Graphic Designer Creative Services - TEMP
π Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer Creative Services - TEMP
Company: PUMA
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary
Category: Creative Services / Graphic Design
Date Posted: 2026-06-01
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
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This role is a temporary, full-time Graphic Designer position within PUMA's in-house Creative Services agency, focusing on developing and executing visual assets for diverse marketing channels.
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The position demands strong technical proficiency in graphic design software, meticulous production skills, and a keen eye for visual storytelling within the sports and lifestyle industries.
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Successful candidates will collaborate with senior creative staff to brainstorm concepts and bring them to life across various platforms, including out-of-home, digital, social, and retail.
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The role emphasizes a blend of creative ideation and production-readiness, requiring designers to manage projects from concept through to final delivery while adhering to brand standards and production requirements.
π Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities and required skills indicate a role heavily focused on production-level execution and campaign asset creation, rather than purely conceptual design. The "TEMP" designation suggests a project-based need, likely for specific campaigns or initiatives. The mention of "Creative Services" as an "in-house agency" implies a structured, fast-paced environment akin to an external agency but integrated within PUMA's operations.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Collaborate closely with Art Directors and Associate Creative Directors to conceptualize and execute visual designs for out-of-home (OOH) advertising, digital campaigns, social media content, and retail environments.
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Manage the end-to-end design process for assigned projects, from initial concept development and brainstorming through to final production and delivery, ensuring high-quality output at every stage.
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Actively participate in and lead brainstorming sessions, contributing innovative conceptual ideas and visual direction that align with PUMA's brand strategy and campaign objectives.
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Work collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders to effectively balance creative vision with practical constraints such as budget, functional requirements, and overall program goals.
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Prepare meticulously detailed, production-ready artwork for both digital and print applications, adhering to industry-standard practices for color management, resolution, file formats, and pre-press requirements.
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Develop comprehensive design decks, mood boards, and presentations to effectively communicate concepts and design rationale to creative teams, marketing departments, and other key stakeholders.
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Clearly articulate and present design concepts, rationale, and visual direction to internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment and buy-in.
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Continuously research and stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in graphic design, digital technology, visual culture, and the sports/lifestyle industry to inform creative output.
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Efficiently manage multiple concurrent projects, maintain organized file structures, and meet all deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on collaboration with senior creative leads (Art Directors, Associate Creative Directors) and stakeholder management, indicating the need for strong communication and interpersonal skills in addition to design craft. The requirement to prepare "production-ready files" and adhere to "pre-press" standards signifies a crucial production aspect of this role.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating a strong foundation in design principles.
Experience: 2-4 years of professional experience in graphic design, preferably within a creative agency, brand marketing department, or a similar fast-paced creative environment.
Required Skills:
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Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for print and digital production workflows.
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Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat for preparing and managing print-ready files and ensuring pre-press readiness.
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Demonstrated experience with Figma for digital design collaboration, wireframing, and prototyping.
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Strong foundational knowledge of typography, layout principles, color theory, and composition for both print and digital media.
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Proven ability to prepare precise, production-ready files for various output channels, understanding color management, resolution, file formats, and pre-press requirements.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and rationale clearly.
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Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Skills:
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Basic proficiency in motion design software such as Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro for creating dynamic visual content.
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Exposure to or experience with generative AI tools for ideation, asset creation, and exploring innovative visual concepts.
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Previous experience working within the footwear, athletic apparel, or fashion industries.
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Familiarity with 3D design tools like Blender or Cinema 4D for advanced visual development.
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Experience in developing visual assets for out-of-home advertising, digital marketing, and social media platforms.
π Enhancement Note: The "TEMP" nature of the role suggests that while a Bachelor's degree is preferred, extensive practical experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating mastery of the core tools (Adobe Suite, Figma) might be considered equivalent. The preference for industry experience and motion/3D/AI skills indicates a desire for candidates who can contribute beyond basic graphic design production.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A digital portfolio link is mandatory for all applications, showcasing a diverse range of design projects that demonstrate creative thinking and technical execution.
