Creative Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Creative Graphic Designer Company: Cook Systems Location: Nashville, TN Job Type: Part-Time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: 2025-08-08T13:37:02 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 Years) Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is designed for an entry-level Creative Graphic Designer with a focus on brand asset creation and refinement for a 3-5 month contract period.
• The position requires proficiency in core design software and the ability to translate leadership direction into visual assets across various mediums, including digital and print.
• Key responsibilities involve logo modernization, template recreation, brand guideline development, social media asset design, event materials, and website support.
• The role operates on a flexible, part-time schedule of 20 hours per week, offering a remote work environment with a preference for candidates residing in Tennessee.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contract position spanning approximately 3-5 months, with a part-time commitment of 20 hours per week. The focus is on project-based deliverables rather than ongoing operational support, making it ideal for someone looking to build their portfolio or gain specific project experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute logo refinement and finalization, providing multiple variations (horizontal, stacked, color, grayscale, icon-only) in all necessary file formats (AI, EPS, PNG, SVG, JPG) based on leadership and stakeholder input.
• Recreate and redesign key agency documents and templates, including fact sheets, brochures, letterhead, PowerPoint slides, email banners, and reports, ensuring they reflect updated branding guidelines.
• Develop a comprehensive brand guidelines document, detailing logo usage rules, color palettes, typography, icon/image style, graphic elements, visual tone, and accessibility compliance (ADA).
• Design a series of branded social media templates for LinkedIn and Twitter/X, including cover images, profile graphics, and highlight icons, ensuring they are editable for internal use.
• Create branded collateral for the October Board of Trustees event, encompassing event signage, presentation decks, name badges, printed programs, and digital display visuals.
• Collaborate with internal communications staff to provide updated visual assets, graphics, banners, and icons for the company website, ensuring brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus is on project execution and deliverable completion within a defined timeframe. The role requires a strong understanding of brand consistency and the ability to produce assets in various formats suitable for both print and digital applications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Communications, Marketing, or a related field is preferred. Experience: 0-2 years of professional graphic design experience, with a portfolio showcasing relevant work.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet project deadlines.
• Strong visual communication and design sensibility.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder interaction and feedback incorporation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Canva or other user-friendly design platforms for template creation.
• Familiarity with web asset optimization (e.g., file formats, compression).
• Understanding of accessibility standards (ADA compliance) in design.
• Experience in creating brand guidelines documents.
• Knowledge of social media platform best practices for visual content.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a Bachelor's degree is preferred, candidates with a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent experience and skills in the required software will be considered. The ability to work autonomously and communicate effectively is paramount for this remote, project-based role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio that prominently features logo design and refinement projects, showcasing before-and-after comparisons where applicable.
• Examples of redesigned print collateral (brochures, fact sheets, letterhead) and digital assets (social media graphics, email banners) demonstrating brand consistency.
• A section dedicated to brand guideline development, illustrating understanding of typography, color theory, and brand application.
• Demonstrations of template creation for platforms like PowerPoint, Word, and social media, highlighting ease of use and brand adherence.
• Work samples for event materials (signage, presentation decks) and web assets (banners, icons) to showcase versatility.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document the logo refinement process, including rationale for design choices and file preparation steps.
• Clear presentation of redesigned templates, emphasizing user-friendliness and brand application.
• A well-structured brand guidelines document that clearly articulates design rules and visual identity elements.
• Process for creating editable social media templates that are intuitive for non-designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. It should not only showcase aesthetic ability but also the practical application of design principles to achieve specific business objectives, such as brand consistency, effective communication, and user accessibility across various deliverables.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the part-time, contract nature of this role (20 hours/week for 3-5 months) and entry-level experience requirement, a competitive hourly rate is expected. Based on industry standards for graphic designers in Nashville, TN, with 0-2 years of experience and remote work flexibility, the estimated hourly rate is between $20 - $30 USD.

