Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: SmartSign, LLC

Location: Youngsville, NC, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-05-20

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all branding and design standards, ensuring consistency across multiple company entities.

• Conceptualize and execute a wide range of marketing collateral, including digital assets and print materials, to enhance company reach and sales support.

• Manage product photography and video production for social media and sales enablement initiatives, contributing to visual content strategy.

• Prepare production-ready artwork and design proofs, optimizing the workflow for print production and client delivery.

• Collaborate closely with the Printshop Manager/Creative Director to balance marketing projects with production demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges creative marketing and print production, requiring a candidate adept at both strategic brand application and meticulous production file preparation. The emphasis on "multiple companies" suggests a need for strong brand management skills and adaptability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the central authority for brand guidelines, ensuring all visual communications adhere to established standards for multiple company brands.

• Design and develop a diverse array of marketing campaign assets, including brochures, catalogs, sell sheets, email newsletters, landing pages, and trade show graphics.

• Conduct product photography and lifestyle shoots, alongside informational video production for social media platforms and sales team visual aids.

• Translate brand standards and product messaging into compelling design solutions that resonate with target audiences.

• Generate design proofs for client approval and manage the production artwork pipeline using Monday.com, ensuring timely delivery.

• Effectively manage multiple design projects simultaneously, maintaining flexibility through iterative feedback and revision cycles.

• Prepare final design files meticulously for production, digital delivery, and archival purposes, ensuring optimal quality and usability.

• Maintain an impeccably organized system for design files, assets, and project documentation.

• Rigorously proofread all created materials to guarantee accuracy, quality, and adherence to specifications.

• Operate with a strong sense of urgency and a commitment to on-time project completion, while actively seeking opportunities for skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative marketing campaign execution and the technical requirements of production-ready artwork. The mention of "multiple companies" implies a need for strong organizational skills and the ability to manage diverse brand identities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field. Equivalent industry experience will be considered.

Experience: 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrated history of working on both marketing/branding projects and production-ready artwork. A strong portfolio is essential.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.

• Proficiency in email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp, with a solid understanding of email marketing best practices.

• Basic understanding and practical application of current AI tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, Adobe AI services) to enhance productivity and creative output.

• Exceptional organizational skills, with the proven ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment under tight deadlines.

• A keen sense of urgency balanced with meticulous attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating design rationale clearly and professionally.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with project management software like Monday.com for production schedule management.

• Experience with cloud-based file management systems such as Dropbox or OneDrive.

• Basic knowledge of product photography techniques and video editing for social media content.

• Understanding of CRM platforms, particularly Salesforce, in relation to marketing collateral integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for AI tool proficiency indicates a forward-thinking approach to design workflows, emphasizing efficiency and modern creative practices. The blend of marketing and production skills is a critical differentiator for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 years of professional design work, demonstrating a breadth of experience across marketing collateral and production artwork.

• Specific case studies highlighting projects where you applied brand standards for multiple companies, detailing the challenge, your design solution, and the outcome.

• Examples of production-ready artwork, illustrating your understanding of print specifications, file preparation, and workflow management.

• Visual evidence of your ability to create engaging marketing materials, including examples of brochures, sell sheets, email campaigns, and landing pages.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of systematic file organization and asset management practices.

• Examples of how you've managed design proofs and client feedback cycles to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.

• Documentation or explanation of your workflow from initial concept to final production-ready file, potentially referencing tools like Monday.com.

• A demonstrated understanding of preparing files for various printing processes and digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase not just aesthetic skills but also their systematic approach to design, project management, and file preparation. The portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to handle both creative marketing needs and the technical demands of print production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour.

Based on a standard 40-hour work week, this translates to an annual salary range of approximately $47,840 - $54,080.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status.

• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement in graphic design and related technologies.

• Exposure to a diverse range of marketing and production challenges across multiple company brands.

• Collaborative work environment with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Potential for growth within the company's creative and production teams.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week. While flexibility may be required during peak periods, the role is generally structured around typical business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is typical for a mid-level Graphic Designer in a smaller to mid-sized market like Youngsville, NC, aligning with the stated experience requirements. Benefits are standard for full-time roles, with an emphasis on growth and skill development relevant to the design field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the signage and printing industry, likely serving a diverse clientele with custom branding and marketing solutions. This industry demands precision, creativity, and strong client communication.