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Projects should highlight visual storytelling capabilities and the ability to craft compelling narratives through design.
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Include examples that showcase the meticulous preparation of production-ready files for both print and digital mediums.
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Demonstrate experience in conceptualizing and executing campaign assets across various platforms (OOH, digital, social, retail).
Process Documentation:
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Portfolio pieces should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of the design lifecycle, from initial brief and concept development to final asset delivery and production.
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Evidence of workflow efficiency, project management, and organized file management should be apparent through the portfolio's presentation.
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Examples of how design concepts were translated into technically sound production files for different channels are crucial.
π Enhancement Note: Given this is a Graphic Designer role, the "portfolio" is the primary assessment tool. The emphasis here is on demonstrating not just creative output but also the crucial production skills and understanding of project lifecycle management required for this role.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The base pay for this position is $40 per hour.
Benefits:
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Product Discount: Employees are eligible for discounts on PUMA products.
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Competitive Hourly Rate: A base pay of $40 per hour, reflecting the temporary nature and skill requirements of the role.
Working Hours: This is a full-time temporary position, implying standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project needs.
π Enhancement Note: The salary is specified as an hourly rate ($40/hour), which is common for temporary roles. The total annual compensation would depend on the duration of the temporary contract and the actual hours worked. Benefits are limited, which is typical for temporary positions.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Sports Apparel & Footwear, Retail, Lifestyle. PUMA is a globally recognized brand with a significant presence in athletic performance and lifestyle fashion, operating in a competitive market that demands strong visual branding and trend-awareness.
Company Size: PUMA employs approximately 22,000 people worldwide and operates in over 120 countries. This indicates a large, established, and globally integrated organization with established processes and a significant internal marketing and creative infrastructure.
Founded: PUMA has a long history, founded in 1948. This legacy provides a strong brand heritage and established identity that creative teams must respect and build upon.
Team Structure:
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The Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative Services team, which functions as an "in-house agency." This suggests a structured team with various creative roles, including Art Directors, Associate Creative Directors, and potentially other specialists.
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This team likely collaborates closely with marketing, product development, and retail operations departments to translate brand strategies into visual assets.
Methodology:
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The Creative Services team likely employs a project-based workflow, managing multiple campaigns and initiatives simultaneously.
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Emphasis is placed on a collaborative approach, integrating feedback from various stakeholders to ensure alignment with business objectives and brand integrity.
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The team is expected to stay current with design trends, technological advancements, and cultural insights to maintain PUMA's brand relevance and innovative edge.
Company Website: https://about.puma.com/
π Enhancement Note: PUMA's emphasis on "SPEED & SPIRIT" and values like "BE DRIVEN," "BE VIBRANT," and "BE TOGETHER" suggests a dynamic, performance-oriented, and team-centric culture. The mention of equal opportunity and human-led hiring decisions highlights a commitment to fairness and ethical practices.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is an entry-to-mid-level temporary Graphic Designer role, suitable for individuals with 2-4 years of experience. It offers hands-on experience within a major global brand's creative department.
Reporting Structure: The role reports to senior creative leads such as Art Directors or Associate Creative Directors within the Creative Services team. This provides opportunities for mentorship and learning from experienced professionals.
Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of revenue or sales ops, this position directly impacts the brand's visual communication and market perception. Successful execution of creative assets contributes to marketing campaign effectiveness, brand consistency, and ultimately, consumer engagement and sales.
Growth Opportunities:
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Skill Development: Opportunity to gain practical experience in a fast-paced agency environment, working on high-profile projects for a globally recognized brand. Exposure to various design applications (OOH, digital, social, retail) and potentially emerging technologies like AI and 3D design.
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Portfolio Enhancement: The projects undertaken can significantly enhance a designer's professional portfolio with tangible, impactful work for a major brand.
