Graphic Designer - Part Time

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Part Time

Company: College Hill Custom Threads

Location: Pullman, Washington, United States (In-Office or Remote options available)

Job Type: Regular/Part-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: May 02, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Eligible (for candidates in WA, ID, WI)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the creation of print-ready graphics for custom apparel and promotional products, serving as a key contributor to the merchandise design studio.

• The position requires strong proficiency in Adobe Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop, for translating client briefs into impactful visual designs.

• Candidates will manage a diverse workload, including initial design tasks, edits, mock-ups, and final artwork for production, all while adhering to strict turnaround times.

• Collaboration is central to this role, requiring seamless communication with internal teams (marketing, sales, client services) and external vendors to ensure project success and client satisfaction.

• This is a part-time position, starting at approximately 10 hours per week, with potential to grow to 20-25 hours based on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified under Creative & Media and Art & Design. The emphasis on print-ready graphics for merchandise and apparel, coupled with client communication and internal team collaboration, strongly positions this as a role within a GTM (Go-To-Market) support function, specifically supporting sales and marketing efforts through product visualization. The part-time nature with growth potential is a common structure for specialized creative roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Creation & Execution:

  • Develop original, thoughtful graphic merchandise designs for custom apparel and promotional products, adhering to client brand standards and licensing requirements.
  • Create print-ready artwork with a strong understanding of design restrictions and processes for screen-printed apparel and promotional items.
  • Produce high-resolution design files suitable for various production methods.
  • Execute design edits, garment/mock-up changes, and finalize art for production.

• Client & Team Collaboration:

  • Interpret client briefs and sales team requests to translate written information into compelling visual designs.
  • Collaborate closely with the marketing, sales, and client services departments to understand project needs and deliver cohesive solutions.
  • Communicate effectively with vendors and other departments to ensure smooth workflow and accurate file delivery.

• Workflow & Time Management:

  • Manage and complete daily tasks efficiently, including initial design, edits, mock-ups, and file preparation.
  • Meet a 48-hour turnaround time for original artwork by effectively managing time and prioritizing tasks.
  • Proactively communicate with managers and team members to maximize time efficiency and address potential delays.

• Creative Contribution & Development:

  • Stay informed about creative trends within client industries and apply them to designs.

  • Contribute original ideas and innovative solutions to enhance merchandise offerings.

  • Adapt design style to accommodate diverse client needs and brand standards, even when outside personal preferences.

  • Participate in internal marketing design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational efficiency. The emphasis on a 48-hour turnaround, managing multiple tasks, and collaborating across departments points to a need for strong project management and communication skills, which are critical in operations-adjacent creative roles supporting GTM functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a focus on merchandise, apparel, or promotional product design.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Suite: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop are essential for creating and manipulating vector and raster graphics.

• Print Design Expertise: Strong understanding of print design restrictions, processes, and requirements, specifically for screen printing and promotional products.

• Design Adaptation: Ability to adapt design style to meet diverse client brand standards and requests, moving beyond personal preferences.

• Time Management: Proven ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines (e.g., 48-hour turnaround).

• Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal and written communication for interacting with internal teams, vendors, and clients.

• Teamwork & Independence: Capability to work effectively both collaboratively within a team and independently on individual assignments.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Ability to devise innovative design solutions and overcome creative challenges.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy in execution and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Multi-tasking: Capacity to handle multiple projects and tasks concurrently without compromising quality or creativity.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with creating mock-ups for apparel and promotional products.

• Familiarity with licensing requirements in design.

• Knowledge of high-resolution file formats and their applications.

• Experience in developing internal marketing collateral.

• Understanding of design for various printing techniques beyond screen printing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Suite proficiency, print design, and adapting to client needs are standard requirements for graphic designers. The specific mention of screen printing and promotional products, coupled with the need for fast turnaround and cross-departmental communication, suggests a role that directly supports sales enablement and product marketing efforts by visualizing potential merchandise. The preferred skills further refine this by pointing towards a need for a versatile designer who can handle various aspects of merchandise production.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Examples: A diverse portfolio showcasing a range of merchandise designs, including custom apparel (t-shirts, hats, etc.) and promotional products.

• Client-Specific Work: Examples demonstrating the ability to adhere to specific client brand standards and interpret client briefs effectively.

• Print-Ready Artwork: Inclusion of examples of technically sound, print-ready artwork, highlighting an understanding of production requirements.

