Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Hoffmaster Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Creative Services / Operations Support Date Posted: August 26, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-level to Junior (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the seamless transition of creative concepts into production-ready assets, focusing on packaging design and print readiness.
• The Graphic Designer will bridge the gap between creative services and manufacturing, ensuring artwork adheres to production specifications and customer style guides.
• Key responsibilities include preparing files for flexographic printing, managing color separations and trapping, and contributing to the visual consistency of brand packaging.
• The position requires a strong command of Adobe Creative Suite, attention to detail, and an eagerness to learn specialized printing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the detailed responsibilities heavily lean into pre-press operations and production art. This is a specialized design role focused on manufacturing output, not general marketing design. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests a focus on training and development within the company's specific production workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare graphic designs for production, ensuring all artwork is technically sound for flexographic printing processes, including proper trapping and color separations.
• Collaborate closely with the pre-press team to understand and implement requirements for ink capabilities, file preparation, and plate separation.
• Support the creation and maintenance of style guide-driven packaging designs, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to customer-specific guidelines.
• Assist in the creation and manipulation of imagery for creative services and marketing collateral as needed.
• Contribute to the organization and management of digital assets within the company's Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, specifically Brandfolder.
• Learn and apply knowledge of industry terminology related to CMYK, Pantone, and Spot color usage in print production.
• Develop 3D images for product displays and retail concepts, aiding in visual merchandising and promotional efforts.
• Ensure final artwork is functional for pre-press capabilities and meets customer expectations and approval processes.
• Support the Pre-Production Manager with any additional tasks required to ensure efficient workflow and timely project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a technical, production-oriented approach to graphic design, with a strong focus on print production workflows, particularly flexography. The role requires a designer who can translate creative vision into technically viable print-ready files.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum of a 2-year Associate Degree in Commercial Art.
• A 4-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Commercial Art is preferred.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a focus on production art or pre-press preparation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple project requests simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines.

Required Skills:

• Comprehensive proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Solid understanding of design layout principles and the ability to create visually appealing and functional artwork.
• A keen interest in learning and understanding flexographic printing processes and their technical requirements.
• Strong knowledge of trapping techniques, color separations, and the application of Pantone, Spot, and Process Colors.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills, capable of managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and information exchange.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new processes and make critical decisions regarding artwork adjustments.
• Capacity for rapid learning and collaborative project management within a fast-paced departmental environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience working with Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, specifically Brandfolder.
• Experience with packaging design and understanding of print production constraints for various packaging formats.
• Design and illustration skills that go beyond production setup are a plus.
• Familiarity with customer style guides and the ability to interpret and apply them accurately to artwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of technical design software skills and an understanding of print production mechanics. The preference for a BFA and the mention of specific DAM software indicate a need for candidates who can grow into more specialized roles within the production pipeline.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate proficiency in preparing artwork for print production, showcasing examples of file preparation for different printing methods (ideally flexography).
• Include case studies or examples of packaging design projects, highlighting the design process from concept to final production-ready files.
• Present examples of managing color palettes, including usage of CMYK, Pantone, and Spot colors, and how these were applied in print.
• Showcase projects where adherence to strict style guides or brand guidelines was critical, demonstrating attention to detail and accuracy.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for organizing design files, managing multiple versions, and ensuring artwork is technically correct for pre-press.
• Highlight experience with, or understanding of, workflow management tools or methodologies that ensure project timelines are met.
• Be ready to explain how you approach learning new technical specifications or printing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic design, but the technical execution and production readiness of the artwork. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process for file preparation, color management, and adherence to print specifications, demonstrating their understanding of the link between design and manufacturing output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the provided "#HGISalary2920" and typical entry-level graphic designer roles in Indianapolis, IN, a monthly salary of $2,920 translates to an approximate annual salary of $35,040. This aligns with entry-level positions requiring an associate's degree and specialized technical skills in a specific industry.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Life and Disability insurance coverage.
• Tuition and Student Loan repayment assistance programs, supporting professional development and financial well-being.
• Programs focused on Physical and Mental wellness.
• Generous Paid Vacation and Holidays to ensure work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering support for personal and professional challenges.
• Access to additional benefits as detailed on HoffmasterBenefits.com.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely 40 hours per week, typical for an on-site role in a manufacturing support environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on the provided numerical code and general market data for Indianapolis. The benefits package is robust, indicating the company's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is a strong selling point for candidates seeking stability and support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Tableware, Entertaining Solutions, Baking Supplies) Company Size: Hoffmaster operates six locations across the U.S. and Canada, indicating a significant operational footprint and likely a medium to large-sized organization. The company has been a leader for over 75 years, suggesting stability and established market presence. Founded: Over 75 years ago, indicating a long history and deep experience in its market segments.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Creative Services or Marketing department, working closely with a Pre-Production Manager.
• Collaboration is expected with other designers, the pre-press team, and potentially marketing and product development teams.
• Reporting lines would typically go up to a Creative Manager, Design Manager, or Pre-Production Manager.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes "convenient and sustainable solutions," suggesting a focus on efficiency and environmental responsibility in its operations and product development.
• There's a stated commitment to "customer focus" and "continuous improvement," indicating a culture that values client satisfaction and ongoing process enhancement.
• Innovation is also mentioned, suggesting an openness to new ideas and technologies within their product lines and operational processes.

