Graphic Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer I

Company: Leapfrog Brands

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 2 days in office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute creative digital marketing assets, including email newsletters, web banners, and paid advertisements, to enhance consumer engagement across various platforms.

• Specialize in digital asset creation, encompassing photo retouching, vector illustration, and the development of compelling color palettes for campaigns and product lines.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing and Design teams to conceptualize and refine digital content, ensuring brand consistency and aesthetic appeal across all screens.

• Manage design projects from conception through implementation, maintaining organized files, documenting revisions, and adhering to project timelines to support the brand's digital presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer I," the responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on digital marketing assets and e-commerce optimization, aligning it closely with a Marketing Operations or Creative Services role within a Go-To-Market function. The emphasis on "making our e-commerce photos camera-ready" and "keeping our digital presence sharp" points to a role that directly supports revenue generation through visual content strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and create visually engaging digital marketing assets, including but not limited to email newsletters, web banners, social media graphics, and paid digital advertisements, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

• Execute expert photo retouching and image manipulation for e-commerce product photography, ensuring a polished and professional presentation that drives conversions.

• Develop and adapt vector illustrations and repeating patterns for integration into digital experiences, product lines, and marketing collateral.

• Contribute to the strategic development and implementation of bold color palettes that define digital campaigns, seasonal themes, and overall brand identity.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Product, and Design, to brainstorm innovative digital asset ideas and ensure cohesive brand messaging.

• Support the review and approval process by incorporating thoughtful revisions based on feedback from Marketing and Design partners, demonstrating strong communication and adaptability.

• Maintain meticulously organized design files, document design revisions, manage project timelines efficiently, and proactively communicate project status with team members.

• Contribute to special projects and address ad hoc design needs that advance the brand's visual strategy and marketing initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to digital asset creation and optimization, with a direct link to e-commerce performance. This suggests a need for individuals who not only possess strong design skills but also understand how design impacts consumer behavior and revenue. The mention of "keeping our digital presence sharp" and "making an impact on keeping our digital presence sharp" highlights the role's strategic importance in the GTM function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, or a closely related discipline.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience as an in-house graphic designer, with a preference for candidates with experience in the consumer goods industry.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, for image editing, manipulation, and vector creation.

• Demonstrated strong vector illustration skills with the ability to adapt to various artistic styles.

• Expertise in photo retouching and image manipulation techniques for e-commerce product imagery.

• Solid understanding of fundamental design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, and layout.

• Fundamental knowledge of branding practices and the application of graphic design principles across web, social media, and print mediums.

• Detail-oriented with a proven ability to manage design projects from initial concept through final implementation.

• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the capacity to work effectively with diverse organizational levels and cross-functional teams.

• Ability to embrace transparency, adapt to shifting priorities, and maintain focus on project progress in a dynamic environment. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in photo retouching is highly advantageous.

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems or workflows.

• Familiarity with web design principles and UI/UX considerations for digital assets.

• Understanding of marketing analytics and how design choices impact campaign performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical application of design skills within a marketing context, particularly for e-commerce. The preference for consumer goods experience and the mention of "making our e-commerce photos camera-ready" suggest that candidates with a portfolio showcasing e-commerce visuals and a keen eye for detail in product presentation will be highly favored. The "3+ years experience" coupled with a Bachelor's degree places this role at an intermediate level, requiring a solid foundation and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of digital marketing assets, including email newsletters, web banners, social media graphics, and paid advertisements, demonstrating creative execution and brand consistency.

• Specific examples of vector illustrations and adaptive pattern designs, highlighting versatility and technical skill.

• A dedicated section featuring before-and-after examples or case studies of e-commerce product photo retouching and image manipulation, emphasizing attention to detail and enhancement techniques.

• Demonstrations of how design principles (typography, color theory, composition, layout) have been applied to achieve specific campaign goals or brand objectives.

• Examples of work that illustrate an understanding of branding across various digital channels. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing design projects from concept to completion, including examples of file organization and workflow documentation.

• Case studies illustrating the process of incorporating feedback and revisions from marketing and design partners to refine creative assets.

• Prototypes or mockups demonstrating the application of color palettes and design elements across different digital touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio review, with a note that applications without one will not be considered, underscores its critical importance. For operations-focused roles, portfolios should not just showcase aesthetics but also the process behind achieving results. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their design choices supported marketing objectives, improved user experience, or contributed to conversion rates, demonstrating a data-informed approach to creative execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 annually, plus bonus.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) in the first year, increasing annually up to 25 days.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Additional Perks: Company-paid sick days, holidays, parental leave options, commuter benefits, and voluntary benefits.

• Financial Incentives: Annual bonus payouts for all salaried employees.

• Retirement Savings: Up to a 5% 401k match with no vesting period.

• Work-Life Balance: Summer Fridays (half-days from Memorial Day to Labor Day).

