Graphic Designer, Special Products (Grad Art)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Special Products (Grad Art)

Company: Jostens

Location: Santiago, Dominican Republic

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design / Manufacturing Operations

Date Posted: June 12, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the creation and modification of graphic designs for special products, directly impacting customer satisfaction and product quality within a manufacturing environment.

• Operates within a defined production workflow, requiring adherence to established processes and utilization of specific design software.

• Engages in cross-functional collaboration with sales, production, and potentially customer service teams to ensure design accuracy and timely delivery.

• Supports the broader department by assisting with various operational tasks and contributing to process improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Grad Art" in the job title suggests this role is ideal for recent graduates or individuals with limited professional experience in graphic design, focusing on foundational skills and on-the-job training within Jostens' specialized product lines. The role is firmly situated within a manufacturing operations context, emphasizing the practical application of design skills to tangible products.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Creation and Management: Conceptualize, create, and manage graphic designs for a variety of special products including plates, pins, trophies, medals, patches, banners, and certificates, ensuring all customer requirements are accurately captured.

• System Verification and Data Integrity: Consult and verify design specifications and customer requirements within the AS400 system to ensure accuracy and maintain data integrity for production.

• Design Modification and Iteration: Implement necessary modifications to designs based on feedback from sales representatives or direct customer requests to achieve optimal satisfaction.

• Production Workflow Support: Perform daily reporting of orders processed (CHECK LIST), manage the mailing of sample images to customers, and assist in the plant for new design implementations or updates.

• Process Improvement and Development: Develop designs for new product processes, participate in updating process flows, and assist the supervisor in addressing any production-related feedback or returns from the plant.

• Project Assistance: Develop specific projects related to the graphics area as assigned by management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design work and operational support within a manufacturing setting. The emphasis on AS400 system usage and direct customer/sales interaction indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail and clear communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree or certification in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field is strongly implied given the job title and required software proficiency.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, preferably with exposure to product customization or manufacturing environments.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level management of Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop for creating and manipulating vector and raster graphics.

• Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills in English for interacting with internal teams and potentially external clients.

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Computer Literacy: Working-level skill with the basic MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Explorer) for general office tasks and reporting.

• English Proficiency: Intermediate English language skills are required for effective communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced English: Enhanced fluency in English for more complex communication and potential international interactions.

• Tajima Programming: Familiarity with Tajima embroidery programming software, indicating a potential need for designing specialized embroidered products.

• AS400 System Knowledge: Basic knowledge of operating the AS400 system to efficiently retrieve and verify order information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred skills, particularly for English proficiency and AS400/Tajima knowledge, suggests a clear path for growth and development within the role. The emphasis on specific design software indicates a technical foundation is paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Versatility Showcase: Demonstrate a range of design projects across different product types (e.g., trophies, banners, certificates) to highlight adaptability and creative range.

• Software Proficiency Examples: Include examples of work created using Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop, with clear indications of the software used for each piece.

• Requirement-Based Design: Showcase projects where specific client briefs or requirements were successfully translated into final designs, illustrating problem-solving and client satisfaction focus.

• Process Integration Examples (Optional but Recommended): If possible, include examples that subtly hint at an understanding of production constraints or workflow considerations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Adherence: Be prepared to discuss how you would follow established design workflows and process documentation to ensure consistency and quality.

• System Integration Understanding: Demonstrate an understanding of how design output integrates with production systems like AS400, emphasizing accuracy in specifications.

• Modification Tracking: Show an ability to document and manage design revisions effectively, ensuring all changes are tracked and approved.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates should be prepared to present examples of their work that demonstrate the required software skills and design capabilities. The emphasis on AS400 and specific product types suggests that a portfolio showcasing relevant work will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: DOP $36,000.00 per month. This is a fixed monthly salary as advertised. For context, this equates to approximately $615 USD per month (as of mid-2024, exchange rates can fluctuate). This places it at the entry-level to junior-mid range for graphic design roles in Santiago, Dominican Republic, considering the required skills and the cost of living.

Benefits:

• Financial: Weekly Payment, Internal Bank, Credit in pharmacy and optic center.

• Health & Wellness: Law medical insurance and AFP (Retirement Savings Plan), Complementary Medical Insurance, Life Insurance.

• Professional Development: Growth Opportunities.

• Referral Program: Incentives for referring new employees.

Working Hours: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week). This schedule is standard for full-time roles and allows for consistent engagement with the production cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is fixed and clearly stated. The benefits package offers a comprehensive mix of standard Dominican Republic labor law provisions and additional company-provided perks, including financial access and health benefits. The "Growth Opportunities" benefit, coupled with the entry-level nature of the role, suggests potential for career advancement within Jostens.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Specialty Products for Commemoration) / Education & Retail. Jostens operates in the student commemoration market, producing items like yearbooks, jewelry, and championship rings, serving educational institutions, sports teams, and organizations.

