership/Management: With demonstrated leadership qualities and successful project management, there's potential to move into a team lead or design manager role, overseeing a team of designers and managing creative projects across both entities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path highlights a clear trajectory from execution to strategy and leadership, with a modern emphasis on AI integration. For operations professionals, understanding this growth path is crucial for long-term career planning and identifying skill development opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will facilitate collaboration, with shared design resources and regular team meetings. Access to current design software and hardware, including AI-powered tools, will be provided to ensure efficiency and creative output. Opportunities for interaction with various departments will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule is primarily standard business hours, Monday to Friday, totaling approximately 40 hours per week, reflecting an on-site work arrangement. While core hours are expected, there might be occasional flexibility required to meet critical project deadlines or client demands, particularly during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and collaborative office setting are standard for design roles requiring team interaction and access to specialized equipment. The Columbia, SC location provides context for local industry standards and community engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Design Challenge/Test: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise, either take-home or on-site, to evaluate their skills in a practical scenario. This could involve creating a sample graphic based on a brief or critiquing existing designs.

• Interview(s): Typically involves interviews with the hiring manager (e.g., Creative Director), potential team members, and possibly stakeholders from The Post and Courier or King & Columbus clients. This stage will assess technical skills, creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: A crucial part of the process will be presenting your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through selected projects, explaining your design process, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the impact of your work.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. For this role, include examples of static and animated graphics, print and digital collateral, and projects demonstrating brand consistency and client collaboration.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the creative process, the tools used, the challenges, and the outcomes. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%").

• Highlight Client-Facing Work: If you have experience presenting to clients, preparing creative strategies, or managing feedback, ensure this is evident in your portfolio or presentation.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Include projects that show versatility across different styles, industries, and mediums. If you have experience with AI design tools, showcase how you've integrated them.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital link or a physical book.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the requirements, target audience, and objectives. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Time Management: Practice working within time constraints. Allocate time for conceptualization, design, refinement, and presentation preparation.

• Strategic Thinking: Focus on the "why" behind your design choices, not just the "what." Connect your design decisions to business goals and client needs.

• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design process and rationale clearly and concisely. Be prepared to defend your creative decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "design challenge" and "portfolio presentation" is standard for creative roles. For this specific position, candidates should prepare to showcase both their creative execution skills and their ability to engage in strategic discussions about design and client needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all aspects of graphic design, from image editing and vector illustration to page layout and print production.

• Adobe After Effects (Preferred): For creating animated graphics, motion graphics, and video elements, which are increasingly important for digital marketing and engagement.

• AI-Powered Design Tools (Emerging): Familiarity with emerging AI tools for design ideation, asset generation, or workflow automation is highly valued, reflecting the company's forward-looking approach.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Ad Trafficking Systems: Direct experience or understanding of ad trafficking systems and workflows, particularly those used by The Post and Courier, would be advantageous for managing ad creative delivery efficiently.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing design projects, tracking tasks, and collaborating with teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is Adobe Creative Suite. Experience with After Effects and AI design tools are significant differentiators, indicating a need for designers who can adapt to evolving technologies and produce dynamic content. Understanding ad trafficking is a specific operational requirement due to the role's dual nature.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value driving the agency's approach, encouraging designers to push boundaries and explore new visual concepts. This applies to both client work and internal initiatives.

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring that designs effectively communicate messages and achieve business objectives. This value is paramount for the King & Columbus side of the role.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The design team thrives on shared ideas, constructive feedback, and mutual support. Working effectively with cross-functional teams and sister companies is essential.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design work consistently, with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to brand standards.

• Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Embracing new technologies, industry trends, and evolving client requirements, particularly with the integration of AI in design.

Collaboration Style:

• The collaboration style is expected to be open, communicative, and iterative. Designers will actively participate in brainstorming sessions, provide and receive constructive feedback during design reviews, and work closely with project managers, writers, and marketing specialists. There's an expectation of proactive communication to ensure projects stay on track and align with strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of creative agency dynamism and the structured reliability of a media company. Operations professionals will find that a proactive, collaborative, and quality-driven approach, coupled with a willingness to learn and adapt, is key to success within this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Dual Roles: Managing design needs for both a creative agency (King & Columbus) and a media publication (The Post and Courier) can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, adapting to different brand guidelines, and meeting diverse stakeholder expectations.

• Integrating AI Effectively: Staying current with the rapid advancements in AI design tools and learning how to integrate them into existing workflows without compromising quality or originality will be an ongoing challenge and opportunity.

• Client Demands and Feedback: Navigating client expectations, managing feedback cycles, and ensuring designs meet strategic objectives while maintaining creative integrity requires strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• Fast-Paced Environment: The media and agency worlds are often fast-paced, requiring designers to be adaptable, efficient, and able to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines simultaneously.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and explore complementary software like After Effects or 3D design tools.

• AI in Design Workshops/Courses: Access to training focused on leveraging AI tools for concept generation, asset creation, and workflow optimization in graphic design.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend design and media industry conferences to stay abreast of trends, network with peers, and gain new insights.

• Mentorship and Skill Development: Guidance from senior designers or creative directors, offering opportunities to learn advanced techniques, strategic thinking, and client management skills.

• Cross-Company Exposure: Gaining diverse experience by working on projects for different types of clients and internal departments across both King & Columbus and The Post and Courier.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the unique dual-company structure and the evolving nature of the design industry. The growth opportunities are focused on skill enhancement, technological adoption (AI), and career progression within a creative and media context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing creative priorities for different clients or departments. How did you manage your workload and ensure all objectives were met?" (Assesses project management, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills).

• "How do you approach translating a client's business objectives into compelling visual designs? Walk us through a specific example from your portfolio." (Evaluates strategic thinking, creative process, and communication ability).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what excites you most about King & Columbus and The Post and Courier, and how do you see your skills contributing to our mission?" (Tests research, alignment with company values, and understanding of the dual role).

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with colleagues, especially when working on projects with multiple stakeholders." (Assesses teamwork, communication style, and cultural fit).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the tools used, the challenges overcome, and the final outcome. Use visual aids effectively to guide the interviewer through your work.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, provide metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved engagement, positive client feedback, successful campaign launch).

• Highlight Adaptability: Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to adapt to different brand styles, client needs, and project types. If you have AI design experience, be ready to discuss it confidently.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your process, and how you handle constructive criticism. Be prepared to defend your creative decisions with strategic reasoning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, operational awareness (especially regarding ad trafficking and dual company support), and adaptability to new technologies like AI. The portfolio presentation is key, so practice explaining the "why" behind each design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Evening Post Publishing careers page.

• Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, graphic design principles (typography, color theory, composition), and any experience relevant to print, digital, and animated graphics. Emphasize your 2-3 years of professional experience and any client-facing roles or ad trafficking responsibilities.

• Curate your portfolio to showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Ensure it includes examples of static and animated graphics, print and digital collateral, and projects demonstrating brand consistency. Prepare to discuss your design process, challenges, and outcomes for 2-3 key projects.

• Research King & Columbus and The Post and Courier thoroughly. Understand their respective brands, target audiences, and recent work. Prepare to articulate how your skills and creative vision align with their goals and how you can contribute to both entities.

• Prepare for a potential design challenge and practice presenting your portfolio confidently, focusing on your strategic approach, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt to new technologies like AI.

⚠️ 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.