• Process Visualization: Showcase projects where you've translated concepts into final, marketable designs, illustrating your design process.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: If possible, include a brief explanation of a design challenge and how you overcame it creatively.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including:
  • Workflow Design: How you approach a new design request from brief to final artwork.
  • Collaboration Methods: How you integrate feedback from team members and stakeholders.
  • Quality Assurance: Steps you take to ensure design accuracy and print readiness.
  • Tool Utilization: How you leverage Adobe Suite and other tools effectively in your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: For creative roles supporting GTM functions, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here should be on demonstrating the ability to produce marketable designs that align with client branding and are technically ready for production, reflecting an understanding of the operational aspects of bringing a product to market.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

• Explanation: This estimate is based on the provided AI salary data for a Part-Time Graphic Designer role in the US, considering the experience level (2-5 years) and the specific nature of the work (merchandise design, fast turnaround). Pullman, Washington, is a mid-cost-of-living area, and part-time roles often fall within this hourly range. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as specific experience, skills, and the final number of hours worked.

Benefits:

• Potential for Growth: Opportunity to increase hours from 10 to 20-25 per week based on performance and business needs.

• Flexible Work Arrangement: Option for in-office work at Pullman HQ or remote work for qualified candidates in Washington, Idaho, or Wisconsin.

• Creative Environment: Work within a dynamic, relaxed, and fun workspace with a team of innovators.

• Skill Development: Exposure to a wide range of client projects and internal marketing needs, fostering continuous learning and craft improvement.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Regular communication and collaboration with sales, marketing, and client services teams, providing broad business insight.

Working Hours:

• Part-time, approximately 10 hours per week initially, with potential to grow to 20-25 hours.

• Schedule follows Monday through Friday, with ongoing communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the provided AI data and general market knowledge for part-time graphic design roles in the US. Benefits are inferred from the company description and the nature of the role, focusing on growth potential and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Branded Merchandise Studio / Apparel & Promotional Products

Company Size: (LinkedIn data not provided, but Bamboohr careers page suggests a growing team)

Founded: 2011 in Pullman, WA.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: This role is part of a multi-location design team, implying a collaborative but potentially distributed structure.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The designer will work closely with marketing, sales, and client services teams, indicating a highly integrated GTM support structure.

• Reporting: Regular communication with a manager is expected for task assignment and performance review.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Design: Focus on interpreting client briefs and brand standards to create tailored merchandise.

• Agile Design Process: Emphasis on rapid turnaround times (48 hours) and iterative design adjustments.

• Data-Informed Creativity: While not explicitly stated, adapting to client industries and creative trends suggests an awareness of market dynamics.

Company Website: collegehillpromo.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "relaxed, fun and dynamic workspace of go-getters. We work hard and we play hard." This suggests an energetic environment that values both productivity and a positive work atmosphere, which is common in creative agencies or studios supporting sales and marketing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior to Mid-Level Creative Specialist. This role is foundational, focusing on execution within the design process.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a manager within the design department and will collaborate with leads or members of the marketing, sales, and client services teams.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the sales team's ability to present compelling product visualizations to clients and supports marketing efforts through internal collateral. High-quality, on-brand designs can enhance client perception, facilitate sales conversions, and contribute to the company's overall brand presentation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Increased Hours & Responsibility: The primary growth path is an increase in weekly hours, potentially leading to more complex projects and greater responsibility within the design team.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in apparel design, specific printing techniques, or promotional product visualization.

• Broader Project Involvement: Potential to contribute to more strategic design initiatives or internal branding efforts as experience grows.

• Cross-Departmental Learning: Exposure to sales, marketing, and client services can provide insights into other areas of the GTM function, enabling broader career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is clearly defined by increasing hours and responsibility within the design function, with potential for broader exposure to GTM operations. This is typical for part-time roles intended to scale with business needs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role offers flexibility:

• In-Office: Based at their Pullman HQ, suggesting a collaborative physical workspace.

• Remote: For candidates in Washington, Idaho, or Wisconsin, implying a well-established remote work infrastructure.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Even for remote workers, the role emphasizes ongoing communication and collaboration, suggesting virtual collaboration tools and practices are in place.

• Tools & Technology: Access to Adobe Suite is implied. Remote workers will need reliable internet and a suitable personal workspace.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with multiple departments is a key feature, requiring adaptable communication styles.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time, Monday through Friday. The specific hours can be flexible within the workday, but consistent availability for communication and project deadlines is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/remote option is a significant draw. For operations professionals, understanding how collaboration and communication are managed across locations is key to assessing the work environment's effectiveness.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills and experience.

• Skills Assessment: May include a design challenge or a request to elaborate on portfolio pieces, focusing on:

  • Creative Process: How you approach design problems and execute solutions.
  • Technical Proficiency: Demonstrating command of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Brand Adherence: Ability to work within given brand guidelines.
  • Turnaround Time Management: How you handle pressure and meet deadlines.

