Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Hart Location: Toledo, OH; Detroit, MI; Columbus, OH Job Type: Salaried Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Date Posted: 2025-10-14 Experience Level: 1-3 Years (Entry to Mid-Level) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Conceptualize and design compelling visual solutions that transform ideas into engaging creative assets for clients.
• Execute design work across diverse mediums including digital, social media, branding, and print, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and client objectives.
• Collaborate effectively within a creative team environment, working alongside designers, copywriters, art directors, and creative directors to produce high-quality materials.
• Stay abreast of current design trends, tools, and emerging platforms to infuse fresh perspectives and innovative approaches into projects.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, balancing creative demands with strict deadlines while upholding rigorous quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "1-3 years of professional design experience" requirement, combined with the "Bachelor's degree" and the nature of the responsibilities (conceptualization, execution, collaboration), suggests this role is positioned for an early-to-mid-career Graphic Designer. The emphasis on transforming concepts into visual solutions and working across various mediums indicates a need for versatility and a strong foundational understanding of design principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative concepts into high-impact visual assets that resonate with target audiences and meet client objectives.
• Design a wide range of marketing collateral, including digital ads, social media graphics, website elements, branding materials, and print collateral.
• Translate abstract creative briefs and strategic directives into tangible, aesthetically pleasing, and conceptually sound design solutions.
• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and collaborative project meetings, contributing ideas and constructive feedback.
• Ensure all design outputs adhere to established brand identities, style guides, and project specifications, maintaining consistency and brand integrity.
• Manage project timelines, prioritize tasks, and proactively communicate progress and potential roadblocks to project managers and creative leads.
• Research and integrate emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices into creative workflows to enhance output and drive innovation.
• Prepare final artwork for production, ensuring proper file formats, resolutions, and color profiles for various output requirements (print, digital, web).

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a blend of independent creativity and collaborative execution. Responsibilities like "conceptualize and design creative assets," "translate creative direction," and "work both independently and collaboratively" highlight the need for a designer who can generate ideas and also execute them effectively within a team structure. The mention of "digital, social, branding, and print" signifies a broad scope of work, requiring adaptability across different design disciplines.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 1 to 3 years of progressive professional design experience, ideally within an agency or fast-paced creative environment.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: High-level expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Presentation Software: Proficient in Keynote and PowerPoint for creating and presenting design concepts.
• Digital Design Principles: Strong understanding of design for web, digital platforms, and social media, including responsive design considerations and best practices.
• Creative Conceptualization: Ability to brainstorm, develop, and articulate unique design concepts that align with project goals and client brand identity.
• Portfolio: A robust and visually compelling portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects across multiple mediums (digital, print, branding).
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams, contributing positively to group dynamics and project outcomes.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for articulating design rationale, providing updates, and collaborating with stakeholders.
• Time Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design execution, ensuring accuracy in typography, layout, color, and file preparation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects).
• Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and tools.
• Basic understanding of front-end web development (HTML/CSS) for better collaboration with web teams.
• Experience in brand strategy and identity development.
