Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Cap America Location: 1 Cap America Drive, Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA Job Type: Other Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: 2025-11-13 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered around processing incoming art for customer orders and developing creative design concepts for headwear production.
• Key responsibilities include translating customer requests into visual designs, ensuring timely completion of design tasks, and collaborating with internal teams to meet client needs.
• The position requires proficiency in graphic design software and a strong understanding of design principles, with an emphasis on artistic ability and conceptualization for product development.
• This is an on-site position requiring a physical presence at the Fredericktown, MO facility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Graphic Designer" and the description of processing art for orders and designing concepts for production indicate a role within a manufacturing or custom product environment. The emphasis on "conceptual headwear for overseas or domestic production" suggests a B2B focus where design is a key component of the sales and manufacturing process. The "OTHER" employment type is generic, but the description aligns with a full-time, on-site role in a creative department serving production needs. The salary is hourly, suggesting an entry-level position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Process all incoming art and design assets associated with customer orders, ensuring accuracy and readiness for production.
• Manage and prioritize incoming design requests, ensuring timely completion and adherence to production deadlines.
• Develop conceptual designs for headwear, catering to specific customer requests for overseas or domestic production.
• Collaborate with sales, production, and other internal teams to ensure customer design requirements are clearly understood and met.
• Confer with clients (potentially through internal sales or customer service channels) to discuss and determine layout design specifications and aesthetic preferences.
• Create original designs, concepts, and sample layouts, applying knowledge of layout principles and aesthetic design concepts.
• Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations and company logos, maintaining brand consistency and visual appeal.
• Utilize computer software to generate and refine designs, ensuring high-quality output.
• Respond to all inquiries from customers (or internal stakeholders acting on behalf of customers) to clearly understand design direction and requirements.
• Perform other duties as requested by management to support the design and production workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed based on the core functions described, elaborating on "process all art," "manage design requests," and "design per customer request." The addition of "translating customer requests into visual designs" and "collaborating with internal teams" further contextualizes the role within a production-oriented business. The mention of "product illustrations and company logos" suggests versatility in design application beyond just headwear customization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a foundational understanding of design principles is essential, often gained through formal education (e.g., Associate's or Bachelor's in Graphic Design, Fine Arts) or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Entry-level candidates with 0-2 years of experience are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in a design role, especially within a manufacturing or custom product environment, is beneficial but not strictly required if strong foundational skills are demonstrated.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and/or Adobe Photoshop: Demonstrated ability to use these core design software tools for creating and editing graphics.
• Artistic Ability: A natural talent for visual creation and aesthetic appeal.
• Fundamental Understanding of Design and Color Theory: Knowledge of principles that guide effective visual communication and aesthetic harmony.
• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate design concepts, understand client needs, and collaborate with team members.
• Customer Service Orientation: Capacity to handle inquiries and respond to customer needs with attentiveness and patience.
• Time-Management Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage workload efficiently, and meet deadlines.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail in design execution and order processing.
• Positive Work Attitude: A proactive and constructive approach to work and team collaboration.
• Punctuality: Reliability and consistent attendance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Headwear Design: Familiarity with design trends and specific requirements for headwear customization.
• Experience with Client Consultations: Ability to directly or indirectly gather design requirements from clients.
• Familiarity with Production Workflows: Understanding how designs translate into physical products.
• Basic knowledge of other design software: Exposure to tools beyond Adobe Suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are structured to clearly delineate required versus preferred skills. The "desire to learn" for Adobe software is noted as a key indicator for entry-level candidates, implying that foundational artistic and theoretical knowledge is paramount. The inclusion of "inquiry response" and "customer service" skills points to a client-facing aspect of the role, even if managed indirectly. Physical requirements are also noted as part of the qualifications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Software Proficiency: Showcase projects created using Adobe Illustrator and/or Adobe Photoshop, highlighting technical application.
• Examples of Design Concepts: Include pieces that demonstrate conceptual thinking and ability to translate ideas into visual designs, especially for products.
• Layout Design Examples: Present work that clearly illustrates understanding of layout principles, typography, and visual hierarchy.
• Product Illustration or Logo Design: Showcase ability to create graphics for specific applications like product visuals or branding.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly requested, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for managing design projects from brief to final output.
• Be ready to articulate how you would manage multiple design requests, prioritize tasks, and ensure client satisfaction through clear communication and timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the entry-level nature and the focus on creative output, the portfolio requirements are geared towards showcasing fundamental design skills and software proficiency. The emphasis is on the tangible output of design work rather than complex process documentation, as is typical for junior creative roles. The note about discussing personal workflow addresses the "time-management" and "detail-oriented" requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $15.50 - $15.50 per hour. This is a fixed hourly rate for the Graphic Designer position.

