Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: F1 Arcade Location: Chicago, IL Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Date Posted: 2025-09-05 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the conceptualization and execution of compelling visual narratives and brand stories for a leading immersive entertainment brand.
• Translate strategic briefs into impactful design solutions across diverse platforms, including venue experiences, marketing campaigns, social media content, and partner activations.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Brand, Marketing, Sales, Content, Venue Operations) to ensure cohesive and on-brand execution of creative visions.
• Manage the end-to-end design process, from initial concept development and pitching to final delivery, ensuring high standards of creativity and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Global Brand team, reporting to the Creative Director, indicating a strategic focus on brand development and global campaign consistency. The emphasis on "big ideas" and "killer visuals" suggests a need for a designer who can not only execute but also innovate and influence creative direction within the entertainment and hospitality sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of innovative creative ideas that align with F1 Arcade's brand identity and resonate with target audiences across UK & US markets.
• Interpret marketing and brand briefs, transforming them into engaging visual assets and cohesive campaign strategies.
• Develop presentation materials, including decks and mood boards, to effectively communicate creative vision and gain stakeholder buy-in.
• Execute design projects across various touchpoints such as venue branding, digital campaigns, social media graphics, event collateral, and partner activations.
• Collaborate with Brand, Marketing, Sales, Content, and Venue Operations teams to ensure seamless integration of design elements into broader business initiatives and guest experiences.
• Manage design projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to brand guidelines and quality standards.
• Maintain brand consistency and freshness across all visual communications, adapting to evolving trends and market dynamics.
• Contribute to creating culturally relevant campaigns that capture the unique energy of F1 Arcade's immersive entertainment spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative leadership and hands-on design execution. The expectation to "sell the vision" through decks and mood boards signifies a need for strong communication and presentation skills beyond pure design proficiency. Managing "multiple deadlines and stakeholders" in a "busy environment" points to a dynamic, fast-paced operational setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for mid-level design roles. Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of experience in graphic design, branding, or a similar creative role, preferably within the entertainment, lifestyle, or hospitality industries. Experience with both in-house and agency environments is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in graphic design principles and practices.
• A strong portfolio showcasing fresh, edgy, and contemporary design work relevant to entertainment, lifestyle, or hospitality.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Ability to conceptualize and develop creative ideas from initial brief to final execution.
• Excellent visual communication and storytelling skills, with a focus on guest-first experiences.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to articulate and "sell" creative concepts with energy and confidence.
• Proficiency in interpreting design briefs and translating them into effective visual solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of cultural relevance in design and campaign development.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion graphics skills (e.g., After Effects) for dynamic content creation.
• Experience with social media content design and campaign development.
• Familiarity with venue branding and experiential design.
• Knowledge of F1 culture or a passion for sports and entertainment.
• Experience working with international markets (UK & US).
• A collaborative spirit and strong interpersonal skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "fresh, edgy and contemporary" portfolio suggests a need for a designer who can push creative boundaries while staying aligned with a modern, high-energy brand. "Strong Adobe skills" are a baseline; however, the mention of "extra points for motion" indicates a growing need for dynamic and animated visual content in the digital and experiential spaces.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects that clearly demonstrate your creative process, from concept to final execution.
• Showcase a range of work including branding, campaign development, venue experience design, and digital assets (social media, web graphics).
• Highlight projects that demonstrate cultural relevance and an understanding of target audience engagement within entertainment or lifestyle contexts.
• Include case studies that explain the brief, your creative solution, the tools/processes used, and the impact or outcome of the design.
• Visuals should reflect a fresh, edgy, and contemporary aesthetic, aligning with the F1 Arcade brand.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an ability to follow and document design workflows, from initial brief interpretation to final asset delivery.
• Showcase how you manage project timelines, stakeholder feedback, and revisions to ensure efficient project completion.
• Illustrate your approach to conceptualization and idea generation, perhaps through sketches, mood boards, or early-stage concept development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that feels "fresh, edgy and contemporary" and the mention of "selling vision" through decks and mood boards imply that the portfolio review will assess not just the final output but also the creative thinking, presentation strategy, and process behind the work. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach developing "big ideas" and translating them into tangible design assets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 per year (BASE + BONUS) Benefits:

• Flexible Working arrangements.
