Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Firestone Walker Inc.

Location: Marina Del Rey, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Conceptualize and execute visually compelling designs across digital and print media to enhance brand presence and drive marketing initiatives.

• Develop and maintain cohesive brand systems and visual language for a portfolio of culturally relevant beverage brands.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Creative and Marketing teams to translate brand strategy into impactful visual assets for campaigns, packaging, and retail.

• Contribute to brand storytelling and cultural relevance through innovative design solutions that resonate with target audiences.

• Leverage advanced proficiency in design software and digital media to deliver high-quality assets for social, email, display ads, and more.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a "Graphic Designer ready for a bigger stage," indicating a need for a candidate who can contribute strategically beyond mere production. The emphasis on "concept-first," "culture, storytelling, and how brands live in the real world" suggests a requirement for a designer with a strong understanding of brand strategy and consumer engagement, not just execution. The role involves significant collaboration and problem-solving, requiring the candidate to be an "independent problem solver" who can develop new ideas and support multichannel marketing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create compelling digital assets for social media, email campaigns, and display advertisements, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and optimal sizing for each platform.

• Develop innovative design solutions and provide production support for packaging, multi-channel campaigns, advertising materials, and sales collateral for key brands such as 805 Beer, Cali Squeeze, Mind Haze, and Firestone beers.

• Support other business units by designing product graphics, logos, and identity systems for various offline applications.

• Partner with project managers, marketing, and creative teams to ensure the timely delivery of multiple design projects that align with brand integrity.

• Execute high-quality photo retouching and image manipulation as required to enhance visual assets.

• Present design concepts and strategies effectively to senior-level creatives and stakeholders.

• Stay informed on emerging industry trends, design best practices, and competitor activities to ensure the brand remains innovative and competitive.

• Collaborate actively with all team members to foster continuous improvement, consistency, and a shared vision for brand evolution.

• Undertake and complete additional production projects as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to team goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative conceptualization and hands-on production. The emphasis on "packaging, campaigns, advertising, and sales collateral" for specific brands indicates a need for experience in the beverage or CPG industry. The requirement to "Think strategically to help the brand evolve and remain ahead of leading competitors" suggests the role involves more than just executing briefs; it requires proactive contribution to brand strategy and market positioning through design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field, OR equivalent professional experience demonstrating a strong foundation in design principles.

Experience: 2-4 years of direct experience in graphic or visual design, with a proven track record of creating impactful brand assets across various media.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant design software.

• Demonstrated experience in photography, video production, and social-digital media content creation.

• Strong understanding of brand systems, visual identity, and campaign development.

• Ability to create compelling digital assets for social media, email, and display advertising.

• Experience in packaging design and print production processes.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and presentation.

• Proven ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the craft beverage or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.

• Familiarity with motion graphics or animation software.

• Experience with point-of-sale (POS) material design.

• Knowledge of retail merchandising and display design principles.

• Ability to translate marketing objectives into creative design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-4 years" experience level, combined with the requirement for advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency and experience in photography/video/social-digital, suggests the company is seeking a designer who is already skilled and capable of independent work, rather than an entry-level position. The "Photography/video/Social-Digital experience is required" is a critical differentiator, pointing towards a need for a designer who can contribute to modern, multi-platform campaigns. The mention of "Based in Los Angeles or the Central Coast, with flexibility considered for the right person" implies a preference for local candidates but openness to remote for exceptional talent, indicating a hybrid work model is likely.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects demonstrating a strong conceptual approach and aesthetic sensibility across various media (digital, print, packaging).

• Examples of integrated campaign work that showcase a cohesive visual strategy across multiple touchpoints.

• Case studies or project breakdowns that illustrate the design process from brief to final execution, highlighting problem-solving and strategic thinking.

• Demonstration of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design tools through the quality and complexity of the work presented.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase projects that involved developing and implementing brand guidelines or design systems.

• Include examples where design solutions directly supported marketing objectives and drove measurable results.