Working Hours: Full-time, salaried position, typically 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary band of $60,000-$70,000 for a Graphic Designer I in Chicago with 3+ years of experience is within the typical market range for such roles. The note about placement within the "low to mid-range" suggests that candidates with exceptional portfolios or highly relevant specialized skills (e.g., advanced photo retouching, specific consumer goods experience) may negotiate towards the higher end. The benefits package is robust, featuring strong PTO, comprehensive health coverage, a notable 401k match, and a performance-based bonus, all attractive aspects for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Goods / E-commerce. Leapfrog Brands operates within the dynamic consumer goods sector, with a strong emphasis on e-commerce and digital presence. This means the design function is integral to product presentation, marketing campaigns, and overall brand perception in a competitive online marketplace.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but the mention of a "hybrid work model" and various benefits suggests an established company with a structured HR department, likely mid-to-large size.

Founded: The founding date is not provided.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer I will likely be part of a Marketing or Creative Services department.

• They will report to a Design Lead, Marketing Manager, or Creative Director.

• Collaboration will involve frequent interaction with marketing specialists, e-commerce managers, and potentially product development teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on creating assets that resonate with consumers and drive engagement/conversions, suggesting a data-informed approach to visual strategy.

• Brand Consistency: A core focus on maintaining a sharp and consistent digital presence across all platforms.

• Agile Workflow: The role requires adapting to shifting priorities and embracing transparency, indicative of agile project management methodologies.

Company Website: www.leapfrogbrands.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on e-commerce and digital presence implies a fast-paced, results-oriented environment where design directly impacts business outcomes. Operations professionals in this setting often need to be adaptable, data-aware, and capable of collaborating efficiently with teams focused on revenue generation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as an entry-level to intermediate Graphic Designer (Graphic Designer I), suitable for professionals with 2-5 years of experience. It focuses on executing design tasks and contributing to broader marketing initiatives under guidance.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer I will likely report to a manager or director within the Marketing or Creative department, providing a clear line of supervision and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences consumer perception, brand engagement, and ultimately, e-commerce sales through compelling visual assets, email newsletters, web banners, and paid advertisements. Their contributions are crucial for the effectiveness of digital marketing campaigns and the overall online customer experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced photo retouching, vector illustration, or digital campaign design.

• Career Advancement: Potential to progress to Graphic Designer II, Senior Graphic Designer, or specialized roles like Digital Design Specialist or Art Director within Leapfrog Brands, based on performance and skill development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Exposure to broader marketing strategies, e-commerce operations, and brand management, which can open doors to roles in marketing coordination or brand management.

• Learning & Development: Access to internal training, potential for external workshops, and the chance to learn from experienced marketing and design professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-minded candidate, this role offers a pathway into a GTM function where creative execution directly supports revenue. Growth can be measured not just by title progression but by the increasing impact of their designs on key business metrics like conversion rates and customer engagement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week in the Lincoln Park office. Additional ad-hoc in-office days may be necessary based on business needs.

Office Location(s): Lincoln Park office in Chicago, Illinois.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, facilitating interaction with marketing and design colleagues for brainstorming and feedback sessions.

• Access to standard design software and potentially company-specific digital asset management tools.

• Opportunities for face-to-face collaboration on projects, team meetings, and strategic discussions.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with the benefit of Summer Fridays offering half-days from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model requires a balance between independent work and in-person collaboration. Operations professionals often thrive in structured environments with clear expectations for office presence and remote work, allowing for focused work while maintaining team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth review of the portfolio, potentially including a discussion on specific projects, design choices, and their impact. Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio and discuss their process.

• Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potential team members to evaluate technical skills, cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of digital marketing objectives.

• Ad Hoc Project/Challenge: A design challenge or brief may be assigned to assess problem-solving skills, speed, and ability to meet specific creative requirements under time constraints.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in vector illustration, photo retouching, digital asset creation (banners, emails, ads), and brand application.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, include a brief overview of the brief, your design process, the tools used, and the intended outcome. Highlight how your design contributed to marketing goals.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on the performance of your designs (e.g., increased click-through rates, engagement metrics), present it.

• Highlight Retouching: If photo retouching is a strong suit, dedicate a section to showcase before-and-after examples and explain your techniques.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize work relevant to e-commerce and digital marketing for consumer goods.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a digital ad, retouching a product image, or developing a concept for a campaign based on a brief.

• Focus on understanding the brand's aesthetic and target audience quickly.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and how they align with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review is paramount. Operations candidates should view their portfolio as a "process portfolio," demonstrating not just visual output but also their strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of how design impacts business metrics. This is akin to how operations professionals present case studies on process improvements or system implementations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Photoshop: Essential for photo retouching, image manipulation, and digital asset creation. Proficiency in layers, masks, color correction, and advanced editing tools is expected.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Critical for vector illustration, logo design, icon creation, and developing scalable graphics for various digital platforms.

