Graphic Designer in Print Shop

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer in Print Shop

Company: VM Group Pty Ltd

Location: Bundall, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Part time

Category: Marketing / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a hybrid position combining hands-on graphic design with practical print production responsibilities within a promotional products business.

• Key focus areas include managing day-to-day graphic design and print requirements, turning creative concepts into quality branded products, and operating printing machinery.

• The position involves developing UI mock-ups, prototypes, and website designs to illustrate product appearance and functionality for the marketing division.

• Requires a creative eye, strong attention to detail, and the ability to quickly learn and operate specialized printing equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description indicates a hybrid role encompassing both creative design and operational print room tasks. This suggests a need for individuals who are not only skilled in design software but also comfortable with the physical aspects of production and potentially managing workflows related to print jobs. The "Graphic Designer in Print Shop" title and the mention of "practical work in our print room" and "printing machines" strongly point towards a role with operational responsibilities beyond pure graphic design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and execute daily graphic design tasks for promotional products, ensuring brand consistency and creative excellence.

• Translate creative concepts into tangible, high-quality branded merchandise through effective design and print preparation.

• Operate and maintain specialized printing machinery within the print room, ensuring efficient and accurate production.

• Develop user interface (UI) mock-ups and interactive prototypes to visualize how promotional products will look and function.

• Design and create website user interfaces (UI) that clearly illustrate the functionality and user experience of online platforms for the marketing division.

• Create original digital animations, images, and interactive graphics for marketing materials, with a desirable emphasis on these skills.

• Perform layout adjustments based on user feedback, behavioral data, and project requirements to optimize design effectiveness.

• Assist in other areas of the business as required, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute across different functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed, particularly "Manage our day-to-day graphic design & print requirements," "Ability to quickly learn how to set up and operate our promotional products printing machines," and "assisting in other areas of our business as required," highlight a hands-on, operational component to this design role. This is not a purely theoretical design position but one that requires active participation in the production process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A suitable design qualification is required, with a preference for 2+ years of relevant study or certification. Experience:

• Proven experience in graphic design, with a portfolio showcasing creative skills and successful project execution.

• Experience in a print production environment or with operating printing machinery is highly desirable.

• Experience in UI/UX design, including mock-up and prototype development, is a strong asset. Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for graphic design and image manipulation.

• Exceptional creative eye and strong attention to detail, ensuring high-quality visual output.

• Excellent communication and time management skills, essential for managing multiple tasks and collaborating with a team.

• Reliability, strong work ethic, and a commitment to producing high-quality work.

• Ability to quickly learn and master the setup and operation of promotional product printing machines.

• Adaptability and willingness to assist in various business areas as needed. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe XD for UI/UX design and prototyping.

• Experience in creating digital animations, interactive graphics, and presentations.

• Understanding of website UI design principles and user behavior.

• Previous experience in the promotional products industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Expert skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator (and XD – desirable)" and "Possess a suitable design qualification (2 years + preferred)" clearly defines the core technical and educational prerequisites. The emphasis on "reliable, hardworking and takes pride in their work" and "Ability to quickly learn how to set up and operate our promotional products printing machines" points to the need for an individual who is not only creatively skilled but also operationally adept and dependable.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, including examples of work created for promotional products or similar branding applications.

• Demonstrations of UI mock-ups and prototypes, illustrating the ability to visualize product appearance and digital functionality.

• Examples of original digital animations, images, or interactive graphics, if applicable, to highlight broader creative capabilities.

• Evidence of layout adjustments based on feedback or user behavior, demonstrating iterative design processes. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly detailed, candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of design workflows from concept to final production, including print preparation processes.

• The ability to learn and follow established processes for operating printing machinery and managing print jobs is crucial.

• Familiarity with how design integrates into broader marketing and sales processes (e.g., website UI, promotional campaign assets) will be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description emphasizes practical application and creative skills. A strong portfolio is implicitly required to showcase these abilities. For a role involving print production, demonstrating an understanding of design-to-print workflows, even if not explicitly documented, would be a significant advantage. The mention of "CRM and printing systems" implies a need for candidates to be process-oriented and capable of learning new operational systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the part-time nature, location (Gold Coast, Australia), and experience level (2-5 years), a competitive hourly rate is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with print production responsibilities in Queensland, Australia, a range of AUD $25 - $35 per hour is estimated. This range accounts for the blend of creative and operational duties and the specific skill set required. Benefits:

• Growth Opportunities: Ample opportunities for professional growth as the company is expanding rapidly, offering chances to take ownership of roles and potentially build teams.