• Knowledge of print production processes and pre-press requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "high-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite" and "presentation software" is critical. The emphasis on "design for web, digital, and social platforms" indicates a need for contemporary digital design skills. The "strong portfolio" is paramount, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's capabilities. Interpersonal skills, communication, and time management are highlighted as essential character traits, suggesting that soft skills are as important as technical ones for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Diversity: Showcase a range of design projects including digital campaigns, social media assets, branding initiatives, and print collateral to demonstrate versatility.
• Conceptual Strength: Clearly articulate the problem or objective for each project and how your design solution addressed it effectively.
• Process Documentation: Include brief explanations of your design process, from initial concept development and mood boards to final execution and production.
• Technical Execution: Present polished, high-quality final designs that reflect meticulous attention to detail in layout, typography, color, and imagery.
• Medium Versatility: Highlight projects that demonstrate proficiency across different mediums (web, mobile, social, print, branding) to align with the role's broad scope.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to be able to discuss their design process, including:
  • How they approach client briefs and translate them into initial concepts.
  • Their methods for research and inspiration gathering.
  • Their workflow for iterating on designs based on feedback.
  • Their approach to file organization and preparation for various outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, the "portfolio" is the primary system and process demonstration tool. The enhancement note clarifies that the portfolio should not just be a collection of final pieces but should also illustrate the candidate's thought process, problem-solving approach, and technical execution across diverse design mediums. This aligns with an operations-focused view of the role, emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness in the design workflow.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 1-3 years of experience in the Toledo, Detroit, and Columbus metropolitan areas, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $55,000 and $75,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in these regions and the typical compensation for roles requiring proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and digital design.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive 401K plan with employer match.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) annually, plus paid holidays.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care expenses.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) option with employer contributions.
• Paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Daily snacks and beverages provided in the office.
• Access to an on-site tavern and lounge, fostering a unique employee experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time salaried position, typically involving around 40 hours per week. The role operates within a hybrid work environment, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. Specific daily schedules may vary but are expected to align with standard business hours and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: A specific salary range has been estimated based on typical market rates for this experience level and geographic locations. The benefits listed are comprehensive and aim to attract candidates seeking a supportive and engaging work environment, with specific mentions of unique perks like the on-site tavern. The "hybrid work environment" is explicitly noted, aligning with the provided ai_work_arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Brand Transformation Agency / Advertising & Marketing Services. Hart operates within the dynamic marketing and advertising sector, focusing on helping clients transform their brands through strategic design and creative solutions. This environment is typically fast-paced, collaborative, and client-centric. Company Size: The provided company_size data is not available, but company_employees suggests a medium to large organization. This size often indicates structured departments, established processes, and opportunities for growth, while still maintaining a degree of agility. Founded: company_founded data is not available. However, the company's emphasis on "brand transformation" and modern design suggests a forward-thinking culture that likely values innovation and contemporary aesthetics.

