Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Dark Horse Comics

Location: Milwaukie, Oregon, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: January 07, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive high-quality graphic design across various media, including book interiors, covers, product packaging, and marketing collateral, with a strong emphasis on print production and four-color process.

• Execute intricate typography and layout adjustments to ensure optimal visual appeal and readability for both new projects and extensive backlist titles.

• Contribute to product conceptualization and development, including 3D mockups and style guide creation, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and brand consistency.

• Manage production workflows for a diverse range of publishing and advertising assets, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.

• Collaborate closely with the Art Director and design team to translate creative concepts into compelling visual assets that align with Dark Horse Comics' brand and popular culture focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically a Production Design position, not an illustration role, requiring a strong understanding of print production and asset management for publishing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce visually compelling graphics for a wide array of projects, including trade books, extensive art books (200+ pages), product packaging, and digital/print sales and marketing materials.

• Maintain and update production files for Dark Horse Comics' extensive backlist and evergreen titles, ensuring accuracy and readiness for reprints.

• Develop and refine typography, layout, and color treatments to meet high-end printing standards and enhance the aesthetic quality of publications and products.

• Collaborate on the creation of style guides, 3D product mockups, and other conceptual design elements for new product initiatives.

• Prepare and manage print-ready files, ensuring proper color trapping, bleed, and other technical specifications required for commercial printing.

• Design and adapt marketing and advertising materials across various platforms, including resizing for different media and ensuring brand consistency.

• Contribute to the visual development of miscellaneous collateral and promotional items that support Dark Horse Comics' diverse projects.

• Participate in critical review sessions of personal work samples to assess suitability and potential for extrapolation into Dark Horse's unique design needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes hands-on production work and a deep understanding of print processes, requiring the designer to be proficient in preparing files for commercial printing and managing production workflows efficiently.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring this level of design proficiency and experience.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant portion focused on book design, print production, and commercial collateral.

Required Skills:

• High proficiency in Adobe InDesign (minimum 3 years' experience), Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.

• Strong understanding of four-color printing processes, including knowledge of blacks, trapping, and color management.

• Excellent layout, color theory, and typographic skills with a meticulous eye for detail.

• Proven ability to manage files properly and set up complex documents for professional press output.

• Solid grasp of basic marketing and branding concepts, essential for creating effective promotional materials.

• Demonstrated ability to multitask, manage projects efficiently, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written), with an aptitude for asking clarifying questions.

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and a critical thinker capable of problem-solving.

Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of 3D modeling applications such as Blender.

• Familiarity with specialty printing techniques, packaging design, exotic materials, and advanced treatments.

• Knowledge of art/design history and familiarity with genre publications, particularly within popular culture.

• Experience with product photography, including setup, shooting, and post-production.

• Proficiency in motion graphics software such as After Effects or video editing software like Final Cut Pro.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "design-as-craft" and "fine-tuning typography" suggests a need for a designer who values precision and aesthetic quality, beyond just functional execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated PDF sample deck is essential, critically reviewed for its ability to demonstrate relevant skills.

• Include examples of logo design, showcasing versatility and understanding of brand identity.

• Provide examples of typography mastery, highlighting precision and aesthetic application in various contexts.

• Showcase advertising layout designs that demonstrate effective communication and visual hierarchy.

• Present multiple-page document layouts (e.g., book interiors, brochures) to illustrate organizational and design flow capabilities.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator through diverse project examples.

• Include examples of product photography, both in terms of shooting and post-production refinement.

• Showcase packaging design projects, detailing the design process and final output.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you approach file management and preparation for press, demonstrating an understanding of production workflows.

• Include case studies or project descriptions that detail your process for concept development and design execution, particularly for complex projects.

• Provide examples of how you incorporate feedback and collaborate with stakeholders throughout the design process, highlighting your ability to take direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hiring manager will critically review work samples to assess if the candidate's skills can be extrapolated to Dark Horse's specific needs, emphasizing the importance of a highly relevant and well-presented portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $40,000 - $55,000 annually, dependent on experience.

Benefits:

• Creative, fun, and casual work environment.

• Permanent position after a 120-day probation period.

• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement within a leading comic book publisher.

• Potential for involvement in a wide variety of exciting projects within the popular culture and entertainment industries.

Working Hours: Full-time, with an onsite work requirement as part of a hybrid department. Standard working hours are expected to align with industry norms, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak production periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a specific estimate based on the input data. Benefits are inferred from the description of the work environment and employment type, with specific details to be confirmed by the employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Publishing, specifically focusing on comic books, graphic novels, and related popular culture merchandise. Dark Horse Comics is known for its diverse range of titles, from creator-owned series to licensed properties.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Dark Horse Comics is a well-established publisher, suggesting a medium to large-sized organization with a dedicated design department.

