Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Urban Barn Ltd.

Location: Burnaby, BC, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-10

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute visually compelling designs for digital and print marketing campaigns, aligning with Urban Barn's brand identity and home decor focus.

• Create engaging social media content, digital advertisements, and in-store collateral to support omni-channel business strategies and customer engagement.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, eCommerce, and the Art Director, to ensure cohesive brand messaging and campaign effectiveness.

• Utilize advanced design software and potentially AI-powered tools to enhance creative output and streamline workflow efficiency for lifestyle branding initiatives.

• Contribute to the evolution of the Urban Barn brand through innovative design solutions and staying abreast of current design trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is ideal for a Graphic Designer with a strong foundation in digital marketing principles and a passion for the retail and home decor industry. The hybrid work environment suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of digital assets, including social media graphics (Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook), digital ads, and short-form animated videos.

• Create print materials for in-store collateral, ensuring brand consistency and visual appeal across all physical touchpoints.

• Support internal communication design needs with creative and professional materials.

• Collaborate closely with the Art Director, Marketing, and eCommerce teams to translate campaign objectives into effective visual designs.

• Participate in lifestyle and studio creative shoots, contributing design input and ensuring visual assets meet brand standards.

• Play a key role in the ongoing evolution of the Urban Barn brand's visual identity and storytelling.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of design trends, software advancements, and best practices relevant to lifestyle branding and retail marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a versatile designer capable of managing multiple project types and platforms, with a particular emphasis on digital content creation and brand storytelling within the retail sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field is preferred.

Experience: 2+ years of experience in producing digital and print design files.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.

• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Deep understanding of fundamental design principles: hierarchy, composition, typography, contrast, balance, and alignment.

• Proven ability to create engaging motion graphics and edit video content.

• Experience developing creative templates for social media platforms (Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook).

• Familiarity with marketing and communication strategies for lifestyle brands and customer engagement.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-powered digital design platforms (e.g., generative design tools, AI image editors, content automation tools).

• Understanding of omni-channel business strategies, digital marketing, and retail environments.

• Knowledge of the marketing and sales funnel, and how content contributes to lead generation and conversion.

• Experience participating in creative photo shoots (lifestyle and studio).

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of design skills, including digital, print, and motion graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both Adobe Creative Suite and AI-powered design tools suggests the company is looking for a candidate who can leverage both traditional and emerging design technologies. The mention of AI tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to design workflow optimization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of projects demonstrating proficiency in digital ad creation, social media graphics, print collateral, and motion graphics.

• Include case studies that highlight the design process, problem-solving approach, and measurable impact of your work on campaign objectives or brand perception.

• Present examples that reflect an understanding of lifestyle branding, retail marketing, and customer engagement strategies.

• Demonstrate expertise in typography, composition, and color theory applied effectively across various mediums. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you manage project timelines, collaborate with stakeholders, and iterate on designs based on feedback.

• Document your workflow for creating social media content calendars or preparing print-ready files.

• Illustrate your approach to maintaining brand consistency across different design outputs and platforms.

• Showcase your method for staying organized and managing digital assets efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, not just for showcasing aesthetic skills but for demonstrating an understanding of marketing objectives and process efficiency. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their creative process and how their designs contribute to business goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.

• Hybrid work environment, offering flexibility between home and office.

• Comprehensive group benefits, including health, dental, and vision coverage.

• Group RSP program to support long-term financial planning.

• Generous 40% discount on Urban Barn products.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the company.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility within a hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Burnaby, BC area, considering the company's size and industry. Benefits are competitive and aligned with standard offerings for full-time employees in Canada.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Furniture & Home Decor). Urban Barn operates within a competitive retail landscape, focusing on providing inspiring home furnishings and decor. This industry context means the graphic design role is crucial for brand differentiation and creating aspirational consumer appeal.

Company Size: Urban Barn has over 50 retail stores across the country, indicating a significant operational footprint and a substantial marketing and design support requirement from its Home Office.

Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, Urban Barn is described as a nationally recognized retailer, suggesting a well-established presence and brand reputation in the Canadian market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Art Director, indicating a clear reporting line and managerial oversight for creative output.

• Collaboration is expected with the Marketing and eCommerce teams, highlighting a cross-functional approach to campaign development and digital presence.

• The team likely comprises individuals with diverse creative and marketing skill sets, fostering a collaborative environment focused on brand storytelling and customer engagement. Methodology:

• Designs will be guided by established brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all marketing channels.

• A focus on omni-channel strategy implies an integrated approach to design, ensuring cohesive messaging from digital platforms to in-store experiences.

• The role emphasizes staying up-to-date with design trends and incorporating new technologies, suggesting a dynamic and evolving creative process.

Company Website: https://urbanbarn.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be passion-driven, centered around creating inspiring homes and fostering a fun, collaborative work environment. The emphasis on inclusion, diversity, and equity is a key cultural pillar.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned as a mid-level position, requiring 2+ years of experience and specific technical proficiencies. It offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to brand aesthetics and marketing efforts.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Art Director, providing a direct line for creative guidance and professional development within the design function. Collaboration with Marketing and eCommerce teams offers exposure to broader business functions.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. High-quality visuals are essential for driving sales, building brand loyalty, and communicating the aspirational lifestyle associated with Urban Barn products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in motion graphics, video editing, and potentially explore emerging AI design tools.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific areas such as digital advertising design, social media content strategy, or print collateral development.

