📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Johnson Brothers
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (4 days on-site, 1 remote)
Category: Design - Graphic Design
Date Posted: June 4, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site with one remote workday
🎨 Design Role Summary
- Create engaging and innovative designs for print and digital applications using Adobe Creative Suite
- Handle customer service duties and communicate professionally with sales reps and customers
- Operate small format printers and machines in the production department
- Stay current with marketing and design industry trends
📝 Enhancement Note: This role combines creative design work with customer service and production tasks, requiring a versatile and adaptable designer.
🖼️ Primary Design Responsibilities
- Design engaging and innovative visuals for print and digital applications, including signs, posters, menus, brochures, booklets, table tents, and newsletters
- Process, track, update pricing, and ship orders via FedEx and local trucks
- Operate small format printers and miscellaneous machines in the production department for output and delivery
- Communicate professionally with sales representatives in person, over the phone, and via email
📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a mix of creative design, operational tasks, and customer service, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple jobs simultaneously.
🎓 Design Skills & Qualifications
Education: A degree or certification in graphic design or a related field is preferred but not required. Relevant coursework and a strong portfolio are essential.
Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, with a focus on print and digital design. A strong portfolio demonstrating design skills and versatility is required.
Required Design Skills:
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
- Strong design sense and creativity
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
- Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks
Preferred Design Skills:
- Experience with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Knowledge of marketing and design industry trends
- Ability to work with printers, rolls of paper, ink cartridges, papers, and materials
📝 Enhancement Note: While this role requires strong design skills, it also emphasizes the importance of organizational skills, communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate a strong design sense and creativity through various print and digital design projects
- Include case studies showcasing your design process, from research and discovery to final output
- Highlight your ability to work with printers, materials, and production equipment
- Demonstrate your versatility by including a mix of design projects, such as branding, advertising, and packaging
Design Process Documentation:
- Include research and discovery phase documentation, such as mood boards, user personas, and competitive analysis
- Showcase your ideation and iteration methods, including sketches, wireframes, and design explorations
- Document your validation and testing approaches, including user feedback and design iterations
📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on both design and production, applicants should highlight their ability to work with printers and materials in their portfolios.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The expected starting pay for this role is $22.00 per hour. This is in line with the regional average for entry-level graphic designers in the Twin Cities area.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance and health savings and flexible spending accounts
- 401(k) with employer match and short-term disability coverage
- Company-paid long-term disability insurance, generous paid time off (PTO) plans, and paid parental leave
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, with one remote workday per week
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on regional market research for entry-level graphic design roles in the Twin Cities area.
🎯 Design Team & Company Context
🏢 Company & Design Culture
Industry: Beverage distribution, with a focus on wine, spirits, and beer
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, with a single-family ownership structure led by Michael and Todd Johnson
Founded: 1953, by Lynn Johnson
Design Team Structure:
- The graphic design team consists of a Graphics Manager and one or more Graphic Designers
- The team reports directly to the Marketing department
- The design team collaborates closely with sales, production, and other internal departments
Design Methodology:
- User-centered design approach, focusing on customer needs and preferences
- Iterative design process, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and end-users
- Consistent branding and design standards across all touchpoints
Company Website: Johnson Brothers
📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Brothers is a family-owned company with a strong focus on customer service and excellence. The design team plays a crucial role in maintaining the company's brand identity and supporting sales and marketing efforts.
📈 Design Career & Growth Analysis
Design Career Level: Entry-level graphic designer, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the Marketing department and the company as a whole
Reporting Structure: The graphic designer reports directly to the Graphics Manager within the Marketing department
Design Impact: The graphic designer's work directly influences the company's branding, marketing, and sales efforts, contributing to the overall customer experience
Growth Opportunities:
- After gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency, graphic designers may advance to senior or lead roles within the design team
- Opportunities exist for designers to specialize in specific areas, such as branding, packaging, or digital design
- Designers may also pursue career paths in related fields, such as marketing, sales, or management
📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Brothers offers growth opportunities for graphic designers, with the potential for advancement within the design team or exploration of related career paths.
🌐 Design Work Environment
Studio Type: On-site studio with a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for one remote workday per week
Office Location(s): 1999 Shepard Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55116, US
Design Workspace Context:
- The design studio is equipped with the latest Adobe Creative Suite software and production equipment
- Designers work closely with sales representatives, production staff, and other internal departments
- The design team shares a collaborative workspace, fostering creativity and knowledge-sharing
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, with one remote workday per week, offering flexibility for design work and creative flow
📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Brothers offers a hybrid work arrangement, balancing on-site collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.
