Graphic Designer (Print & Environmental Graphics)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Print & Environmental Graphics)

Company: ACOMB OSTENDORF & ASSOCIATES LLC

Location: Winter Park, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: May 15, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical component of the creative team, focusing on the conceptualization and execution of visual assets across a broad spectrum of integrated design channels, including print, digital, and environmental graphics.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in maintaining and evolving the AOA brand identity, ensuring consistency and quality across all brand collateral and client-facing materials.

• This position requires a proactive approach to staying abreast of design trends and technologies, fostering continuous learning and skill development within a fast-paced agency environment.

• The role involves significant collaboration with internal teams and direct presentation of design work to stakeholders, demanding strong communication and client-management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the emphasis on "Print & Environmental Graphics" and the company's background in themed entertainment suggest a specialized role requiring a strong understanding of physical space design and large-format applications, beyond typical graphic design duties. The "on-call" requirement also points to the dynamic nature of project-based work common in this industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the creative team to conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of visual assets, including but not limited to: signage and wayfinding systems, print collateral (brochures, direct mailers), presentations, pitch decks, microsites, landing pages, email campaigns, social media graphics, and infographics.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of the AOA brand identity, strictly adhering to established brand toolkits, style guides, and reference materials to ensure all collateral is consistently on-brand.

• Effectively present design concepts and final assets internally to the creative team and externally to clients or stakeholders, demonstrating the ability to articulate design rationale and incorporate constructive feedback while maintaining design integrity.

• Proactively research and stay informed about emerging industry trends, new design techniques, and relevant software advancements, actively seeking opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

• Prepare and finalize design files for various production methods, ensuring thorough understanding of print specifications and fabrication requirements for seamless integration into physical environments and print runs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility, covering a broad design scope from digital to physical. The emphasis on "assisting in the evolution and roll-out of the AOA brand identity" suggests a role that supports brand management and implementation, requiring meticulous attention to detail and brand consistency, particularly in the context of a creative agency that serves high-profile clients.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design or a closely related visual communications field.

Experience: 3-5 years of progressive work experience in a creative or branding agency setting, or a comparable creative field.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional visualization and conceptualization abilities, with a demonstrated talent for graphic design.

• Profound understanding of typography, color theory, photography principles, and effective design layout techniques.

• Proven experience in designing for print, web, and email marketing channels.

• Mastery of the full Adobe Creative Suite, with a primary focus on Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator.

• Meticulous attention to detail, particularly in proofreading and maintaining organized file structures (e.g., layer naming, asset linking).

• Comprehensive knowledge of print specifications and proficiency in preparing files for both print production and fabrication.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and maintain high productivity in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong collaborative spirit, excellent organizational skills, and a proactive, self-starting work ethic.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in environmental graphics design, including signage, wayfinding, and large-format installations.

• Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Blender, Lumion, or 3D Studio Max.

• Familiarity with motion graphics software like Adobe After Effects.

• Experience with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications underscore the need for a designer who can bridge the gap between digital and physical design. The "3-5 years" experience level, combined with a BA, suggests an expectation for a candidate who is beyond entry-level and can operate with a degree of autonomy, contributing meaningfully to client projects. The preferred skills in 3D modeling and motion graphics are highly relevant for the themed entertainment and hospitality industry, indicating potential for project complexity and innovation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio that clearly showcases a diverse range of design work, with a significant emphasis on both print applications and physical environmental graphics (e.g., signage, wayfinding, large-format displays).

• Evidence of strong conceptual thinking and problem-solving skills demonstrated through project case studies.

• Examples of how design solutions have contributed to brand identity development and implementation.

• Proof of ability to adhere to and implement brand guidelines consistently across various media.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies detailing the design process from initial brief to final execution, emphasizing client collaboration and feedback integration.

• Documentation of workflow management for handling multiple projects with competing deadlines.

• Examples of file preparation processes for print and fabrication, including specifications and technical considerations.

• Demonstrations of how design solutions were tested or validated for effectiveness in their intended environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond static visual examples and demonstrate a candidate's ability to think spatially and understand the practical application of graphics in real-world environments. The emphasis on "environmental graphics" and "wayfinding" suggests that the portfolio should include examples of how design impacts user experience and navigation within physical spaces, not just aesthetic appeal.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Robust Paid Time Off (PTO) package, offering flexibility for personal time and work-life balance.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Wellness benefits designed to support employee health and well-being.

• Commuter benefits to assist with transportation costs to the office.

• Reimbursement for cell phone usage, acknowledging its role in project communication.

• Reimbursement for athletic classes, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.

• Paid maternity leave, supporting new mothers during this significant life event.

• Paid paternity leave, recognizing the importance of parental involvement for new fathers.

