Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Gaia Herbs

Location: Mills River, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Art & Design / Marketing / Creative & Media

Date Posted: January 29, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual narrative for Gaia Herbs, Gaia Herbs PRO, and Salus by conceptualizing and executing impactful graphic design across all touchpoints.

• Ensure brand consistency and evolution through thoughtful design systems applied to packaging, marketing collateral, digital assets, and merchandising.

• Collaborate closely with Brand and Creative Directors, alongside marketing and sales teams, to align creative deliverables with strategic business objectives.

• Develop dynamic social media assets, including static posts, stories, reels, animations, and paid media graphics, to engage target audiences.

• Translate project objectives and brand identities into compelling and meaningful design work that brings Gaia's purpose to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Graphic Designer with a strong focus on brand storytelling and visual identity across multiple organizational segments (Gaia Herbs, Gaia Herbs PRO, Salus). The emphasis on consumer-packaged goods (CPG), particularly within the supplement sector, and the mention of industry regulations (GMP, DSHEA) suggest a need for design that is both aesthetically appealing and compliant.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Proactively develop and execute creative concepts that align with the brand identities of Gaia Herbs, Gaia Herbs PRO, and Salus.

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing materials, including packaging for new and existing products, print collateral, digital assets, and event signage.

• Create high-performing social media graphics, animations, and short-form video content tailored for various platforms and paid media campaigns.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, brand management) to ensure design solutions meet project objectives and business goals.

• Maintain and evolve cohesive visual systems across all organizational segments, ensuring consistent brand messaging and aesthetic.

• Present creative concepts with clear rationale and justification to stakeholders.

• Manage relationships and production workflows with external vendors, including printers and freelancers, ensuring timely and professional execution.

• Review and authorize print-ready files for packaging, brochures, and point-of-sale materials.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices, sharing insights with the creative team.

• Support commercial efforts by creating design assets for product launches, sales presentations, and pitch decks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of conceptual design and production execution, requiring the candidate to be proficient in both creative ideation and the technical aspects of preparing files for print and digital media. The need to support "commercial efforts" indicates a direct link between design output and business development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 3-5 years of Graphic Design experience, preferably within an agency or an in-house marketing department.

• Proven experience developing unified content across diverse marketing channels, including digital, paid media, retail, and events.

• Experience with consumer-packaged goods (CPG) is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is mandatory.

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

• Fluent in the fundamentals of design and production processes for both print and digital media.

• Exceptional creative skills with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of managing projects independently from concept to completion.

• Ability to efficiently handle multiple projects under defined deadlines and creative constraints.

• Strong creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in After Effects, Premiere Pro, Word, PowerPoint, and Figma.

• Thorough understanding of marketing campaigns, packaging design, advertising principles, web design, printing processes, and photography.

• Knowledge of industry regulations and requirements, including GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for GMP and DSHEA knowledge is critical for this role, indicating that the candidate must understand regulatory constraints relevant to the supplement industry and ensure designs comply with these standards. The preference for video editing and prototyping tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to digital content creation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating conceptual thinking, aesthetic execution, and successful implementation across various media (packaging, digital, print).

• Include case studies that highlight the problem statement, design process, creative solutions, and measurable impact or business objectives met.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of branding principles and the ability to maintain visual consistency across different platforms and product lines.

Process Documentation:

• Present examples of how design projects are managed from briefing to final delivery, including any workflow optimization or efficiency improvements implemented.

• Illustrate the process of collaborating with cross-functional teams and external vendors, showcasing communication and problem-solving strategies.

• Detail how feedback is incorporated and revisions are managed throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "cohesive visual systems" and "brand storytelling" suggests that the portfolio should not just contain individual pieces but also demonstrate how they form a unified brand experience. The mention of CPG and regulatory requirements means portfolio pieces related to packaging design and compliance will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 3-5 years of experience in the Asheville, NC metropolitan area, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate is influenced by the specialized nature of the CPG and supplement industry experience desired, and the specific technical skills required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package (medical, dental, vision).

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

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

• Employee discounts on Gaia Herbs products.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in design and related fields.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent in-office presence during core business hours to facilitate collaboration and access to resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for Graphic Designers with 3-5 years of experience in similar geographic areas and industries. Specific benefits and working hour flexibility can vary and should be confirmed with the employer. The mention of "Gaia Herbs PRO" and "Salus" suggests a potential for diverse projects, which can be a significant draw for designers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Health & Wellness / Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) / Herbal Supplements. Gaia Herbs operates within the rapidly growing health and wellness sector, focusing on high-quality herbal supplements. This industry demands a strong emphasis on authenticity, efficacy, and a connection to nature.

