Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Ace & Tate

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative Operations / Brand Design

Date Posted: 2025-09-12T14:44:46.604

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in translating brand strategy into compelling visual assets, with a strong emphasis on retail and print marketing materials, crucial for driving customer engagement in physical spaces.

• You will collaborate closely with the Art Director to conceptualize and execute creative campaigns across diverse touchpoints, ensuring a consistent and impactful brand presence.

• The position requires a hands-on approach to managing the entire print production workflow, from initial design to final vendor liaison, demanding meticulous attention to detail and technical print preparation knowledge.

• You will be responsible for maintaining brand integrity and consistency across all visual communications, supporting internal teams and ensuring alignment with marketing and product design objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data mentions "Graphic Designer," the detailed responsibilities and focus on retail/print assets strongly suggest a specialization within operations that supports the physical customer experience and brand presentation. This role bridges creative execution with operational efficiency in asset production and deployment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design high-quality creative assets for a range of retail and print applications, including window displays, POS signage, leaflets, lookbooks, packaging, and flyers.

• Support the execution of integrated marketing campaigns by designing assets for digital channels such as paid social media, email marketing, and e-commerce platforms.

• Manage the end-to-end print production workflow, which includes creating mockups, meticulously reviewing proofs, and coordinating with print vendors to ensure quality and timely delivery.

• Uphold and enforce brand guidelines across all creative outputs, ensuring visual consistency and brand integrity across all physical and digital touchpoints.

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams, such as Creative Production, Marketing, and Product Design, to gather requirements, align on creative briefs, and ensure seamless project execution.

• Proactively research and stay updated on emerging design trends, innovative production techniques, and new tools, including AI applications, to maintain a fresh and contemporary creative output.

• Efficiently manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting strict deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced creative studio environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong project management and workflow optimization skills, typical in operations roles that support creative output. The emphasis on production-ready artwork and vendor management highlights the operational nuances of this creative position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Proven expertise in technical print preparation, including understanding dielines, bleeds, color modes (CMYK), resolution requirements, and file formatting for various printing processes.

• Exceptional eye for detail in typography, layout composition, and overall brand design aesthetics.

• Strong project management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and adhere to deadlines.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, facilitating effective collaboration with the Art Director and cross-functional internal teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with Figma for collaborative design and prototyping, offering an advantage in digital asset creation and team workflow.

• Familiarity with AI tools and their application in the creative design process, indicating an interest in emerging technologies.

• Experience in managing relationships with external print vendors and production partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on technical print preparation and Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, coupled with a preference for Figma, points to a need for operational efficiency in asset creation and digital collaboration. The required experience level and specific software skills are standard for mid-level design roles with operational responsibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3 years of relevant design work, with a strong emphasis on print and retail-specific projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of physical brand presentation.

• Highlight projects that exhibit meticulous attention to detail in typography, layout, and production-ready file preparation for print.

• Include examples of successful brand consistency across various touchpoints, illustrating how you maintain brand integrity in diverse applications.

• Present case studies or examples of managing the print production workflow, from initial concepts through to final printed output, including any vendor interactions or proofing processes.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement, a portfolio that clearly articulates the design process, including initial ideation, client/stakeholder feedback incorporation, and production steps, will be highly valued.

• Examples of how you've ensured brand consistency through style guides or asset management practices would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role with operational undertones, a portfolio demonstrating an understanding of production workflows, vendor management, and brand consistency is crucial. It shows not just creative talent, but also the ability to execute efficiently within established operational frameworks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and visa sponsorship if required.

• Hybrid working model with flexibility, based at the Amsterdam HQ.

• 25 holidays per year, plus additional tenure bonus days.

• Company pension plan.

• Travel reimbursement for commutes exceeding 10 km.

• Wellbeing benefits, including ClassPass membership and mental health support via OpenUp.

• Daily nutritious lunches, healthy snacks, and all-day office refreshments.