• Great Perks (specifics not detailed, but often include discounts, event access, etc.).
• Access to exclusive events and openings, providing unique industry experiences.
• Opportunity to work on a fast-growing global brand.
• Creative freedom and significant impact on brand development.
• Participation in a fun team environment.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $55,000 - $65,000 for a Graphic Designer with 2+ years of experience in Chicago, IL, is within the typical market range for mid-level creative roles. The "BASE + BONUS" structure suggests performance-based incentives, common in roles tied to campaign success or revenue generation. The listed benefits like "Flexible Working," "Great Perks," and "Access to exclusive events" are attractive for professionals in creative and hospitality industries, emphasizing work-life balance and unique career experiences.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entertainment, Hospitality, Sports & Recreation, Marketing. F1 Arcade operates at the intersection of Formula 1 racing, social entertainment, dining, and gaming, creating a unique and high-energy brand experience. Company Size: Information not directly provided, but the existence of a "Global Brand team" and operations in both the UK & US suggests a growing, potentially medium to large-sized organization with significant expansion plans. Founded: F1 Arcade is a relatively new venture, launched in London in 2022, indicating a dynamic, fast-paced, and innovative company culture focused on rapid growth and establishing a strong global presence.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Head of Global Brand / Creative Director, placing them within a dedicated brand and creative function.
• The role involves close collaboration with Brand, Marketing, Sales, Content, and Venue teams, indicating a cross-functional and integrated operational structure.
• The team likely comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds in marketing, creative arts, operations, and hospitality, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: While not explicitly stated, the need for "culturally relevant campaigns" and "guest-first experiences" implies that creative decisions are informed by market research, audience insights, and performance metrics.
• Agile Execution: The fast-paced nature of the brand and the need to manage multiple deadlines suggest an agile approach to project management and creative development.
• Collaborative Ideation: The emphasis on "big ideas" and cross-functional teamwork points to a culture that values shared brainstorming and collective problem-solving.

Company Website: https://f1arcade.isolvedhire.com (career portal), with likely a consumer-facing website at F1Arcade.com.

📝 Enhancement Note: F1 Arcade's positioning as a blend of sport, entertainment, and hospitality suggests a vibrant, high-energy, and customer-centric company culture. The "bold" and "energetic" tone mentioned in the job description indicates a preference for individuals who are proactive, enthusiastic, and not afraid to bring big ideas to the table. The rapid growth phase implies opportunities for significant individual impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of experience. It offers a significant step up from junior roles by entrusting the designer with leading creative concepts and overseeing projects from start to finish, not just executing tasks. Reporting Structure: The designer reports to the Creative Director, providing direct mentorship and oversight from a senior creative leader. This structure allows for continuous learning and development in advanced design strategy and brand management. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, venue atmosphere, and guest experience. By creating compelling visuals and cohesive brand narratives, they contribute significantly to customer acquisition, engagement, and overall revenue generation for F1 Arcade venues.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like experiential design, digital campaign strategy, or motion graphics within the F1 Arcade ecosystem.
• Leadership Track: With proven success and development, opportunities may arise to move into Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or other creative leadership roles within the Global Brand team.
• Skill Expansion: Exposure to a fast-growing global brand in a unique industry provides opportunities to broaden skill sets in areas such as brand strategy, cross-functional project management, and international campaign execution.
• Industry Exposure: Direct involvement in the entertainment, hospitality, and sports sectors offers valuable experience and networking opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's emphasis on "big ideas," "selling the vision," and managing projects end-to-end suggests a trajectory towards more strategic creative roles. The "fast-growing global brand" context implies that successful individuals could see accelerated career progression as the company scales. The reporting line to a Creative Director is a strong indicator of mentorship and development opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement, indicating a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. This suggests a modern workplace designed to balance focused work with team synergy. Office Location(s): Chicago, IL (with a specific postal code provided, 60654). This location is likely a key hub for marketing and brand operations in the US.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and the need for cross-functional collaboration suggest an office space designed to facilitate teamwork, brainstorming sessions, and client/stakeholder presentations.
