Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: PAISLEY CRAFTS LLC Location: Fresno, California, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: 2025-10-17 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to leading and executing packaging design projects, requiring a strong blend of creative vision and production-level execution.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating brand strategies and market insights into compelling visual narratives for product packaging.
• A key aspect of this position involves meticulous attention to detail in preparing print-ready files and collaborating closely with production partners to ensure accurate and timely delivery.
• The role demands adaptability in a fast-paced environment, where managing multiple concurrent projects and tight deadlines is a daily requirement without sacrificing quality or brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Graphic Designer" coupled with responsibilities focused on "packaging design projects from concept development through to final, production-ready artwork" and "preparing meticulous, print-ready files" strongly indicates a specialization within graphic design, specifically focused on CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) or retail product packaging. The emphasis on "brand standards," "market trends," and "production and supply chain constraints" further solidifies this specialization. The "5+ years experience" and reference to "leading packaging design projects" suggest a mid-to-senior level contributor role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of innovative packaging design solutions, ensuring alignment with product objectives, brand identity, and current market trends.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including brand management, product development, marketing, and external vendors, to transform strategic briefs into visually impactful designs.
• Develop and meticulously prepare print-ready artwork, ensuring all technical specifications, color profiles, and dielines are accurate for seamless production.
• Manage relationships with print vendors and production partners, overseeing the pre-press process and ensuring the final product meets quality and brand standards.
• Conduct thorough research on emerging packaging design trends, sustainable materials, and innovative printing techniques to continuously elevate the creative output.
• Apply and consistently enforce brand guidelines across all packaging designs, while also identifying opportunities for creative iteration and brand evolution.
• Maintain organized and efficient digital asset management practices, including robust file naming conventions, version control, and clear folder structures for easy access and collaboration.
• Support broader marketing and brand initiatives by creating supporting visual assets as needed, maintaining brand consistency across all touchpoints.
• Actively participate in design reviews, articulating design rationale and incorporating constructive feedback to refine concepts and final deliverables.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and workflows, identifying efficiencies and best practices for packaging design production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the explicit mention of "print design experience a must," "preparing meticulous, print-ready files," and "follow through with vendors or production partners to ensure accurate execution," this role requires a strong understanding of print production workflows, including pre-press, color management, and material considerations specific to packaging. The mention of "sustainability practices" and "packaging innovations" suggests a forward-thinking approach to design that considers environmental impact and emerging technologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, Fine Arts, Advertising, or a closely related field.
• Academic coursework should demonstrate a strong foundation in color theory, typography, illustration, layout principles, and the application of graphic design software.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a graphic design role, with a significant portion dedicated to packaging design.
• Demonstrated experience in print design is mandatory, with a proven track record of producing high-quality, production-ready artwork for physical products.
• Experience within the creative industry or consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector is highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with multi-channel retail environments and the nuances of online-to-offline (O2O) strategies is considered a plus.

Required Skills:

• Expert Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Mastery of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for creating and manipulating design assets.
• Packaging Design Expertise: Deep understanding of packaging structure, materials, dielines, and the print production process from concept to final output.
• Brand Guideline Application: Ability to consistently apply and extend established brand identities across various packaging formats while maintaining creative integrity.
• Visual Communication: Strong ability to articulate design concepts and rationale clearly through visual, oral, and written communication, both formally and informally.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on accuracy in all aspects of design, from concept to final file preparation, ensuring error-free deliverables.
• Time Management & Project Prioritization: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Demonstrated success in working collaboratively with cross-functional teams (marketing, product, brand) and external partners.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics/Video Editing: Familiarity with Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro for potential animation or video-related design tasks.
• Digital Design Tools: Experience with Figma or Canva for wireframing, prototyping, or collaborative design workflows.
• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Workfront for managing project timelines, tasks, and team collaboration.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Experience utilizing DAM systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving design assets.
• Studio Photography/Video Production: Understanding or hands-on experience with photo retouching and optimizing visuals for digital contexts.
• Mac Environment Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced skills in macOS and Microsoft Office Suite, including cloud-based collaboration platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "print design experience a must" and the detailed list of required Adobe Creative Suite tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) highlight the technical demands of the role. The inclusion of "Figma or Canva a plus" suggests a potential for digital design work beyond print, though print remains the priority. The mention of "Workfront" as a project management tool indicates a structured workflow environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive packaging design projects that demonstrate a full project lifecycle from concept to final production artwork.
• Include examples of work that highlight strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of brand integration.
• Present case studies that clearly articulate the design challenge, your approach, the creative solutions implemented, and the final outcome, ideally with quantifiable results if available.
• Demonstrate proficiency in applying and evolving brand guidelines across diverse packaging formats.
• Include examples of print-ready files or mockups that illustrate attention to detail in technical execution.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, provide a concise overview of the design process followed, including client brief interpretation, research phases, concept development, iteration cycles, and final production handoff.
• Detail collaboration methods used with cross-functional teams and external vendors, illustrating how feedback was incorporated and challenges were resolved.
• Explain the rationale behind design choices, linking them to strategic objectives, target audience considerations, and market trends.
• If applicable, describe the workflow for preparing files for print production, including specific software settings, color management techniques, and pre-press considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role with a heavy emphasis on packaging, a portfolio is crucial. The requirements should emphasize not just aesthetic appeal but also the designer's understanding of the production process, brand strategy, and ability to collaborate. The "process documentation" aspect should focus on how the designer approaches a project from brief to final output, including their interaction with stakeholders and vendors.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The company offers an hourly wage between $26 and $31 USD per hour.
• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 5+ years of experience specializing in packaging design in Fresno, California, this range is competitive for an on-site role. The upper end of the range ($31/hour) reflects the specialized nature of packaging design and the requirement for print production expertise.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company match to support long-term financial planning.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to promote work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and continuous learning to enhance design skills and stay current with industry trends.
• Employee Discounts: Potential for discounts on company products or services.
• Work Environment: A collaborative and supportive on-site work environment.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.
• Standard working hours are expected to align with business needs, with potential flexibility for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines, as indicated in the "Behaviors and personal attributes" section.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($26-$31/hour) is specific. The enhancement should confirm this range and provide context for its competitiveness in the Fresno, CA market for a mid-senior level Graphic Designer with packaging specialization. Benefits are not detailed in the input, so standard industry benefits are listed as placeholders, with a note that these should be verified.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Craft & Hobby / Consumer Goods Company Size: The input data does not specify company size. However, typical LLCS can range from small to medium-sized enterprises. For operations purposes, a medium-sized company (e.g., 50-250 employees) might imply a need for adaptable processes and direct impact, while a smaller one might offer more hands-on involvement across various functions. Founded: The input data does not specify the founding date. Paisley Crafts LLC, operating under the iLoveToCreate brand, has a history rooted in craft supplies and creative products. Understanding the company's history can provide context on its market positioning and brand evolution.

Team Structure:

• Creative Department: The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a creative team, potentially including other designers, copywriters, and marketing specialists.
• Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Creative Director, Design Manager, or Marketing Lead, who oversees the brand's visual output and strategic direction.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and potentially Production/Operations teams to ensure designs meet business objectives and are feasible for manufacturing and distribution.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Approach: Design decisions are driven by adherence to established brand guidelines and a deep understanding of the target consumer for craft and hobby products.
• Data-Informed Creativity: While creativity is paramount, design concepts are likely informed by market research, consumer insights, and performance data from previous campaigns or product launches.
• Agile Project Management: The emphasis on "tight timelines" and "fast-paced environment" suggests an agile or iterative approach to project execution, prioritizing efficiency and rapid response to market needs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company is identified as PAISLEY CRAFTS LLC, and the description references "iLoveToCreate." This brand is well-known in the craft and hobby space. The enhancement should highlight this context, as it influences design requirements (e.g., vibrant colors, appealing to DIY enthusiasts, specific product categories like fabric paints, adhesives, etc.). The lack of company size and founding date necessitates making informed assumptions or noting their absence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Senior Level Graphic Designer. This role requires independent execution of complex design projects, leadership in packaging design initiatives, and the ability to mentor or guide junior designers if they exist within the team. The focus is on delivering high-quality, production-ready assets with minimal supervision.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a senior member of the creative or marketing department, such as a Creative Director or Design Manager. This structure allows for strategic oversight and alignment with broader company goals, while providing the designer with autonomy in their specific design execution.

