Graphic Designer at Art and Wellness Enterprises

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Art and Wellness Enterprises

Location: Bentonville, Arkansas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Graphic Design

Date Posted: June 12, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2+ Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Design and produce a wide range of communications materials, including print and digital assets, for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary.
Manage multiple design projects concurrently, adhering to brand standards and creative direction while meeting tight deadlines.
Collaborate effectively with the Creative Director and other team members throughout the design process, from concept to final production.
Maintain detailed project records, including process documentation and digital archives of completed design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the job description mentioning "mid-level" experience (2+ years) and the responsibilities listed, this role appears to be a solid mid-level graphic design position requiring independent project management and strong execution skills within established brand guidelines. The focus is on production and execution rather than strategic design leadership.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Conceptualize, design, and produce campaigns and multifaceted communications materials that align with the brand standards of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary.
Collaborate closely with the Creative Director and other team members to receive art direction, feedback, and ensure design alignment.
Implement requested changes to designs from stakeholders efficiently and accurately, maintaining clear documentation of revisions.
Manage day-to-day project workflows for multiple simultaneous design projects, balancing unique design criteria, timelines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Oversee in-house production of design collateral and coordinate with external vendors for outsourced projects, including attending press checks as needed.
Maintain and manage the non-collection image databank, including tracking usage permissions within a digital asset management system.
Provide integrated graphic support for museum and Momentary events, creating necessary promotional and informational materials.
Convert and adapt designs for various digital formats, including in-museum screens, website graphics, and social media content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on production and execution within a structured creative team. The requirement to manage multiple projects and work with vendors suggests a need for strong organizational and project management skills in addition to design proficiency. The focus on adhering to brand standards indicates a role centered on applying existing visual identities rather than developing new ones.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, or a related area of study from an accredited institution is required. An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience may be considered.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of work experience in graphic design is required. Agency experience or work as part of a creative team is preferred. Experience in communications, business management, education, or an arts-related field is also preferred.

Required Skills:

Expert proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop for design creation and production.
Solid understanding of the print production process, including preparing files for print and working with vendors.
Strong conceptualization skills for developing creative design solutions that meet project objectives.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with team members and stakeholders.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail for ensuring accuracy in design execution and proofing.
Demonstrated strength in layout design, template management, and typography to maintain and extend brand identity.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for basic document creation and data management.

Preferred Skills:

Experience using digital asset management systems for organizing and managing design assets and image rights.
Experience with web design principles and creating graphics optimized for digital platforms.
Photography skills for capturing and editing images for design use.
Experience in an arts-related field, such as a museum or cultural institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications clearly emphasize technical proficiency in core Adobe Creative Suite tools and a strong understanding of the print production workflow. The preference for agency or creative team experience suggests the organization values collaborative design environments. The inclusion of preferred skills like web design and photography indicates potential areas for growth or added value in the role.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Submit a strong creative portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, including print and digital examples.
Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work within established brand guidelines and maintain visual consistency.
Highlight projects that involve conceptualization, production, and execution of communications materials.
Showcase your typography skills and layout design capabilities through diverse project examples.

Process Documentation:

While not explicitly required, consider including brief explanations or case studies for selected portfolio pieces to illustrate your design process from concept to completion.
Explain your approach to understanding project requirements and translating them into visual solutions.
Describe your collaboration process with stakeholders or team members on featured projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the focus on production and adherence to brand standards, the portfolio should strongly feature examples of executed design work that aligns with established visual identities. Demonstrating the ability to work within constraints and deliver polished, production-ready files will be crucial. While not explicitly stated, including brief process insights can still add value by showcasing strategic thinking.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry data for Graphic Designer roles with 2-5 years of experience in the Bentonville, Arkansas area, the estimated salary range for this position is $50,000 to $65,000 annually. This estimate is based on cost of living data and typical compensation benchmarks for museum or non-profit organizations of similar size and scope in the region. The final salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and specific qualifications.

Benefits:

Full-time employment with exempt status.
Information regarding specific benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc., is not detailed in the provided description but is typically included in a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees.
Opportunity to work in a unique environment that unites art with nature at a renowned museum and contemporary arts space.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically implying standard business hours (approx. 40 hours per week). Some flexibility may be required for events or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for graphic designers with comparable experience in the Bentonville, AR area, considering the non-profit/museum context. Specific benefit details were not provided in the original text, so standard full-time benefits are assumed. Candidates should inquire about the full benefits package during the interview process.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Arts & Culture (Museum and Contemporary Arts Venue)

Company Size: Art and Wellness Enterprises supports multiple non-profits, including Crystal Bridges Museum (78 employees listed on LinkedIn for the parent company, likely larger for the museum itself). This suggests a medium-sized organization with a dedicated creative team.