• Tools & Technology: The role requires strong Adobe Creative Suite skills. The office is expected to provide the necessary hardware, software, and potentially a creative-focused workspace to support high-quality design output.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid schedule allows for focused individual work at home while dedicating specific days to in-office collaboration, fostering direct interaction with the Creative Director, brand team members, and other departments.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with the flexibility inherent in a hybrid model. The role requires managing deadlines effectively, which may occasionally necessitate working outside standard hours for critical project phases or event support, though the primary schedule is structured.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement in Chicago suggests a typical professional office setting for designated in-office days, likely equipped with design workstations and collaborative meeting spaces. The emphasis on "big energy and a sense of humor" points to a lively and engaging office culture, contrasting with more sterile corporate environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the application, resume, and portfolio by HR or the hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and creative alignment.
• Portfolio Review & Interview: Candidates will present their portfolio to the Creative Director and potentially other members of the brand team. This stage will focus on design rationale, creative process, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. Expect questions about how you approach "big ideas," interpret briefs, and manage projects.
• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A potential design challenge or exercise may be given to assess practical design skills, speed, and ability to work within brand guidelines under pressure.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with other key stakeholders (e.g., Head of Global Brand) to discuss strategic fit, growth potential, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best showcase your ability to create fresh, edgy, and contemporary designs for entertainment, lifestyle, or hospitality.
• Tell a Story: For each project, walk through the brief, your conceptual process, key design decisions, challenges overcome, and the final outcome or impact. Emphasize your "guest-first" approach.
• Highlight Process: Show mood boards, sketches, or early concepts to demonstrate your ideation process and how you develop "big ideas."
• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples of work across different mediums: venue branding, campaigns, social media, and partner activations.
• Prepare for "Selling": Be ready to confidently present and "sell" your ideas, articulating the strategic rationale behind your design choices.
• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any motion graphics experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research F1 Arcade's brand identity, target audience, current campaigns, and overall market positioning.
• Think Strategically: For any design challenge, consider the objectives, target audience, and brand guidelines. Aim for creative solutions that are both impactful and strategically sound.
• Time Management: Practice designing within tight time constraints, prioritizing key elements and focusing on delivering a polished concept.
• Presentation: Be ready to present your challenge solution clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to heavily emphasize the portfolio and the candidate's ability to articulate their creative vision and process. Candidates should prepare to discuss how they generate "big ideas," interpret briefs, and ensure their designs are "culturally relevant" and "guest-first." The "calm-headedness and sense of prioritization" requirement suggests they will also assess how candidates handle pressure and manage multiple tasks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is a core requirement for executing graphic design tasks.
• Motion Graphics Software (Preferred): Adobe After Effects or similar tools are highly valued for creating dynamic and engaging visual content.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media analytics, campaign performance) can be beneficial.
• Familiarity with analytics platforms used by marketing teams (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights) may be advantageous for understanding design effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Graphic Designer role, but awareness of how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns might be helpful for cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Strong Adobe skills (extra points for motion)" is the key technical requirement. This indicates a focus on industry-standard design software. While CRM and analytics tools are not direct requirements, candidates who can demonstrate an understanding of how their design work contributes to broader marketing and sales objectives (e.g., through engagement metrics) will stand out.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Boldness & Energy: A culture that encourages big ideas, proactive contributions, and a high level of energy, mirroring the F1 brand.
• Guest-First Experience: A commitment to designing and delivering experiences that prioritize customer satisfaction and engagement.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across departments to achieve shared goals and create cohesive brand messaging.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouragement of fresh, edgy, and contemporary design thinking to keep the brand exciting and relevant.
• Efficiency & Professionalism: A need for individuals who can manage deadlines, prioritize tasks, and maintain a calm demeanor, even under pressure.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close working relationships with Brand, Marketing, Sales, Content, and Venue teams, necessitating strong communication and a collaborative approach to project execution.
• Feedback Exchange: A culture that likely involves constructive feedback loops to refine creative concepts and ensure alignment with brand objectives.
