Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: J R CARLSON LABORATORIES INC

Location: Lincolnshire, IL, US

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the brand's visual identity across all digital and print platforms, ensuring consistency and impact.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating marketing objectives and complex information into compelling visual narratives.

• This position requires a strong understanding of design principles, brand guidelines, and production-ready file preparation for various media.

• Collaboration with marketing, product development, and sales teams will be essential to deliver effective design solutions that support business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw input describes a "Graphic Designer," this enhancement positions it within a broader "Marketing & Creative Operations" category to reflect its GTM function and the operational aspects of design execution. The summary emphasizes the strategic importance of design in supporting marketing and sales initiatives, aligning with typical operations roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of digital assets, including email campaigns, social media graphics, website banners, display advertisements, and motion graphics to support marketing and communication strategies.

• Develop visually engaging infographics and data visualizations to simplify complex product information, scientific data, or market insights for various audiences.

• Create and manage print collateral such as packaging designs, product labels, brochures, flyers, point-of-sale materials, and promotional items, ensuring adherence to brand standards and print vendor specifications.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, product management, and sales teams to understand project requirements, gather feedback, and deliver design solutions that align with campaign objectives and brand messaging.

• Maintain and evolve brand guidelines, ensuring all creative output is consistent in tone, style, and visual identity across all channels, contributing to a cohesive brand experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to include specific examples of digital and print assets, emphasizing the "operations" aspect of design production, file management, and brand consistency, which are critical for efficient marketing execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrated track record in creating both digital and print assets. Experience within the health, wellness, or supplement industry is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, for creating high-quality design assets.

• Exceptional skills in typography, visual hierarchy, composition, and layout design to create aesthetically pleasing and effective visuals.

• Strong conceptualization and problem-solving abilities to translate abstract ideas and requirements into tangible design solutions.

• Meticulous organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• A proactive, self-motivated, and detail-oriented work ethic with a commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work.

• Proven ability to correctly set up and prepare files for print production, understanding vendor specifications, color modes, bleed, and resolution requirements. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics and video editing software, including Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, to enhance digital content.

• Familiarity with web design principles, UI/UX considerations, and responsive design.

• Experience with project management tools and collaborative platforms.

• Basic understanding of marketing principles and how design contributes to campaign success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level has been inferred from the "3+ years relevant work experience preferred" and the AI-derived "2-5" years, making it specific to professional graphic design. The preferred skills are added to highlight areas that would make a candidate more competitive and align with modern creative operations needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and showcases a range of design projects, including both digital and print collateral.

• Specific case studies or project examples that highlight your ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging infographics and data visualizations.

• Demonstrations of packaging design concepts or completed projects, illustrating an understanding of product presentation and market appeal.

• Examples of digital design work, such as email campaigns, social media graphics, or website banners, showcasing an understanding of digital marketing needs and brand consistency. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed design projects from concept to completion, including any workflow documentation or process optimization you've implemented.

• Demonstrate your ability to adhere to and contribute to brand style guides, ensuring consistency in visual elements and messaging.

• Showcase your process for preparing files for print production, detailing your understanding of specifications, color management, and proofing procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the operational aspects of a design portfolio, focusing on process, system adherence, and demonstrable skills in producing production-ready assets, which are key for an operations-minded candidate.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $26 - $30 per hour. This range is competitive for a Graphic Designer position in the Lincolnshire, IL area, reflecting the required experience and skills in design software and production.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance coverage.

• Dental Insurance to support overall health and wellness.

• Life Insurance for added financial security.

• 401k retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• On-site Fitness Center access for employee well-being.

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, full-time schedule, typically 40 hours per week. This on-site role requires consistent availability during standard business hours to facilitate collaboration and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly from the input. The benefits are itemized for clarity. The working hours are detailed, emphasizing the on-site nature and the need for consistent availability, which is typical for roles requiring direct team collaboration and access to on-site resources.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The vitamin and supplement industry, a sector focused on health, wellness, and consumer goods. This industry demands a strong emphasis on trust, quality, and clear communication of product benefits.