• Management Potential: Potential to manage other graphic designers after a qualifying period, indicating a clear career progression path.

• Full Training: Comprehensive training provided for the company's CRM and printing systems, ensuring readiness for operational tasks.

• On-site Amenities: Access to coffee and tea facilities.

• Positive Work Environment: A fun, friendly, and close-knit team atmosphere, described as family-like.

• Varied Work: Exposure to different areas of the business, ensuring a dynamic and engaging work experience.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position. The specific number of hours per week is not detailed but would typically range from 15-25 hours, depending on business needs. The role requires flexibility to assist in other areas as needed, suggesting a dynamic schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for part-time roles in Australia requires careful consideration of hourly rates. The provided estimate of AUD $25-$35 per hour for a Graphic Designer with print responsibilities in Bundall, Queensland, is based on typical rates for similar roles in the region, factoring in the specified experience level and the hybrid nature of the job. The benefits clearly highlight opportunities for career advancement and skill development, which are attractive to candidates looking for more than just a job.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Promotional Products / Marketing Services. VM Group Pty Ltd operates within the promotional products sector, a segment of the broader marketing and advertising industry. This industry is characterized by its focus on branding, customization, and delivering tangible marketing solutions.

Company Size: VM Group Pty Ltd is part of a larger group (VM Group World). While the specific size of the Bundall operation isn't stated, the mention of "growing fast" and "plenty of opportunities for you to own your role & build your team" suggests a dynamic, expanding, and potentially medium-sized entity within the group structure.

Founded: While the founding date of VM Group Pty Ltd is not specified, the parent company, VM Group World, has a global presence, implying a well-established and experienced organization. This suggests a stable yet growth-oriented environment.

Team Structure:

• The role is within a "friendly, close-knit, multicultural team" in Bundall.

• There is potential for the successful candidate to "manage our other graphic designer after a qualifying time," indicating a hierarchical structure or potential for team leadership development.

• Collaboration is key, with an emphasis on enjoying working with others and contributing ideas. Methodology:

• The role requires managing day-to-day design and print requirements, suggesting structured workflows for order processing and production.

• Emphasis on turning creative concepts into quality branded products points to a process-driven approach to creative execution.

• The need to learn company-specific CRM and printing systems implies a structured onboarding and training process.

Company Website: https://www.vmgroup.world

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a "friendly, close-knit, multicultural team" and a "fun and friendly" workplace. This points to a collaborative and supportive environment. The mention of "growth opportunities" and potential to "build your team" indicates a company that values internal development and offers pathways for career advancement, likely within a structured but agile operational framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at an intermediate level, combining foundational graphic design skills with operational responsibilities in print production. It's an excellent opportunity for a designer looking to gain hands-on experience in a manufacturing/production environment and develop a broader understanding of the promotional products lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a team lead or manager within the Bundall operations. The potential to manage other graphic designers suggests a future reporting structure where the candidate could lead a small team.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in ensuring the visual appeal and brand integrity of promotional products, directly impacting customer satisfaction and brand perception. Their work in developing UI mock-ups and website designs also supports the marketing division's online presence and customer engagement strategies. Efficient operation of printing machines ensures timely delivery of products, impacting sales and client relationships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Team Leadership: Potential to progress into a team lead or manager role, overseeing other designers and print operations.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific printing technologies or advanced design software relevant to promotional products.

• Cross-functional Development: Gain exposure to broader business operations, sales support, and marketing initiatives within the VM Group.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to optimizing design and print workflows, driving efficiency and quality improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Growth opportunities as we’re growing fast, which means plenty of opportunities for you to own your role & build your team" and "Potential to manage our other graphic designer after a qualifying time" provides clear indicators of career progression. This role is positioned as more than just a design job; it's a stepping stone for individuals looking to grow within a dynamic company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a print shop environment, which typically involves a combination of office space for design work and a production area for printing machinery. This suggests a dynamic workspace where creative tasks are integrated with hands-on production.

Office Location(s): The position is located in Bundall, Queensland, Australia (postcode 4217). This is a specific, on-site requirement, emphasizing the need for local residency.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workplace is described as "fun and friendly," with a "close-knit, multicultural team" where collaboration and idea-sharing are encouraged.

