Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Doskocil Mfg. (Petmate)

Location: Arlington, TX, US

Job Type: Full-Time Employee

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: January 29, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for original design solutions and execution across various marketing and product collateral.

• Supports sales, marketing, and product management with essential design assets for product launches and ongoing campaigns.

• Manages the creative production process, ensuring quality and adherence to project timelines and brand guidelines.

• Conducts research on industry trends to inform design strategies and maintain a competitive edge.

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align design efforts with business objectives and communicate project status.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for visually communicating the brand's value proposition across multiple touchpoints, from product packaging to digital marketing assets. The emphasis on consumer goods, particularly in the pet industry, suggests a need for creative solutions that resonate with specific consumer demographics and regulatory requirements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop original design solutions for a wide range of projects including e-commerce digital graphics, product packaging, point-of-purchase (POP) displays, planogram layouts, logos, and retail signage.

• Create and maintain brand guidelines, ensuring consistency across all design outputs.

• Produce various sales and marketing collateral such as sell sheets, presentation templates, catalogs, trade show artwork, and digital/static assets.

• Revise existing package designs to reflect updated product information or branding messages.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (sales, marketing, product management) to understand project requirements, develop design strategies, and communicate project updates, timelines, and deadlines.

• Manage and maintain the proofing and approval process using Lytho Workflow.

• Research emerging design trends and multimedia tactics within the pet industry and related sectors.

• Proof all applicable artwork from printers and vendors to ensure the highest quality output for POP labels, packaging, and sales support literature.

• Supervise the production of color-printed work, optimizing for quality and cost-effectiveness.

• Research and recommend cost-effective production alternatives, managing the creative production process from timeline development to finished materials.

• Obtain multiple print quotes from vendors to ensure competitive pricing.

• Fulfill image requests from customers by locating and submitting appropriate images.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role requiring a blend of creative design skills and project management capabilities. The mention of "Lytho Workflow" indicates a specific system for managing creative projects, which candidates should be prepared to discuss. The need for "4 color process and digital printing" implies a strong understanding of print production methodologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree or equivalent.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of related graphic design experience, preferably within a consumer goods environment (brand, agency, or manufacturer).

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design principles, techniques, and technologies.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating creative design solutions for packaging, digital graphics, and merchandising materials.

• Expertise in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Competent knowledge of the current Apple OSX platform.

• Understanding of 4-color process and digital printing preparation for artwork.

• Ability to apply common sense understanding and systematic analytical skills to solve problems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaboration and reporting.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI, 3D, video, and motion software.

• Familiarity with e-commerce channel design requirements.

• Experience with workflow management tools like Lytho Workflow.

• Knowledge of the pet industry or similar consumer goods markets.

• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and draw/interpret bar graphs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a BFA and 3 years of experience positions this as an intermediate-level role. The emphasis on specific software (Adobe Creative Cloud, OSX) and print knowledge (4-color process, digital printing) is crucial. Candidates with experience in the pet industry or related consumer goods will have a distinct advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on:

  • E-commerce digital graphics and their impact on online conversion.
  • Creative and effective product packaging designs, highlighting problem-solving.
  • Merchandising displays and planogram layouts that enhance product visibility and sales.
  • Logo designs and retail signage that reflect brand identity.

• Demonstrable experience in maintaining and evolving brand guidelines across diverse applications.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how design projects were managed, from initial concept through final production, including:

  • Workflow design and optimization for creative projects.
  • Implementation of design solutions and any automation used.
  • Methods for measuring the impact and performance of design assets.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams and managing feedback for iterative design improvements.

• Documentation of vendor management and print quotation processes, demonstrating cost-saving strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit request for a portfolio with application is a critical requirement. Candidates should curate their portfolios to highlight projects most relevant to the responsibilities, particularly e-commerce graphics, packaging, and displays within a consumer goods context. Demonstrating an understanding of production processes and cost-efficiency will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Arlington, TX area, the estimated salary range is $55,000 - $75,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment with comprehensive benefits package.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Employee discounts on Petmate products.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on average compensation for similar roles in the Arlington, TX metropolitan area and the specified experience level. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and negotiation. Benefits typically include standard offerings for full-time employees in the consumer goods sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pet Products / Consumer Goods. Doskocil Mfg., operating as Petmate, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of pet products, offering a wide range of solutions for pet owners.

Company Size: Large (500-1000+ employees). This size suggests a structured organization with established processes and a dedicated marketing and design department.

Founded: 1960. With a long history, Petmate has a strong market presence and brand recognition, providing a stable environment for creative professionals.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Creative department.

• This department may include other designers, marketing specialists, brand managers, and potentially a creative director or design lead.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making for marketing and design strategies, informed by market research and consumer insights.

• Emphasis on brand consistency and adherence to established guidelines across all creative outputs.

• Project management methodologies (potentially Agile or Waterfall variants) for efficient workflow and timely delivery of creative assets.

• Focus on quality and cost-effectiveness in production and vendor management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a well-established company in the pet industry, Petmate likely fosters a culture that values product innovation, customer satisfaction, and brand integrity. The design team's role is crucial in translating these values into compelling visual communications that resonate with pet owners.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an intermediate-level Graphic Designer role, requiring a solid foundation of 3 years of experience and a degree. It's a key contributor position within the creative team.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or Lead Graphic Designer.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the company's brand perception, product appeal, and sales performance by creating visually engaging marketing materials, packaging, and digital assets that drive consumer interest and purchasing decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in specific design areas such as packaging design, digital marketing assets, or e-commerce graphics.

• Skill Development: Potential to learn and utilize advanced design software (AI, 3D, motion graphics) and gain experience in new creative technologies.

