Junior Graphic Designer at Paperless Post

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: Paperless Post

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Graphic Design / Illustration

Date Posted: 2025-06-09T18:11:19

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Junior)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Contribute to the creation of design-forward event pages and invitations, applying strong graphic design and illustration fundamentals.
Develop visual assets for the Paperless Post platform and other branded channels, attracting users with sophisticated yet playful aesthetics.
Support the Content Design team in revolutionizing the stationery world through cutting-edge graphic design solutions and original content creation.
Collaborate cross-functionally to design dynamic user experiences that incorporate contemporary design trends and pop-cultural awareness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a unique blend of graphic design and illustration skills, specifically within the context of digital stationery and event design. Candidates should highlight projects demonstrating both technical design proficiency and creative illustration capabilities, especially those with a sophisticated and playful aesthetic.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Assist Art Directors and Senior Designers in the end-to-end process of creating, designing, and producing original graphic design work for the Paperless Post platform (websites, apps) and branded channels (blog, social media).
Collaborate closely with the Senior Art Director to support the Partnership Team, generating original assets and designing with partner-provided assets for new collection launches.
Contribute to the creation and production of innovative design content for the newest platform, including developing stickers, text effects, templates, and other visual elements.
Engage with Art Directors, Designers, Production Designers, and other cross-functional teams throughout the workflow, from initial content ideation and concepting to final creation and deployment.
Actively participate in regular brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and discussions to contribute creative ideas and receive constructive feedback on design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves direct collaboration with senior design leadership and cross-functional teams, emphasizing the importance of strong communication and teamwork. Candidates should prepare to discuss their collaborative design process and ability to integrate feedback effectively, especially in a deadline-driven environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BFA or a design-related degree is preferred, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and practices.

Experience: 0-2 years of relevant work experience as a graphic designer or illustrator. A strong portfolio showcasing relevant projects is essential to demonstrate practical application of skills.

Required Skills:

Demonstrated strong illustration skills across various mediums and styles with meticulous attention to detail.
Proficiency in graphic design principles and visual communication fundamentals.
Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
Understanding of After Effects fundamentals for animation and motion graphics (fluency is a significant advantage).

Preferred Skills:

Experience working with analog materials such as watercolor, pen/ink, and gouache, showcasing versatility in artistic mediums.
Experience with lettering, studio photography, or 3D modeling, indicating a broader creative skillset.
Proven ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment, managing multiple design projects simultaneously.
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate creative vision, design rationale, and process to both design and non-design stakeholders.
Comfort in receiving and integrating art direction and feedback from multiple perspectives while maintaining design integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a degree is preferred, demonstrated skill through experience and a strong portfolio are equally, if not more, important for a junior design role. The emphasis on both digital and analog illustration skills, combined with Adobe Creative Suite proficiency and an eagerness to learn, highlights the varied creative demands of this position.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Your portfolio should prominently feature graphic design projects that demonstrate a sophisticated yet playful aesthetic.
Include examples of your illustration work in a variety of styles and mediums, both digital and potentially analog.
Showcase projects where you have created visual assets for digital platforms, such as websites, apps, or social media.
If possible, include projects that involve animation or motion graphics, even if it's fundamental After Effects work.

Process Documentation:

For selected portfolio projects, include a brief description of your design process, from initial concept and ideation to final execution.
Explain your approach to combining graphic design and illustration elements within your work.
Describe how you incorporated feedback or art direction into your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this specific role, demonstrating versatility in illustration styles and a clear understanding of how to apply those skills within a digital product context is crucial. Your portfolio should not just showcase final outputs but also provide insight into your creative process and ability to iterate based on feedback.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $62,500 - $70,000 USD. This range is based on the New York City market and may be adjusted based on the candidate's location, experience, and skills.

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical insurance with options for fully paid coverage.
Dental insurance with options for fully paid coverage.
Vision insurance with options for fully paid coverage.
Equity component as part of the full-time offer package.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely 40 hours per week. The role will be on-site in New York, NY.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the NYC market, which has a higher cost of living. Candidates applying from different locations should anticipate potential adjustments to this range. The inclusion of fully paid medical, dental, and vision benefits is a significant positive for a junior-level role.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Software Development / Digital Stationery. Paperless Post operates at the intersection of technology and design, specifically within the online invitations and event planning space. The industry is focused on providing aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly digital communication tools for personal and professional events.

Company Size: 51-200 employees. This size suggests a dynamic environment where individuals can have a significant impact and collaborate closely across teams.

Founded: 2009. With over a decade in the market, Paperless Post has established itself as a key player in the digital stationery space, known for its design-forward approach.