Company Size: Jostens is a well-established company with a significant global presence, operating 13 facilities worldwide. While exact employee numbers are not provided, the scale indicates a structured corporate environment with established operational processes.

Founded: Over 125 years ago, highlighting a long history and deep-rooted tradition in its industry. This longevity suggests stability and a culture that values heritage and sustained quality.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader production or creative department.

• This department may include other designers, production assistants, and potentially supervisors or managers overseeing the special products division.

• Collaboration is expected with sales teams (for order intake and design briefs) and plant/production staff (for design implementation and feedback). Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Designs must align with customer requirements verified through the AS400 system, indicating a need for accuracy in data interpretation and application.

• Process-Oriented Production: The role involves adhering to defined workflows for design creation, modification, and delivery, with an emphasis on efficiency and quality control.

• Customer-Centric Approach: The primary goal is customer satisfaction, achieved by accurately translating requirements into visually appealing and correctly specified designs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Jostens' long history and focus on commemorative products suggest a culture that values tradition, quality, and craftsmanship. The operational aspect of the role implies a need for structure and adherence to established procedures, while the creative aspect requires innovation within defined parameters.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Graphic Designer. This role is positioned as a foundational step within the creative and manufacturing operations of Jostens' Special Products division. It provides exposure to product design within a commercial context.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Design Supervisor, Production Manager, or Department Head within the Special Products division.

Operations Impact: This role directly influences customer satisfaction by ensuring product designs meet specifications and quality standards. Accurate designs reduce production errors, minimize rework, and contribute to the overall efficiency and profitability of the Special Products department.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop advanced proficiency in Corel Draw, Illustrator, and Photoshop, and potentially gain expertise in Tajima programming for embroidery design.

• Process Expertise: Become an expert in the AS400 system for design verification and gain a deep understanding of Jostens' special product manufacturing processes.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into roles with greater responsibility in design management, production coordination, or client relations within the Special Products division.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated performance and additional skill development, opportunities for lead designer or supervisory roles may arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Growth Opportunities" benefit and the mention of preferred skills like Tajima programming and AS400 knowledge strongly suggest a clear career progression path within Jostens for individuals who excel in this entry-level role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This role requires physical presence at the Jostens facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

Office Location(s): Santiago, Dominican Republic. This location serves as a key operational hub for Jostens.

Workspace Context:

• Design Studio Environment: The role will likely be situated in a design studio or a dedicated workspace equipped with the necessary computers and design software.

• Collaborative Hub: Expect frequent interaction with sales, production, and potentially customer service teams, fostering a collaborative environment focused on product delivery.

• Manufacturing Proximity: The workspace may be in close proximity to manufacturing operations, allowing for direct observation and understanding of production processes.

• Technology Access: Access to standard office technology (MS Office suite) and specialized design software (Corel Draw, Illustrator, Photoshop) will be provided.

Work Schedule: A structured 8:00 am to 5:30 pm work schedule, Monday through Friday, ensures consistent coverage and engagement with the daily production cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and structured work hours are typical for manufacturing roles where direct oversight and collaboration with production teams are crucial. The proximity to manufacturing operations can be a significant advantage for a designer aiming to understand the practical implications of their work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and any submitted portfolio samples to assess basic qualifications and software proficiency.

• Skills Assessment: Expect a practical design test using Corel Draw, Illustrator, or Photoshop to evaluate technical skills under timed conditions. This may involve creating a design based on a provided brief.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions will focus on teamwork, problem-solving (e.g., handling design revisions or production issues), and communication skills. Prepare examples demonstrating how you've handled similar situations.

• System Familiarity Check: Discussion around experience with AS400 or similar systems, and willingness to learn.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of alignment with Jostens' values, focus on customer satisfaction, and ability to work in a structured manufacturing environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Corel Draw, Illustrator, Photoshop Expertise: Present diverse projects created with these tools, clearly labeling the software used.

• Highlight Requirement-Based Designs: Include examples where you successfully translated specific client needs into compelling designs.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Show a range of styles and product types to prove versatility.

• Keep it Concise: Focus on your best 5-10 pieces that directly relate to the job requirements.

• Prepare to Discuss Your Process: Be ready to explain your design thinking, challenges faced, and how you arrived at the final solution for each piece.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Task Practice: Practice creating designs for various products (e.g., a custom award, a company banner, a certificate) under time constraints. Focus on incorporating specific text and graphical elements accurately.

• AS400 Simulation: Research common ERP/inventory systems to understand the types of data a designer might need to verify (e.g., product codes, specifications, customer details).

• Communication Scenarios: Role-play conversations with a "sales rep" or "customer" about design modifications or clarifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be hands-on, testing both creative talent and operational readiness. A well-curated portfolio and preparation for practical design challenges will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Corel Draw: Essential for vector graphics, layouts, and potentially for preparing designs for print or specialized manufacturing processes.