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Industry Exposure: Experience within PUMA's Creative Services offers insight into the operations of an in-house creative agency within the competitive sports and lifestyle industry.
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Networking: Opportunity to build professional connections within the PUMA creative and marketing teams.
π Enhancement Note: The "TEMP" nature of the role means direct career progression within PUMA might be limited unless converted to a permanent position. However, the growth is significant in terms of skill acquisition, portfolio building, and industry experience, which can be leveraged for future permanent roles elsewhere or potentially within PUMA.
π Work Environment
Office Type: This role is based at PUMA's Boston International Office, indicating an on-site work environment.
Office Location(s): PUMA Boston International Office. Specific details about the office's amenities or accessibility would need to be confirmed directly.
Workspace Context:
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The role operates within PUMA's "Creative Services," an in-house agency, suggesting a collaborative studio-like environment where designers work closely together.
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Access to industry-standard design software and technology is expected.
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The environment is described as "fast-moving," implying a dynamic and potentially high-pressure atmosphere where efficiency and adaptability are key.
Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely aligning with typical business hours in Boston (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM EST), Monday through Friday. The temporary nature may involve a defined contract period.
π Enhancement Note: The description implies an on-site role, which is crucial for collaborative brainstorming and hands-on work with creative teams. The "fast-moving" environment suggests a need for proactive individuals who thrive under deadlines.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Application: Submit resume and a mandatory link to your digital design portfolio.
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Portfolio Review: The Creative Services team will review portfolios to assess creative capabilities, technical skills, production readiness, and alignment with PUMA's brand aesthetic.
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Interview(s): Candidates selected for interviews will likely discuss their portfolio in detail, answer questions about their design process, problem-solving abilities, and experience with specific tools and project types. They may also assess cultural fit and collaboration style.
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Potential Skills Assessment: A short design challenge or a more in-depth discussion of production files might be included to evaluate practical skills.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates your ability to meet the requirements outlined (OOH, digital, social, retail, production-ready files).
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Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the concept, and the execution. Include examples of production files or explain your process for preparing them.
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Showcase Versatility: Include a range of projects that demonstrate your skills across different media and styles, if applicable, but ensure relevance to PUMA's brand.
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Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly displays your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and any other relevant tools.
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Visual Storytelling: Emphasize projects where you effectively communicated a message or narrative through design.
Challenge Preparation:
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Be prepared to discuss your design process, especially regarding concept development and production file preparation.
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Familiarize yourself with PUMA's current marketing campaigns, brand aesthetic, and recent product launches.
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Practice articulating your design choices and how they align with brand objectives and target audiences.
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Be ready to discuss your experience with specific software and tools mentioned in the requirements.
π Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application. Candidates should ensure it directly addresses the requirements for production-ready files and campaign execution across various channels.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Adobe Creative Suite: Essential, with specific emphasis on InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for all design and production tasks.
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Figma: Required for digital design collaboration, user interface design, and potentially prototyping.
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Adobe Acrobat: Necessary for preparing and reviewing print-ready files and ensuring pre-press specifications are met.
Analytics & Reporting:
CRM & Automation:
Emerging Technologies:
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Generative AI Tools: Exposure or experience is a plus for ideation and image creation.
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Motion Design Software: Basic skills in After Effects and Premiere Pro are desired for creating dynamic visual content.
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3D Design Software: Knowledge of Blender or Cinema 4D is a bonus for advanced visual development.
π Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. The preference for motion, AI, and 3D tools indicates PUMA's forward-thinking approach to creative content.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Speed & Spirit: Reflects PUMA's core values, suggesting a fast-paced, energetic, and performance-driven environment.
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Be Driven: Implies a culture of ambition, initiative, and a commitment to achieving goals.
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Be Vibrant: Suggests a creative, energetic, and inspiring workplace that embraces bold ideas.