Team Structure:

• Creative Department: The Graphic Designer will be part of a broader creative team, likely including other designers, art directors, copywriters, and potentially content strategists.
• Reporting Structure: Typically, a Graphic Designer reports to a Senior Designer, Art Director, or Creative Director, depending on the team's hierarchy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with account managers, project managers, and potentially marketing strategists to ensure design work aligns with client objectives and project scopes.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Design solutions are driven by client needs, brand objectives, and market insights.
• Iterative Design Process: Expect a workflow involving concept development, feedback rounds, revisions, and finalization to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Data-Informed Creativity: While creative intuition is key, design decisions may be informed by market research, user behavior, and performance analytics where applicable.
• Agile Project Management: Projects are likely managed using agile principles to ensure flexibility, efficient resource allocation, and timely delivery.

Company Website: [Hart Company Website - Placeholder, as company_url was null. Actual URL: hartphp.com.pl]

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the job description's focus on "brand transformation" and "agency setting," the company culture is inferred to be dynamic, creative, and collaborative. The lack of specific company_size and company_founded data means inferences are made based on typical agency structures and operational models. The emphasis on "values" and "inclusive and supportive team player" points to a culture that prioritizes employee well-being and collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as an entry-to-mid-level position (1-3 years of experience). It's an opportunity for a designer to build a strong foundation in agency work, hone their craft, and gain exposure to a variety of client projects and design disciplines. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Senior Designer, Art Director, or Creative Director. This provides mentorship and guidance, crucial for career development at this stage. Operations Impact: While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense (like RevOps or SalesOps), this Graphic Designer plays a critical role in the operational success of client brands. High-quality design directly impacts brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and ultimately, client satisfaction and business outcomes. The designer's efficiency and creativity contribute to the agency's ability to deliver impactful work on time and within scope.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop expertise in specific areas like branding, digital design, motion graphics, or UI/UX design.
• Portfolio Expansion: Work on diverse client projects to build a robust and impressive professional portfolio.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Progress to Senior Designer roles, potentially leading projects or mentoring junior designers.
• Client Interaction: Gain experience in presenting work and communicating with clients, developing client-facing skills.
• Industry Exposure: Stay current with design trends and technologies, potentially attending industry events or workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "career path" for a Graphic Designer is typically linear within creative departments, moving from Junior to Mid-Level, Senior, Art Director, and potentially Creative Director. The "operations impact" is framed through the lens of how design contributes to business objectives and agency efficiency. The growth opportunities are tailored to a creative professional's development path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description mentions a "hybrid work environment," indicating a blend of in-office and remote work. This suggests a modern office setup designed to facilitate collaboration when employees are present. Office Location(s): The role is open to candidates in Toledo, OH; Detroit, MI; and Columbus, OH. This suggests the company may have offices in these locations or a flexible policy allowing employees to work from these areas. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices likely feature collaborative areas, meeting rooms, and potentially open-plan workspaces designed to encourage interaction among team members.
• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to up-to-date design software, hardware, and potentially specialized creative technology.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model means opportunities for in-person collaboration during office days, fostering team cohesion and cross-pollination of ideas. The "on-site tavern and lounge" suggests a company culture that values social interaction and informal team building.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, salaried position.
• Hybrid work arrangement, requiring some days in the office for collaboration and client meetings.
• Expected to align with standard business hours but may require flexibility based on project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "hybrid work environment" is a key aspect of the work setting. The mention of "daily snacks, beverages, and full access to our on-site tavern and lounge" paints a picture of an employee-centric workplace that encourages a positive and interactive atmosphere, even within a hybrid model.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application and resume review, followed by a brief call with HR to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio (link or PDF). This will be reviewed by the hiring manager and/or a Senior Designer to evaluate design skills, creativity, technical proficiency, and breadth of experience.
• Design Challenge (Potential): A small design exercise or case study may be assigned to assess problem-solving skills, conceptual thinking, and execution under a time constraint.
• Interview with Hiring Team: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager, Art Director, or Creative Director to explore design philosophy, project experience, collaboration style, and career aspirations.
• Final Interview: Potentially a meeting with a senior agency leader to discuss cultural fit and overall alignment with Hart's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest and most relevant projects that showcase your skills in digital, social, branding, and print.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process you followed, and the outcome. Use visuals to support your narrative.
• Highlight Process: Briefly explain your design thinking, research, and iteration phases. This demonstrates your problem-solving capabilities.
• Showcase Technical Skill: Ensure final designs are polished, error-free, and demonstrate a strong command of typography, color, and composition.
• Tailor to Hart: If possible, subtly align your portfolio with the kind of work Hart produces or the industries they serve.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand the requirements, target audience, and objectives.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely between conceptualization, execution, and final presentation.
• Articulate Your Rationale: Be prepared to explain your design choices, how they address the brief, and why you made specific decisions.
• Focus on Clarity: Present your work clearly and concisely, ensuring it's easy to understand within the given timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess both technical design skills (via portfolio and potential challenge) and collaborative/communication abilities (via interviews). The portfolio review is emphasized as a critical step, requiring strategic curation and the ability to articulate the design process and rationale.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: Crucial for layout design, brochures, presentations, and print collateral.
  • Photoshop: Key for image editing, retouching, digital mockups, and web graphics.
• Presentation Software:
  • Keynote: For creating polished visual presentations.
  • PowerPoint: Standard for business presentations and client pitches.

Digital & Web Design Tools:

• Proficiency in designing for various digital platforms, including web banners, social media graphics (various dimensions and formats), and potentially email marketing templates.
• Understanding of design principles relevant to user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design is beneficial.

Collaboration & Project Management Tools (Likely Used by the Agency):