📄 Design Application & Portfolio Review Process
Design Interview Process:
- Initial phone or video screen to assess communication skills and portfolio
- On-site or virtual interview with the Graphics Manager, focusing on design skills, portfolio presentation, and cultural fit
- Portfolio review and design challenge, assessing design thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills
- Final interview with the Marketing Director or other senior leadership, focusing on career goals, long-term fit, and company culture
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight your strongest and most relevant design projects, showcasing your versatility and creativity
- Include case studies demonstrating your design process, from research and discovery to final output
- Showcase your ability to work with printers, materials, and production equipment
- Tailor your portfolio to Johnson Brothers' branding and design standards, emphasizing your understanding of the company's visual identity
Design Challenge Preparation:
- Prepare for a design challenge that focuses on print or digital design, with an emphasis on branding, advertising, or packaging
- Demonstrate your ability to work within brand guidelines and design systems
- Showcase your understanding of the design process, from research and discovery to final output
Design ATS Keywords:
- Graphic Design, Adobe Creative Suite, Print Design, Digital Design, Branding, Advertising, Packaging, Customer Service, Communication, Organization, Prioritization, MS Office, Design Thinking, Problem-Solving, Portfolio, Case Studies, Design Process, Design Challenge
📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should tailor their portfolios and interview preparation to Johnson Brothers' branding and design standards, emphasizing their understanding of the company's visual identity.
🛠 Design Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Design Tools:
- Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for design creation and production
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation and presentation
Design Collaboration & Handoff:
- Confluence or similar collaboration platform for design team communication and project management
- Zeplin or similar design handoff tool for collaboration with developers and production teams
Design Research & Testing:
- Google Analytics or similar analytics platform for design performance measurement and optimization
- User testing and feedback collection tools, such as UsabilityHub or UserTesting
📝 Enhancement Note: While the specific design tools and technology stack used at Johnson Brothers may vary, the company relies on industry-standard software for design creation, collaboration, and project management.
👥 Design Team Culture & Values
Design Values:
- Creativity: Encouraging innovation and pushing design boundaries while maintaining brand consistency
- Collaboration: Fostering a culture of teamwork and knowledge-sharing across departments
- Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and preferences in all design decisions
- Continuous Learning: Encouraging designers to stay current with industry trends and best practices
Design Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional collaboration with sales, production, and other internal departments
- Regular design critiques and feedback sessions to improve design skills and quality
- Knowledge-sharing and mentorship opportunities within the design team and across the company
📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Brothers values creativity, collaboration, and customer focus, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the design team.
⚡ Design Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Design Challenges:
- Balancing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Working with printers, materials, and production equipment
- Adapting to changing design trends and industry standards
- Collaborating effectively with sales representatives, production staff, and other internal departments
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Attending industry conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay current with design trends and best practices
- Participating in internal training and development programs offered by Johnson Brothers
- Seeking mentorship and guidance from senior designers and other industry professionals
📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Brothers offers growth opportunities for graphic designers, with challenges and learning experiences tailored to the role and the individual's career goals.
💡 Design Interview Preparation
Design Process Questions:
- Describe your design process, from research and discovery to final output, using examples from your portfolio
- How do you incorporate feedback from stakeholders and end-users into your design process?
- Can you walk us through a design project that demonstrates your problem-solving skills and design thinking?
Company & Design Culture Questions:
- How do you see your design work contributing to Johnson Brothers' overall branding and customer experience?
- Can you describe a time when you had to adapt your design approach to meet a client's or stakeholder's needs?
- How do you stay current with design trends and industry best practices, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your work?
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Tailor your portfolio to Johnson Brothers' branding and design standards, emphasizing your understanding of the company's visual identity
- Highlight your strongest and most relevant design projects, showcasing your versatility and creativity
- Include case studies demonstrating your design process, from research and discovery to final output
📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should tailor their interview preparation to Johnson Brothers' branding and design standards, emphasizing their understanding of the company's visual identity and design challenges.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this graphic designer position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant design skills and experience for this role
- Prepare for the design challenge by reviewing Johnson Brothers' branding and design standards, and practicing your design thinking and problem-solving skills
- Research Johnson Brothers' company culture, design team, and industry context to demonstrate your cultural fit and enthusiasm for the role
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Johnson Brothers before making application decisions.