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Be Together: Highlights teamwork, collaboration, and a supportive community atmosphere.
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Individual Talent: Encourages the expression of unique skills and perspectives within the team.
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Data-Driven & Efficiency: While not explicit for this role, PUMA's global operations likely value data-informed decisions and efficient processes, which creative teams must support.
Collaboration Style:
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Collaborative Agency Model: Works as an "in-house agency," emphasizing teamwork and cross-functional collaboration with marketing and other departments.
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Stakeholder Communication: Requires clear and effective communication with various stakeholders to balance creative vision with practical business needs.
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Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and integrating feedback from Art Directors, Associate Creative Directors, and other project stakeholders.
π Enhancement Note: The "SPEED & SPIRIT" ethos, combined with the "in-house agency" model, suggests a dynamic, collaborative, and results-oriented creative culture. Designers are expected to be both independent contributors and team players.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple projects with tight deadlines in a dynamic, global brand setting.
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Balancing Creative Vision with Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas into assets that meet budget, functional, and program requirements.
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Adapting to Trends: Staying current with rapidly evolving design trends, technologies (AI, 3D), and cultural shifts within the sports and lifestyle industries.
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Production Precision: Ensuring flawless execution of production-ready files for diverse media, requiring meticulous attention to detail.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Hands-On Experience: Working on diverse projects for a globally recognized brand like PUMA provides invaluable practical experience.
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Mentorship: Learning from experienced Art Directors and Associate Creative Directors within the Creative Services team.
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Tool Proficiency: Opportunities to gain or enhance skills in industry-standard design software and potentially explore emerging technologies like AI and 3D design.
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Industry Insight: Gaining exposure to the creative operations of a major player in the sports and lifestyle market.
π Enhancement Note: The temporary nature of the role means growth is primarily focused on skill development and experience acquisition rather than long-term career pathing within PUMA, unless a permanent role becomes available.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe your process for taking a design concept from initial brief to a final, production-ready file for both print and digital channels." (Focus on workflow, software, and pre-press checks.)
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"Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to balance creative aspirations with specific client/stakeholder requirements or constraints." (Highlight problem-solving and communication.)
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"How do you stay updated with the latest design trends, especially within the sports and lifestyle industries, and how do you incorporate them into your work?" (Demonstrate proactivity and industry awareness.)
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What excites you about PUMA as a brand, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our 'SPEED & SPIRIT'?" (Showcase brand alignment and enthusiasm.)
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"Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your design work. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Assess receptiveness to feedback and team-player mentality.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Project Selection: Choose 3-4 key projects that best represent your skills for this role, focusing on those relevant to PUMA's industry and the required output types (OOH, digital, social, retail).
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Narrative Flow: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the creative concept, the design solution, and the final execution, emphasizing production details.
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Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss the specific software, tools, and techniques used, especially for preparing production-ready files.
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Visual Storytelling: Use the presentation to tell a compelling story about your design process and the impact of your work.
π Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe both technical design and production skills, as well as the candidate's ability to collaborate and fit within PUMA's dynamic culture.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Graphic Designer position:
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Submit your application through the provided link on PUMA's careers portal.
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Portfolio Customization: Ensure your digital portfolio is easily accessible and showcases your most relevant work, specifically highlighting projects demonstrating production-ready file creation for print and digital, as well as campaign assets for OOH, social, and retail.
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Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 2-4 years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Figma, and any experience with motion design, AI, or 3D tools. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "contributed to X campaigns," "prepared Y production files").
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Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and technical execution. Practice answering questions about your experience with specific software and your understanding of production standards.
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Company Research: Thoroughly research PUMA's brand, current marketing campaigns, and recent product launches. Understand their core values ("SPEED & SPIRIT," "BE DRIVEN," etc.) and how your design philosophy aligns with them.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Requires a Bachelor's degree in graphic design or equivalent experience with 2-4 years of agency or brand experience. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is essential, with a strong foundation in both print and digital production.