Graphic Designer / Creative Design Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer / Creative Design Specialist

Company: Full Circle Recruiting

Location: Houston, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative Design / Production Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-18

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creative design process for custom displays, transforming client visions into tangible, high-quality keepsakes.

• Develop compelling visual concepts and production-ready artwork, focusing on detailed layouts for memorabilia, fine art, and corporate pieces.

• Collaborate directly with clients to guide design choices and ensure seamless project execution from initial concept to final production.

• Manage and optimize digital assets and production files, maintaining rigorous quality standards and project timelines within a dynamic creative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Graphic Designer / Creative Design Specialist," indicating a need for both creative conceptualization and technical production expertise. The emphasis on custom displays, memorabilia, and client collaboration suggests a niche within the broader graphic design field, requiring a blend of artistic flair and practical print production knowledge. The "2-5 Years" experience level points to an intermediate role, expecting a solid foundation but also room for growth.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design custom layouts, typography, and collages for framed sports memorabilia, jerseys, awards, corporate displays, fine art reproductions, and specialty framing projects.

• Create client-facing design mockups and visual presentations that effectively communicate the intended look and feel of each custom piece.

• Develop and prepare print-ready production and prepress files, ensuring accuracy for large-format printing and specialty fabrication.

• Collaborate closely with clients to understand their vision, offer design solutions, and refine concepts into polished, production-ready artwork.

• Edit, restore, and enhance photographs and digital artwork to achieve high-quality reproduction standards for final output.

• Design multi-layered shadow box layouts, intricate collages, and unique graphic elements to enhance custom displays.

• Prepare artwork for large-format printing, meticulously managing color accuracy, sizing, and overall production quality.

• Work in tandem with production and framing teams to ensure a smooth transition of designs from conceptualization to the finished product.

• Organize, maintain, and manage digital assets, production files, and comprehensive project documentation for efficient workflow and retrieval.

• Provide creative problem-solving and develop innovative solutions for unique and challenging client requests.

• Uphold exceptional quality standards across all projects while effectively managing multiple concurrent projects and adhering to strict deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative design (layouts, mockups, concept development) and production readiness (print-ready files, prepress, large-format printing). The emphasis on client interaction and translating ideas into tangible outputs is crucial. The need to manage both digital assets and physical production workflows indicates a role deeply integrated into the end-to-end creation process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Digital Media, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring advanced proficiency in design software and creative problem-solving.

Experience: 2+ years of direct experience in graphic design, production design, print design, or creative services, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality visual assets.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation, retouching, and complex compositing.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics, typography, layout creation, and logo design.

• Demonstrated experience creating print-ready artwork and preparing prepress production files for various output methods.

• Familiarity and experience working within large-format printing environments, understanding material limitations and output requirements.

• Strong foundational understanding of typography, including hierarchy, readability, and aesthetic application.

• Solid grasp of color theory, including color management, correction, and ensuring color consistency across digital and print mediums.

• Knowledge of layout and composition principles to create visually balanced and impactful designs.

• Proven ability to translate abstract customer ideas and concepts into polished, tangible visual designs and production-ready assets.

• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design elements, file preparation, and final output.

• Effective organizational skills for managing multiple projects, files, and deadlines.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for client interaction and team collaboration.

• Proficient time management skills to balance creative tasks with production deadlines.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with clients, sales teams, and internal production staff. Preferred Skills:

• Experience operating or preparing files specifically for Canon large-format printers.

• Hands-on experience using Onyx RIP software for print workflow management and color profiling.

• Previous experience in custom framing or print production environments.

• Specialized experience in designing for sports memorabilia or collectible displays.

• Proficiency in photo restoration and advanced image editing techniques.

• Experience in branding and logo design, including developing brand identities.

• Knowledge of fine art reproduction processes and requirements.

• Experience with signage, environmental graphics, or retail graphics design.

• Background in interior design, visual merchandising, or design consultation, providing a strong aesthetic sensibility.

• Demonstrated ability in customer-facing creative presentations and providing insightful design recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core design software mastery and production-level print knowledge. Preferred skills indicate a strong advantage for candidates with direct experience in the company's specific niche (large-format printing, custom framing, memorabilia). The "2+ years" suggests a foundational level of these skills, with advanced proficiency expected in Photoshop and Illustrator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of custom design projects, with a strong emphasis on the creation of visually compelling layouts and mockups.