Company Size: Gaia Herbs is part of a larger organization, likely indicating a mid-to-large size company with established processes and resources, but still retaining a culture that values purpose and impact.

Founded: Gaia Herbs was founded in 1987, signifying a long-standing reputation and deep expertise in the herbal supplement market. This history suggests a stable environment with a commitment to quality and sustainability.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be a key member of the Creative Team, likely reporting to a Creative Director or Brand Director.

• This team collaborates closely with Marketing, Sales, Product Development, and potentially Operations departments to ensure cohesive brand messaging and successful product launches.

Methodology:

• The company likely emphasizes a data-informed approach to marketing and design, using analytics to understand consumer engagement and campaign performance.

• A focus on storytelling and connecting with consumers on an emotional level through natural and authentic branding is expected.

• Process optimization within the creative workflow will be important to ensure efficiency and timely delivery of assets.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on herbs and natural products implies a company culture that values sustainability, plant-based solutions, and holistic well-being. This should be reflected in the design aesthetic and messaging. The existence of multiple brands (Gaia Herbs, Gaia Herbs PRO, Salus) suggests a need for brand differentiation while maintaining overarching brand integrity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring 3-5 years of experience. It offers a significant opportunity to contribute to brand strategy and visual identity development for established and emerging product lines.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Brand Director, working within a dedicated creative team. This structure provides mentorship and clear lines of communication for creative direction and project management.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's output directly influences brand perception, product marketability, and consumer engagement across all channels. Successful design work contributes to sales performance, brand loyalty, and overall business growth by effectively communicating the company's mission and product benefits.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas like packaging design for CPG, digital content creation for wellness brands, or motion graphics for social media.

• Brand Expansion: Take on increasing responsibility for the visual identity of new product launches or brand extensions within the Gaia Herbs ecosystem.

• Leadership Potential: With proven performance and development, opportunities may arise to lead design projects or mentor junior designers.

• Skill Development: Access to training, workshops, and industry conferences to enhance skills in Adobe Creative Suite, emerging design software, and branding strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a strong foundation for a designer looking to specialize in the CPG or health and wellness sector. The ability to work across multiple brands provides diverse project experience, which is valuable for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is an office setting. However, the job description mentions potentially passing through a manufacturing plant, which may involve exposure to industrial elements.

Office Location(s): The role is based at 184 Butler Farm Rd, Mills River, NC 28759. This location is in the Western North Carolina region, known for its natural beauty and proximity to outdoor activities.

Workspace Context:

• The role requires an on-site presence, fostering collaboration and direct interaction with the Creative Team and other departments.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware will be provided.

• The environment is likely dynamic, with a focus on creativity, brand storytelling, and meeting project deadlines.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The nature of design work may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines, especially around product launches or campaign rollouts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for fostering team collaboration and integrating with the company's culture. The mention of potentially working near a manufacturing plant suggests an awareness of workplace safety protocols and a need for adaptability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and relevant experience. Candidates will be evaluated on their design skills, branding understanding, and industry relevance (CPG, supplements).

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, walking through key projects. Be prepared to discuss your design process, rationale behind creative choices, problem-solving strategies, and the impact of your work.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or a case study may be assigned to evaluate technical proficiency, creative problem-solving, and ability to adhere to brand guidelines under pressure.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with the Creative Director, Brand Director, and potentially marketing/sales team members to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and collaborative abilities.

• Final Interview: Potential interview with senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and experience relevant to Gaia Herbs. Prioritize CPG packaging and marketing campaign examples if available.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your design process (sketches, iterations, rationale), and the final outcome. Quantify results if possible (e.g., increased engagement, successful product launch).

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Demonstrate your ability to maintain a cohesive visual identity across multiple assets and platforms.

• Address Industry Relevance: If you have experience with supplements, health & wellness, or regulated industries, explicitly call this out. Your understanding of GMP/DSHEA is a significant plus.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and any preferred tools like Figma or After Effects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Gaia Herbs, its mission, values, target audience, and existing visual identity. Analyze their current marketing materials and social media presence.