Benefits: While specific benefits were not detailed in the provided information, typical benefits for full-time roles at manufacturing companies like Cap America may include:

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)
• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k))
• Life Insurance
• Potential for overtime pay
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Working Hours: The role is expected to involve approximately 40 hours per week, consistent with a standard full-time position. Specific daily schedules will be confirmed upon hiring, but typically fall within standard business operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is clearly stated as $15.50/hour. Since the input did not specify benefits, a standard list of potential benefits for a full-time manufacturing role has been included, with a disclaimer that these are typical and should be verified. The working hours are inferred from the standard 40-hour work week often associated with full-time positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cap America operates within the apparel manufacturing and customization industry, specializing in headwear. This sector emphasizes product quality, design innovation, and efficient production to meet client demands for branded or custom merchandise. Company Size: As indicated by the "company_size" data (which was not provided but can be inferred from context), Cap America is likely a medium-sized manufacturing entity, suggesting a structured yet potentially agile operational environment. This size typically allows for direct interaction with various departments and a clear understanding of how individual roles contribute to the larger production cycle. Founded: Cap America was founded in 1986. This long history suggests a stable company with established processes and a deep understanding of its market, likely fostering a culture that values experience, reliability, and continuous improvement in its operational and design functions.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a creative or marketing department, reporting to a Design Manager or Creative Director.
• This role will involve close collaboration with sales teams (to understand customer briefs), production teams (to ensure designs are feasible and accurately translated), and potentially customer service representatives.
• The team structure is designed to facilitate a smooth workflow from order intake and design conceptualization through to manufacturing and fulfillment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Input: While not explicitly stated, design decisions are likely influenced by customer order data, production constraints, and market trends in headwear.
• Workflow Optimization: The company aims for efficient processing of orders, meaning the design workflow is critical for timely production. Candidates should be prepared to adapt to established processes.
• Quality Assurance: A strong emphasis is placed on delivering high-quality products, which begins with accurate and well-executed designs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about the company's industry, founding date, and implied size is used to infer cultural aspects and team dynamics relevant to a graphic designer role in a manufacturing setting. The emphasis is on how these factors influence the day-to-day work, collaboration, and overall operational environment for the designer.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as an Entry-Level Graphic Designer (0-2 years of experience). It is a foundational role focused on executing design tasks within established guidelines and software. The scope involves processing existing art, fulfilling specific customer requests, and developing initial design concepts.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Senior Graphic Designer, a Creative Lead, or a Manager of Design/Marketing. This structure ensures guidance, feedback, and quality control for design output.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in the pre-production phase of Cap America's business. Their ability to accurately process art and create compelling designs directly impacts:

• Customer Satisfaction: High-quality, accurate designs lead to satisfied clients and repeat business.
• Production Efficiency: Clear, well-executed designs reduce errors and rework on the production floor, improving turnaround times.
• Sales Enablement: Conceptual designs can help close deals by visualizing potential products for clients.
• Brand Representation: Company logos and product illustrations must align with brand standards.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., advanced Illustrator techniques, 3D rendering for headwear).
• Product Design Expertise: Develop a niche understanding of headwear design trends, materials, and manufacturing limitations.
• Project Management: With experience, potentially take on more complex design projects or lead smaller initiatives.
• Senior Designer/Lead Role: Advancement to a Senior Graphic Designer position, mentoring junior staff, or taking on more strategic design responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career growth analysis focuses on how an entry-level graphic designer can progress within a manufacturing company. It highlights the direct impact of design work on core business operations like customer satisfaction and production efficiency, which is crucial for candidates seeking roles with clear impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position located at Cap America's facility in Fredericktown, MO. The work environment is likely a combination of office space for design tasks and potentially a studio or workshop area where interaction with physical samples or production considerations might occur.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 1 Cap America Drive, Fredericktown, MO 63645. This specific address means candidates must be able to commute to this location daily.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires communication and collaboration with fellow staff members across different departments, suggesting an open or team-oriented workspace.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) on company-provided hardware will be essential.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with production teams, sales, and potentially management will be present, facilitating a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are anticipated to be around 40 hours per week. While the exact daily schedule is not specified, it will likely align with typical business operations to ensure seamless collaboration with other departments. Flexibility may be limited due to the on-site nature and production-driven deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Work Environment" section focuses on the practical aspects of working on-site, including the physical location, the nature of the workspace, and the expected schedule, framed within the context of a manufacturing company.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications and experience.
2. Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their graphic design work. This is a critical step to evaluate artistic ability, software proficiency, and conceptual skills.
3. Skills Assessment/Test: You may be given a practical design exercise or asked to complete a small design task to demonstrate your abilities in real-time or under a time constraint. This could involve processing a sample art file or creating a quick concept.
4. Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potentially team members to assess communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Questions will focus on how you handle inquiries, manage deadlines, and collaborate with others.
5. Final Interview: A concluding conversation to discuss the role in detail, answer any remaining questions, and make a final hiring decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Work: Prioritize designs that showcase your ability to work with client briefs, create product-focused graphics, and use Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop effectively. Include examples of logos, illustrations, and layout designs.