Working Hours: Monday – Friday; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (40 hours per week). May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed. This position requires being available on-call as necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 3-5 years of experience in a creative agency in the Orlando metropolitan area (Winter Park, FL), a salary range of $55,000 to $75,000 is estimated. This range accounts for the specialized nature of environmental graphics and the company's high-profile client base. The "on-call" requirement suggests a need for flexibility and potentially additional compensation or time off in lieu of overtime, though this is not explicitly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Creative Design & Development, Themed Entertainment, Hospitality, Museums, Retail, Attractions.

Company Size: 50-200 Employees (estimated based on LinkedIn data and typical agency structures).

Founded: Founded by former Walt Disney Imagineers, suggesting a strong heritage in immersive experience design and a culture that values innovation, storytelling, and meticulous craftsmanship.

Team Structure:

• The creative team likely comprises a mix of designers, concept artists, project managers, and potentially specialists in areas like 3D modeling and animation, working collaboratively on client projects.

• Reporting structure is likely hierarchical within the creative department, with designers reporting to a Creative Director or Art Director, who in turn reports to senior leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-driven design is likely employed, using client briefs, user research, and market trends to inform creative decisions.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are critical for managing diverse projects and client expectations within tight timelines.

• Automation and efficiency practices are probably leveraged through design software and project management tools to streamline production processes.

Company Website: aoabuilds.com

📝 Enhancement Note: AOA's foundation by former Disney Imagineers implies a culture that is highly creative, detail-oriented, and focused on delivering exceptional, immersive experiences. This will likely translate into a work environment that values innovation, storytelling, and a high degree of craft. The company size suggests a dynamic environment where individuals can have a tangible impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level (3-5 years experience), offering a strong foundation for continued growth within a specialized creative field. It requires a blend of technical design skills and a developing understanding of project execution within the themed entertainment and hospitality sectors.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Director or Art Director, working within a project-based team structure. This provides exposure to experienced creative professionals and opportunities for mentorship.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences the client's brand perception, guest experience, and overall project success. Their contributions to visual storytelling and environmental graphics are crucial for creating immersive and memorable environments, directly impacting client satisfaction and AOA's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in environmental graphics, wayfinding systems, or advanced 3D visualization, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects of smaller projects or take on more complex design challenges as experience grows.

• Creative Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers or interns, developing leadership and communication skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to other areas of the creative process, such as concept development, fabrication oversight, and client presentations, broadening overall industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Graphic Designer at a firm like AOA is likely tied to specialization within the unique demands of themed entertainment and hospitality design. Moving into senior designer roles, art direction, or even project management roles within the creative department are plausible career trajectories, especially for those who demonstrate strong client interaction and project leadership skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, in a creative studio environment located in Winter Park, FL. The office is designed to foster collaboration and creativity.

Office Location(s): 906 Railroad Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. This location is within the Orlando metropolitan area, known for its significant presence in the themed entertainment and hospitality industries.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with designers often working in teams on specific projects. This fosters idea sharing and peer feedback.

• Access to industry-standard design software and potentially hardware (e.g., large-format printers, 3D modeling stations) will be available to support the diverse design requirements.

• Opportunities for informal and formal interaction with colleagues across different creative disciplines, as well as project management and production teams, will be readily available.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, the role requires flexibility due to the project-driven nature of the business, with potential needs for evening and weekend work, as well as on-call availability to meet client deadlines and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "award-winning creative design and development firm" suggests a well-equipped studio environment. The requirement for on-site work and potential on-call availability indicates a commitment to project timelines and a team-first approach, common in agencies serving clients with demanding production schedules.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This will be followed by questions assessing technical skills, creative thinking, and cultural fit.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with members of the creative team and potentially project managers to evaluate collaborative abilities and how the candidate interacts within a team environment.

• On-site Assessment (Potentially): A practical design exercise or a more in-depth discussion about specific project scenarios may be conducted.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in print and environmental graphics. Ensure diversity in the types of projects shown.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process, your role, the tools used, and the outcome or impact of your design.

• Highlight Environmental Graphics: If you have specific examples of signage, wayfinding, or large-format graphics, showcase them prominently. Explain the spatial considerations and user experience aspects.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your software expertise and file preparation techniques, especially for print and fabrication.

• Show Brand Alignment: Include examples where you have successfully worked within or evolved brand guidelines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge that might involve conceptualizing graphics for a specific type of space or creating a brand asset based on a brief.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client.

• Prepare to discuss your approach to feedback and how you incorporate it into your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical part of this application process. Candidates should prioritize projects that directly align with the "Print & Environmental Graphics" focus. Demonstrating an understanding of how design functions within physical spaces and contributes to user experience will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for image editing, manipulation, and raster-based design work.

• Adobe InDesign: Critical for page layout, print design, brochure creation, and presentation decks.

