Graphic Designer (Hybrid)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Hybrid)

Company: Shepard Exposition Services

Location: Orlando, Florida, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-28

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the creation and execution of visual assets supporting trade show and event marketing initiatives.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating client needs into compelling print graphics, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to production standards.

• This position requires a blend of creative design skills, technical proficiency in design software, and a strong understanding of print production processes.

• The role demands meticulous attention to detail, effective collaboration with internal teams, and the ability to manage multiple projects within a dynamic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data indicates "Graphic Designer," the context of Shepard Exposition Services (an exposition and trade show service provider) strongly implies a focus on print graphics for events, trade shows, and potentially large-format printing. The responsibilities and required skills align with this specialized area of graphic design within the events industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce and design high-quality print graphics specifically for trade shows and specialty events, ensuring all designs meet client specifications and company brand guidelines.

• Implement rigorous quality control measures throughout the design process, including thorough proofreading and adherence to structural and graphic standards for event materials.

• Collaborate closely with sales, account management, and production teams to understand client requirements, project scope, and design objectives, ensuring seamless integration of design work.

• Prepare and optimize design files in various formats (Vector, PDF, Raster) for large-format print production, ensuring design integrity, precise color accuracy, and superior image quality.

• Maintain a detailed understanding of oversized print production processes, including material capabilities, color matching, and finishing techniques, to ensure designs are feasible and impactful.

• Manage design workloads effectively, prioritizing tasks to meet tight deadlines inherent in the event industry, and proactively communicate project status and potential challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to reflect the specific context of an exposition services company, emphasizing trade show graphics, large-format printing, and client collaboration within a deadline-driven event cycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

• Equivalent practical experience in graphic design may be considered in lieu of a formal degree, demonstrating a strong portfolio of work. Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a significant focus on print design and production.

• Demonstrated experience in preparing files for large-format printing and understanding the nuances of event-specific graphic requirements. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, for creating and manipulating design assets.

• Expertise in Windows-based design environments and common file formats (Vector, PDF, Raster) essential for print production workflows.

• Strong understanding of print production processes, including color management, resolution requirements, and bleed/trim considerations for large-format printing.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in proofreading and quality control of design deliverables. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with project management tools to track design tasks and deadlines.

• Familiarity with event or trade show industry design trends and best practices.

• Knowledge of web-based collaboration tools such as WebEx for remote team interaction.

• Ability to adapt quickly to feedback and iterate on designs based on client and team input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section is tailored to the specific demands of designing for trade shows and large-format printing, emphasizing Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, print production knowledge, and communication for client-facing roles within an exposition services context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of print design projects, with a strong emphasis on trade show graphics, event signage, or large-format applications.

• Demonstrate the ability to translate brand guidelines and client briefs into visually appealing and effective event graphics.

• Include examples of file preparation for print, illustrating understanding of color accuracy, resolution, and file formats (Vector, PDF, Raster) suitable for professional printing.

• Portfolio pieces should highlight problem-solving skills related to design constraints, such as specific material limitations or structural requirements for event booths. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design workflow, from initial concept and client brief interpretation to final file delivery for print production.

• Demonstrate how you ensure design integrity, color precision, and high image quality throughout your design and file preparation process.

• Be ready to explain your approach to quality control, including proofreading and adherence to established layout and structural guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the need for a portfolio that specifically validates experience in print graphics for events and trade shows, along with the ability to articulate the design and file preparation processes involved.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $24.00 - $29.00 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Life and Disability Insurance coverage.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan, offering long-term financial security.

• Participation in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), fostering a sense of ownership and direct benefit from company success. Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Hours may fluctuate based on workload demands, with potential for night and weekend work required to meet event deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range has been explicitly stated based on the provided data. Benefits have been detailed, with specific mention of the ESOP program which is a significant differentiator for Shepard Exposition Services. The working hours are clarified to reflect the dynamic nature of the event industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Event Services / Trade Show Management. Shepard Exposition Services is a key player in providing services for trade shows and special events, including custom design, fabrication, and logistics. This industry is fast-paced, deadline-driven, and highly collaborative.