• Shared Ideation: The pursuit of "big ideas" suggests a collaborative environment where brainstorming and sharing of concepts is encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly mentions "Big energy and a sense of humor is appreciated!" This, combined with the "bold" and "energetic" nature of the F1 brand, points to a dynamic, fun, and possibly informal workplace culture where personality and enthusiasm are valued alongside professional skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining the core F1 Arcade brand identity while consistently delivering fresh, edgy, and culturally relevant creative concepts across diverse platforms.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders and Deadlines: Thriving in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities from various departments (Marketing, Sales, Venue Operations, etc.).
• Translating "Big Ideas" into Tangible Assets: Effectively conceptualizing and then executing complex creative visions across different mediums, from digital to physical spaces.
• Global Campaign Adaptation: Ensuring creative concepts are culturally relevant and effective in both UK and US markets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand Strategy Immersion: Gaining deep insights into global brand development within the unique intersection of sports, entertainment, and hospitality.
• Experiential Design Exposure: Learning to design for immersive physical spaces and unique guest experiences.
• Cross-Functional Project Management: Developing skills in managing complex projects that involve multiple departments and international markets.
• Creative Leadership Mentorship: Learning from a Creative Director on advanced creative strategy, pitching, and art direction.
• Industry Networking: Opportunities to attend exclusive events and openings, expanding professional connections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around key responsibilities, such as balancing creative demands with brand constraints and managing complex project workflows. The growth opportunities are tied to the company's rapid expansion and the unique industry F1 Arcade operates within, offering a chance to develop specialized skills in experiential and global brand marketing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a 'big idea' for a campaign. What was your process from concept to execution, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on ideation, process, and impact.)
• "How do you ensure your designs are culturally relevant for diverse audiences, specifically in the UK and US markets?" (Prepare examples of cross-cultural design considerations.)
• "Walk us through a project where you had to manage multiple stakeholders with differing opinions. How did you navigate that, and how did you 'sell your vision'?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.)
• "How do you approach interpreting a design brief, especially when it's vague or requires creative interpretation?" (Discuss your questioning techniques and initial conceptualization methods.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about F1 Arcade's brand and the entertainment/hospitality industry?" (Show genuine interest and research.)
• "How do you contribute to a high-energy and collaborative team environment?" (Reference your "big energy" and "sense of humor.")
• "Describe how you would use design to create an unforgettable 'guest-first' experience at an F1 Arcade venue." (Connect design to customer experience and brand values.)
• "How do you stay calm and prioritize effectively when facing tight deadlines and multiple projects?" (Demonstrate your organizational and time-management skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career and design philosophy, then dive into 3-5 key projects. For each project: context (brief/goal), your approach (concept, process, tools), execution (visuals), and impact (results/learnings).
• Storytelling: Weave a narrative around each project. Explain the "why" behind your design choices. Use "I" statements for your individual contributions and "we" for collaborative efforts.
• Visual Focus: Ensure your presentation visuals are clean, high-resolution, and effectively showcase your work. Minimize text on slides; let your verbal explanation carry the details.
• Engagement: Be enthusiastic, ask clarifying questions if needed, and be prepared for follow-up questions about your design decisions and process. Practice your timing to ensure you can cover your key projects within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal skills. Candidates should be ready to discuss their process for generating "big ideas," their experience with client/stakeholder management, and their ability to deliver impactful designs within a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The portfolio presentation is critical and should highlight not just the final visuals but the strategic thinking and execution process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the F1 Arcade careers portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 2+ years of experience in graphic design, branding, and creative concept development, specifically mentioning any experience in entertainment, lifestyle, or hospitality sectors. Use keywords from the job description like "creative concepts," "brand stories," "venue experiences," and "culturally relevant campaigns."
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest, most contemporary work that aligns with F1 Arcade's "fresh, edgy" aesthetic. Include case studies that demonstrate your process for developing "big ideas" and your ability to work across various mediums. Be prepared to discuss your motion graphics skills if applicable.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to interpreting briefs, and how you manage projects and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your passion for F1 Arcade's brand and how you would contribute to its energetic culture.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research F1 Arcade's brand, venues, target audience, and recent marketing initiatives. Understand their unique positioning at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and hospitality.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description incorporates industry-standard interpretations and AI-driven insights to provide a comprehensive overview. Candidates should verify all details, particularly regarding specific benefits, team dynamics, and interview stages, directly with F1 Arcade.