• Specific examples demonstrating the ability to translate client ideas into tangible designs, particularly for custom displays, memorabilia, and framed artwork.

• Evidence of proficiency in preparing print-ready artwork and prepress production files, including examples of file structures and specifications.

• Projects that highlight experience with large-format printing applications, demonstrating an understanding of scale, color accuracy, and material considerations.

• Case studies or project examples that detail the design process from initial concept through to final production, illustrating problem-solving and workflow management.

• Work that reflects a strong command of typography, color theory, and layout principles applied in practical design scenarios.

• Examples of photo editing, restoration, or enhancement work, if applicable to the candidate's experience. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the workflow design and optimization process for creative projects, from client brief to final output.

• Showcase experience with implementation and automation methods within design and production workflows, particularly related to print preparation.

• Provide examples of how design processes are measured and analyzed for performance, quality, and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on custom design and production, a robust portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase not just creative output but also the technical capability to prepare files for physical production. The emphasis should be on the entire lifecycle of a design project, from client consultation to final print-ready assets, demonstrating process understanding.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the location (Houston, TX), experience level (2-5 years), and the specialized nature of the role (Graphic Designer / Creative Design Specialist with large-format print and prepress focus), a competitive salary range would be estimated between $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate considers industry benchmarks for graphic designers in major metropolitan areas with specific technical skill requirements.

Benefits:

• Full-Time Employment Benefits: Typically includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision), paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays), and potentially life insurance or disability coverage.

• Creative Environment: Opportunity to work in a dynamic and creative setting, producing unique, high-value custom pieces.

• Professional Development: Potential for training on specialized equipment (e.g., Canon large-format printers, Onyx RIP software) and opportunities to expand design skills in niche areas like memorabilia display.

• Team Collaboration: A supportive team environment focused on craftsmanship and client satisfaction.

• Potential for Growth: Opportunities to advance within creative roles or take on more complex projects.

Working Hours: The role is listed as Full-Time, typically implying a standard 40-hour work week. Given the on-site requirement and the nature of production, flexibility may be limited, but a structured schedule is expected, likely Monday through Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: As no salary was provided, an estimated range has been created based on market data for similar roles in Houston, TX, considering the experience level and specialized technical skills required. Benefits are inferred based on standard full-time employment offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company, Full Circle Recruiting, appears to be a recruiting firm, but the specific role is within a custom framing and display creation business. This suggests the recruiting firm is acting as an intermediary or that this is a direct hire for their client specializing in custom design and production. The operational industry for the role itself is Custom Design, Print Production, and Specialty Framing.

Company Size: With a presence on BambooHR and the nature of the role, the immediate team is likely small to medium-sized, focusing on specialized craft. The broader recruiting firm might be larger, but the operational team for this specific function could be around 10-50 individuals.

Founded: Information on the founding date of the specific custom framing/display business is not provided. However, the use of a modern HR platform suggests an established or growing operation.

Team Structure:

• The Operations Team likely consists of designers, production specialists, framers, and client service representatives.

• The Reporting Structure would likely place the Graphic Designer/Creative Design Specialist under a Creative Director, Production Manager, or Lead Designer.

• Cross-functional collaboration is critical, involving close interaction with sales/client relations to understand client needs, production staff to ensure designs are feasible and accurate, and potentially management for project approvals and strategic alignment. Methodology:

• Design Process: Emphasizes client consultation, concept development, iterative design (mockups), and final production file preparation.

• Production Workflow: Focuses on accurate interpretation of designs, material selection, fabrication, and quality control to produce unique, custom pieces.

• Client Engagement: A strong emphasis on understanding client vision, providing creative guidance, and ensuring satisfaction through a collaborative and iterative design process.