• Present work that highlights collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, product development) and how design integrated with their efforts.

• If applicable, include examples of how you've adapted designs for different retail environments or promotional activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on "concept-first" design and strategic contribution, the portfolio should not just be a collection of final assets but should also articulate the "why" behind the design choices. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, how they approached challenges, and how their work aligned with business objectives. The inclusion of "social, social media (organic and paid), events, and large-scale partnerships" suggests a need for diverse project examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid premiums for employee medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

• Financial Wellness: Flexible Savings Account (FSA), 401(k) retirement plan with company-paid profit sharing and 4% safe-harbor matching.

• Work-Life Balance: Company-sponsored paid parental leave, paid sick leave, accrued PTO (13 days per year), and 10 paid holidays annually.

• Employee Perks: 50% employee discount on food, beer, and merchandise, along with periodic beer giveaways for employees aged 21+.

• Support Services: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

Working Hours: Typically a 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected for project deadlines and collaborative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $70,000 - $90,000 for a Graphic Designer with 2-4 years of experience in Marina Del Rey, CA, aligns with industry standards for a mid-level designer in a high cost-of-living area. The benefits package is exceptionally strong, particularly the 100% employer-paid premiums for health insurance and the comprehensive retirement plan with profit sharing, which are significant value-adds for any employee. The mention of "Periodic beer giveaways" is a unique perk relevant to the company's industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Craft Beverage / Brewing (specifically Beer). Firestone Walker operates within a highly competitive and dynamic craft beer market, known for innovation, quality, and strong brand identity. This context means there's a high expectation for creative excellence and authentic brand storytelling.

Company Size: Firestone Walker is a regional craft brewery, indicating a size that likely balances established processes with a degree of agility and a close-knit team environment. This size is conducive to impactful individual contributions and direct collaboration with leadership.

Founded: Founded by brothers-in-law in a humble setting, Firestone Walker's origin story emphasizes passion, craftsmanship, and a dedication to making "the perfect beer." This heritage likely influences a culture that values dedication, quality, and a strong connection to the craft.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a larger Creative team, working alongside Art Directors and Marketing Managers.

• The reporting structure likely involves direct reporting to a Senior Art Director or Creative Director, with close collaboration across marketing, sales, and product development departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Creativity: While creativity is paramount, the role requires understanding how design impacts "real results," implying a data-informed approach to campaign development and asset creation.

• Process & Optimization: The responsibilities emphasize delivering multiple projects on time and on-brand, indicating a need for structured workflows and efficient design processes.

• Brand Evolution: The expectation to "help the brand evolve and remain ahead of leading competitors" suggests a proactive, forward-thinking approach to design, incorporating market trends and consumer insights.

Company Website: https://firestonebeer.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's founding story and mission ("singular purpose remains – to craft the world’s best beers. Passionately in pursuit of the perfect beer… and never satisfied") suggest a culture that values high standards, continuous improvement, and a deep passion for their product. This is a key element for candidates to understand when aligning their own values and work ethic. The mention of specific brands (805 Beer, Cali Squeeze, Mind Haze) indicates a need for designers to understand and contribute to distinct brand identities within the parent company.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring 2-4 years of experience. It's a significant step up from an entry-level position, demanding a degree of autonomy and strategic input. The designer is expected to contribute to campaign conceptualization and brand system development, not just execution.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to senior creative leadership (e.g., Art Director, Creative Director) and collaborate closely with Marketing Managers. This structure provides mentorship opportunities while also requiring the ability to manage projects and present work to leadership effectively.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand awareness, consumer perception, and ultimately, sales. By creating compelling visual assets for campaigns, packaging, and retail, the designer plays a crucial role in driving consumer engagement and supporting marketing initiatives that lead to business results. The role is explicitly tied to "driving real results."

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like packaging design, digital campaign strategy, or brand system development within the dynamic craft beverage industry.

• Creative Leadership: Potential to advance into Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or other creative leadership roles as experience and strategic contribution grow.