• Highlight Process: For conceptual pieces, briefly explain your thought process – how you interpreted the brief, explored ideas, and arrived at the final design.
• Demonstrate Software Skills: Be ready to talk about your technical approach within Adobe Suite. If possible, show a brief walkthrough of a complex piece.
• Showcase Versatility: If you have diverse design experience, select pieces that demonstrate your range, but ensure they align with the company's product focus (headwear).
• Quantify Impact (if possible): For any past projects, mention if your design contributed to increased sales, improved brand recognition, or streamlined production.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Practice creating quick design concepts or processing sample art files under time pressure. Focus on speed, accuracy, and adherence to instructions.
• Communication Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle a difficult client request or clarify design requirements with a colleague. Practice clear, concise communication.
• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would troubleshoot a design issue or adapt a design to fit production constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates applying for a graphic design role, focusing on portfolio content, interview preparation, and potential design challenges, tailored to an entry-level position in a manufacturing context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logo creation, and detailed illustrations. Candidates should be proficient in creating and manipulating vector artwork.
• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for raster image editing, photo manipulation, creating mockups, and preparing artwork for various print or digital outputs.
• Company-Specific Art Processing Software: While not named, there may be internal systems or workflows for managing and tracking incoming art files.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic reporting on project status might be required, but advanced analytics are unlikely for this role. The focus will be on design output and task completion rather than performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While the Graphic Designer might interact with a CRM through customer inquiries, direct use or management of CRM systems is not expected. Automation might refer to template usage or workflow efficiencies within design software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools section is focused on industry-standard graphic design software. The inference is that proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is paramount, with other tools being secondary or internal to the company.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality and Craftsmanship: A strong emphasis on producing high-quality designs that translate into excellent final products.
• Efficiency and Timeliness: Commitment to meeting production deadlines and processing orders promptly.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working harmoniously with colleagues to achieve common goals and ensure smooth workflow.
• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting customer design needs.
• Continuous Improvement: An openness to learning new techniques and improving design processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers will work closely with sales, production, and potentially customer service, requiring clear communication and a collaborative spirit.
• Feedback Exchange: A culture that values constructive feedback to refine designs and processes.
• Problem-Solving Together: Addressing design challenges and production issues as a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred from the description of the role and the company's likely operational context in manufacturing. The focus is on how these values would manifest in the daily work of a designer.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing High Volume of Inquiries: Balancing multiple requests and inquiries from clients or internal teams simultaneously.
• Translating Abstract Concepts: Effectively interpreting and visualizing abstract customer ideas into concrete designs, especially for unique products.
• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Working under pressure to deliver designs within production timelines.
• Adapting to Brand Guidelines & Production Constraints: Ensuring designs meet specific brand standards and are feasible for manufacturing processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Design Software: Gaining advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Specializing in Headwear Design: Developing expertise in the nuances of designing for hats, caps, and other headwear.
• Understanding Production Processes: Learning how designs are implemented in manufacturing, which can inform future design decisions.
• Client Communication Skills: Improving how to effectively gather requirements and present design concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges specific to a graphic designer role in a production environment and outlines corresponding growth opportunities that align with career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for taking a customer's design request from initial concept to final artwork." (Focus on your workflow, communication, and software application.)
• Software Proficiency: "Describe a complex design challenge you faced in Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop and how you overcame it." (Highlight problem-solving and technical skills.)
• Client Interaction: "How do you handle a situation where a client's design request is unclear or technically unfeasible?" (Assess communication, problem-solving, and customer service.)
• Teamwork: "Describe a time you collaborated with a team to complete a design project. What was your role and what was the outcome?" (Evaluate collaboration and communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Cap America and this specific Graphic Designer role?" (Show you've researched the company and understand the position.)
• "How do you stay updated on current design trends, especially in headwear?" (Demonstrate initiative and industry awareness.)
• "What are your thoughts on balancing creative freedom with production constraints?" (Assess understanding of the role's context.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each piece, explain the brief, your approach, the tools you used, and the final outcome.
• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that best demonstrate your ability to meet the requirements of this specific job (e.g., logo design, product illustration, conceptualization).
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: If you claim proficiency in certain software features, be ready to discuss them.
• Showcase Process, Not Just Final Output: Briefly touch upon your design thinking and problem-solving steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a graphic design role, including specific types of questions to expect and strategies for presenting a portfolio, all within the context of a manufacturing company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Paycom.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects that best represent your skills in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, layout design, and conceptualization. Prioritize work relevant to product graphics or branding.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with design software, artistic ability, communication skills, and any customer interaction or deadline management. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice discussing your portfolio pieces, your design process, and how you handle design challenges and client inquiries. Be ready to articulate your understanding of design principles and color theory.
• Research Cap America: Understand their products (headwear), brand aesthetic, and company history. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.