• Anticipate Design Tasks: Expect tasks that might involve creating a social media graphic, a concept for packaging, or a layout for a brochure, all within the Gaia Herbs brand guidelines.

• Focus on Rationale: For any design challenge, clearly explain your thought process, design decisions, and how your solution addresses the prompt while aligning with brand objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge indicates that practical skills and the ability to apply them within Gaia Herbs' context are critical. Demonstrating an understanding of the CPG/supplement industry and its regulatory nuances will be a key differentiator.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, retouching, and creating digital graphics.
  • Illustrator: Critical for vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and complex layouts.
  • InDesign: Required for layout design of print collateral, packaging, brochures, and sales materials.

• Figma (Desirable): Useful for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows, especially for digital assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core tools, but awareness of how marketing campaigns are managed can provide context for asset creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The desirability of Figma and video editing tools like After Effects and Premiere Pro suggests that Gaia Herbs is looking for a versatile designer capable of producing modern digital content.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Connecting Plants, People, and Planet: This core purpose should permeate all design work, emphasizing natural ingredients, well-being, and sustainability.

• Integrity and Authenticity: Designs should be honest, transparent, and reflect the quality and efficacy of Gaia Herbs' products. Avoid overly exaggerated or misleading visuals.

• Quality and Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality design execution, attention to detail, and a polished final product.

• Collaboration and Community: A team-oriented approach, valuing input from colleagues and working together to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation and Curiosity: An openness to new ideas, creative exploration, and staying ahead of design trends within the wellness sector.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely fosters an environment of open communication and constructive feedback.

• Designers are expected to collaborate closely with marketing, brand management, and sales teams, acting as a strategic partner in visual communication.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key to ensuring that design efforts align with broader business objectives and product strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission statement ("connecting plants, people, and planet") is a powerful guiding principle. Designers should aim to embody this in their work, reflecting a holistic and natural aesthetic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining a cohesive visual identity across multiple brands and product lines while introducing fresh creative concepts.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all designs, especially packaging and marketing materials, adhere to industry regulations (GMP, DSHEA) without compromising aesthetic appeal.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple projects with varying deadlines, particularly around product launches and seasonal campaigns.

• Translating Complex Information: Visually communicating the benefits and science behind herbal supplements effectively to a diverse consumer base.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in packaging design, digital illustration, motion graphics, or specific CPG design trends.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in design conferences, webinars, and workshops focused on branding, digital marketing, and the health & wellness industry.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Creative Directors and Brand Directors within the organization.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Gaining insights into marketing strategies, product development cycles, and sales objectives to better inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of regulatory compliance is significant in the supplement industry. Demonstrating an ability to navigate these constraints creatively will be a key differentiator.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing packaging for a new herbal supplement that aims to target [specific demographic]?" (Focus on understanding the target audience, brand positioning, and regulatory considerations.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines or technical constraints. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight problem-solving and adaptability.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends, especially within the health and wellness or CPG sector?" (Showcase your passion for continuous learning.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Gaia Herbs' mission and products?" (Research their mission, values, and product lines.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our goal of connecting plants, people, and planet?" (Connect your abilities to their core purpose.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly state your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Showcase Process: Use sketches, mood boards, or early concepts to illustrate your design thinking.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or results to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased click-through rates, positive consumer feedback, successful product launch).

• Address Brand Fit: Explain how your designs align with Gaia Herbs' brand identity and values. Be prepared to discuss how you'd adapt your style for Gaia Herbs PRO or Salus if the examples are primarily from one brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your experience with CPG packaging and any familiarity with GMP/DSHEA. Your portfolio should clearly demonstrate your ability to create visually appealing designs that are also compliant and effective in a commercial context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Resume and Portfolio: Ensure your resume highlights relevant experience (3-5 years, CPG, graphic design) and your portfolio is readily accessible via a link or attachment.

• Customize Your Portfolio: Select projects that best showcase your ability to create compelling packaging, digital assets, and marketing collateral, with a preference for CPG or health/wellness-related work.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe Creative Cloud," "branding," "packaging design," "digital assets," and any mention of GMP or DSHEA experience.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Be ready to articulate your rationale clearly.

• Research Gaia Herbs: Understand their mission, products, target audience, and existing brand aesthetics across all their segments (Gaia Herbs, Gaia Herbs PRO, Salus).

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Gaia Herbs during the application and interview process.