• Other Potential Tools:

  • Figma/Sketch: May be used for UI/UX-related design elements or collaborative design workflows, though not explicitly mentioned.
  • Canva/Similar Platforms: Basic familiarity might be beneficial for quick social media graphics or internal presentations, but Adobe Suite is the primary requirement.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how design impacts metrics is key. Familiarity with performance metrics for digital ads, email campaigns, and e-commerce visuals is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how assets are deployed via marketing automation platforms or CRM-related email systems might be a plus for cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, particularly for image manipulation and vector work. For operations professionals transitioning or seeking roles with a creative component, demonstrating proficiency in these tools and understanding their application in a marketing/e-commerce context is crucial. The emphasis on "camera-ready" e-commerce photos points to a need for advanced Photoshop skills.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Detail-Oriented: A strong emphasis on precision in image composition, typography, and color contrast, mirroring the meticulousness required in operations for data integrity and process accuracy.

• Brand-Centric: Maintaining a sharp, consistent, and fun digital presence reflects a value placed on brand integrity and customer experience, akin to how operations values service level agreements and customer satisfaction.

• Collaborative: Working effectively with Marketing and Design partners to brainstorm and refine assets highlights a team-oriented approach, essential for cross-functional operations.

• Adaptable & Transparent: Embracing shifting priorities and transparency indicates a culture that values agility and open communication, common in fast-paced GTM environments.

• Impact-Driven: The desire to "make an impact on keeping our digital presence sharp" aligns with an operations mindset focused on tangible results and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with Marketing and Design to ensure creative output aligns with broader campaign strategies and brand goals.

• Feedback Incorporation: A willingness to receive and thoughtfully implement revisions from stakeholders, demonstrating a constructive approach to feedback.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear communication regarding project timelines, revisions, and potential challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture described values precision, collaboration, and adaptability, traits highly valued in operations roles. Understanding how these values translate into daily tasks, such as meticulous image editing or proactive stakeholder communication, will be key for candidates.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity and Brand Consistency: Creating engaging visuals while adhering to strict brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various design requests and deadlines for different channels (email, web, ads) simultaneously.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with digital design trends and e-commerce best practices to keep the brand's presence fresh and effective.

• Incorporating Feedback: Effectively translating constructive criticism from marketing and design partners into improved visual assets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Digital Design Skills: Opportunities to refine skills in digital illustration, photo manipulation, and layout for digital platforms.

• E-commerce Visual Strategy: Gaining deeper insight into how design impacts e-commerce conversion rates and customer journeys.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about marketing campaign strategy, product positioning, and brand management through collaboration.

• Software Proficiency: Potential to explore or deepen knowledge in related design or project management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a keen understanding of how design serves business objectives. For operations professionals, these challenges are familiar territory, requiring strategic problem-solving and efficient execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a digital ad campaign asset from brief to final delivery. How do you ensure it aligns with brand guidelines and campaign goals?" (Focus on workflow, collaboration, and strategic intent.)

• "How do you approach photo retouching for e-commerce products? What are the key considerations to make them 'camera-ready' and appealing to consumers?" (Highlight attention to detail, realism, and conversion focus.)

• "Can you walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to incorporate significant feedback from stakeholders? How did you manage the revision process?" (Demonstrate adaptability, communication, and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Leapfrog Brands and our approach to digital marketing?" (Research the company's products, recent campaigns, and overall brand presence.)

• "How do you stay updated on digital design trends, especially those relevant to e-commerce and consumer goods?" (Showcase continuous learning and industry awareness.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and productivity?" (Address communication strategies and time management.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Start with an overview of your most relevant work (e-commerce, digital marketing).

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 3-5 projects that showcase your strongest skills (e.g., vector illustration, photo retouching, campaign assets). For each, explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, and the impact or intended outcome.

• Emphasize Process and Problem-Solving: Discuss challenges encountered and how you overcame them. For retouching, show before/after images and explain your techniques.

• Connect to Business Goals: Frame your design decisions in terms of how they support marketing objectives, brand consistency, and user engagement.

• Be Ready for a Design Challenge: Practice creating a quick concept or retouching exercise based on a brief.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a design role with operations overlap should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and a business-oriented, process-driven approach. Candidates should be ready to articulate the "why" behind their design choices, linking them to tangible business outcomes, much like an operations professional would justify a process change.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Rippling careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of digital marketing assets (email newsletters, web banners, paid ads) and e-commerce product photo retouching. Tailor your presentation to highlight skills relevant to consumer goods and digital engagement.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 3+ years of in-house graphic design experience, emphasizing proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, vector illustration, and photo retouching. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved product image clarity resulting in X% fewer customer inquiries").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how your work contributes to business objectives. Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio and their impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Leapfrog Brands, their product lines, current marketing efforts, and brand aesthetic to inform your interview responses and demonstrate genuine interest. Understand their hybrid work model and commitment to a collaborative 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.