• Hands-on Production: Access to and operation of promotional product printing machines are integral to the workspace.

• Creative Hub: Dedicated space for graphic design work, utilizing industry-standard software and tools.

• Supportive Amenities: Access to coffee and tea facilities.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time position. While specific hours aren't detailed, the role requires flexibility to assist in other business areas as needed, indicating a dynamic schedule rather than a fixed, rigid one.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the "print room" and the need to "operate our promotional products printing machines" clearly indicates an on-site, production-oriented environment. The emphasis on a "fun and friendly" atmosphere and "close-knit team" suggests that while the work is hands-on, it's also socially engaging.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of applications and portfolios to assess design skills, relevant experience, and alignment with requirements (e.g., local residency, qualification).

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, creative choices, and ability to meet client briefs. This is a key opportunity to showcase UI/UX work and print-related projects.

• Practical Assessment/Skills Test: Potential for a design task or a demonstration of familiarity with design software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator). May also involve a brief discussion or observation related to operating machinery or understanding print processes.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of communication skills, ability to work in a close-knit team, and overall cultural fit with the "fun and friendly" environment. Candidates will also be assessing the team.

• Final Interview: Discussion on role responsibilities, growth opportunities, and confirmation of requirements like local residency and permanent residency status.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Versatility: Showcase a range of design work, including examples relevant to promotional products, branding, UI design, and any animation or interactive graphics.

• Demonstrate Process: For key projects, explain your thought process, the problem you were solving, your design choices, and how you incorporated feedback.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, provide context on the results or impact of your designs (e.g., how a UI design improved user flow, how a print design enhanced a product's appeal).

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples that clearly demonstrate expertise in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. If you have XD experience, make sure that's visible.

• Address Print Relevance: If you have experience with print production or operating machinery, explicitly mention this and provide examples. If not, emphasize your ability to learn quickly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a typical design brief for a promotional product (e.g., designing a logo for a branded pen or t-shirt).

• Understand the basics of file preparation for print (e.g., resolution, color modes, bleed).

• Research VM Group Pty Ltd and their product offerings to understand their brand and target market.

• Practice explaining your design decisions concisely and professionally, linking them to client objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly states, "you have to be able to fit in with the team (yes, they will be assessing you too!)." This highlights the importance of cultural fit and interpersonal skills during the interview process, beyond just technical design ability. The mention of "assisting in other areas of our business as required" also suggests interviewers may probe for adaptability and a willingness to learn diverse tasks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert skills required in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Adobe XD is highly desirable for UI/UX design and prototyping.

• Printing Machinery: Ability to learn and operate promotional products printing machines is a key requirement. Specific types of machines are not named, but proficiency in their setup and operation will be trained.

• CRM System: Full training will be provided for the company's CRM system, indicating its importance in managing client relationships and potentially tracking design/print orders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, the role involves developing UI mock-ups and prototypes for website designs, which implies an understanding of user behavior and potentially basic analytics concepts for design optimization. CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: Training will be provided, suggesting a specific CRM platform is in use for managing customer data, orders, and possibly project workflows.

• Printing Systems: Dedicated systems for managing print jobs and machine operations are implied.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Expert skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator (and XD – desirable)" and "Ability to quickly learn how to set up and operate our promotional products printing machines" clearly defines the core technical requirements. The mention of "full training in relation to our CRM and printing systems" indicates that while proficiency isn't required upfront, a capacity to learn and adapt to these operational tools is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Reliability & Hard Work: Candidates must be reliable, hardworking, and take pride in their work, reflecting a strong commitment to operational excellence.

• Creativity & Detail: A creative eye and strong attention to detail are paramount for delivering high-quality design output.

• Collaboration & Idea Contribution: The company fosters a collaborative environment where enjoying teamwork and contributing ideas are highly valued.

• Adaptability & Flexibility: Willingness to assist in other areas of the business demonstrates a flexible and team-oriented approach, crucial in a growing company.

• Learning & Growth Mindset: The emphasis on training and growth opportunities suggests a value placed on continuous learning and development.

Collaboration Style:

• Close-Knit Team: The team operates as a friendly, close-knit, multicultural unit, encouraging strong interpersonal relationships.

• Idea Exchange: Active contribution of ideas is encouraged, fostering a dynamic and innovative design and production process.

