Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Elite Sportswear LP

Location: Reading, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-15T21:57:50

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design high-impact creative assets for print, digital, and experiential channels, ensuring brand consistency and compelling visual storytelling for leading gymnastics apparel brands.

• Translate technical product features and fashion trends into clear, visually engaging communications that drive customer engagement and strengthen market position.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, product, and e-commerce teams to execute integrated campaigns from concept to final delivery across various touchpoints.

• Prepare production-ready files for diverse distribution channels, demonstrating a strong understanding of prepress, file formats, and digital asset optimization for speed and compatibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the creative and marketing operations spectrum, requiring a blend of artistic talent and operational efficiency in asset production and campaign execution. The emphasis on "high-impact creative" and "compelling visual storytelling" suggests a need for designers who can not only execute but also strategically contribute to brand narrative and market penetration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute engaging creative assets for marketing campaigns, including catalogs, email marketing, web graphics, and social media content, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

• Prepare and optimize production-ready files for print (catalogs, collateral) and digital distribution (web, email, paid media), incorporating knowledge of prepress requirements, file specifications, and load speed considerations.

• Support brand photoshoots by contributing to shot list development, providing on-set creative direction awareness, and ensuring captured assets align with the overall campaign vision and brand aesthetic.

• Execute detailed product-heavy layouts for annual print collateral, accurately representing SKU density, colorways, features, and benefits in a visually appealing manner.

• Design and format imagery for e-commerce platforms, retail displays, and paid media channels, meticulously resizing and cropping to meet channel-specific specifications and performance requirements.

• Collaborate with marketing and product teams to translate technical product features and performance benefits into clear, compelling visual communication that resonates with target audiences.

• Design email marketing campaigns with an understanding of email platform constraints and best practices, ensuring responsive design across desktop and mobile devices.

• Maintain and organize digital asset libraries, ensuring efficient access and retrieval of creative assets for various teams and projects.

• Adhere to established workflows and procedures to support efficient, cross-functional execution of creative projects, ensuring seamless integration with broader marketing operations.

• Conduct basic photo editing and retouching, including color correction, cropping, and asset preparation to enhance visual quality and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer with strong production skills and an understanding of asset management and optimization for various channels, particularly e-commerce and digital marketing. The mention of "Attentive" as a preferred email platform suggests a focus on direct-to-consumer marketing automation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.

Experience: 3–5 years of professional graphic design experience, ideally within an apparel, fashion, or sports-related industry.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Lightroom are essential for daily tasks.

• Strong understanding of design principles, including typography, layout design, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Proven ability in visual storytelling and brand consistency across diverse marketing and creative assets.

• Experience preparing production-ready files for both print (including prepress knowledge) and digital distribution, understanding various file formats, resolutions, and optimization techniques.

• Skill in photo editing and retouching, including color correction, cropping, and asset preparation.

• Knowledge of responsive design best practices for digital assets across desktop and mobile platforms.

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with photography or on-set art direction support.

• Familiarity with email marketing platforms, specifically Attentive.

• Understanding of e-commerce, retail, and paid media asset specifications.

• Interest in fashion, athletics, or performance apparel.

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 3-5 years aligns with a mid-level designer role, indicating a need for candidates who can work with some autonomy but also collaborate effectively. The emphasis on specific Adobe Suite programs and prepress knowledge points to a production-oriented design function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling and brand consistency across print and digital mediums.

• Demonstrated understanding of design principles, including layout design, typography, and color theory, applied effectively to marketing and product-focused collateral.

• Examples of production-ready file preparation for various channels, illustrating an understanding of prepress, file formats, and optimization for digital assets.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight collaboration with marketing, product, or e-commerce teams to bring campaigns to life.

Process Documentation:

• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, from concept generation and client brief interpretation to final asset delivery and production.

• Examples of how you've managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery and quality control through established processes.

• Discussion of how you approach receiving and implementing design feedback constructively within a collaborative team environment.

• Insights into how you ensure brand consistency across all creative outputs, adhering to established brand guidelines and systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role with marketing operations overlap, the portfolio should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also practical production capabilities and an understanding of campaign execution processes. The ability to articulate one's design workflow and experience with feedback is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for Graphic Designers in Reading, Pennsylvania, with 3-5 years of experience, the estimated salary range is between $55,000 and $75,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the region and common compensation benchmarks for creative roles in the apparel and sportswear industry.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

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

• Employee discounts on Elite Sportswear products.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education related to design software and marketing trends.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position with standard working hours typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the company may offer some flexibility in scheduling, subject to operational needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for this role and location. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the company's specific compensation structure. The benefits listed are typical for full-time roles in similar industries.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Elite Sportswear LP operates within the competitive Sports Apparel and Manufacturing industry, specializing in performance wear for athletes, particularly in gymnastics. The company leverages its brand portfolio to cater to a niche but passionate market.

