Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: MIDSTATES INC

Location: Aberdeen, South Dakota, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Graphic Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: June 08, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in driving visual brand consistency and effective communication through the conceptualization and execution of design assets.

• Responsibilities encompass the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept to final print-ready files, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and project objectives.

• The position requires a strong understanding of graphic arts processes and software proficiency to produce high-quality visual content for various applications.

• This role contributes to the operational efficiency of the design department by maintaining systems, archiving jobs, and supporting the development of operational procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job title is "Graphic Designer," this enhancement focuses on the "Operations" aspect of the role, emphasizing its contribution to departmental efficiency, process adherence, and the material lifecycle within a manufacturing context. This interpretation is based on responsibilities like "routine systems and file maintenance," "archive all jobs," and "advising... in developing and administering department operational procedures."

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute a wide range of visual assets including images, logos, and printed materials, ensuring creative excellence and brand adherence.

• Perform advanced typesetting and layout operations, meticulously arranging text and visual elements for optimal readability and aesthetic appeal across diverse print media.

• Manage the revision and updating of existing design materials, ensuring all modifications are consistent with current brand standards and project requirements.

• Conduct preliminary proofreading of all outgoing designed materials, verifying accuracy, consistency, and adherence to design specifications before final output.

• Maintain systematic file management and archiving of all design projects, ensuring easy retrieval and adherence to departmental storage protocols.

• Assist the department manager in the development and refinement of operational procedures and policies, contributing to process optimization and efficiency.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand project needs, budget constraints, and design taste preferences to deliver tailored visual solutions.

• Perform basic pre-press work in conjunction with design duties, preparing files for the offset printing process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to highlight the operational aspects of design work within a manufacturing environment. Emphasis is placed on process adherence, file management, and contribution to departmental procedures, reflecting the operational nature of ensuring design assets are efficiently produced and managed.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Graphics Communication or a related field.

Experience: 3 or more years of relevant graphic design experience, or a combination of education and experience.

Required Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of graphic arts processes and equipment, with a strong understanding of the offset printing process.

• Advanced creative design and layout skills, with a proven ability to conceptualize and execute compelling visuals.

• High proficiency in industry-standard design software, including QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Pagemaker, and Adobe InDesign.

• Excellent typing and typesetting skills, with meticulous attention to detail in text arrangement and formatting.

• Basic skills in traditional layout, cut & paste techniques, and page marrying for print preparation.

• Exceptional organizational and follow-through skills, essential for managing multiple projects and deadlines.

• Keen attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all design and production tasks.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and execute multiple concurrent projects effectively.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client and internal stakeholder interactions. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with pre-press workflows and file preparation for commercial printing.

• Familiarity with color management principles and print production best practices.

• Ability to provide constructive feedback on design projects and contribute to creative problem-solving.

• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been detailed to reflect the "extensive knowledge" requirement mentioned in the original description for software and processes. The emphasis on specific software like QuarkXPress, Pagemaker, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is crucial for ATS optimization and candidate clarity. The experience level has been set to 2-5 years based on the "3 or more years" requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating conceptualization, layout, and final execution for print media.

• Include examples of logo design, image manipulation, and typesetting across various applications.

• Present case studies or project descriptions that highlight the design process, problem-solving, and final outcome.

• Demonstrate proficiency in the required design software through visual examples of complex creations. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design workflow, from initial brief to final delivery.

• Highlight experience in maintaining design files, adhering to naming conventions, and archiving processes.

• Provide examples of how they ensure accuracy and consistency in their work, such as through proofreading and quality checks.

• Illustrate understanding of how design integrates with the broader production and printing lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to a graphic design role within an operational context, focusing on the candidate's ability to manage projects systematically, maintain digital assets, and understand production workflows. The emphasis is on demonstrating process adherence and efficiency, crucial for operations-minded candidates.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $65,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in graphic design and printing technologies.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

• Potential for overtime pay based on project demands.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and production schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on the provided experience level (2-5 years), location (Aberdeen, SD - a region with a lower cost of living, thus a moderate salary range for this role), and the specific technical skills required (extensive software knowledge, pre-press understanding). The benefits listed are standard for full-time roles in manufacturing companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Printing & Related Services). MIDSTATES INC operates within the manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on printing and the creation of printed materials. This context implies a production-oriented environment where efficiency, quality control, and timely delivery are paramount.