• Brand Development: Involvement in shaping the visual identity and future direction of popular and emerging beverage brands, offering significant creative ownership and impact.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in a fast-paced, creative industry with opportunities to work on large-scale partnerships and events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes that this is "not a production-only role" and encourages designers to be "curious, concept-first" individuals. This signals that the company is looking for designers who can grow into more strategic roles, offering a clear path for career advancement for those who demonstrate initiative and strong conceptual thinking. The opportunity to work on "culturally relevant brands" and "build visual language for a portfolio" suggests a role with significant creative scope and potential for professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, with a primary location in Marina Del Rey, CA. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The office environment is described as "Any Office setting with low noise level," indicating a focus on productive work without excessive distractions.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 3205 W Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. The company also has operations on the Central Coast of California, and flexibility for the right candidate might involve occasional travel between locations or to events.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates working closely with Art Directors, Marketing Managers, and other creative team members, fostering a collaborative and interactive workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other digital tools necessary for creating campaign assets across various platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project reviews, encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous feedback.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week. However, the nature of creative roles, especially in dynamic industries like craft beverages, may require flexibility to meet project deadlines, attend events, or participate in time-sensitive campaign launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement, combined with the specific office location and the mention of "flexibility considered for the right person," indicates that candidates should be prepared for a structured hybrid model. While remote work might be possible for exceptional candidates, the expectation is likely for regular in-office presence for collaboration and team integration. The "low noise level" office setting suggests a professional environment conducive to focused creative work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the company's creative vision.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, conceptual thinking, and how their work has achieved specific objectives. Be prepared to articulate the "why" behind your design choices.

• Skills Assessment: This may include a design challenge or a discussion about specific technical skills, such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or experience with social media asset creation.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with hiring managers, Art Directors, and potentially Marketing team members to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your conceptual abilities, versatility across media (digital, print, packaging), and strategic thinking.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the problem you were solving, your design process, key decisions, and the results achieved. Focus on impact and strategy, not just aesthetics.

• Highlight Brand Systems: If you have experience developing or working within brand systems, ensure these projects are prominent.

• Showcase Digital & Social: Include examples of social media content, digital ads, or email designs that demonstrate an understanding of these platforms.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your creative process, how you handle feedback, your understanding of the Firestone Walker brands, and your thoughts on industry trends.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Firestone Walker's current branding, key products (805, Cali Squeeze, Mind Haze), and their marketing campaigns.

• Anticipate Design Prompts: Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating assets for a specific brand or campaign, or solving a visual communication problem relevant to the beverage industry.

• Focus on Strategy: Approach any challenge by first understanding the objective, target audience, and brand voice, then developing a strategic design solution.

• Time Management: Practice working efficiently under time constraints, as design challenges often have strict deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "concept-first," "culture, storytelling, and how brands live in the real world" means the interview process will likely probe beyond technical skills. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and how design contributes to broader marketing goals. The portfolio review is a critical step; candidates should be ready to present their work as case studies, demonstrating problem-solving and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all design and production tasks.

• Other Design Software: Familiarity with emerging design platforms or tools that enhance creative workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for this design role, but understanding how marketing automation platforms are used to distribute digital assets could provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other emerging design software" is central. The "other emerging design software" suggests openness to new tools and technologies that improve creative output, such as Figma, Sketch, or motion graphics software, though the core requirement is Adobe.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A deep commitment to producing high-quality work, mirroring the company's dedication to "crafting the world’s best beers." This translates to meticulous attention to detail in design.

• Passion & Drive: A hungry, driven attitude, seeking to "make work that actually matters" and grow into one's "best." This implies a team that is ambitious and dedicated.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working "with all team members to ensure progression, improvement, and consistency," highlighting a culture where collective effort and shared goals are valued.

• Innovation & Evolution: A forward-thinking mindset, aiming to "help the brand evolve and remain ahead of leading competitors," encouraging creativity and strategic adaptation.