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Monday.com, Jira, or Trello may be used for task tracking and workflow management.
• Communication Platforms: Slack or Microsoft Teams for internal team communication.
• Cloud Storage: Platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox for file sharing and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are centered around the Adobe Creative Suite and presentation software. The "digital, social, branding, and print" scope implies familiarity with a range of output formats and considerations. While not explicitly listed, common agency tools for project management and communication are implied as part of the operational environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and deliver fresh, impactful design solutions.
• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a supportive environment where team members work together effectively across different roles and backgrounds.
• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding client needs and delivering design work that achieves their business objectives.
• Results-Oriented & Entrepreneurial: A proactive, "can-do" mentality focused on achieving tangible outcomes and taking initiative.
• Precision & Accuracy: A dedication to high-quality execution, meticulous attention to detail, and delivering work with great precision.
• Continuous Learning: An eagerness to stay current with design trends, tools, and embrace new challenges for rapid growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with account managers, strategists, copywriters, and art directors to ensure cohesive campaign development.
• Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative design processes, with a focus on collective improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design insights, new techniques, and industry trends within the team.
• Team Player Mentality: Supporting colleagues, contributing to a positive team atmosphere, and working towards shared project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Personal skills + character traits" section directly translates into the company's operational values. The emphasis on "inclusive and supportive team player," "results and entrepreneurial mindset," and "work fast and independently with great precision" are key cultural indicators that candidates should align with.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Constraints: Navigating client feedback, brand guidelines, and budget limitations while maintaining design integrity and innovation.
• Managing Multiple Projects & Deadlines: The fast-paced agency environment requires strong organizational skills to juggle various projects with competing priorities and tight turnaround times.
• Staying Current with Design Trends & Technology: Rapid evolution in digital platforms, design software, and aesthetic trends requires continuous learning and adaptation.
• Collaborating Effectively in a Hybrid Environment: Ensuring seamless communication and creative synergy between in-office and remote team members.
• Translating Abstract Concepts: Effectively visualizing and conceptualizing ideas that may be abstract or complex into compelling visual narratives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Access to training, workshops, and online courses to deepen expertise in specific design software or disciplines (e.g., advanced Photoshop techniques, motion graphics, UI/UX).
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend design conferences, webinars, or industry events to stay ahead of trends and network.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Art Directors and Senior Designers to refine design skills and career trajectory.
• Portfolio Building: Exposure to a diverse range of client projects, allowing for continuous expansion and diversification of the professional portfolio.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to learn from copywriters, strategists, and account managers, gaining a broader understanding of the marketing and brand transformation process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges identified are common in agency graphic design roles, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and strong project management skills. The growth opportunities are framed around skill development, industry engagement, and professional advancement within the creative field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to present your portfolio, guiding the interviewer through your selected projects. Focus on your role, the problem you solved, your design process, and the results.
• Conceptualization Process: Discuss how you approach a new design brief. What are your first steps? How do you generate ideas? What resources do you use for inspiration?
• Collaboration Scenarios: Describe a time you worked successfully in a team on a design project. How did you handle creative differences or feedback? How do you ensure cohesive output?
• Handling Feedback: How do you receive and incorporate constructive criticism on your designs? Provide an example of a time you had to revise a design based on feedback.
• Digital Design Expertise: Explain your understanding of design principles for web, digital, and social media. What are key considerations for these platforms?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why Hart? Research Hart's work, clients, and values. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their agency culture and what excites you about their projects.
• Teamwork: How do you contribute to a positive team environment? What is your preferred collaboration style?
• Adaptability: How do you stay updated with design trends and new software? How do you adapt to changing project requirements or client needs?
• Work Ethic: Discuss your approach to managing deadlines and working under pressure. How do you maintain precision and quality in a fast-paced environment?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Selectivity is Key: Choose your strongest, most relevant pieces that showcase your breadth of skills.
• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation to tell a story for each project, highlighting challenges, your process, and outcomes.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure all visuals are high-resolution and presented cleanly. Use mockups to show designs in context.
• Concise Explanations: Be ready with brief, impactful explanations for each design choice. Avoid jargon where possible, or explain it clearly.
• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Be prepared to discuss specific software techniques or challenges you overcame during the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a creative role, emphasizing portfolio presentation, articulation of design process, and demonstrating collaborative skills. The "strategy questions" are designed to probe a candidate's creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of design principles in a professional context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on ats.rippling.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio (or link) is up-to-date, showcases your best work relevant to digital, social, branding, and print design, and clearly articulates your process and impact for each project.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight 1-3 years of relevant design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and presentation software, and any experience with digital/social media design. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare for Portfolio Review: Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, explaining your design choices, creative process, and how you collaborate with teams. Practice presenting your work concisely.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hart's agency work, client portfolio, and stated values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.