Company Size: With a size between 201-500 employees, Elite Sportswear LP offers a medium-sized company environment. This typically means a balance between established processes and the agility to implement new initiatives, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where individual contributions are visible.

Founded: Founded by Jacqueline Bloch and Lisa Levine in 1985, Elite Sportswear has a long-standing history in the gymnastics apparel market, building a reputation for quality and innovation. This legacy suggests a company culture that values experience, dedication, and a deep understanding of its customer base.

Team Structure:

• The creative team likely comprises several designers, potentially specializing in different areas (e.g., apparel graphics, marketing collateral). This role will report to a Creative Director or Marketing Manager.

• Collaboration is expected with marketing, product development, e-commerce, and sales teams, requiring strong cross-functional communication skills.

Methodology:

• Design projects will likely be managed through a project management system, emphasizing clear briefs, iterative feedback, and timely delivery.

• A data-informed approach to design may be employed, utilizing insights from marketing campaign performance and e-commerce analytics to refine creative strategies.

• Emphasis on maintaining brand consistency across all touchpoints, ensuring a cohesive and recognizable brand identity for Elite Sportswear and its sub-brands.

Company Website: https://www.gk-elitesportswear.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on gymnastics apparel suggests a culture that values dedication, performance, and attention to detail, mirroring the sport itself. The medium size indicates opportunities for impact and cross-functional exposure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is typically considered a Mid-Level position. It requires a solid foundation of 3-5 years of experience, demonstrating proficiency in core design skills and the ability to manage projects with moderate autonomy. The role is primarily focused on execution and production, with opportunities to contribute creatively to campaign concepts.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or a Senior Designer. This structure provides guidance and oversight while allowing for independent project management. Collaboration will extend to peers in marketing, product, and e-commerce.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is crucial for translating marketing strategies into tangible visual assets that drive brand awareness, customer engagement, and ultimately, sales. High-quality creative assets directly influence the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, website conversions, and the overall perception of the Elite Sportswear brands.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas like motion graphics, advanced digital design, or apparel pattern design.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing more significantly to creative strategy.

• Creative Direction: With significant experience and strategic input, potential to move into a Creative Director role, overseeing all creative output for the brand portfolio.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Transition into related marketing roles, such as Digital Marketing Specialist or Content Manager, leveraging design expertise in broader marketing initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Graphic Designer at a company like Elite Sportswear often involves deepening creative skills, taking on more project ownership, and potentially moving into leadership or more strategic marketing roles. The company's focus on a specific niche (gymnastics) may also present opportunities for specialization within that market.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office or studio environment within Elite Sportswear LP's facilities in Reading, Pennsylvania. This setup facilitates in-person collaboration, direct feedback, and access to company resources.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 2136 N 13th St., Reading, PA 19604. This location in Berks County offers accessibility within the Reading area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a collaborative design studio or office setting, equipped with the necessary hardware and software for graphic design tasks.

• Access to industry-standard design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially a company-provided workstation.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing, product, and e-commerce teams, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

• The environment likely encourages a focused approach to design execution while supporting team brainstorming and feedback sessions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. While adherence to this schedule is expected for consistent workflow and team coordination, there might be occasional requirements for flexibility to meet campaign deadlines or project milestones, typical of creative roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a medium-sized company usually implies a structured but collaborative environment. The workspace will be optimized for creative production, with direct team interaction being a key feature.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief conversation with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager (e.g., Creative Director or Marketing Manager) to discuss the candidate's portfolio in detail. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, explain design choices, and discuss your role. This stage will also assess technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and design principles.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially a short design task or a case study presentation, to evaluate problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and ability to execute within brand constraints. This might involve creating a sample asset or responding to a design brief.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues from marketing, product, or e-commerce teams to gauge collaboration style and communication skills.

• Final Interview: A discussion with a senior leader, potentially a VP of Marketing or Operations, to confirm overall fit and discuss company vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to apparel, performance wear, and marketing collateral (print, digital, email).

• For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your specific role and contribution, the design process, and the outcome or impact.

• Showcase a range of skills, from conceptualization to production-ready file preparation. Include examples of typography, layout, and brand consistency.

• Be ready to discuss your workflow, how you handle feedback, and your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and prepress.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Elite Sportswear and GK Gymnastics' branding, target audience, and current marketing efforts.

• Practice creating quick mockups or responding to design briefs under timed conditions.

• Prepare to articulate your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your design meets the brief's objectives.