Company Size: SmartSign, LLC is likely a small to medium-sized business, given the ADP recruitment platform usage and the scope of responsibilities. This suggests a close-knit team environment.

Founded: Information on the founding date is not provided, but the company's operation suggests established expertise in its field.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Printshop Manager/Creative Director, indicating a clear line of leadership and creative oversight.

• The role involves close collaboration with both the Sales & Marketing team and the Print Production Team, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to bridge these departments.

Methodology:

• Design projects will likely follow a structured workflow, from initial briefing and concept development through client feedback, revisions, and final artwork preparation.

• Emphasis will be placed on adhering to brand guidelines and client specifications for all design outputs.

• Project management will be supported by tools like Monday.com, ensuring transparency and accountability in the production pipeline.

Company Website: https://www.smartsign.com/ (Assumed, based on company name and industry)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely to be fast-paced and results-oriented, typical of a production-focused business. The emphasis on collaboration between sales, marketing, and production suggests a need for adaptability and strong communication skills from the designer.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of design principles and technical skills, coupled with the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects. The responsibilities extend beyond pure design execution to include content creation (photography/video) and workflow management.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Printshop Manager/Creative Director. This provides a clear reporting line and opportunities for mentorship and professional development under experienced leadership.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity and marketing effectiveness of SmartSign, LLC and its clients. Their work directly influences sales enablement materials, marketing campaign success, and client satisfaction through accurate and compelling design.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like branding, digital design, photography, video editing, or advanced print production techniques.

• Project Leadership: Potential to take on more complex design projects, lead creative initiatives for specific campaigns, or manage smaller design requests independently.

• Process Improvement: Contribution to refining design workflows, implementing new creative tools, or improving asset management systems.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gaining a deeper understanding of sales and marketing strategies, and the technical aspects of print production, which can lead to broader roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role likely involves becoming a senior designer, a creative lead, or potentially moving into a specialized area within marketing or operations, leveraging the foundational skills gained in handling diverse projects and client needs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role requires hands-on work with production equipment and collaborative interaction within a physical workspace.

Office Location(s): Youngsville, NC. This location offers a specific regional context for work-life balance and community.

Workspace Context:

• The designer will work within a dynamic environment that bridges creative studio elements with a production setting. This may involve access to design workstations, photography equipment, and potentially close proximity to print machinery.

• Collaboration is key, with frequent interaction expected with the Printshop Manager, Creative Director, Sales & Marketing teams, and the Print Production Team.

• Access to essential design software and potentially project management tools like Monday.com will be part of the daily toolkit.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. While the role emphasizes organization and on-time delivery, the dynamic nature of client projects may occasionally require flexibility to meet urgent deadlines, particularly in the lead-up to trade shows or major campaign launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role suggests a preference for direct collaboration and access to physical resources like photography studios or production areas. The environment is likely to be hands-on and team-oriented.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Assessment: A session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design rationale, and workflow. This may include a practical design exercise or a technical skills test on Adobe Creative Suite.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will focus on problem-solving, multitasking abilities, handling feedback, time management, and collaboration with different teams (Sales, Marketing, Production).

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to assess alignment with SmartSign, LLC's values, work ethic, and team dynamics, particularly regarding organization, detail-orientation, and a desire for continuous improvement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best represent your experience in both marketing collateral design and production-ready artwork. Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple brands or complex client needs.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's brief, your conceptual approach, the design solutions you implemented, and the tangible results or impact. Emphasize your role in preparing the final files for production.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples that demonstrate your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, for print and digital applications.

• Highlight Workflow & Organization: Be prepared to discuss how you manage projects, handle feedback, organize files, and use tools like Monday.com or Dropbox.

• Address AI Usage: Briefly explain how you've used AI tools to enhance productivity or creativity in your design process, if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be ready for a short, timed design task. Focus on understanding the brief, prioritizing elements, and delivering a polished output that adheres to any given constraints.

• Workflow Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would handle a specific design request, including client communication, file preparation, and potential challenges.

• Brand Consistency: Practice articulating how you maintain brand consistency across different mediums and for multiple brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both creative talent and operational efficiency. A strong portfolio that explicitly demonstrates production-readiness and an organized workflow will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for creating and preparing marketing collateral and production artwork.

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Essential for video production tasks, including editing and exporting content for social media and sales enablement.