• Mutual Assessment: Team members are encouraged to work well together, with an understanding that the team also assesses new members for fit.

• Cross-functional Support: The expectation to assist in other business areas promotes a culture of mutual support and shared responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description emphasizes fitting in with the team, stating, "you have to be able to fit in with the team (yes, they will be assessing you too!)." This underscores the importance of interpersonal skills and cultural alignment, suggesting that a collaborative, friendly, and adaptable demeanor is as critical as technical design skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design and Production: Effectively managing time between creative design tasks and hands-on print production duties can be demanding.

• Learning New Machinery: Quickly mastering the operation and maintenance of specialized printing machines requires a steep learning curve.

• Diverse Business Needs: Assisting in various business areas means adapting to different tasks and priorities, requiring flexibility and broad skill application.

• Remote Team Management (if applicable): If the role involves managing remote designers, coordinating tasks and ensuring communication across different locations can be a challenge.

• Staying Current: Keeping design skills sharp while also adapting to new printing technologies and operational processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operational Proficiency: Gaining hands-on experience with industrial printing equipment and production workflows.

• System Training: Comprehensive training on company CRM and printing systems, enhancing operational efficiency skills.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement, including potential team leadership and management roles.

• Industry Exposure: Working within the promotional products sector provides insights into branding, marketing, and manufacturing.

• Cross-functional Skill Building: Developing a broader understanding of business operations by assisting in different departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section is inferred from the nature of the role as described. The "Growth Opportunities" are directly pulled from the "Benefits" section of the raw input, highlighting the company's stated commitment to employee development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative design work with operational tasks. How did you manage your time and priorities?" (Assesses time management, prioritization, and adaptability).

• "How would you approach learning to operate a new piece of printing machinery with minimal supervision?" (Tests learning agility, problem-solving, and initiative).

• "What is your experience with UI/UX design, and how do you ensure your designs are user-friendly and visually appealing for products?" (Evaluates specific design skills and user-centric thinking).

• "Imagine you need to create a design for a promotional item that requires specific color matching for a client's brand. What steps would you take in Photoshop/Illustrator to ensure accuracy?" (Probes technical design skills and attention to detail for print). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in a print shop environment, as opposed to a purely digital design role?" (Assesses understanding and enthusiasm for the hybrid nature of the job).

• "Our team is described as close-knit and fun. How do you contribute to a positive team environment, and what does 'fitting in' mean to you?" (Evaluates cultural fit and teamwork capabilities).

• "VM Group is growing rapidly. How do you see yourself contributing to our growth, and what kind of career development are you seeking?" (Gauges ambition, alignment with company goals, and growth mindset).

• "Describe your experience working with CRM systems or other operational software. How quickly do you typically learn new systems?" (Assesses operational aptitude and learning speed). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Hybrid Projects: Showcase any projects where your design work directly led to a physical product or had a tangible output.

• Detail Print-Related Work: If you have experience with pre-press, color separation, or specific printing techniques, make sure to explain these processes.

• Demonstrate UI/UX Process: Walk through your mock-ups and prototypes, explaining user flows, key design decisions, and how you incorporated feedback.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, mention the impact of your work – e.g., "This design increased engagement by X%" or "This print process improved turnaround time by Y%."

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency, file management, and basic print production principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "fitting in with the team" and being "assessed" by them, as well as the need to "assist in other areas of our business as required," suggests that behavioral questions focusing on teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving in a dynamic environment will be key. Interviewers will likely probe for a candidate's willingness to be a proactive and contributing team member beyond just their core design duties.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link: https://recruit.visualmarketing.com.au/jobs/Careers.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant graphic design projects, particularly those involving product visualization (UI mock-ups, prototypes) and any experience with print production or branding for physical items. Ensure it demonstrates creativity, attention to detail, and proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your design qualifications, software expertise, and any experience operating printing machinery or working in a production environment. Use keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Designer," "Print Shop," "Adobe Photoshop," "Adobe Illustrator," and "UI Design." Emphasize your reliability, hard work, and ability to learn quickly.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your experience with UI/UX, and your approach to learning new operational systems and machinery. Be prepared to articulate how you contribute to a positive team environment and your interest in VM Group's growth.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with VM Group Pty Ltd and their range of promotional products. Understand their target market and brand aesthetic to better align your application and interview responses with their business needs. Research Bundall, Queensland, to confirm your local residency status.

⚠️ 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.