Team Structure:

The Content Design team is a dynamic group comprising designers, lettering artists, illustrators, and photographers.
The role reports directly to the Senior Art Director, indicating a clear reporting line and mentorship opportunity within the design team.
There is close collaboration with Production Design and Planning teams, highlighting a structured workflow for content creation and deployment.
The team also collaborates with external industry-leading design partners, offering exposure to diverse creative approaches and high-profile projects.

Methodology:

The team emphasizes stylistic flexibility and a diverse skill set to create content for a wide array of life events.
There is a focus on creating design-forward, relevant, and engaging customer-facing products.
Collaboration with external partners suggests an interest in incorporating diverse creative perspectives and maintaining a high design standard.

Company Website: http://www.paperlesspost.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Paperless Post's positioning at the intersection of design and technology, coupled with its focus on creating aesthetically pleasing digital products for significant life events, provides a unique context for graphic design work. The emphasis on collaboration, both internal and external, suggests a vibrant and creatively diverse work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Junior Graphic Designer/Illustrator. This role is suitable for individuals early in their design careers, offering foundational experience in a professional creative environment. Responsibilities will involve supporting senior team members and executing design tasks under guidance.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Art Director. This provides a direct line for mentorship, feedback, and guidance, crucial for professional development at the junior level.

Design Impact: As a member of the Content Design team, your work will directly contribute to the visual assets that attract and engage millions of users. Your designs will be part of the core product experience, helping users celebrate important life events.

Growth Opportunities:

Opportunity to refine and expand your graphic design and illustration toolkit by working on diverse projects and collaborating with experienced designers.
Exposure to a structured design workflow and collaboration with cross-functional teams, building essential professional skills.
Potential for growth within the Content Design team as you gain experience, potentially taking on more complex projects or mentoring newer team members in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role provides a solid entry point into a design-focused company. The direct reporting structure to a Senior Art Director is a significant advantage for a junior designer seeking mentorship and guidance. The exposure to a variety of projects and collaboration opportunities offers valuable experience for future career progression within the design field.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: The role is on-site in New York, NY. This suggests a collaborative office environment where in-person interaction with the design team and other departments is expected.

Office Location(s): 115 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, US. Located in a central area of NYC, likely offering good accessibility via public transportation.

Design Workspace Context:

Working on-site facilitates close collaboration with the Content Design team, allowing for spontaneous brainstorming and real-time feedback.
Access to necessary hardware, software, and potentially analog design tools within the office environment.
Opportunity to immerse yourself in the company culture and build stronger relationships with colleagues across different teams.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time schedule, likely Monday to Friday during business hours. Being on-site implies a structured presence in the office. Some flexibility might be possible depending on team needs and company policy, but the core expectation is in-office presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in NYC indicates that the company values in-person collaboration for their creative teams. Candidates should consider the commute and cost of living in NYC if applying from outside the area. The office location in a major city likely provides access to a vibrant design community and cultural resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening likely includes a review of your resume and a strong focus on your portfolio to assess your graphic design and illustration skills.
Expect interviews with members of the Content Design team, including the Senior Art Director, to discuss your experience, process, and creative approach.
You may be asked to discuss specific projects from your portfolio in detail, explaining your role, challenges faced, and outcomes.
A design exercise or challenge might be part of the process to evaluate your problem-solving skills and ability to execute design tasks under specific constraints.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight projects relevant to digital platforms, event design, graphic design, and illustration.
For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process, the tools you used, and the final outcome.
If you include analog illustration work, explain how you might translate those skills or aesthetics to digital applications.
Consider including a case study that demonstrates your ability to take art direction and incorporate feedback into your work.

Challenge Preparation:

If given a design challenge, pay close attention to the brief and ask clarifying questions.
Structure your response to showcase your process, not just the final output. Explain your rationale behind design decisions.
Be prepared to discuss your time management approach for completing the challenge.

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Illustration, Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Digital Design, Visual Design, Content Design, Event Design, Stationery Design, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Art Direction, Portfolio, Case Study, Branding, Layout, Typography, Color Theory, Digital Assets, Production Design, Analog Illustration, Watercolor, Pen and Ink, Gouache, Lettering, Studio Photography, 3D Modelling.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio tailored to the specific requirements of this role is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, demonstrate their ability to take direction, and showcase versatility in both digital and potentially analog illustration techniques. The interview process will likely assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the creative team.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector graphics, illustrations, and design elements for digital use. Proficiency in using its advanced features for detailed illustration and precise design is required.
Adobe Photoshop: Necessary for image editing, manipulation, and preparing assets for digital platforms. Skill in creating and editing raster graphics is expected.
Adobe After Effects: Fundamentals are required, indicating the need for basic animation and motion graphics skills to enhance digital assets and event pages. Fluency is a strong plus, suggesting opportunities to create more complex animations.