• Understand the importance of brand consistency and how to apply it effectively in a given scenario.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Graphic Designer role emphasizes both creative output and practical production skills. The portfolio review is central, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to translate briefs into effective visual solutions while understanding the operational aspects of asset delivery.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. Mastery of Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, print collateral, publications) is mandatory.

• Adobe Lightroom: Useful for photo editing, color correction, and asset management, especially for product photography.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with or understanding of how DAM systems function for organizing and distributing creative assets is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): Understanding how design assets perform (e.g., bounce rates, conversion rates on landing pages) is beneficial for optimizing future designs.

• E-commerce Platform Analytics: Familiarity with metrics related to product page views, click-through rates, and conversion rates for visual elements on e-commerce sites.

CRM & Automation:

• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Attentive): Proficiency in designing for email platforms, understanding their constraints and best practices for engagement and deliverability. Attentive is specifically mentioned as preferred.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com): Experience using project management tools to track design tasks, deadlines, and collaborate with teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite. Familiarity with e-commerce and email marketing platforms, along with an understanding of how design impacts digital performance, will make a candidate stand out.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce visually compelling and original designs that capture the energy of gymnastics and the performance of the apparel.

• Brand Stewardship: A commitment to maintaining and enhancing the brand identity of Elite Sportswear and its portfolio through consistent and high-quality visual representation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with diverse teams, actively participate in brainstorming, and provide constructive feedback to achieve shared goals.

• Detail-Oriented Execution: A meticulous approach to design, from concept through to final production, ensuring accuracy, adherence to specifications, and flawless delivery.

• Efficiency & Adaptability: The ability to manage workloads effectively, adapt to changing project needs, and contribute to streamlined workflows in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with marketing strategists, product developers, and e-commerce specialists, requiring clear communication and an understanding of their respective needs and objectives.

• Feedback Loop: An open culture for receiving and providing constructive design feedback, essential for iterative design processes and continuous improvement.

• Shared Ownership: A team mentality where creative contributions are valued, but the ultimate success of campaigns and brand initiatives is a shared responsibility across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes performance, attention to detail, and collaboration, mirroring the athletic discipline the company serves. Designers are expected to be both creative contributors and reliable production resources within a team framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Production Demands: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into production-ready files that meet strict technical specifications and tight deadlines for multiple channels.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Assets: Ensuring a unified brand voice and visual identity across a wide array of marketing materials, from print catalogs to digital ads and emails.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with best practices in responsive design, e-commerce visual merchandising, and email marketing to ensure assets are effective and engaging.

• Managing Stakeholder Feedback: Navigating diverse opinions and feedback from various departments, synthesizing input into cohesive designs that satisfy project objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Adobe Creative Suite Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific software features or explore new tools within the suite.

• Workshops on Digital Marketing & E-commerce Design: Learning about the latest trends and best practices in visual merchandising, email design, and online advertising.

• Exposure to Apparel Design & Trends: Gaining insights into fashion and performance apparel design, which can inform creative work and potential career specialization.

• Mentorship from Senior Creatives: Learning from experienced designers or creative directors, gaining insights into strategic design thinking and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in production-oriented design roles, requiring strong organizational skills and adaptability. Growth opportunities focus on deepening technical skills and gaining strategic understanding of marketing and product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from concept to final production-ready files, highlighting key steps and decision points." (Focus on workflow, prepress, and optimization.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various media, such as print, web, and email, especially when working with different technical specifications?" (Emphasize brand stewardship and technical knowledge.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Elite Sportswear and the gymnastics apparel industry?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and research.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating design feedback from multiple stakeholders?" (Highlight collaboration and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills relevant to this role (apparel, marketing collateral, digital assets).

• For each project, prepare a concise narrative: the client/objective, your role, the challenge, your creative solution, and the outcome/impact.

• Be ready to discuss technical aspects: software used, file preparation, and any challenges overcome.

• Clearly articulate how your design decisions align with the brand's goals and target audience.

• Practice presenting your portfolio smoothly and confidently, anticipating questions about your process and choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and operational understanding. Candidates should be ready to discuss their process, technical skills, and how their work contributes to business objectives, particularly in the context of apparel and marketing.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience in apparel design, marketing collateral, digital asset creation, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite. Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects relevant to the Elite Sportswear brand and its target audience.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your years of experience and specific software proficiencies. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements, focusing on results and impact.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, design process, and how you handle feedback. Be ready to answer questions about your experience with prepress, digital asset optimization, and brand consistency.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Elite Sportswear LP website, GK Gymnastics brand, and any recent marketing campaigns to understand their aesthetic, values, and target market. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.

⚠️ 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.