Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Invisible Ventures

Location: Sarasota, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a detail-oriented Graphic Designer focused on magazine design and production for Sarasota Magazine and other print and digital projects.

• It emphasizes developing strong design skills, learning complete magazine design processes, and contributing to editorial layouts, advertising, and digital assets under experienced creative leadership.

• The position requires a strong design foundation, passion for typography, keen eye for detail, and an interest in the end-to-end creative production lifecycle.

• It offers a growth path toward expanded responsibilities in magazine design, production management, and creative operations, suitable for an individual seeking a career in publishing and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description positions this as an "emerging designer" role with a clear growth trajectory, suggesting it's suitable for someone with 2-5 years of experience looking to deepen their expertise in magazine publishing and production operations. The emphasis on "creative operations" indicates a need for process-oriented thinking beyond pure design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Editorial Layout & Design: Design and produce magazine layouts for editorial features, departments, and other assigned pages, focusing on visual concepts, typography, image selection, and page composition.

• Creative Asset Development: Create print and digital marketing materials, event graphics, and other creative assets, adapting established design systems and brand guidelines while contributing fresh creative ideas.

• Magazine Production & Prepress: Support the full production cycle of magazine issues, from initial layout to final delivery, by preparing files for commercial printing, performing preflight checks, and troubleshooting production issues.

• Digital & Multimedia Support: Assist in creating graphics and visual assets for websites, social media, and digital advertising, adapting content for various platforms and formats.

• Workflow & Project Management: Maintain production calendars, organize project files, and track assignments to ensure an organized, on-schedule workflow, communicating proactively about project status and potential issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are structured to reflect a progressive learning curve, starting with design execution and moving into production, digital adaptation, and workflow management, aligning with the "emerging designer" and "creative operations" aspects of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree, certificate, or equivalent experience in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field.

Experience: A portfolio demonstrating strong design skills, with a preference for experience in editorial design, long-form layouts, and typography. Familiarity with commercial printing requirements and prepress workflows is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Strong understanding of typography, layout, composition, and visual hierarchy.

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, polished work.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.

• Clear communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

• Willingness to learn new processes, accept constructive feedback, and take initiative.

• Interest in both the creative and technical aspects of publishing and production. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with editorial design, magazine layout, publishing, or print production.

• Familiarity with commercial printing requirements and prepress workflows.

• Experience preparing print-ready PDFs and troubleshooting production files.

• Familiarity with digital design, social media graphics, and web-based content.

• Exposure to photography, video, or other multimedia production.

• Experience using project management tools or working within established production schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" focus on core design software proficiency and fundamental design principles, while "Preferred Skills" lean towards production, digital execution, and project management tools, indicating a growth path within the operations aspect of creative production.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio demonstrating strong design skills, including print and digital work.

• Specific examples of editorial design and long-form layouts are highly valued.

• Showcase ability to adapt established design systems and brand guidelines.

• Include examples of file preparation for print or digital output. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of workflow organization through file management examples.

• Showcase adherence to production schedules and quality-control procedures in project examples.

• Include examples of preparing files for commercial printing, highlighting attention to technical specifications.

• Illustrate collaboration with other team members to ensure project completion and deadline adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for demonstrating not only design talent but also an understanding of the production lifecycle and organizational skills, which are key to the "creative operations" aspect of this role. Candidates should highlight projects that show their ability to manage files and adhere to processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the location (Sarasota, FL), experience level (2-5 years), and industry (Publishing/Media), a competitive salary range for a Graphic Designer would typically fall between $50,000 - $70,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in mid-sized markets and may vary based on the company's specific compensation structure and the candidate's qualifications.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision needs.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Such as a 401(k) with potential company match.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and learning new design and production techniques.