• Email Marketing Platforms: Proficiency in Mailchimp is required, with familiarity in Salesforce for understanding how marketing collateral integrates with CRM data.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: Familiarity is preferred, indicating an understanding of how marketing materials support sales processes and data management.

• Monday.com: Experience is a plus for production pipeline and project management, highlighting the need for organizational and workflow management skills.

File Management & Collaboration:

• Dropbox/OneDrive: Familiarity is a plus, indicating a need for organized cloud-based file storage and sharing practices.

• AI Productivity Tools: Basic understanding of tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Adobe AI services is required for enhancing productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes core design software, essential marketing platforms, and project management tools. Candidates should highlight their experience with these specific tools and demonstrate an understanding of how they integrate into a broader marketing and production workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Organization & Efficiency: A strong emphasis on meticulous organization of files and assets, and an on-time, efficient approach to project completion.

• Accuracy & Quality: A commitment to proofreading and double-checking all work to ensure the highest standards of quality and accuracy for client deliverables.

• Collaboration & Communication: Openness to feedback, ability to articulate design rationale effectively, and a willingness to work closely with sales, marketing, and production teams.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive attitude towards learning new skills, improving workflows, and adapting to new design tools and techniques.

• Brand Stewardship: Dedication to understanding and upholding brand standards for multiple companies, ensuring consistent and impactful visual representation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Sales & Marketing to understand campaign objectives and with Print Production to ensure designs are technically feasible and ready for output.

• Feedback Incorporation: An ability to receive and implement feedback constructively through multiple rounds of revisions, maintaining a professional and unbiased approach.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights on design best practices, new tools, or efficient workflows with team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a blend of creative output and operational discipline. Team members are expected to be detail-oriented, communicative, and committed to delivering high-quality work efficiently.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Multitasking Under Pressure: Balancing multiple, diverse projects (marketing collateral, photography, video, production artwork) simultaneously, often under tight deadlines.

• Managing Multiple Brands: Adhering to distinct brand guidelines and messaging for various companies, requiring strong organizational and adaptable design skills.

• Feedback Iteration: Navigating multiple rounds of client feedback while maintaining design integrity and project timelines.

• Technical File Preparation: Ensuring all design files are perfectly prepared for print or digital delivery, requiring meticulous attention to detail and technical knowledge.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Integrating new AI tools and staying current with evolving design software and industry trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to master new features in Adobe Creative Suite or explore specialized design disciplines (e.g., motion graphics, UI/UX).

• Photography & Videography: Developing professional skills in product photography and video production for diverse marketing needs.

• Project Management: Gaining experience with project management tools like Monday.com, enhancing workflow efficiency and organizational capabilities.

• Brand Strategy: Deepening understanding of brand development and marketing campaign strategy through close collaboration with sales and marketing teams.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning about print production processes and digital marketing trends to create more effective and relevant designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a rich environment for a designer looking to expand beyond pure graphic creation into broader content production and operational workflow management, with clear paths for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure timely delivery?" (Focus on organization, time management, and workflow.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to strictly adhere to brand guidelines for a specific client. What was your process?" (Highlight brand stewardship and attention to detail.)

• "How do you approach preparing design files for print production versus digital delivery? What are the key differences and considerations?" (Demonstrate technical proficiency and understanding of output requirements.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about SmartSign, LLC and this specific Graphic Designer role?" (Research the company's work and tailor your answer.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or multiple rounds of feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize professionalism, openness, and problem-solving.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the final outcome. Emphasize your contribution to preparing production-ready files.

• Highlight Versatility: Showcase a range of work, from creative marketing collateral to technically precise production artwork. If you have photography or video examples, include them.

• Demonstrate Organization: Be prepared to discuss your file management system and how you've used tools like Monday.com or Dropbox.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the effectiveness of your design work (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign launch).

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate not just their design skills but also their operational discipline, technical understanding of production, and ability to collaborate effectively within a multi-departmental structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a comprehensive design portfolio through the provided ADP application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant experience in both marketing collateral creation and production-ready artwork preparation. Include examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple brands and your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 3-5 years of experience, proficiency in required software (Adobe Suite, Mailchimp, AI tools), and any experience with Monday.com or Dropbox. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on design rationale, workflow, and production readiness. Prepare to discuss your approach to multitasking, handling feedback, and collaborating with different teams.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SmartSign, LLC's services and client base. Understand their market position to better articulate your value and cultural fit during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.