Benefits:

• Medical Plans
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Daycare FSA
• Health Gap Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan

Working Hours: 20 hours per week, with a flexible work schedule Monday through Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for entry-level graphic designers in the Nashville area, considering the remote and contract nature of the position. The provided benefits are comprehensive and typical for a full-time role, indicating Cook Systems' commitment to its contractors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: IT Consulting, Technology Services. Cook Systems is a certified veteran-owned IT consulting firm that has been transforming businesses and careers since 1990. Company Size: While the specific size isn't provided, Cook Systems works with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses, suggesting a significant operational footprint and client engagement. Founded: 1990. This long history indicates stability and established operational processes.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely work within a marketing, communications, or internal operations team, collaborating closely with leadership and internal communications staff.
• Reporting structure is expected to be to a Marketing Manager, Communications Lead, or Project Manager overseeing branding initiatives.
• Cross-functional collaboration will occur with stakeholders who provide input on logo refinement, brand guidelines, and event materials.

Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are likely used to inform design choices, particularly in brand guideline development and social media strategy.
• Workflow planning and optimization will be key to managing project deliverables efficiently within the contract period.
• Automation and efficiency practices may be leveraged through template creation for ongoing use by internal teams.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Cook Systems emphasizes integrity, investment, and innovation. As a veteran-owned firm, there's likely a culture of discipline, teamwork, and strategic execution. The role is project-based, so integration into the broader company operations will be focused on specific deliverables.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, contract position focused on specific creative deliverables. It serves as an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in branding, marketing collateral design, and corporate communications. Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a manager or lead responsible for branding and communications projects, likely within the marketing or operations department. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the company's visual identity and brand perception by ensuring consistency and professionalism across all touchpoints, from logos to digital assets and event materials.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, brand guideline creation, and various design applications (print, digital, social media).
• Portfolio Enhancement: Gain tangible project experience and portfolio pieces that can be leveraged for future career advancements in graphic design or marketing.
• Networking: Build professional connections within Cook Systems and potentially with their client organizations through project collaboration.
• Potential for Extended Contract: Successful performance and project needs may lead to contract extensions or future project opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a short-term contract, the experience gained is highly relevant for aspiring graphic designers looking to build a professional portfolio and understand corporate branding processes. Success in this role could open doors to further opportunities within Cook Systems or its client network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote. The position is fully remote, eliminating the need for daily office commutes. Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the preferred candidate resides in Tennessee, aligning with the company's headquarters and operational base. Cook Systems will provide necessary technology for the contract term.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is collaborative in terms of project feedback and asset delivery, but largely independent for daily task execution.
• Access to necessary design software and tools will be provided, ensuring a functional remote workspace.
• Interaction with internal communications staff and leadership will be primarily through digital channels (email, project management tools, video conferencing).