• Creative Environment: Access to a dynamic and collaborative work environment with opportunities to work on high-profile projects.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with standard business hours (e.g., 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday). Occasional overtime may be required to meet publication deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry data for similar roles in Sarasota, Florida, considering the mid-level experience requirement. Benefits are standard for full-time positions in this sector but are inferred as not explicitly stated in the provided text.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Publishing and Media, specifically focused on regional magazines and related digital content.

Company Size: Invisible Ventures is part of DreamLarge, which is described as a "community impact organization" and incubator, suggesting a dynamic, potentially non-profit or mission-driven environment. The specific size of the design team within this structure is not detailed but implies a collaborative, multi-disciplinary setting.

Founded: DreamLarge was founded in 2017, indicating a relatively modern and agile organizational structure.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will work closely with "experienced creative leadership" and collaborate with editorial, marketing, and other team members.

• This suggests a cross-functional team structure where design is integrated into the broader content creation and business development efforts.

• The role is positioned as an "emerging designer" within this team, implying mentorship and guidance from senior staff. Methodology:

• Emphasis on learning complete magazine design and production processes.

• Focus on developing technical and organizational skills for managing complex assignments.

• Importance placed on understanding how creative work moves from concept to completion.

• Adoption of established design systems and brand guidelines.

• Collaboration to maintain production calendars, project files, and assignment tracking.

Company Website: invisible.ventures

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of DreamLarge as a community impact organization and incubator suggests a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and potentially social impact. The "creative operations" aspect implies a structured yet adaptable approach to project management and production.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer with a clear developmental path. It's suitable for someone with 2-5 years of experience looking to specialize in publishing and gain exposure to production management and creative operations.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to experienced creative leadership, indicating a mentorship dynamic. Collaboration will extend across editorial, marketing, and potentially other functions within the DreamLarge ecosystem.

Operations Impact: The role contributes to the visual appeal and production efficiency of Sarasota Magazine and other projects, directly impacting brand perception, reader engagement, and timely delivery of high-quality publications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanded Design Responsibilities: Opportunity to take on more complex design projects and lead design for specific editorial sections or advertising campaigns.

• Production Management: Develop expertise in magazine production, prepress, and print workflows, potentially leading to a Production Manager or Art Director role.

• Creative Operations: Grow into a role with more significant responsibility for managing creative workflows, production calendars, and team coordination.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in typography, layout, digital design, and publishing technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "growth opportunities" are specifically framed around the progression from design execution to production and operational management, aligning with the role's emphasis on learning the "complete process" and moving towards "creative operations."

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s): Sarasota, Florida.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment working closely with experienced creative leadership and cross-functional teams (editorial, marketing).

• Access to design software and potentially production-specific tools and resources.

• Opportunities for hands-on learning and mentorship in magazine design and production.

• A focus on maintaining organized workflows and project files within a shared creative space.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (likely Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM), with the expectation of meeting publication deadlines which may occasionally require flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" nature implies a dynamic office setting where collaboration and direct mentorship are key components of the work environment, essential for learning the intricacies of magazine production and creative operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess design skills, relevant experience, and basic qualifications.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, and understanding of production processes.

• Skills Assessment: Potential practical design or production-related exercise to evaluate proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and understanding of layout/prepress.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interview: Discussion with creative leadership and potentially team members to assess communication, collaboration, and willingness to learn.

• Final Interview: May involve discussion about career aspirations and alignment with the company's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Versatility: Include a range of print and digital projects, but emphasize editorial layouts and long-form design if possible.

• Highlight Process: For key projects, briefly explain your design process, challenges faced, and how you ensured technical accuracy for production.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Ensure files are well-organized and clearly labeled. If possible, show examples of prepress file preparation.

• Tailor to the Role: If you have experience with magazine design or similar production workflows, make sure those projects are prominent.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to typography, layout, and visual hierarchy in detail.

• Familiarize yourself with common print production terms (CMYK, bleeds, resolution, preflight).