Company Size: Carlson Labs is a family-owned and WBENC certified company. The provided description implies a medium-sized organization where individual contributions are visible and impactful, fostering a collaborative and engaged work environment.

Founded: Founded in 1965, Carlson Labs has a long-standing history and established reputation in the market, suggesting a stable and experienced organization with deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a marketing or creative department, potentially working alongside marketing managers, copywriters, and other creative specialists.

• The reporting structure is likely to be to a Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or a similar leadership role within the department.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with teams such as product development, sales, and potentially regulatory affairs to ensure design accuracy and alignment with business objectives. Methodology:

• Design projects will likely be driven by marketing campaigns, product launches, and brand initiatives, requiring a data-informed approach to visual communication.

• Workflow planning and optimization will involve managing project timelines, asset creation pipelines, and feedback loops to ensure efficient delivery of creative assets.

• Emphasis will be placed on producing high-quality, on-brand visuals that effectively communicate product value and support sales goals, often requiring creative problem-solving.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture and structure are inferred from the provided description, highlighting the family-owned nature, industry context, and implied team dynamics relevant to a creative operations role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer. It requires independent execution of design tasks, a solid understanding of design principles and production, and the ability to manage multiple projects. The focus is on delivering high-quality creative assets that meet business objectives.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the marketing or creative department. This structure allows for guidance on strategy and brand direction while providing autonomy in design execution.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and product appeal. High-quality visuals are crucial for attracting and retaining customers in the competitive health and wellness market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as motion graphics, packaging design, or digital asset optimization.

• Leadership Potential: With proven performance and expanded responsibilities, potential to move into a Senior Graphic Designer role or a Creative Lead position.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining broader experience by collaborating on projects with different departments, understanding their design needs and contributing to overall business strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Graphic Designer role within an operations context, highlighting its impact on business outcomes and outlining potential career progression paths relevant to creative professionals within a company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position at the Lincolnshire, IL facility. The environment is likely a professional office setting within a company that values its employees, evidenced by the provided benefits like a fitness center.

Office Location(s): 100 Schelter Rd, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-3602. This location is within the Chicago metropolitan area, offering access to a vibrant business community.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with marketing and creative team members for feedback and brainstorming.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware (Adobe Creative Suite) will be provided.

• The environment encourages creativity while demanding adherence to brand standards and project deadlines, fostering a productive and professional atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard Monday-Friday, full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours/week). While a set schedule is in place, occasional flexibility may be required to meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description focuses on the on-site nature of the role, the professional office environment, and the collaborative aspects relevant to a creative operations function.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes and portfolios will be screened for relevant experience, design skills, and adherence to requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and how their work aligns with brand objectives.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or test may be administered to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and ability to meet design challenges under time constraints.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussions to assess cultural fit, communication style, and understanding of marketing objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select diverse projects that showcase your best work across digital, print, and infographic design. Highlight work relevant to the health/wellness industry if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the challenge, your role, the design process, your creative solutions, and the impact or results achieved. Use metrics where available.

• Demonstrate Production Readiness: Ensure your files are well-organized and demonstrate an understanding of print production specifications and digital asset optimization.

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Show how you've applied brand guidelines and maintained visual consistency in your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design task that may involve creating a specific asset (e.g., an email banner, social media graphic) or solving a design problem within a set timeframe.

• Focus on clear communication of your design choices and rationale.

• Practice articulating your process and how you would approach a new design challenge for Carlson Labs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on portfolio content, presentation strategy, and interview preparation specifically tailored to a graphic design role with operational responsibilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design work.

  • InDesign: For layout and print production (packaging, brochures, etc.).
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, infographics, and icons.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, digital graphics, and mockups.