Company Size: Mid-sized company (estimated 50-250 employees, based on typical manufacturing operations of this nature). A mid-sized company often offers a balance between established processes and opportunities for individual impact, allowing design professionals to see the direct results of their work on company output.

Founded: (Information not provided, but assumed to have established operations in its industry). An established company likely has defined operational procedures and a culture built around consistent production cycles.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Design or Marketing department, reporting to a Department Manager or Creative Lead.

• This team may include other designers, production artists, and potentially individuals focused on print production coordination.

• Close collaboration with sales, production, and potentially customer service teams is expected to ensure design projects meet client needs and manufacturing capabilities. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven design decisions where possible, though creative intuition is also valued.

• Structured workflow for project intake, design execution, review, and final output.

• Focus on process efficiency to meet production deadlines and manage costs effectively.

• Adherence to quality control standards throughout the design and pre-press stages.

Company Website: [MIDSTATES INC Website URL - Placeholder, actual URL needed]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture and team structure are inferred from the "manufacturing facility" description and the nature of the Graphic Designer role. The emphasis is on a structured, production-focused environment where design operations are integral to the overall manufacturing process.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an individual contributor at an intermediate career level, requiring a solid foundation of technical skills and practical experience. The responsibilities include not only creative execution but also contributions to operational efficiency and process adherence.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer typically reports to a Design Manager, Production Manager, or a similar role overseeing creative and production operations. This structure ensures alignment with broader departmental and company objectives.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's product quality, brand presentation, and customer satisfaction. Efficient design processes and high-quality output are crucial for effective marketing, clear product communication, and successful sales enablement within the manufacturing context.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific design areas (e.g., packaging design, branding, digital graphics for marketing) or advanced pre-press techniques.

• Process Improvement: Transition into roles focused on optimizing design workflows, implementing new design technologies, or managing design assets more systematically.

• Project Management: Move into roles that involve managing design projects, client communication, and coordinating with production teams.

• Leadership: With significant experience and demonstrated operational acumen, potential exists for lead designer or department management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory of a graphic designer within an operational and manufacturing framework, highlighting how creative skills can align with process management and growth within the company's broader operational structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in a manufacturing facility environment. This means the workspace may be integrated within or adjacent to production areas.

Office Location(s): Aberdeen, South Dakota. This location suggests a community-focused work environment with potential for local talent engagement.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely a dedicated design area within the manufacturing facility, equipped with necessary hardware and software.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with production teams to understand manufacturing constraints and capabilities, fostering a collaborative design-to-production pipeline.

• Access to printing equipment and materials may be available for testing and quality assurance purposes.

• The environment requires comfort with industrial settings, including potential noise levels and the presence of machinery.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the nature of manufacturing and printing often necessitates flexibility to meet production deadlines. This may include occasional overtime or adjusted hours during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is specifically tailored to a manufacturing facility setting, emphasizing the practical aspects of working alongside production and the unique conditions of such an environment for a creative role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, software proficiency, and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve detailed questions about your design process, software knowledge (QuarkXPress, Adobe Suite), and understanding of print production. Expect to discuss specific projects and how you approached them from concept to completion.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your design choices, problem-solving strategies, and the impact of your work, particularly in relation to operational efficiency or meeting client requirements.

• On-site Visit/Practical Exercise (Potential): You might be asked to complete a small design task or tour the facility to understand the production environment better.

• Final Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager or department head to discuss cultural fit, long-term career goals, and confirm understanding of the role's responsibilities within the company's operational framework.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 projects that best showcase your skills in conceptualization, layout, typesetting, and print-ready file preparation. Include examples relevant to manufacturing or print media if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved readability by X%", "met tight production deadline").

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Highlight projects where you utilized specific software extensively. Be ready to discuss advanced techniques or efficient workflows within those programs.

• Showcase Operational Awareness: Include projects that demonstrate an understanding of print limitations, cost considerations, or how design integrates with production.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present your portfolio in a well-organized, easily navigable format (e.g., PDF, online portfolio link).

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize Yourself with Software: Refresh your skills in QuarkXPress, Illustrator, Photoshop, Pagemaker, and InDesign.

• Understand Print Processes: Review basic principles of offset printing, pre-press, and file preparation for print.