Company Website: https://fullcirclerecruiting.com/ (Note: This is for the recruiting firm; the specific company website for the custom framing business is not provided.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The context suggests that Full Circle Recruiting is sourcing for a client that operates in the custom design and production space, specifically custom framing and displays. This means the company culture and operational context will be tied to a creative, hands-on manufacturing/craftsmanship environment rather than a typical corporate setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer / Creative Design Specialist. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and at least 2 years of professional experience, demonstrating the ability to work independently on design projects and contribute to production workflows. The responsibilities suggest a hands-on role with direct client interaction and significant input into the final product's aesthetic and technical specifications.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Creative Lead, Production Manager, or potentially a General Manager of the custom design operation. This individual will oversee workflow, provide design direction, and ensure project quality and client satisfaction.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in translating client needs into tangible, high-value custom products. Their designs directly influence customer satisfaction, the perceived quality of the company's offerings, and the efficiency of the production process. Accurate and visually appealing designs reduce errors in production and enhance the company's reputation for delivering unique, bespoke items.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in niche areas like sports memorabilia design, fine art reproduction, or advanced large-format printing techniques, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Senior Design Role: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer or Lead Designer position, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and potentially leading design initiatives.

• Client Consultation: Enhance skills in client relations and design consultation, becoming a primary point of contact for high-profile or complex client projects.

• Production Management: Transition into a production-focused role, leveraging design knowledge to oversee manufacturing processes, optimize workflows, and manage print operations.

• Creative Direction: With significant experience and proven leadership, potentially move into a Creative Director role, shaping the overall aesthetic and strategic direction of the company's design output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is likely to involve deepening specialized skills within custom design and production rather than a broad move into general business operations. Career progression will be tied to mastery of design craft, client management, and production efficiency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a work environment that blends a design studio with a production facility. This could include dedicated design workstations alongside areas for printing, fabrication, and framing.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Houston, TX, specifically in the Memorial City area. This suggests a location within a commercial district, accessible for local talent and potentially clients.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will likely foster close collaboration between designers, production staff, and client service teams, requiring effective communication and teamwork.

• Tools and Technology: Designers will have access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially specialized hardware and software for large-format printing (Canon printers, Onyx RIP).

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with colleagues during project discussions, design reviews, and production hand-offs, contributing to a cohesive team dynamic focused on quality output.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is expected to be full-time, Monday through Friday, aligning with typical business hours for on-site roles. While the core hours are fixed, the nature of custom work might occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines, though this is not explicitly stated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial. It indicates a need for physical presence, likely due to the integration with production processes and the use of specialized equipment. The environment will be a blend of creative studio and operational production floor.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with required skills.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates submit their design portfolio. This will be meticulously reviewed to evaluate creative talent, technical proficiency in Photoshop/Illustrator, and experience with print production, layout design, and translating concepts into reality. Preparation Tip: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases projects relevant to custom displays, memorabilia, large-format printing, and prepress file preparation.

• Technical Assessment/Design Challenge: Candidates may be given a practical design exercise or a case study to assess their problem-solving skills, design approach, and ability to meet specific briefs under timed conditions. Preparation Tip: Practice creating mockups and preparing print-ready files for a hypothetical custom framing project.

• Interviews: One or more interviews with hiring managers, team leads, or potential colleagues. These will assess communication skills, cultural fit, understanding of the design process, and ability to collaborate. Preparation Tip: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you approach client briefs, and your experience with the specific software and production methods mentioned.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit, including technical skills, creative aptitude, cultural alignment, and potential for growth within the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Focus on quality over quantity.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain your role, the client's brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the final outcome. Include mockups and final production files where appropriate.

• Highlight Production Skills: Explicitly demonstrate your proficiency in preparing files for large-format printing, including details on resolution, color profiles, and bleed/trim considerations. If you have experience with specific RIP software or printers, mention it.

• Showcase Client Collaboration: Include examples where you worked directly with clients, illustrating your ability to understand needs, provide recommendations, and manage feedback.

• Organize Logically: Structure your portfolio for easy navigation, perhaps categorizing by project type (e.g., Memorabilia, Fine Art, Corporate).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand all requirements of any design challenge.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively between conceptualization, design execution, and file preparation.

• Presentation Clarity: If presenting your work, be concise, clear, and confident in explaining your design choices and technical decisions.

• Focus on Relevance: Tailor your approach to the specific needs of custom framing and display design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to not only showcase creative work but also to articulate their technical understanding of print production and their ability to manage client expectations in a custom design context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for raster image editing, photo manipulation, retouching, complex compositing, and preparing layered artwork. Proficiency expected at an advanced level for professional output.

• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, typography, logo design, layout creation, and preparing scalable artwork for print. Advanced proficiency is required for professional-grade designs.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for a design role, understanding how design impacts sales or client satisfaction might involve basic reporting on project turnaround times, client feedback trends, or popular design elements.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly used for design tasks, understanding how client information and project details are managed in a CRM (potentially used by sales or client services) is beneficial for seamless collaboration.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, or similar for tracking project progress, managing tasks, and coordinating with team members.

Specialized Production Tools (Preferred):

• Canon Large-Format Printers: Familiarity with the operation or file preparation requirements for these specific printers.

• Onyx RIP Software: Experience with this industry-standard raster image processor for managing print workflows, color management, and outputting files to large-format printers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are the Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on Photoshop and Illustrator. The preferred tools (Canon printers, Onyx RIP) indicate a specialized production environment where familiarity provides a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A deep commitment to producing high-quality, meticulously crafted custom pieces that clients will treasure. This translates to a focus on detail and excellence in every design and production step.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging unique design solutions and pushing creative boundaries to meet diverse client needs and produce distinctive displays.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction by actively listening to their needs, providing expert guidance, and delivering exceptional custom solutions that exceed expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where designers, production staff, and client services work together seamlessly to achieve shared goals.

• Attention to Detail: A fundamental value that underpins all aspects of work, from meticulous design execution to precise production and final finishing.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers will work closely with sales/client relations to understand project requirements and with production teams to ensure designs are technically feasible and accurately executed.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to feedback on designs and production processes to continually improve quality and efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, techniques, and insights related to design, printing, and framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will likely be a blend of creative artistry and hands-on production. Values will center around quality, client satisfaction, and meticulous execution, supported by strong teamwork within a specialized craft environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Abstract Ideas: Converting vague client concepts into concrete, visually appealing, and producible designs requires strong interpretive and communication skills.

• Balancing Creativity and Production Constraints: Ensuring designs are both artistically compelling and technically feasible within the limitations of large-format printing, materials, and production timelines.

• Managing Client Expectations: Guiding clients through the design process, managing feedback, and delivering results that align with their vision and budget.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying updated with advancements in design software, printing technology, and new materials relevant to custom displays.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Software Training: Deepening expertise in Adobe Suite and potentially learning new design or production software relevant to the industry.

• Print Production Mastery: Gaining hands-on experience and advanced knowledge of large-format printing techniques, color management, and RIP software.

• Materials and Framing Techniques: Learning about different types of materials, substrates, and custom framing methods to inform design decisions.

• Client Consultation Skills: Developing advanced techniques for client interaction, needs assessment, and presenting design solutions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges will stem from the inherent nature of custom design work—bridging creative vision with technical execution and client satisfaction. Growth will focus on deepening specialized skills within the company's niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a client's vague idea into a specific design concept. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your client interaction, ideation, and problem-solving steps.)

• "Walk me through your process for preparing a file for large-format printing. What are the critical considerations?" (Demonstrate knowledge of prepress, color management, resolution, and file formats.)

• "How do you balance creative freedom with production constraints and deadlines in a custom design environment?" (Showcase your ability to be both innovative and practical.)

• "Describe a challenging client feedback situation and how you handled it to reach a successful design resolution." (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing custom displays and memorabilia specifically?" (Connect your passion to the company's niche.)

• "How do you envision your role contributing to our team and our clients' satisfaction?" (Emphasize collaboration and client-centricity.)

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of detail and craftsmanship in custom design work?" (Align with the company's potential values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a clear story: client need, your solution, key design decisions, technical execution, and final impact.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images and mockups. Clearly label what is a mockup versus a final product photo.

• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your work, especially file preparation for print. If you used specific software like Onyx RIP, be ready to explain your experience.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that align with custom framing, memorabilia, large-format printing, and corporate displays.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, technical production knowledge, and strong client communication skills, all within the context of custom design and print.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer / Creative Design Specialist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Full Circle Recruiting careers page.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, print production, prepress file preparation, and any large-format printing or custom framing experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features your best work relevant to custom displays, memorabilia, artwork, and corporate items. Ensure it includes examples of your prepress file preparation process and mockups.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design process, technical skills, and how you collaborate with clients and production teams. Practice presenting 2-3 key portfolio pieces.

• Research the Company/Client: If possible, research the specific custom framing business or similar operations to understand their aesthetic, client base, and potential market.

⚠️ 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.