• Leadership Potential: With experience and demonstrated impact, there may be opportunities to move into senior designer roles or lead smaller creative projects, contributing more strategically to brand evolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant potential for growth within a well-established retail brand. The emphasis on professional development and advancement suggests a commitment to employee career progression, particularly for those who excel in design and contribute to the company's marketing objectives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Home Office in Burnaby, BC, and offers a hybrid work environment. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Burnaby, BC, Canada (V5J 5E2). This location provides access to the Greater Vancouver area's amenities and talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused work at home and collaborative sessions, brainstorming, and team meetings in the office.

• The Home Office environment likely provides access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially a creative studio space for photo shoots.

• Opportunities for interaction with the Art Director and other members of the marketing and design teams will foster a dynamic and collaborative workspace.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the hybrid arrangement offering some flexibility in managing work hours and location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key feature, balancing in-office collaboration with the benefits of remote work. Candidates should be comfortable managing their time effectively in this setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative aesthetic.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Art Director and potentially members of the Marketing team. This will involve a presentation of your portfolio, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet marketing objectives.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to evaluate practical application of skills, particularly in areas like digital ad creation or social media template design.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to assess alignment with Urban Barn's values, passion for home decor, and ability to work effectively in a team and hybrid environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (digital ads, social media, print, motion graphics).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcome or impact. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Showcase projects that demonstrate your understanding of brand identity, lifestyle marketing, and customer engagement, particularly within a retail context.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly displays your expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and your ability to produce high-quality, polished work.

• Include Motion Graphics: If applicable, provide examples of your motion graphics and video editing work, as this is a specific requirement.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design exercise that might involve creating a mock social media campaign, designing a digital ad for a specific product, or adapting existing assets for a new platform.

• Focus on efficiency, creativity, and adherence to brand guidelines within a given timeframe.

• Practice articulating your design choices and how they support marketing goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on portfolio review. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their work but also to articulate the strategic thinking behind their design decisions and their understanding of Urban Barn's brand and market.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in InDesign (print layout, digital publishing), Photoshop (image editing, digital graphics), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos), and After Effects (motion graphics, animation).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Outlook (communication), Word (documentation), Excel (data organization), and PowerPoint (presentations).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as a primary tool for the designer, an understanding of how design impacts digital marketing performance (e.g., click-through rates, engagement metrics) is beneficial. Familiarity with social media analytics dashboards may be an asset. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with marketing automation platforms or CRM systems is not a direct requirement, but understanding how design assets are utilized within these systems (e.g., email marketing, social media scheduling tools) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements center on Adobe Creative Suite, with a specific emphasis on After Effects for motion graphics. Familiarity with AI-powered design tools is a plus, indicating a desire for candidates who can leverage technology for enhanced creative output and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Design & Homes: A genuine enthusiasm for interior design, home decor, and creating visually appealing environments.

• Brand Stewardship: Commitment to upholding and evolving the Urban Barn brand through consistent, high-quality design.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with colleagues, share ideas, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

• Adaptability & Dynamism: Thriving in a fast-paced retail environment and embracing new design trends and technologies.

• Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity: A commitment to fostering a respectful and open work environment, reflecting Urban Barn's core values.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with Art Director, Marketing, and eCommerce teams to ensure design outputs align with business objectives and campaign strategies.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative design processes to achieve optimal results.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing design insights, trends, and best practices to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is built around a shared passion for design and home decor, emphasizing collaboration and a commitment to inclusivity. Candidates should demonstrate a collaborative spirit and a genuine interest in the company's product and vision.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Ensuring innovative designs remain consistent with Urban Barn's established brand identity and product aesthetic.

• Adapting to Rapid Design Trends: Staying current with evolving digital marketing and design trends to keep content fresh and engaging.

• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Effectively prioritizing and delivering high-quality creative assets for various campaigns and platforms under tight deadlines.

• Integrating New Technologies: Learning and effectively utilizing AI-powered design tools to enhance workflow efficiency and creative output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in motion graphics, video editing, and potentially new software or design methodologies.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about retail marketing strategies, omni-channel approaches, and customer engagement tactics within the home decor sector.

• Mentorship: Guidance from the Art Director and experienced marketing professionals to refine design strategy and career path.

• Contribute to Brand Evolution: A chance to significantly influence the visual direction of a well-known national brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for a designer to grow within a dynamic retail environment. The challenges are balanced by opportunities to develop new skills, contribute meaningfully to brand strategy, and advance within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Prepare a specific example from your portfolio.)

• "How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate a lifestyle brand's message, especially in the home decor industry?" (Discuss your understanding of lifestyle branding and customer aspiration.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating a social media campaign from concept to execution." (Detail your steps, tools, and collaboration points.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Urban Barn and the home decor industry?" (Research the brand, its products, and its market position.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with marketing and other teams on creative projects?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

• "Describe your experience with hybrid work environments. What strategies do you use to stay productive and connected?" (Emphasize self-management and communication.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Start with a brief overview of your background and then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the solution, and the impact.

• Focus on Process: Explain your thought process, how you tackled challenges, and how you iterated on designs. This shows your problem-solving abilities.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have metrics (e.g., increased engagement, click-through rates) related to your designs, be sure to mention them.

• Tailor to Urban Barn: Highlight projects that align with Urban Barn's brand aesthetic, target audience, and marketing goals. Show that you understand their business.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency, design choices, and how you approach specific design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, technical skill, strategic thinking, and a genuine passion for the brand and industry. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, so practice articulating your work and its business impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the ADP workforcenow portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight experience in digital and print design, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (especially After Effects), and any experience with AI design tools. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest, most relevant work, focusing on digital ads, social media graphics, and lifestyle branding. Prepare to discuss your process and impact.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Urban Barn's brand, products, and recent marketing campaigns. Practice articulating your design process and how your skills align with the role's requirements.

• Highlight Collaboration Skills: Be ready to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams and in a hybrid work environment.

⚠️ 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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