• Employee discounts on eyewear and continuous updates to your eyewear collection.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are extensive and cater to employee well-being and professional development, indicating a strong company culture. The salary estimate is based on general market data for graphic design roles in a major European city like Amsterdam.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Eyewear)

Company Size: Ace & Tate is part of a growing global brand, suggesting a dynamic environment with opportunities to scale impact.

Founded: Ace & Tate was founded in 2013, indicating a relatively modern and agile company structure that likely embraces innovation and contemporary practices.

Team Structure:

• You will be part of the Creative Studio, working closely with the Art Director.

Methodology:

• The role emphasizes a hands-on, doer mentality, taking responsibility from concept to final output, indicative of an efficient operational workflow.

• Curiosity and adaptability are encouraged, suggesting a culture that supports continuous learning and process improvement.

• Maintaining creative consistency and a seamless brand experience across all customer interactions is a core operational objective.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ace & Tate positions itself as a forward-thinking brand in the eyewear industry. The emphasis on a creative studio environment and cross-functional collaboration suggests a culture where operational efficiency in creative output is valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role offers the opportunity to hone core graphic design skills, particularly in print and retail applications, while gaining exposure to campaign rollouts and cross-functional team collaboration. It's a step towards more specialized roles in brand management or creative production management.

Reporting Structure: You will report directly to the Art Director within the Creative Studio, indicating a clear line of communication and mentorship for creative and strategic alignment.

Operations Impact: Your work will directly influence how the Ace & Tate brand is perceived in physical retail spaces and through marketing collateral. By ensuring high-quality, consistent visual assets, you contribute to customer experience, brand recognition, and ultimately, sales conversions by making the brand more appealing and accessible.

Growth Opportunities:

• Develop advanced expertise in print production workflows and vendor management, crucial operational skills in the creative industry.

• Gain hands-on experience in adapting campaigns across diverse digital and physical channels, broadening your understanding of integrated marketing operations.

• Opportunity to contribute to innovative design solutions and explore new tools, including AI, fostering continuous professional development in a rapidly evolving field.

• Potential to take on more project ownership and lead smaller design initiatives as experience grows within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role provides a solid foundation for a career in creative operations, focusing on the practical aspects of bringing brand visions to life. The growth opportunities are tied to mastering production efficiencies and expanding cross-channel design capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with the primary location being Ace & Tate's HQ in Amsterdam (the Singel). This suggests a blend of collaborative office days and flexible remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at the Singel in Amsterdam, a central and accessible location within the city.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as creative and collaborative, fostering interaction with fellow designers and other internal teams.

• Access to daily nutritious lunches, snacks, and refreshments suggests a supportive and well-equipped office space designed for productivity.

• The emphasis on team events and culture moments indicates a strong focus on employee engagement and a positive work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment with a hybrid arrangement, offering flexibility in how and where work is performed, which is beneficial for deep work and creative focus periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and focus on a positive, well-resourced workspace are attractive aspects for professionals seeking a balanced and engaging work environment, common in modern creative and operations teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your CV and portfolio, focusing on relevant experience and design quality. Prepare your portfolio to clearly showcase print and retail design expertise.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (potentially the Art Director), focusing on your design background, creative process, and cultural fit. Be ready to discuss specific projects from your portfolio and how you approach design challenges.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of brand consistency and print production.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a broader creative or marketing team, assessing collaboration skills and overall alignment with the company's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that specifically highlight your print, retail, and brand design experience. Ensure these pieces demonstrate technical proficiency in typography, layout, and production-ready file preparation.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, and the final outcome. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., how your design contributed to a campaign's success), even if it's qualitative feedback.

• Showcase Print Detail: Include examples that clearly show your understanding of print specifications, such as dielines, color modes, and resolution. If you have examples of managing print production or vendor communication, highlight those.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, include projects where you collaborated with other teams or stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to work effectively within a broader operational framework.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Ace & Tate's current branding, marketing campaigns, and retail presence. Identify areas where your design skills could add value.

• Print Production Focus: Brush up on current print production techniques and best practices. Be prepared to discuss your experience with different printing methods and materials.