Collaboration & Handoff:

While not explicitly mentioned, standard collaboration tools like Slack or similar communication platforms are likely used for team communication.
Tools for design asset management and handoff to production teams are likely utilized, though specific platforms are not listed.
Experience with version control for design files could be beneficial, though not explicitly required.

Research & Testing:

Tools for gathering inspiration and researching design trends are likely used within the Content Design team.
While not a primary responsibility for a junior role, understanding of how design performance is measured or how user feedback is incorporated could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around the Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on Illustrator and Photoshop for graphic design and illustration. Basic After Effects skills are also necessary, indicating a need for motion graphics capabilities. Candidates should highlight their proficiency in these tools and be prepared to demonstrate their skills if requested.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Emphasis on creating "design-forward" products that are visually sophisticated yet playful, reflecting the brand's aesthetic.
Appreciation for contemporary design and an awareness of pop-cultural references, indicating a dynamic and current design approach.
Focus on creating content for "millions of users' most important life events," highlighting the significance and impact of the design work.
Encouragement of proactiveness and developing new ideas, suggesting a culture that values creativity and initiative.

Collaboration Style:

Close collaboration within the Content Design team and with Production Design and Planning teams, emphasizing teamwork and integrated workflows.
Collaboration with a wide range of industry-leading design partners, fostering exposure to diverse creative styles and best practices.
Participation in regular brainstorming sessions, critiques, and design talks, indicating a culture of feedback, learning, and shared creative development.
Value placed on being an "avid collaborator and positive force, generous with your time and knowledge," highlighting the importance of a supportive and helpful team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The design culture at Paperless Post appears to be collaborative, creative, and focused on producing high-quality, aesthetically pleasing digital products. Candidates who thrive in a team-oriented environment, are open to feedback, and are passionate about staying current with design trends will likely be a good fit. Highlighting collaborative projects and instances where you've contributed positively to a team environment in your application materials would be beneficial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Balancing a sophisticated yet playful aesthetic across a wide range of event types and user needs, requiring versatility and adaptability in design style.
Working in a deadline-driven environment, necessitating strong time management and the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently without sacrificing quality.
Effectively communicating creative vision and design rationale to cross-functional partners who may not have a design background.
Continuously growing your illustration and design toolkit to keep pace with evolving design trends and user expectations in the digital space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunity to learn from and be mentored by experienced Art Directors and Senior Designers within the Content Design team.
Exposure to collaboration with external design partners, providing insight into different creative processes and industry standards.
Experience working on a platform used by millions of users, offering valuable real-world impact and feedback on your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical for a junior designer in a fast-paced, creative environment. Successfully navigating these challenges will provide significant opportunities for skill development and career growth. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they handle deadlines, receive feedback, and communicate their design ideas effectively.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Be prepared to walk through your design process for a few key projects from your portfolio, explaining your approach from concept to completion.
Discuss how you incorporate user needs or project goals into your design decisions.
Explain how you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your design work.
If you have experience with animation, be prepared to discuss your process for creating motion graphics or incorporating animation into designs.

Company Culture Questions:

Research Paperless Post's brand and product aesthetics. Be prepared to discuss what you admire about their design style and how your own aesthetic aligns with it.
Think about examples of collaborative projects you've worked on and how you contributed to the team's success.
Be prepared to discuss your interest in the digital stationery and event design space.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure your portfolio presentation to tell the story of your design process for each project.
Highlight projects that demonstrate your illustration skills, graphic design fundamentals, and ability to create assets for digital platforms.
If you have analog illustration work, be prepared to discuss its relevance to digital design and how you might translate those skills.
Be concise and focused, emphasizing the most relevant aspects of each project for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Success in the interview will depend heavily on your ability to articulate your design process, showcase relevant skills through your portfolio, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for Paperless Post's brand and the type of design work they do. Prepare specific examples that highlight your collaboration skills, adaptability to feedback, and passion for creative problem-solving.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Ensure your resume is updated and highlights relevant graphic design skills, illustration experience, and proficiency in required software.
Carefully curate your online portfolio to showcase your strongest work that aligns with the aesthetic and requirements outlined in the job description. Include projects demonstrating both graphic design and illustration capabilities.
Prepare talking points for your portfolio pieces, focusing on your process, creative decisions, and any challenges you overcame.
Research Paperless Post and their product to understand their brand, design style, and target audience.

⚠️ 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.

Junior Graphic Designer