• Interviews: Conversations with hiring managers and potentially team members to assess:

  • Cultural Fit: Alignment with the company's "work hard, play hard" ethos.
  • Communication Skills: Ability to articulate design choices and collaborate effectively.
  • Motivation & Growth Potential: Interest in increasing hours and taking on more responsibility.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select pieces that best showcase your ability to design for apparel and promotional products, demonstrating versatility.

• Highlight Process: For key pieces, be prepared to briefly explain your thought process, the client's brief, and how you met the requirements.

• Showcase Technical Skill: Ensure your technical execution is flawless, especially for print-ready files.

• Demonstrate Brand Adaptability: Include examples where you've successfully worked with different brand styles.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult for design, if any project led to significant client feedback or repeat business, mention it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Brief Interpretation: Practice quickly understanding and summarizing design briefs.

• Time Management Simulation: Mentally rehearse how you'd approach a design task with a tight deadline.

• Tool Proficiency Practice: Ensure you are comfortable with shortcuts and efficient workflows in Illustrator and Photoshop.

• Verbalizing Process: Practice explaining your design choices clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also articulate the strategic thinking and operational execution behind it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logo design, and print-ready artwork creation.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for raster image editing, mock-up creation, and texture application.

• Adobe Suite: Implies potential use of other Adobe applications as needed.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable, but familiarity with how design assets are used within sales proposals or marketing campaigns would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is a non-negotiable requirement. Familiarity with other design software or asset management tools could be beneficial but is not explicitly stated.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Valued through the creation of original designs and adaptation to trends.

• Efficiency & Speed: Demonstrated by the 48-hour turnaround time and managing multiple tasks.

• Collaboration: Essential for working with sales, marketing, and client services teams.

• Client Focus: Designing to meet client brand standards and requests.

• Continuous Improvement: Openness to learning and improving craft.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Support: Designers are integral members of the team, working closely with sales and marketing.

• Communication-Driven: Regular communication is key, both within the design team and across departments.

• Adaptable: Willingness to adapt to different styles and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a balance of hard work, continuous learning, creativity, and strong teamwork, which is typical for a growing creative studio.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Designing within strict client brand standards and production limitations while remaining original and innovative.

• Managing Rapid Turnaround Times: Consistently meeting tight deadlines without sacrificing quality or creative output.

• Adapting to Diverse Styles: Flexing design skills to meet varied client needs outside personal aesthetic preferences.

• Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Ensuring seamless communication and project execution when working remotely or with a distributed team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in apparel and promotional product design techniques.

• Industry Trend Awareness: Staying current with design trends relevant to the branded merchandise industry.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Gaining insight into sales processes, marketing strategies, and client service needs.

• Potential for Increased Role: Growing into a more senior design role or taking on more responsibilities as hours increase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are common for designers in fast-paced environments, offering opportunities to develop resilience, adaptability, and advanced problem-solving skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a new graphic merchandise design from brief to final artwork." (Focus on workflow, tools, and client input.)

• "How do you ensure your designs adhere to client brand standards while still being creative and original?" (Highlight adaptability and understanding of brand guidelines.)

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the challenge, and how did you overcome it?" (Prepare a detailed case study.)

• "How do you manage your time when working on multiple projects with competing deadlines?" (Emphasize prioritization, communication, and efficiency.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about College Hill Custom Threads and this specific role?" (Research the company's mission, client base, and culture.)

• "How do you envision yourself contributing to our 'work hard, play hard' culture?" (Align your work style with their described environment.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Organize Logically: Group projects by type (apparel, promo items) or by client industry.

• Tell a Story: For 2-3 key pieces, explain the brief, your design process, challenges, and the final outcome.

• Showcase Technical Skill: Be ready to discuss file preparation for print.

• Highlight Adaptability: Emphasize projects where you worked outside your comfort zone or adapted to strict brand guidelines.

• Be Concise: Present your strongest work efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and an understanding of the operational demands of a design role supporting a GTM function.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link to the College Hill Careers page.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest, most relevant work samples showcasing apparel and promotional product design. Ensure it highlights your ability to meet brand standards and production requirements.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize experience with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, print design, and any projects involving fast turnarounds or cross-departmental collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for Interview Questions: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to work within deadlines and brand guidelines. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Research College Hill: Understand their services, client base, and company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description has been crafted based on the provided raw data and industry best practices for Creative & Media roles. Salary ranges are estimates. Candidates are strongly encouraged to verify all details directly with College Hill Custom Threads during the application and interview process.