• Prepare to articulate how you manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Think about how you incorporate feedback and collaborate with non-designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio and process suggests that candidates will be evaluated not just on aesthetics but on their understanding of the practical, operational aspects of design production within a publishing context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for magazine layout, editorial design, and typesetting.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and custom illustrations.

Analytics & Reporting: (Likely minimal for this role, but may involve basic understanding of digital asset performance for web/social)

• Familiarity with digital asset adaptation for various platforms.

CRM & Automation: (Not directly applicable to core design tasks, but awareness is beneficial)

• Experience with project management tools or working within established production schedules is preferred, hinting at tools like Asana, Trello, or similar task management systems.

• Familiarity with production calendars and assignment tracking systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is heavily focused on the Adobe Creative Suite, with InDesign being paramount for editorial layout. The mention of "project management tools" and "production calendars" points to a need for organizational and workflow management software familiarity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Detail-Oriented: A strong commitment to accuracy and producing polished, high-quality work is paramount.

• Collaborative: Willingness to work effectively across departments (editorial, marketing) and integrate feedback.

• Growth Mindset: Eagerness to learn new processes, accept constructive feedback, and take initiative.

• Process-Driven: Interest in understanding and improving the complete process from concept to completion, including technical and organizational aspects.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Ability to adapt established guidelines while contributing thoughtful creative ideas.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive communication about deadlines, project status, and potential issues.

• Working closely with experienced creative leadership for guidance and mentorship.

• Coordinating with editorial, marketing, and other team members to ensure project flow.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to value a blend of creative excellence and operational discipline, emphasizing teamwork, continuous learning, and a meticulous approach to design and production.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity and Production Demands: Effectively managing creative vision while adhering to strict publication deadlines and technical specifications.

• Mastering Production Workflows: Quickly learning and applying complex print production and prepress procedures.

• Adapting to Feedback: Incorporating revisions from multiple stakeholders while maintaining design integrity and project momentum.

• Digital Asset Adaptation: Efficiently resizing and reformatting creative assets for diverse digital platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Deepen expertise in magazine layout, typography, and editorial design.

• Print Production & Prepress Mastery: Gain hands-on experience with commercial printing requirements and file preparation.

• Workflow Optimization: Learn how to streamline creative processes and improve production efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop a broader understanding of publishing operations, marketing, and content strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the practical application of design skills within a production environment, while growth opportunities focus on deepening expertise in both creative and operational aspects of publishing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a multi-page editorial layout, from initial concept to final file preparation." (Focus on workflow, software use, and technical considerations).

• "How do you ensure accuracy and consistency when adapting brand guidelines or design systems across various projects?" (Assess attention to detail and adherence to standards).

• "Walk me through a challenging print production issue you encountered and how you resolved it." (Evaluate problem-solving skills and technical knowledge). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Sarasota Magazine and DreamLarge specifically?" (Gauge genuine interest and cultural alignment).

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating constructive feedback on your designs?" (Assess coachability and collaboration).

• "Describe your ideal work environment for a creative role." (Understand expectations regarding collaboration, mentorship, and pace). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (editorial, digital) or chronologically.

• Storytelling: For 2-3 key projects, be prepared to walk through your process, design decisions, technical considerations, and outcomes.

• Highlight Production: If you have examples of file preparation for print or digital, be ready to discuss those specifics.

• Enthusiasm: Show your passion for design, typography, and the publishing industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also a practical understanding of production workflows, organizational skills, and a collaborative attitude, aligning with the "creative operations" aspect of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your résumé and a link to your portfolio through the application link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features any editorial, magazine layout, or print production work. Tailor the order or highlight specific projects that showcase your attention to detail and understanding of production workflows.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Quantify achievements where possible, such as "Managed design and production for X magazine issues" or "Successfully prepared Y print-ready files per deadline."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and your understanding of print production. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on both creative choices and technical execution.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sarasota Magazine's current issues and the mission of DreamLarge to understand their brand aesthetic and community impact goals. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

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