• Digital Adaptation: Consider how you would adapt print concepts for digital channels like social media or email, showcasing your understanding of cross-channel consistency and creative execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this will likely assess both creative talent and operational execution. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates process, technical skill, and brand understanding is key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency is mandatory, specifically:

  • InDesign: For layout, typography, and creating production-ready print files.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, retouching, and digital asset creation.

• Figma: Experience with Figma is highly preferred, indicating its use for collaborative design, prototyping, and digital asset management within the team.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as direct requirements for the designer role, but understanding how marketing campaigns are deployed via CRM or marketing automation platforms could provide valuable context for campaign asset creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are heavily focused on design software, with a strong emphasis on print-specific applications and a preferred proficiency in collaborative digital tools like Figma. This blend highlights the operational need for efficient and versatile asset creation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, impactful visual content that resonates with the brand's mission.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively with the Art Director and cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to design execution, especially in print production and brand consistency.

• Efficiency & Ownership: A proactive, hands-on attitude towards managing projects from concept to completion.

• Adaptability & Curiosity: An eagerness to learn new skills, explore new tools (like AI), and stay current with design trends.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires close collaboration with the Art Director for conceptualization and execution.

• You will also work with internal teams like Creative Production, Marketing, and Product Design, necessitating clear communication and alignment on briefs and project requirements. This indicates a team that values cross-functional synergy and shared responsibility for brand output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to foster creativity within a structured, collaborative framework. The values emphasize both artistic quality and the operational discipline required to bring creative visions to life effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Production Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into practical, production-ready assets for both print and digital, while adhering to brand guidelines and technical specifications.

• Managing Multiple Projects in a Fast-Paced Environment: Juggling various design tasks with competing deadlines, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends and Technology: Continuously learning and integrating new design techniques, production methods, and tools (including AI) to keep the brand's creative output fresh and relevant.

• Ensuring Brand Consistency Across Diverse Channels: Maintaining a unified brand voice and visual identity across a wide array of physical and digital touchpoints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Print Production Mastery: Deepen expertise in print processes, vendor management, and quality control.

• Cross-Channel Campaign Design: Gain practical experience in adapting creative assets for a comprehensive range of marketing channels, enhancing your understanding of integrated marketing operations.

• Emerging Technology Exploration: Opportunity to engage with and learn about new design tools, including AI, fostering continuous skill development.

• Brand Strategy Contribution: Contribute to the visual narrative of a growing retail brand, impacting customer perception and engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to grow in specialized areas of creative production and brand management, particularly by mastering the operational aspects of design execution in a retail context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process when taking a design from concept to a print-ready file. What are the key checks you perform?" Prepare to walk through your workflow, emphasizing technical specifications, proofing, and vendor communication steps.

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different marketing channels, especially between print and digital assets?" Be ready to discuss your understanding of brand guidelines and how you adapt creative for diverse platforms.

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple design projects with tight deadlines. How did you prioritize and deliver?" Prepare a specific example that showcases your project management and organizational skills.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Ace & Tate's brand and mission?" Research the company's values, recent campaigns, and overall market positioning.

• "How do you approach collaboration with an Art Director and cross-functional teams?" Be ready to discuss your communication style and experience working in team environments.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly explain the brief, your design thinking, the challenges, and the final solution. Highlight your technical execution and problem-solving.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention the outcome of your designs – e.g., positive feedback from stakeholders, successful campaign delivery, or how your print preparation ensured smooth production.

• Showcase Print Expertise: Dedicate time to explain your print production process for at least one project, demonstrating your understanding of technical requirements and vendor interaction.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency, print specifications, and file management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and the operational discipline required for efficient design execution, particularly in print production and brand consistency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter explaining your interest and relevant experience through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest print and retail design work, clearly showcasing your technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of production-ready artwork.

• Highlight Operational Skills: In your resume and cover letter, emphasize your project management abilities, attention to detail in print production, and experience in managing workflows and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Ace & Tate thoroughly, understand their brand aesthetic and marketing strategies, and be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your creative process and execution.

• Showcase Print Production Knowledge: Be prepared to articulate your understanding of print specifications, proofing processes, and vendor liaison during the interview.

⚠️ 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.