Company Size: While an exact number isn't provided, Shepard Exposition Services is a significant entity in its industry, suggesting a mid-to-large sized organization with established operational processes.

Founded: Founded in 1905, Shepard Exposition Services has a long-standing history and deep expertise in the exposition industry, indicating stability and a commitment to long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design team likely operates within a larger Creative Services or Production department, collaborating closely with project managers, account executives, and the print production team.

• Reporting structure typically involves a Creative Director or Production Manager overseeing design staff.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring designers to work with sales teams to understand client needs and with production teams to ensure designs are executable for print. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven design decisions, where client requirements and brand standards inform creative output.

• Workflow planning focuses on efficient project management, ensuring designs are completed on time and within budget for event execution.

• Automation and efficiency practices are key, especially in preparing files for large-format printing and managing repetitive design tasks.

Company Website: https://www.shepardes.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been enriched by noting the company's long history, industry specialization, and the implications of being an ESOP, which often fosters a unique culture of shared responsibility and commitment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, requiring independent work and proficiency in core design tasks for a specific industry application. It's a hands-on creative role focused on execution and quality.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Production Manager, or a similar supervisory role within the creative or operations department. This structure provides guidance and oversight for design projects.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual presentation and brand execution of client events and trade show experiences. High-quality, accurate graphics contribute to client satisfaction, brand perception, and the overall success of the events Shepard services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in trade show graphics, large-format printing, or event branding through continued experience and training.

• Senior Designer: Advancement to a Senior Graphic Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and potentially leading design initiatives.

• Creative Leadership: Opportunities to move into leadership roles such as Creative Lead or Art Director within the company, overseeing design strategies and team performance.

• Cross-functional Roles: Potential to transition into roles related to production management, account management, or client services, leveraging design expertise in a broader operational context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are framed within the context of the exposition services industry, highlighting specialization in trade show graphics and potential career paths within operations and creative leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning the designer will spend some days working remotely and some days in the office. The office environment is expected to be collaborative, geared towards project-based work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Orlando, Florida. Specific office details would need to be confirmed, but it's likely a professional office setting equipped for creative work.

Workspace Context:

• The office workspace will likely foster collaboration, with opportunities for designers to interact with colleagues on projects, share ideas, and receive immediate feedback.

• Access to necessary design hardware, software, and potentially large-format printers or proofing stations within the office environment.

• Opportunities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and direct communication with production and sales teams to ensure alignment on client projects. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility to accommodate project deadlines.

• The hybrid arrangement allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative/team-based work at the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is highlighted, along with the expected collaborative environment and the need for access to specific tools that support print design and production within the exposition services context.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience and creative skills.

• Skills Assessment: This may include a practical design test or a portfolio review session where you'll discuss your projects, design process, and technical skills. Expect questions about your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and print production.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potential team members to assess your collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit, particularly regarding core values like teamwork and responsiveness.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader to discuss your fit within the company's long-term vision and ESOP culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase your experience with print graphics, trade shows, event branding, and large-format applications.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain your design process, how you interpreted the brief, your creative decisions, and how you prepared files for print.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with specific software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and your understanding of print production challenges and solutions.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Include examples where you faced design challenges (e.g., tight deadlines, specific material constraints) and how you overcame them.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge that simulates a real-world task, such as designing a graphic for a trade show booth or a promotional flyer, with specific constraints and a quick turnaround.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your design meets client objectives and production requirements.

• Prepare to discuss how you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects with competing deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on portfolio content relevant to trade show graphics and print production, and preparing for potential design challenges that mirror industry tasks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and scalable illustrations critical for large-format printing.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and page design of brochures, event guides, and other print collateral.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating raster graphics with high visual fidelity.
  • Adobe Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and pre-press checks.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Including Word for documentation, Excel for potential data handling or tracking, and Outlook for communication.