Founded: Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, establishing a long history of innovation and influence in the comic book industry.

Team Structure:

• The Design department is described as dynamic and growing, indicating a collaborative and evolving team environment.

• The role reports to an Art Director, who will critically review work samples and provide direction.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on high-end quality graphics and meticulous attention to detail in design and typography.

• A strong focus on print production standards and preparing files for commercial printing.

• A collaborative approach to concepting and problem-solving, valuing feedback and team input.

• Interest in popular culture and entertainment is a key driver for creative output and brand alignment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by a passion for popular culture, a commitment to quality in design and production, and a collaborative, yet detail-oriented, work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Production Graphic Designer, typically considered an intermediate level. It requires a solid foundation of design principles and software proficiency, with a focus on execution and production within a specific industry context.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to the Art Director. This implies a clear hierarchy with opportunities for mentorship and direct feedback from a senior creative leader.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the perceived quality and marketability of Dark Horse Comics' products, including books and merchandise. Strong design contributes to sales, brand perception, and reader engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like packaging design, advanced typography, or print production techniques.

• Project Leadership: Potential to take on more complex projects or lead design initiatives for specific titles or product lines as experience grows.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Possibility of learning about other aspects of the publishing industry through collaboration with editorial, marketing, and product development teams.

• Industry Recognition: Contributing to award-winning titles and products within the comic book and graphic novel industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense of revenue or sales operations, this position requires operational efficiency in design production, project management, and file preparation, crucial for the smooth functioning of a publishing house.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid department with an onsite work requirement, suggesting a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): 10956 SE Main Street, Milwaukie, OR 97222. This location is in the greater Portland metropolitan area, known for its creative industries.

Workspace Context:

• A creative, fun, and casual work environment is described, fostering innovation and comfort.

• The department utilizes a Mac and Adobe CC environment, ensuring access to industry-standard design tools.

• File and project management are handled through Google Suite and Airtable, indicating a streamlined digital workflow.

• Opportunities for collaboration with other designers and potentially other departments are inherent in a hybrid team structure.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with an expectation of 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature may offer some flexibility in scheduling, but the onsite requirement is crucial for team collaboration and production oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a balance between focused individual work and collaborative team sessions, with an emphasis on maintaining productivity and creative output within a structured yet relaxed atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Focus on submitted PDF portfolio, cover letter, and resume. The Art Director will critically assess work samples for suitability to Dark Horse's design needs.

• Potential Interview(s): Likely to involve discussions about design philosophy, project experience, problem-solving approaches, and cultural fit. Expect questions related to print production, typography, and popular culture interests.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to walk through their portfolio, explaining their process, design choices, and the impact of their work.

• Skills Assessment: Potentially a design challenge or a detailed review of specific skills, especially concerning software proficiency and print preparation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on quality over quantity. Only include work that directly addresses the requirements listed (logo design, typography, layout, print prep, etc.).

• Tell a Story: For each piece, briefly explain the brief, your process, your role, and the outcome. Highlight problem-solving and how you achieved specific results.

• Showcase Production Skills: Clearly demonstrate your ability to prepare files for print. Include examples that show an understanding of color, trapping, and technical specifications.

• Highlight Passion: Incorporate examples that show your interest in popular culture, comics, or related genres. This demonstrates alignment with Dark Horse's brand.

• Include Digital Presence: Provide a link to your website or online portfolio for a more comprehensive view of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Print Production Focus: Be ready to discuss challenges and solutions related to four-color printing, trapping, and file optimization for commercial presses.

• Typography & Layout: Prepare to articulate your approach to typographic hierarchy, readability, and layout design for complex documents.

• Client Collaboration: Practice explaining how you take direction, incorporate feedback, and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "curated sample deck" and the Art Director's "critical review" underscores the importance of a highly targeted and professional portfolio submission.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (CC): High proficiency required in Adobe InDesign (minimum 3 years), Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. These are central to all design and production tasks.

• 3D Modeling Software: Working knowledge of Blender or similar applications is a bonus, useful for product mockups and conceptual design.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Airtable: Used for file and project management, indicating a need for organizational skills and familiarity with collaborative database/project management tools.

• Google Suite: Essential for general collaboration, document sharing, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is firmly centered around the Adobe Creative Suite, with secondary tools like Airtable and Google Suite supporting the workflow and collaboration aspects of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A strong emphasis on "fine-tuning typography" and "high-end quality graphics" indicates a value placed on meticulous detail and excellent execution.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Described as a "team-focused" designer who "works well in a team environment," suggesting a priority on shared effort and mutual support.