• Adobe Illustrator: Fundamental for vector graphics, logos, icons, signage elements, and scalable illustrations.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design impacts user engagement metrics for digital assets (microsites, emails, social) is beneficial. Proficiency in interpreting basic analytics can inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the designer's core function, but familiarity with project management tools used by the company (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) can aid in workflow management and team collaboration.

Specialized Software (Preferred):

• 3D Modeling Software: Blender, Lumion, 3D Studio Max for creating visualizations of environmental graphics, mockups, and conceptual renderings.

• Motion Graphics Software: Adobe After Effects for creating animated graphics, intro sequences, or dynamic visual elements for presentations or digital displays.

• Video Editing Software: Adobe Premiere for basic video edits or incorporating graphic elements into video assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific Adobe Creative Suite programs (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) indicates these are non-negotiable. The preferred software (3D modeling, After Effects, Premiere) points towards opportunities to work on more complex, immersive projects and suggests that candidates with these skills will have a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Communication: Authentic respect and transparency are foundational. Professionalism in all interactions is expected, fostering trust and a positive work environment.

• Quality: A commitment to exceeding expectations on every project, introducing innovation, and ensuring repeat business through exceptional craftsmanship.

• Leadership: Empowered by organizational integrity, acting with financial responsibility, and demonstrating creativity and efficiency in problem-solving.

• Teamwork: The AOA Family is built on collaboration, diversity, inclusion, and a paramount sense of trust among team members.

• Balance: Sacred to quality of life, encouraging team members to be present at work and in life, prioritize wellness, and embrace moments with fun and happiness.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and mutual respect, fostering an inclusive environment.

• Open communication channels are encouraged, supporting transparency and the sharing of ideas and feedback.

• A culture that supports experimentation and learning, where team members are encouraged to take calculated risks and learn from outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: AOA's core values, particularly "Balance" and "Teamwork," suggest a company that strives for a healthy work-life integration and a supportive team dynamic, which is attractive for creative professionals. The emphasis on "Quality" and "Leadership" indicates a drive for excellence and professional accountability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Briefs: Effectively translating client needs and brand mandates into compelling and innovative designs while staying within project scope and budget.

• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Juggling concurrent projects with varying deadlines and creative requirements in a fast-paced agency environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in design software, 3D rendering, and digital/environmental display technologies.

• Translating 2D Concepts to 3D Environments: Successfully visualizing and executing graphic designs that will be implemented in physical, three-dimensional spaces, requiring spatial awareness and understanding of fabrication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or pursue certifications in advanced 3D modeling, motion graphics, or specific environmental graphics design software.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in industry events, conferences (e.g., IAAPA Expo for themed entertainment), and site visits to observe the implementation of designs.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Imagineer-founded leadership and senior creative staff, gaining insights into high-level project execution and client relations.

• Project Variety: Exposure to a wide range of project types and clients within the themed entertainment and hospitality sectors, broadening design experience and portfolio depth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a creative role in a dynamic agency, particularly one focused on immersive experiences. The growth opportunities are directly tied to developing specialized skills within this niche, offering a clear path for career advancement for motivated designers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Can you walk us through a project from your portfolio where you had to balance creative innovation with strict brand guidelines? What was your process?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and brand adherence).

• "Describe a time you received challenging feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses adaptability, communication, and resilience).

• "How do you approach the design of environmental graphics for a public space, like a museum exhibit or theme park area, considering user flow and experience?" (Tests spatial thinking and user-centric design).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AOA's work in the themed entertainment and hospitality industry?" (Shows research and genuine interest).

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to AOA's mission to 'dream, create, and build global experiences of a lifetime'?" (Connects personal aspirations with company vision).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a brief overview of your career and what excites you about this role. Then, present 3-5 key projects, dedicating 3-5 minutes to each.

• Narrative is Key: For each project, clearly state the objective, your specific role and contributions, your design process, the challenges faced, the solution, and the final outcome/impact. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Environmental Graphics: Specifically call out any environmental graphics projects, explaining the spatial considerations, materials, and intended user experience.

• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss file preparation, print specifications, and any 3D visualization techniques used.

• Engage with Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving, and how you handle feedback. Be open and honest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview questions are designed to probe not only design skill but also the candidate's strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and cultural alignment with AOA's values and mission. A strong portfolio presentation that tells a compelling story about each project's journey and impact will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting platform.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight specific experience with print design, environmental graphics, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed wayfinding system for X square foot venue").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating your skills in both print and environmental graphics. Organize it logically and be prepared to present it effectively.

• Prepare for Interview Questions: Review common interview questions for design roles, focusing on your process, problem-solving, and ability to collaborate. Practice articulating your design rationale clearly.

• Research AOA: Understand the company's mission, vision, core values, and the types of projects they undertake. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

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