Work Schedule: The flexible 20-hour work week allows for a balance between project tasks and personal commitments, ideal for managing design workflows efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature requires strong self-discipline and time management skills. The provision of technology by Cook Systems supports a seamless remote working experience, allowing the designer to focus on creative output.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and design capabilities.
• Technical/Skills Interview: Likely to involve a discussion about design software proficiency, creative process, and understanding of branding principles. A portfolio walkthrough will be a key component.
• Project-Specific Discussion: Candidates may be asked about their approach to specific deliverables like logo refinement or brand guideline creation.
• Cultural Fit/HR Interview: Assessment of communication skills, ability to work independently, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Prioritize work that directly aligns with the job description, such as logo design, rebrands, template creation, and social media graphics.
• Showcase Process: Include brief explanations for your design choices, the problems you solved, and the outcomes achieved for each project. For logo refinement, show the evolution.
• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Ensure examples clearly display skills in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Organize Logically: Group projects by type (e.g., Branding, Digital Assets, Print Collateral) for easy navigation.
• Include Brand Guidelines: If available, present a sample brand guideline document or a section of one to demonstrate understanding of brand application.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, from initial concept to final delivery.
• Anticipate questions about how you handle feedback and revisions.
• Review common design challenges related to brand consistency and digital asset creation.
• Have specific examples ready to illustrate your ability to work independently and manage project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical stage. It should clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to meet the specific creative requirements outlined in the job description. Preparation for a portfolio walkthrough, including concise explanations of design rationale and impact, is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator (for logos, vector graphics), InDesign (for layouts, brochures, brand guidelines, templates), Photoshop (for image editing, social media graphics).
• Microsoft Office Suite: Word (for document creation, letterhead), Excel (for data representation if needed), PowerPoint (for presentations, templates).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media shares, website click-through rates) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but familiarity with how brand assets are used within CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Adobe Illustrator and InDesign is crucial for logo refinement, template creation, and brand guideline development. Proficiency in Photoshop is also essential for image manipulation and social media graphics. Microsoft Office skills are needed for creating editable templates in Word and PowerPoint.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Honesty and transparency in design execution and client interactions.
• Investment: Commitment to delivering high-quality work that adds value to the company's brand.
• Innovation: Creative problem-solving and bringing fresh visual ideas to projects.
• Excellence and Creativity: Valued daily, driving the quality of design output.
• Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth: Supported through flexible scheduling and project-based work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration with leadership and internal communications staff for feedback and approvals.
• Emphasis on clear communication to ensure design direction is understood and executed accurately.
• A feedback-driven process for revisions and final asset delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values (integrity, investment, innovation) should be reflected in the designer's approach to their work, ensuring professional conduct and a focus on delivering impactful creative solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Project Scope Management: Effectively managing deliverables within the 3-5 month contract period requires strong organizational skills.
• Balancing Multiple Deliverables: Juggling logo refinement, template creation, brand guidelines, social media assets, and event materials demands efficient time management.
• Incorporating Diverse Feedback: Synthesizing input from various stakeholders (leadership, other departments) into cohesive design solutions.
• Remote Collaboration: Ensuring clear communication and understanding of project requirements without in-person interaction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Project Experience: Gaining hands-on experience across a range of design projects for a corporate client.
• Brand Strategy Exposure: Learning how to develop and apply brand guidelines effectively to maintain a consistent visual identity.
• Software Proficiency: Enhancing skills in Adobe Creative Suite through practical application.
• Remote Work Best Practices: Developing effective communication and time management strategies for a remote work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to tackle diverse design challenges within a structured project framework, ideal for developing comprehensive project management and creative problem-solving skills in a remote setting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for refining a logo. How do you incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders?" (Focus on iterative design, communication steps, and decision-making rationale.)
• "Walk us through a project where you developed brand guidelines. What were the key components, and what was the impact?" (Highlight structure, content, and how it supported brand consistency.)
• "How do you approach creating social media templates for internal teams to use? What makes them effective and easy to manage?" (Emphasize user-friendliness, brand adherence, and platform-specific considerations.)
• "Tell us about a time you had to adapt your design based on feedback or changing project requirements." (Showcase flexibility, problem-solving, and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Cook Systems and our mission?" (Research the company's website, focus on their IT consulting services and veteran-owned status.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various design assets?" (Discuss your understanding of brand guidelines and systematic application.)
• "What is your preferred method for receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize open communication and a collaborative approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the process, the tools used, and the final outcome or impact.
• Highlight Key Deliverables: Focus on the logo refinement, template creation, and brand guideline examples that are most relevant to the job description.
• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of both digital and print assets to demonstrate a broad skill set.
• Technical Details: Be ready to discuss file formats and software versions used.
• Accessibility: If you have examples of designing with accessibility in mind, be prepared to discuss them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to actively "show, don't just tell." Your portfolio is your primary tool. Be ready to articulate the "why" behind your design choices and demonstrate how your work aligns with the company's brand and objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Creative Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the provided application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects related to logo refinement, brand collateral redesign, template creation, and brand guideline development. Tailor the order and descriptions to highlight your most relevant skills for this specific role.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office. Quantify achievements where possible, such as "Redesigned 10+ agency documents to align with updated brand guidelines."
• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, and answering common interview questions related to graphic design, brand management, and remote work. Prepare specific examples of successful collaboration and feedback incorporation.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Cook Systems' services, values, and any recent news or projects. Understand their positioning as a veteran-owned IT consulting firm.

⚠️ 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.