• Passion for Popular Culture: An interest in "popular culture, including video games and entertainment" is a key indicator of cultural alignment and shared enthusiasm for the company's subject matter.

• Efficiency & Production Focus: The role's nature as "Production Design" highlights the importance of efficient workflows, organization, and meeting deadlines.

• Adaptability & Learning: An "able learner" who "takes direction well" suggests a culture that values continuous improvement and receptiveness to feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication is valued, with a bonus for being a "good question asker."

• The team environment encourages collaboration, but also supports independent work.

• Feedback is integral, as indicated by the Art Director's critical review process and the expectation to "take direction well."

• A "creative, fun, and casual" atmosphere likely supports open idea sharing and a less formal, more approachable working dynamic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to blend a high standard for creative output and technical execution with a collaborative and passionate team dynamic, driven by a shared interest in the products and industries Dark Horse serves.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Demands: Effectively translating creative concepts into production-ready files under tight deadlines requires strong time management and organizational skills.

• Adapting to Diverse Project Needs: Designing for a wide range of products (books, packaging, marketing) requires versatility and the ability to switch creative gears quickly.

• Meeting High Production Standards: Ensuring all files meet the stringent requirements of four-color printing and specialized finishes can be technically demanding.

• Extrapolating Skills: Demonstrating the ability to apply one's design skills to the unique and specialized needs of Dark Horse Comics' brand and product catalog.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Print Techniques: Gaining experience with exotic materials, specialty printing, and advanced packaging treatments.

• 3D Design & Motion Graphics: Developing skills in 3D modeling (Blender) and motion graphics/video editing (After Effects, Final Cut Pro).

• Industry Trends in Publishing: Staying abreast of current trends in comic book art, graphic design, and popular culture.

• Mentorship from Art Director: Receiving direct guidance and feedback from an experienced creative lead.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a production-focused design role within a creative industry, offering significant opportunities for skill development and career advancement within Dark Horse Comics.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Production: "Describe your process for preparing a complex book interior for print. What are the key considerations for four-color printing and file management?" (Focus on InDesign proficiency, color theory, trapping, and file prep).

• Typography & Layout: "How do you approach typographic hierarchy and layout for text-heavy documents like novels or art books to ensure readability and aesthetic appeal?" (Highlight your attention to detail and understanding of typographic principles).

• Creative Problem-Solving: "Walk us through a challenging design project where you had to adapt to tight deadlines or unexpected feedback. How did you resolve it?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Passion for Dark Horse: "What interests you specifically about Dark Horse Comics and our work in the popular culture space? What are your favorite titles or products we've released?" (Research their recent releases, key franchises, and company history).

• Teamwork & Collaboration: "How do you handle receiving constructive criticism on your designs? Describe a time you collaborated with a team to achieve a common design goal." (Emphasize your ability to take direction and work within a team).

• Design Philosophy: "What does 'design-as-craft' mean to you? How do you ensure high-end quality in your graphic design work?" (Articulate your commitment to detail and aesthetic excellence).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your PDF portfolio logically, starting with your strongest and most relevant examples. Use clear headings and brief descriptions for each project.

• Highlight Production Value: For print-focused pieces, explicitly mention your role in file preparation, color management, and collaboration with printers.

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your portfolio includes examples that cover the range of requested skills: logo design, typography, layout, packaging, and potentially product photography or 3D mockups.

• Tell Your Story: Be ready to verbally walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining your thought process, challenges, and the outcomes. Connect your work to the requirements of the Graphic Designer role at Dark Horse.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical design proficiency, strong production awareness, a genuine passion for Dark Horse's content, and excellent collaborative skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link via recruiting.paylocity.com.

• Prepare your PDF Portfolio: Curate a low-resolution, hand-curated sample PDF packet that specifically showcases your logo design, typography, advertising layout, multi-page document layout, Photoshop and Illustrator skills, product photography, packaging, and product design capabilities. Include any typographic illustration or 3D modeling examples.

• Draft a Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly communicates who you are, your key strengths relevant to this role, and why you are excited to work at Dark Horse Comics. Feel free to include your salary requirements in this letter.

• Design Your Résumé: Create a designed résumé that reflects your graphic design skills and attention to detail, rather than a standard text-based document.

• Research Dark Horse Comics: Familiarize yourself with their current projects, key franchises, and overall brand aesthetic to better tailor your application and prepare for interview questions.

⚠️ 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.

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