• Authenticity: Connecting with "culture, storytelling, and how brands live in the real world," suggesting a value placed on genuine brand representation and relatable communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The designer will work closely with Art Directors, Marketing Managers, and potentially other departments, requiring strong communication and the ability to integrate design insights into broader marketing strategies.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: The collaborative environment likely encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure brand consistency across all outputs.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing insights on industry trends, design best practices, and successful campaign elements to foster collective growth and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's slogan, "Passionately in pursuit of the perfect beer… and never satisfied," strongly implies a culture of continuous improvement and high standards. This ethos will likely permeate the creative team, valuing designers who are not only talented but also driven by a desire to excel and innovate. The "independent problem solver" aspect also suggests a culture that empowers individuals while expecting accountability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining the established visual identity of distinct brands while introducing fresh creative concepts that keep them relevant and competitive.

• Pace of the Beverage Industry: Adapting to fast-moving market trends, seasonal campaigns, and the continuous need for new product launches and promotional materials.

• Multi-Channel Execution: Ensuring design integrity and effectiveness across a wide array of platforms, from digital ads and social media to packaging and large-scale event materials.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively translating diverse stakeholder needs and feedback into cohesive, impactful design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand System Mastery: Deepening expertise in building and evolving complex brand systems for a portfolio of successful beverage brands.

• Strategic Design Contribution: Transitioning from execution-focused tasks to more significant roles in campaign strategy and creative direction.

• Industry Immersion: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the craft beverage market, consumer trends, and effective marketing strategies within this sector.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning from marketing professionals, product developers, and sales teams to understand the broader business context of design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's description as "not a production-only role" and the encouragement to be "concept-first" highlights a key challenge and opportunity: to move beyond task execution and contribute strategically. This is a chance for a designer to prove their conceptual abilities and influence brand direction, which is a significant growth area.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a visual concept for a new campaign, from brief to execution." (Focus on your strategic thinking, research methods, and how you translate objectives into design).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple channels and different types of collateral (e.g., social media vs. packaging)?" (Prepare examples of building and adhering to brand guidelines).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Firestone Walker and our brands? What resonates with you about our company?" (Research the company's history, mission, specific brands, and recent campaigns. Connect your passion to their craft).

• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how do you incorporate them into your work while maintaining brand integrity?" (Show your awareness of industry evolution and strategic application of trends).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio into distinct case studies, rather than just a gallery. For each case study:

  • The Challenge: Clearly state the client's objective or the problem you aimed to solve.
  • Your Role: Define your specific contributions.
  • The Process: Explain your conceptual thinking, research, and design iterations.
  • The Solution: Showcase the final design assets.
  • The Impact: Discuss the results achieved or how the design met the objectives.

• Focus on Strategy: Emphasize the strategic thinking behind your design choices. Why did you make certain decisions? How did your design address the brief?

• Highlight Versatility: Showcase a range of work, including digital assets (social, display ads), packaging, and any campaign collateral.

• Be Concise: Practice presenting each project within a specific timeframe (e.g., 5-7 minutes per project) to respect interviewers' time.

• Engage: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and discuss your design philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "concept-first," "culture, storytelling, and how brands live in the real world" means interviewers will be looking for more than just technical execution. Be prepared to discuss your strategic approach, your understanding of the target audience, and how your design contributes to business objectives and brand narrative. The portfolio is your primary tool to demonstrate this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on paycomonline.net.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating conceptual thinking, brand system development, and multi-channel execution (digital, packaging, campaigns). If you have experience in the beverage or CPG industry, ensure those projects are prominent.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 2-4 years of relevant design experience, highlighting proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, photography/video/social-digital skills, and any experience with brand strategy or campaign development. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic rationale, and how you collaborate with teams. Prepare to present your portfolio as a series of case studies, focusing on problem-solving and impact.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Firestone Walker's brands, mission, and current marketing efforts. Understand their position in the craft beverage market and think about how your design aesthetic aligns with their brand identity.

⚠️ 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.