• Practice Explaining Your Process: Be ready to articulate your design workflow and decision-making process clearly and concisely.

• Research MIDSTATES INC: Understand their product offerings and target markets to tailor your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to present their graphic design skills in an operations-centric interview and portfolio review, emphasizing process, efficiency, and technical proficiency relevant to a manufacturing environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• QuarkXPress: For page layout and typesetting, especially for print publications.

• Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, and scalable illustrations.

• Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and raster graphics creation.

• Adobe Pagemaker: (Legacy software, but listed as required) For page layout and desktop publishing.

• Adobe InDesign: For professional page layout and desktop publishing, often used for brochures, flyers, and multi-page documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how design impacts engagement or conversion metrics may be beneficial. Basic reporting on project turnaround times and adherence to schedules could be relevant. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design assets are requested and managed within a CRM or project management system could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are directly from the job description's requirements, emphasizing the specific software proficiency Midstates Inc. is seeking. The "Operations" context is applied by noting the importance of these tools within a production workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A strong emphasis on meticulous detail in design and production to ensure high-quality output and minimize errors.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Commitment to meeting production deadlines and optimizing workflows to ensure timely delivery of design projects.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication between design, production, sales, and management to achieve common goals.

• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new software, adapt to evolving project requirements, and embrace process improvements.

• Quality Focus: Dedicated to producing visually appealing and technically sound designs that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements for print.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, working closely with production staff to understand print capabilities and limitations, and with sales/marketing to align designs with business objectives.

• Open communication channels for feedback on designs and production processes.

• A team-oriented approach to problem-solving, where collective input helps overcome design and production challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values are inferred from the role's responsibilities within a manufacturing and printing context, emphasizing operational excellence, efficiency, and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Effectively translating creative visions into designs that are feasible and cost-effective for the offset printing process.

• Managing Multiple Project Deadlines: Juggling various design requests simultaneously while maintaining high-quality standards and meeting tight production schedules.

• Staying Current with Software and Technology: Continuously updating skills for a suite of potentially older (Pagemaker, QuarkXPress) and newer (InDesign) design software.

• Adapting to Diverse Client Needs: Designing for a range of customers with different tastes, budgets, and technical requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications or explore newer design technologies.

• Print Production Workshops: Gaining hands-on experience or advanced knowledge in pre-press, color management, and various printing techniques.

• Cross-Training: Learning about other aspects of the printing and manufacturing process to better inform design decisions.

• Industry Conferences: Attending graphic arts or printing industry events to stay abreast of trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the context of a graphic designer working in a production-oriented, manufacturing environment, with a focus on skills relevant to both creative execution and operational efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design concept from initial brief to a print-ready file for offset printing." (Focus on workflow, software use, and pre-press considerations).

• "How do you balance creative vision with the practical constraints of a manufacturing and printing environment, including budget and timelines?" (Emphasize problem-solving and adaptability).

• "Walk us through a challenging design project you completed. What were the challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase problem-solving skills and resilience). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for MIDSTATES INC, specifically within our manufacturing context?" (Show research into the company and industry).

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-design teams, such as production or sales?" (Highlight communication and teamwork skills).

• "What is your experience with file management and archiving of design assets?" (Demonstrate organizational and operational awareness). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Process: For each project, explain your step-by-step approach, from understanding the client's needs to final delivery.

• Showcase Software Mastery: Point out complex techniques or efficient methods you used within QuarkXPress, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, or Pagemaker.

• Discuss Production Readiness: Explain how your designs were optimized for the printing process, including file setup, color modes, and resolution.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention how your designs contributed to project success (e.g., met deadlines, received positive client feedback, were effective for their intended purpose).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to highlight the operational aspects of the graphic design role, focusing on process, efficiency, software proficiency for print, and collaboration within a manufacturing setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting.paylocity.com.

• Customize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with the specified software (QuarkXPress, Adobe Suite), your years of experience in graphic design, and any experience in print production or manufacturing environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select your strongest design samples, focusing on those that demonstrate conceptualization, layout, typesetting, and print-readiness. Be ready to discuss your process for each piece.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and technical questions related to graphic design principles, software proficiency, print production, and your ability to work within an operational framework.

• Research MIDSTATES INC: Understand their business, the types of materials they produce, and their position in the manufacturing and printing 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.