• Leadership: Progression to a Senior Graphic Designer, Lead Designer, or Art Director role, involving more strategic input and team mentorship.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of marketing strategy, product development, and sales enablement through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the creative field, particularly within a large consumer goods company. Demonstrating initiative in learning new tools and contributing to strategic design discussions can accelerate career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a traditional office environment.

Office Location(s): Arlington, TX. This location is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering a dynamic business environment.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office setting where designers work alongside marketing professionals, product managers, and sales teams.

• Access to necessary design hardware (computers, monitors) and software (Adobe Creative Cloud).

• Exposure to creative brainstorming sessions and project reviews within the marketing department.

• Opportunities for interaction with external vendors and agencies.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approx. 40 hours/week), with potential for occasional overtime during peak project periods or tight deadlines. The on-site nature emphasizes regular team presence and direct collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which can be beneficial for creative teams who thrive on direct feedback and spontaneous idea generation. Candidates should be comfortable working within a structured office environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter will review applications, focusing on resume and portfolio submission.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to assess design skills, experience, and cultural fit. This stage will likely involve a review of the candidate's portfolio.

3. Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to complete a small design exercise or present a detailed walkthrough of their portfolio, explaining their process, design choices, and the impact of their work.

4. Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Sales, Marketing, or Product Management to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of business objectives.

5. Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Relevance is Key: Prioritize projects that directly align with the responsibilities outlined: e-commerce graphics, packaging, displays, signage, and consumer goods.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcome or impact.

• Quantify Results: If possible, include metrics or data demonstrating the success of your designs (e.g., increased click-through rates, improved sales, positive customer feedback).

• Clarity and Organization: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Use high-quality images and concise descriptions.

• Tailor to Petmate: If possible, include a conceptual design or case study that shows how you would approach a design challenge for Petmate or a similar brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy and approach to problem-solving.

• Understand current design trends, especially within the pet industry and e-commerce.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and the rationale behind them.

• Be ready to discuss your experience with print production processes and vendor management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates must be prepared to present their work professionally and articulate the strategic thinking behind each design. The emphasis on packaging and e-commerce suggests a need to demonstrate an understanding of how design influences consumer behavior and sales in these specific channels.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (essential).

• Apple OSX Platform: Competent knowledge required.

• Lytho Workflow: Familiarity or ability to quickly learn for project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a primary focus for a Graphic Designer, an understanding of how design impacts metrics like website traffic, conversion rates, and customer engagement is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

• AI, 3D, video, and motion software (preferred/a plus).

• Basic Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting and presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud on a Mac is non-negotiable. Exposure to project management software like Lytho Workflow is a significant plus. Candidates with experience in motion graphics or 3D rendering will stand out, indicating a forward-looking skill set.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging original design solutions that push creative boundaries.

• Quality & Precision: Maintaining high standards in design execution and print production.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency & Cost-effectiveness: Finding smart, budget-conscious solutions for production and vendor management.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and enhancing the Petmate brand through consistent and compelling visuals.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and active participation in team meetings and project discussions.

• Willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback on designs.

• Proactive engagement with sales, marketing, and product teams to gather requirements and ensure alignment.

• Professional and productive relationships with external vendors and printers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company likely values a blend of creative talent and practical, business-oriented execution. A collaborative spirit and a results-driven approach to design will be highly regarded.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing creative vision with strict brand guidelines and marketing objectives.

• Managing multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.

• Staying current with rapidly evolving design trends and technologies.

• Ensuring high-quality print production and managing vendor relationships effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to attend workshops, online courses, or industry conferences to enhance skills in areas like motion graphics, UX/UI design, or advanced Adobe software.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep knowledge of the pet product industry and consumer behavior within this sector.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or creative leads, or to mentor junior designers as experience grows.

• Project Variety: Working on diverse projects that offer continuous learning and exposure to different design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for a designer to grow their skillset and career within a stable, industry-leading company. The challenges are typical for a creative role in a fast-paced consumer goods environment, offering ample opportunities for skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on problem-solving and brand adherence).

• "Walk us through your process for designing product packaging from initial concept to final print-ready files. What are the critical steps?" (Highlight process, attention to detail, and production knowledge).

• "How do you ensure your designs are optimized for both print and digital/e-commerce channels?" (Demonstrate understanding of different media and technical requirements).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Petmate and the pet industry?" (Research the company's mission, products, and market position).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how have you incorporated new techniques into your work?" (Show initiative and continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 strong, relevant projects. Focus on packaging, e-commerce graphics, and displays.

• For each project, articulate:

  • The brief/objective.
  • Your role and process.
  • Key design decisions and rationale.
  • Challenges and how you overcame them.
  • The outcome or impact (if quantifiable).

• Be prepared to discuss your technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and print production.

• If you have conceptual work for Petmate or similar brands, be ready to present it and explain your strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, rationale, and the business impact of their work. The interview will likely assess both creative talent and the ability to function effectively within a corporate structure, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application, including your resume and a link to your online portfolio, through the provided ADP application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of e-commerce digital graphics, product packaging, and merchandising displays, ideally from a consumer goods background. Tailor your presentation to highlight how your work aligns with Petmate's brand and product offerings.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to specifically mention your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, Apple OSX, and any experience with 4-color process/digital printing. Quantify achievements where possible, e.g., "Designed packaging that contributed to a 15% increase in shelf visibility."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio. Be ready to discuss your design process, your experience with Lytho Workflow (if any), and how you handle feedback from stakeholders. Research Petmate and the pet industry to prepare for company-specific questions.

• Company Research: Understand Petmate's market position, key product lines, and target audience. Familiarize yourself with their current branding and marketing efforts to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.