Founded: Crystal Bridges Museum was founded by Alice Walton in 2005 and opened in 2011. The Momentary is an extension of Crystal Bridges.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Creative Director, indicating a clear reporting line within the Creative Services department.
The role emphasizes collaboration with the Creative Director and other team members, suggesting a collaborative design environment.
The Communications division likely includes marketing, PR, and other related functions, requiring cross-functional collaboration.

Methodology:

The job description emphasizes adherence to established brand standards for both Crystal Bridges and The Momentary.
The process involves conceptualization, production, and stakeholder feedback loops.
Maintaining project records and digital archives suggests a structured workflow for design assets.

Company Website: https://awe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Art_and_Wellness (This link points to the job application portal, the main museum website is likely https://crystalbridges.org/)

📝 Enhancement Note: Art and Wellness Enterprises acts as a support organization for multiple non-profits. The core design work is for Crystal Bridges Museum and The Momentary, both prominent cultural institutions. The design culture likely values brand consistency, high-quality visual execution, and collaborative teamwork within the Communications division. The structure with a Creative Director implies a clear vision and guidance for the design team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This position is explicitly listed as a full-time Graphic Designer role with a minimum of two years of experience, positioning it as a mid-level individual contributor role focused on design execution and production.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Director, providing a direct line for mentorship, feedback, and guidance on design projects and career development.

Design Impact: The role directly contributes to the public image and visitor engagement of Crystal Bridges Museum and The Momentary through the creation of essential communications and marketing materials. Design plays a critical role in conveying the mission and promoting events and exhibitions.

Growth Opportunities:

Develop expertise in museum and arts-specific graphic design, gaining experience with diverse project types related to exhibitions, education, events, and institutional branding.
Enhance skills in print production management, vendor relations, and digital asset management within a professional creative environment.
Potentially expand skills into preferred areas like web design or photography, if opportunities arise and align with business needs.
Gain experience working within a structured creative team and collaborating with various departments within a large cultural institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a graphic designer looking to specialize in the arts and culture sector. While it's an individual contributor role, reporting to a Creative Director provides a clear path for skill development and learning from experienced leadership. Growth would likely involve taking on more complex projects, refining technical skills, and potentially mentoring junior designers in the future, though this would depend on team expansion.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: The work will be performed in an office environment within or around the museum spaces, including Crystal Bridges Museum and The Momentary.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Bentonville, Arkansas, specifically associated with Crystal Bridges - Museum of American Art, Inc.

Design Workspace Context:

Work is primarily desk/workstation-based, requiring prolonged computer and telephone use.
The environment is described as having a usually low to moderate noise level, suggesting a professional office setting conducive to focused design work.
Opportunities to work in and around museum spaces, grounds, and events provide exposure to the environment the design work supports.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, likely following a standard Monday-Friday schedule, though some flexibility may be required for specific events or deadlines within the museum environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a standard office setting within a unique cultural institution. While not a dedicated design studio in the traditional sense, being embedded within the museum provides direct access to the subject matter and the environment the design work promotes. The emphasis on a low-to-moderate noise level suggests a professional and potentially collaborative workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Expect initial screening interviews to assess basic qualifications, experience, and fit. Be prepared to discuss your resume and overall design background.
A portfolio review will be a critical step. Be ready to present your portfolio, walking through selected projects and explaining your design process, rationale, and role in each project.
Anticipate questions about your technical skills, particularly in Adobe Creative Suite, print production, and potentially digital asset management.
You may be asked to discuss your experience working within brand guidelines and managing multiple projects concurrently.
Behavioral questions will likely assess your communication skills, ability to collaborate, problem-solving approach, and work ethic.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate your portfolio to showcase projects most relevant to the museum/arts context, if possible.
Clearly present your design process for each key project, explaining the challenge, your approach, iterations, and the final outcome.
Emphasize projects where you successfully adhered to brand standards or style guides.
Highlight your proficiency in print design and production, showcasing deliverables like brochures, banners, or event collateral.
If you have examples of digital graphics for websites or social media, include those as well.
Be prepared to articulate your design decisions and the reasoning behind your visual choices.

Challenge Preparation:

While not explicitly mentioned, some design roles may include a practical design exercise or take-home challenge. If assigned, carefully read the brief, manage your time effectively, and document your process.
Focus on demonstrating your ability to apply design principles, work within constraints, and deliver a polished result that aligns with the organization's brand.
Be prepared to present and explain your solution, discussing your approach and rationale.