• Adobe Illustrator: Industry-standard for vector-based design, offering robust tools for creating logos, illustrations, and complex graphics.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for raster image editing, photo manipulation, and creating textures or visual effects that may be applied to products.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Office Suite (Excel): Used for daily order reporting (CHECK LIST) and potentially for tracking design modifications or project status.

CRM & Automation:

• AS400 System: A key operational system for verifying customer order details, specifications, and potentially tracking design progress. Familiarity or quick learning ability is important.

Specialized Tools (Preferred):

• Tajima Programming Software: Used for designing and programming embroidery machines, indicating a need for specific skills if the company produces embroidered items like patches or apparel.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the specified design software is non-negotiable. The AS400 system is a critical operational tool, and any prior exposure will be a significant advantage, though training is likely provided.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on capturing customer requirements accurately to ensure satisfaction with the final product.

• Quality & Precision: Dedication to producing high-quality designs that meet strict specifications and minimize production errors.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Commitment to meeting deadlines and contributing to the smooth flow of operations, as evidenced by reporting and process participation.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Willingness to work effectively with colleagues across different departments to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Openness to updating process flows and assisting in problem-solving related to production.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with sales (to understand client needs) and plant operations (to ensure designs are feasible and correctly implemented).

• Feedback Loop: Active participation in providing and receiving feedback on designs and processes to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.

• Information Sharing: Contributing to team knowledge by assisting with new design development and process updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: Jostens' long history and focus on commemorative products suggest a culture that values craftsmanship, reliability, and strong relationships. The operational nature of this role means that collaborative problem-solving and clear communication are key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Effectively translating customer visions into designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and manufacturable within production limitations and system specifications.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Handling a varied workload of different product types and customer requests simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills.

• Interpreting AS400 Data: Quickly learning and accurately interpreting information from the AS400 system to ensure design specifications are precise.

• Adapting to Evolving Designs: Staying updated with trends in special product design and potentially learning new software or techniques as required by the business.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Mastery: Deepen expertise in Corel Draw, Illustrator, and Photoshop through hands-on application and potential company-sponsored training.

• Industry-Specific Design Skills: Gain specialized knowledge in designing for specific products like championship rings, yearbooks, or custom awards.

• Embroidery Design Specialization: Develop proficiency in Tajima programming for creating detailed embroidery designs.

• Operational Systems Acumen: Become proficient in using AS400 and understanding its role in the broader manufacturing and order fulfillment process.

• Career Advancement: Progress into roles with greater design complexity, project management responsibilities, or team leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a designer in a manufacturing setting, requiring a blend of artistic talent and operational discipline. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those who show initiative in mastering both creative and technical/operational aspects of the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for creating a design from initial client brief to final artwork." (Be prepared to discuss each step, including software used and how you ensured requirements were met.)

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to modify a design based on challenging feedback or production constraints. How did you handle it?" (Focus on communication, problem-solving, and achieving a satisfactory outcome.)

• Software Proficiency: "Which of these design programs (Corel Draw, Illustrator, Photoshop) are you most proficient in, and why? Can you give an example of a project where you leveraged the unique strengths of each?"

• AS400/System Familiarity: "What is your experience with inventory management or ERP systems like AS400? How do you ensure accuracy when working with system-provided data?" (If no experience, focus on your ability to learn quickly and your understanding of data integrity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Jostens and our products?" (Research Jostens' heritage, products, and mission.)

• "How do you approach working in a team environment, especially with colleagues in production or sales?" (Highlight collaboration, communication, and understanding different perspectives.)

• "How do you ensure customer satisfaction through your design work?" (Emphasize attention to detail, accuracy, and willingness to revise.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Relevance: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your skills in Corel Draw, Illustrator, and Photoshop, and ideally relate to product design or customization.

• Explain Your Role & Process: For each project, clearly state your contribution, the software used, the client's objective, and your design solution.

• Showcase Modifications: If possible, include an example where a design evolved through revisions, demonstrating your adaptability.

• Be Ready for a Live Design Test: Prepare to create a simple design within a set timeframe using provided software. Focus on clean execution and following instructions precisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess your technical design skills, your ability to work within an operational framework, and your cultural fit with Jostens' established business. Practical demonstration of skills and preparedness for system-related questions are key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruitingbypaycor.com.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing your best work in Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop. Prioritize projects demonstrating product design, customization, or clear adherence to specific requirements. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link in your resume or application).

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight proficiency in the required design software, any experience with AS400 or similar systems, and strong communication/interpersonal skills. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for a practical design test by practicing creating designs for various products within time limits. Rehearse answers to behavioral questions focusing on teamwork, problem-solving, and customer satisfaction.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Jostens' history, product range (especially special products), and mission. Understand their role in the student commemoration and sports team markets.

⚠️ 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.