Company Website: https://www.hoffmaster.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Hoffmaster's long history and focus on both consumer and foodservice divisions suggest a well-established, stable company with diverse operational needs. The culture appears to value collaboration, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement, which is typical for manufacturing support roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to junior graphic design position, specifically tailored for production art and pre-press workflows. It offers a foundational understanding of print manufacturing processes within a design context. Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Pre-Production Manager or a similar lead within the design/production department. This structure provides direct mentorship on specialized production techniques. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of the manufacturing process by ensuring artwork is production-ready. Errors or omissions in artwork can lead to costly re-runs, delays, and client dissatisfaction, making this role crucial for operational smoothness and brand integrity in the final product.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in flexographic printing processes, color management, and production-specific design software.
• Advancement: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer, Pre-Press Specialist, or Production Artist role with increased responsibility and technical oversight.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain exposure to other areas of the business, such as product development, marketing, or supply chain, by understanding how design impacts broader operations.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn about packaging engineering and material science as it relates to design and printability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is clearly within specialized production art and pre-press. Candidates looking for traditional marketing design roles might find this focus too technical, while those interested in the intricacies of print manufacturing will find clear advancement opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, implying a professional office environment within a manufacturing company. It's likely a hybrid setup with designers working alongside production and pre-press teams. Office Location(s): Indianapolis, Indiana. Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative workspace where designers interact daily with pre-press specialists and potentially production staff to resolve artwork issues and ensure smooth handoffs.
• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware (Mac OS) will be provided.
• The environment will likely be fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on meeting production deadlines and managing multiple client projects simultaneously.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with an expectation of 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required during peak production periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial, as the role involves direct collaboration with production and pre-press teams, necessitating physical presence for effective communication and problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will likely review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and fit.
• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, focusing on relevant design work for print and production. This may include technical exercises or a discussion of their design process.
• Interviews with Team: Interviews with the Pre-Production Manager and potentially other team members to evaluate technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a department head or senior leader.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Production Readiness: Showcase examples where you've prepared files for print, demonstrating your understanding of bleed, trim, color modes, and resolution.
• Detail Your Process: Be prepared to walk through a specific packaging design project, explaining your steps from initial brief to final file delivery, including any challenges and how you overcame them.
• Showcase Color Management: If possible, include examples that demonstrate your expertise with CMYK, Pantone, and Spot colors.
• Explain DAM Experience: If you have experience with DAM systems, be ready to discuss how you organized, tagged, and managed digital assets.
• Focus on Problem-Solving: Select projects where you had to adapt designs based on production constraints or customer feedback, and explain your approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Candidates might be given a design brief or a set of existing artwork to "fix" for production, testing their understanding of pre-press requirements like trapping, color correction, or bleed setup.
• Be ready to discuss your understanding of flexographic printing and its specific demands on graphic files.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if explaining a complex technical design decision to a non-designer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's technical design skills and their understanding of print production. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates these capabilities, along with preparedness for technical questions and potential design challenges, will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential, with deep expertise required in Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, layouts, and technical print files) and Adobe Photoshop (for image manipulation, retouching, and raster graphics). Adobe Acrobat is also critical for PDF creation, pre-flighting, and proofing.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: Specifically Brandfolder, for organizing, storing, and retrieving digital assets. Familiarity with DAM principles and workflows is important.
• Flexographic Printing Software/Tools: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with tools or plugins used in pre-press for trapping and color separation within Adobe Suite will be advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting on project status and turnaround times will likely be part of the role, though specific analytics tools aren't mentioned.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how design assets integrate into CRM or marketing automation platforms might be a plus for broader GTM understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is a mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, with a specific emphasis on its application in print production. Experience with DAM systems like Brandfolder is a significant plus and indicates a need for organized digital asset management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Honoring customer style guides and expectations is paramount, translating to meticulous attention to detail in artwork.
• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to learn new printing processes and adapt to evolving technical requirements.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with pre-press teams and other departments to ensure smooth project execution.
• Efficiency: Producing production-ready files promptly to maintain workflow speed and meet deadlines.
• Innovation: Contributing to creative solutions within the constraints of packaging design and print capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires a highly collaborative approach, working closely with pre-press specialists to troubleshoot technical artwork issues and ensure successful print outcomes.
• Open communication about project status, potential roadblocks, and design adjustments is crucial.
• A team-oriented mindset is essential for navigating the fast-paced demands of a production environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values practical application of design skills within a production context. Candidates should demonstrate a proactive, collaborative, and detail-oriented approach to their work, aligning with the operational needs of a manufacturing company.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Learning Flexography: Mastering the technical nuances of flexographic printing, including ink behavior, dot gain, and trapping requirements, can be challenging for designers accustomed to digital or offset printing.
• Managing Diverse Requirements: Juggling various customer style guides, product specifications, and production timelines simultaneously requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Bridging Creative and Technical: Translating creative design visions into technically feasible print files that meet strict production parameters requires careful attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to the demands of a production environment where deadlines are critical and changes can occur rapidly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Print Production Expertise: Deep dive into the specifics of flexographic printing, gaining valuable technical skills highly sought after in the packaging industry.
• Color Theory and Management: Advanced training in color science, Pantone matching, and color correction techniques for print.
• Digital Asset Management: Becoming proficient in advanced DAM functionalities and best practices.
• Packaging Design Principles: Understanding material substrates, die-lines, and structural design considerations for packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the technical learning curve associated with print production. However, this also presents a significant growth opportunity for candidates interested in specializing in this area of graphic design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process for Production: "Walk me through your process for taking a design from concept to a production-ready file for a packaging project." (Focus on file prep, color management, and pre-press considerations).
• Problem-Solving in Design: "Describe a time you encountered a technical challenge with artwork that was preventing it from being produced. How did you resolve it?" (Look for examples of adapting designs for printability or collaborating with production teams).
• Understanding Print Technologies: "What do you know about flexographic printing, and what are some key considerations for designers working with this method?" (Assess their proactive learning and understanding of industry specifics).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Team Collaboration: "How do you approach collaborating with teams outside of design, such as pre-press or production?" (Gauge their teamwork and communication skills).
• Adhering to Guidelines: "How do you ensure consistency and accuracy when working with multiple client style guides?" (Test their attention to detail and organizational approach).
• Learning New Skills: "This role requires learning about specific printing processes. How do you typically approach learning new technical skills or software?" (Evaluate their adaptability and learning aptitude).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type, clearly labeling each piece with its objective, your role, and the tools/processes used.
• Technical Focus: For print-related pieces, be prepared to discuss the specific print requirements, color specifications, trapping methods, and file formats you used.
• Case Studies: Choose 1-2 packaging design projects to present as detailed case studies, explaining the design challenges, your creative solutions, and the final production outcome.
• DAM Experience: If applicable, demonstrate how you managed assets in a DAM system, showing organization and tagging strategies.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; focus on the most relevant projects and be prepared to answer questions clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just their design aesthetic, but their technical understanding of print production and their ability to translate creative concepts into production-ready artwork. Highlighting problem-solving skills and a proactive learning attitude will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Dayforce.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that specifically highlights your experience with print production, packaging design, and technical file preparation. Include examples demonstrating your proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, color management (CMYK, Pantone), and trapping.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize skills and experiences relevant to pre-press and production art, such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, understanding of printing processes, detail orientation, and project management capabilities. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, your understanding of print production workflows (especially flexography), and how you handle client-specific requirements and deadlines. Practice articulating your technical knowledge and problem-solving approach.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hoffmaster's products, divisions (Consumer and Foodservice), and company values to demonstrate your interest and alignment with their business. Understand their commitment to convenience and sustainability.

⚠️ 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.

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