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Visual Design, Communications Design, Production Design, Print Production, Digital Design, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Typography, Layout Design, Branding, Brand Guidelines, Marketing Collateral, Event Graphics, Exhibition Design, Museum, Arts, Culture, Communications, Creative Services, Project Management, Collaboration, Stakeholder Management, Digital Asset Management, Print Management, Vendor Relations, Layout, Creative Direction, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Time Management, Workflow, Case Study, Portfolio, Art Direction, Visual Communication, Non-Profit, Cultural Institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a design role like this will heavily weigh the portfolio review. Candidates must present work that demonstrates both creative capability and the ability to execute within established brand systems, particularly for print and marketing materials. Preparing to discuss the design process and rationale behind portfolio pieces is crucial. The ATS keywords cover essential skills and industry-specific terms to help candidates optimize their application materials.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Adobe InDesign: Expert knowledge required for layout and production of print materials like brochures, guides, and marketing pieces.
Adobe Illustrator: Expert knowledge required for creating vector graphics, illustrations, and potentially logos or identity elements.
Adobe Photoshop: Expert knowledge required for image editing, manipulation, and preparing graphics for both print and digital use.
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint: Proficiency is required for basic document creation, data management, and presentations, which may be used in project planning or stakeholder communication.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Collaboration with the Creative Director and other team members is a core requirement, suggesting the use of standard communication and collaboration tools (e.g., email, potentially project management software).
Handoff to print vendors requires a solid understanding of file preparation and print specifications.
Experience with digital asset management systems is preferred for organizing and sharing design files.

Research & Testing:

While not explicitly mentioned, understanding the target audience for museum communications is inherent in the role.
No specific research or testing tools are listed as required, but a general awareness of how design impacts user engagement is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool requirements are standard for a graphic designer role focused on print and marketing collateral. The emphasis on expert knowledge in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop is critical. The preference for digital asset management experience aligns with the need to manage a large volume of visual assets for a cultural institution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Celebrating the American Spirit: Design work should reflect and celebrate American art and heritage in a way that is welcoming and accessible to all.
Uniting Art with Nature: Visuals may need to incorporate or reflect the natural setting of the museum and its connection to the outdoors.
Welcoming All: Design should be inclusive and accessible, ensuring communications resonate with a diverse audience.
Creativity and Innovation: While adhering to brand standards, there's an expectation for creative solutions to engage audiences effectively.

Collaboration Style:

Collaboration with the Creative Director for art direction and feedback is a key aspect of the workflow.
Working with other team members (likely within Communications and potentially other departments) requires strong interpersonal and communication skills.
The need to obtain feedback from stakeholders indicates a collaborative process involving multiple internal parties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The design culture is likely influenced by the mission and values of Crystal Bridges Museum and The Momentary. Design is expected to be high-quality, on-brand, and aligned with the institutions' goals of welcoming audiences and celebrating art and nature. Collaboration is essential within the creative team and across departments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Managing multiple projects simultaneously with varied deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ensuring strict adherence to established brand standards while still delivering creative and engaging designs.
Balancing the needs and feedback of multiple stakeholders while maintaining design integrity.
Adapting design assets for a wide range of formats, from large-scale banners to small digital graphics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Gain significant experience in designing for the arts and culture sector, a specialized area of graphic design.
Develop expertise in print production management and working with external vendors.
Enhance skills in digital asset management and organizing large volumes of creative assets.
Opportunity to work under the guidance of a Creative Director and learn from experienced design professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges lie in project management, adherence to brand guidelines, and stakeholder management within a dynamic environment. These challenges also represent key growth opportunities for a designer looking to strengthen their production and project management skills in a professional setting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Describe your typical design process from receiving a brief to delivering final files.
Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to adhere to strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure consistency?
How do you manage feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project?
Tell me about a time you faced a challenge in print production. How did you resolve it?
Describe your experience with preparing files for various print methods and working with print vendors.

Company Culture Questions:

What interests you about working for Crystal Bridges Museum and The Momentary?
How do you see your design skills contributing to the mission of the museum?
How do you approach collaboration with team members and colleagues from other departments?
Describe your experience working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your skills in branding, layout, typography, and production (both print and digital).
For each project, briefly introduce the objective, your role, your design process, and the final outcome.
Be prepared to discuss the specific design choices you made and why.
Highlight projects that showcase your ability to work within established visual identities and manage production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely focus on practical design experience, technical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a structured environment. Preparing to discuss your design process, experience with print production, and ability to handle feedback will be essential. Tailoring your portfolio presentation to highlight relevant projects for a museum/arts context is also highly recommended.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your graphic design experience, particularly in areas relevant to museums, arts, or non-profits, and emphasize your proficiency in the required software and skills.
Prepare your digital portfolio for review, ensuring it is easily accessible and showcases your best work, especially projects involving branding, layout, typography, and print production.
Review the websites for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (https://crystalbridges.org/) and The Momentary (https://themomentary.org/) to understand their brand identities and the type of work they produce.
Consider how your design skills and experience align with the mission and values of these institutions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Graphic Designer