• WebEx: For remote collaboration and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary design tools, understanding how design impacts event success might involve reviewing basic event metrics or client feedback reports. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems is not directly required for this role, but understanding how design requests are logged or managed through a system could be beneficial. Automation in terms of design templates or file preparation workflows is more relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on the core design software required for print graphics and the collaboration tools necessary for a hybrid role within a company that likely uses standard business software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Caring: Demonstrating empathy and consideration for clients, colleagues, and fellow ESOP owners.

• Commitment: Dedication to delivering high-quality work and meeting client needs, especially under pressure.

• Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all interactions and design work.

• Spirit: Bringing enthusiasm and a positive attitude to projects and teamwork.

• Responsiveness: Promptly addressing client requests, feedback, and project needs.

• Inclusivity: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where everyone feels respected and heard.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with others to achieve common goals and support the success of the team and company.

Collaboration Style:

• A collaborative approach is paramount, involving close work with sales, account management, and production teams to ensure design projects align with client objectives and are feasible for production.

• Expect a culture of feedback exchange, where constructive criticism is shared and received constructively to improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged, especially regarding best practices in trade show design and print production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific core values of Shepard Exposition Services have been integrated, highlighting their importance for cultural fit and how they translate into daily work for operations and creative roles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The event industry is characterized by tight deadlines and frequent changes. Designers must be adept at managing pressure and delivering high-quality work quickly.

• Technical Production Nuances: Understanding and consistently applying the technical specifications for large-format printing, color accuracy, and material limitations can be challenging but is crucial for success.

• Balancing Creativity and Client Needs: Effectively translating diverse client visions and brand requirements into practical, executable designs requires strong communication and creative problem-solving.

• Hybrid Work Management: Maintaining seamless communication and collaboration with the team while working remotely requires proactivity and effective use of communication tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in trade show design trends, new printing technologies, and event marketing strategies.

• Software Proficiency: Advanced training in Adobe Creative Cloud or related design software to enhance efficiency and capabilities.

• ESOP Education: Learning about the principles and benefits of being an Employee Stock Ownership Plan owner to contribute more effectively to the company's success.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining insights into other areas of the business, such as production, sales, or client services, to understand the broader operational context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed within the context of the exposition industry, and growth opportunities are tailored to skill development relevant to a graphic designer in this specific sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing graphics for a trade show booth, from initial client brief to final print-ready files." (Focus on workflow, file prep, and understanding production constraints.)

• "How do you ensure color accuracy and design integrity when preparing files for large-format printing?" (Highlight technical knowledge of print production.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to adapt a design based on constructive feedback or client requests. How did you approach it?" (Assess adaptability, communication, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you prioritize your workload when managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Evaluate time management and organizational skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for an exposition services company like Shepard?" (Showcase understanding of the industry and company's role.)

• "How does your design approach align with our core values of Caring, Commitment, Integrity, Spirit, Responsiveness, Inclusivity, and Teamwork?" (Connect your work ethic and collaboration style to company values.)

• "What does being an ESOP owner mean to you, and how do you think it impacts your role?" (Demonstrate awareness and appreciation for the ownership culture.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each selected project, tell a brief story about the client's goal, your creative process, and the outcome.

• Technical Detail: Be ready to explain specific design choices, software techniques, and how you prepared files for print, focusing on color, resolution, and file formats.

• Client Focus: Emphasize how your designs met client needs and contributed to the success of their trade show or event.

• Conciseness: Present your work clearly and efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to assess the candidate's understanding of print production for events, their ability to work in a dynamic environment, and their cultural alignment with Shepard Exposition Services.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features print design work, especially trade show graphics, event collateral, or large-format pieces. Tailor your presentation to highlight your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and your understanding of print production processes.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with graphic design, print production, and relevant software (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office). Quantify achievements where possible, such as "designed X number of graphics for major trade shows" or "improved file preparation time by Y%."

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your approach to file preparation for print, and your experience working under deadlines. Be prepared to articulate how your skills align with Shepard's core values and the ESOP structure.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Shepard Exposition Services' work, their clients, and their commitment to service excellence. Understand the unique aspects of the exposition industry and how graphic design contributes to its success.

⚠️ 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.