• Motion Graphics & Video Editing (Preferred):

  • Adobe After Effects: For creating animated graphics and visual effects.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing and post-production.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly a design tool, understanding how design performs is beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) or marketing platform dashboards can help in optimizing digital assets.

CRM & Automation: No direct CRM interaction expected, but understanding how marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Mailchimp) utilize design assets is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack is explicitly listed based on the job description's requirements and preferences, emphasizing the core design software and highlighting related tools that would be beneficial for a well-rounded candidate.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A strong emphasis on producing high-quality, error-free work that accurately represents the brand and product.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and consistently applying brand standards across all visual communications to maintain a cohesive and professional image.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Meeting project deadlines and managing workflows effectively to ensure timely delivery of creative assets supporting marketing and sales initiatives.

• Collaboration & Communication: Working effectively with team members and stakeholders, providing and receiving feedback constructively to achieve optimal design outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with marketing managers, copywriters, and other creative professionals to develop campaign materials.

• A culture of constructive feedback is likely, encouraging designers to refine their work based on input from various stakeholders.

• Knowledge sharing may occur through team meetings, design critiques, and informal discussions to foster continuous improvement and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section interprets the company's potential values and collaboration style based on the industry, company type, and the nature of a graphic design role within a marketing team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Constraints: The primary challenge will be to produce innovative and engaging designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and product messaging.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: Juggling various design requests from different departments with competing priorities and tight turnaround times.

• Adapting to Evolving Marketing Needs: Staying current with digital design trends and marketing platform requirements to ensure assets remain effective and relevant.

• Communicating Design Rationale: Effectively articulating design choices and defending creative decisions to stakeholders who may have varying levels of design understanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to pursue certifications or advanced training in Adobe Creative Suite, motion graphics, or related design software.

• Industry Workshops & Webinars: Participation in events focused on graphic design trends, marketing design, and best practices in visual communication.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced marketing professionals and potentially senior designers within the organization.

• Portfolio Expansion: Developing a diverse portfolio by taking on new types of projects and challenges within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on common issues faced by graphic designers in corporate environments, and growth opportunities are framed around skill development and career advancement within a creative operations context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating an infographic that explains a complex scientific concept for a general audience. How would you ensure accuracy and visual appeal?" (Assesses conceptualization, data visualization, and audience awareness).

• "Walk me through a challenging packaging design project. What were the key considerations, how did you collaborate with stakeholders, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses project management, collaboration, and problem-solving in print production).

• "How do you approach ensuring brand consistency across a variety of digital assets, such as social media ads, email banners, and website graphics?" (Assesses understanding of brand guidelines and digital asset management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Carlson Labs and the vitamin/supplement industry? How does this influence your design approach?" (Assesses research, industry understanding, and brand alignment).

• "Describe your ideal working relationship with a marketing team. How do you prefer to receive feedback on your designs?" (Assesses collaboration style and communication preferences).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate them into your work while maintaining brand integrity?" (Assesses continuous learning and adaptability). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Begin with an overview of your experience, then dive into 2-3 key projects that best represent your skills and align with the job requirements.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly explain the brief, your role, the design process, creative decisions, and any measurable results or impact. Use visual aids effectively.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with specific software and your understanding of print production or digital optimization.

• Engage and Ask Questions: Show enthusiasm for the role and the company. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to a graphic design role, focusing on operational aspects like process, brand consistency, and stakeholder collaboration, with specific advice on portfolio presentation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the provided application link on the Paylocity portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of digital content (emails, ads), infographics, and print materials (packaging, brochures). Prioritize work that demonstrates strong typography, layout, and adherence to brand standards.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), your years of relevant experience, and any experience within the health/wellness industry. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X number of email campaigns that increased engagement by Y%").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process for various asset types, be ready to discuss how you handle feedback, and prepare specific examples of how you've ensured brand consistency. Review Carlson Labs' current branding and marketing materials.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Carlson Labs' mission, values, product lines, and overall brand presence. Understand their position in the vitamin and supplement industry.

⚠️ 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.