Operations Impact:

• Brand Equity: Directly influences brand perception and consumer appeal through visually compelling packaging, which is often the first point of contact for consumers.
• Sales Performance: High-quality, effective packaging design can drive purchasing decisions, contributing directly to product sales and revenue.
• Production Efficiency: By providing accurate, production-ready files and collaborating effectively with vendors, the designer helps minimize errors, reduce rework, and ensure timely product launches, impacting operational efficiency.
• Market Competitiveness: Innovative and strategically sound packaging design helps products stand out on shelves and in online marketplaces, enhancing the company's competitive edge.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior/Lead Designer: Progression to a Senior Graphic Designer or Lead Designer role, taking on more complex projects, greater strategic input, and potentially managing junior team members.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in packaging design, materials science, or sustainable packaging solutions.
• Cross-functional Roles: Potential to move into roles with broader scope, such as Brand Manager or Marketing Specialist, leveraging design expertise within a strategic context.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to develop skills in areas like UX/UI design, motion graphics, or digital marketing asset creation, depending on company needs and individual interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section is adapted to explain how a Graphic Designer's work influences business operations and revenue, particularly through packaging. Growth opportunities are framed within creative roles and adjacent marketing/brand functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests a collaborative physical workspace where in-person team interaction and direct supervision are standard.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is 5661 E Shields Ave, Fresno, CA 93727. This physical presence is crucial for on-site collaboration, access to necessary equipment, and in-person meetings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: The on-site nature implies a workspace designed for team interaction, brainstorming sessions, and direct communication with colleagues and managers.
• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to a Mac-based environment, industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), potentially large-format printers, and physical tools for creating mockups (X-Acto knives, corner rounders, etc.) is expected.
• Hands-on Environment: The mention of physical tools for mockups suggests a workspace that may include areas for hands-on crafting and prototyping of packaging concepts.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, approximating 40 hours per week.
• While a core schedule likely exists, the emphasis on "tight timelines" and "fast-paced environment" suggests that flexibility, potentially including occasional overtime, may be required to meet project deadlines and ensure timely delivery of production-ready artwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Workspace Context" is enhanced by inferring the types of physical tools and equipment available based on the description's mention of creating "high-quality production mockups for presentations, using tools such as straight edge, corner rounder, bull-nose punch and X-Acto knife. Proficient with equipment including an ESPON large-format printer and spray booth for finishing."

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly for print and packaging design.
• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discussing specific projects, design rationale, and your process for packaging design from concept to production. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, print production, and brand guideline adherence.
• Cross-functional Interview: An interview with key stakeholders from marketing, product management, or brand teams to evaluate your collaborative skills, ability to understand business objectives, and communication effectiveness.
• Skills-Based Exercise (Potential): You may be asked to complete a small design challenge or critique a provided design to assess your problem-solving skills and design thinking under timed conditions.
• Final Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager or a senior leader to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and confirm suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest packaging design projects that best represent your skills in print production, brand application, and creative problem-solving. Ensure variety if possible (e.g., different product types, materials).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your design process and solutions, and the final outcome. Use visuals effectively to guide the reviewer.
• Highlight Production Expertise: Emphasize your understanding of print specifications, dielines, color management, and your experience working with vendors.
• Demonstrate Brand Acumen: Show how you interpreted and applied brand guidelines, or how you evolved a brand's visual identity for packaging.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, software proficiency, workflow, and ability to work under pressure.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand the objectives, target audience, and any constraints provided.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively between conceptualization, design execution, and preparation for presentation.
• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your thought process, design choices, and any trade-offs you made, just as you would in your portfolio review. Focus on demonstrating problem-solving skills and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific advice tailored to a Graphic Designer role, focusing on portfolio content relevant to packaging design and print production, and interview preparation for assessing these skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Expert): Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential. Candidates must demonstrate mastery in creating vector graphics, photo manipulations, and page layouts for print.
• Adobe After Effects / Premiere Pro (Valuable Asset): Familiarity is a plus for potential motion graphics or video asset creation that might support packaging campaigns.
• Figma / Canva (Plus): Experience with these tools can be beneficial for collaborative design workflows, prototyping, or quick asset creation.

Project Management & Collaboration:

• Workfront (Experienced): Proficiency in using this project management tool for tracking tasks, managing deadlines, and collaborating within a team workflow is required.
• macOS: The role operates within a Mac-based environment, requiring comfort and proficiency with the operating system.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard proficiency for general business communication and documentation.
• Cloud Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms for file sharing and team communication.

Specialized Tools & Equipment:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: Experience using a DAM for organizing and retrieving design assets is beneficial.
• Physical Mockup Tools: Hands-on experience with tools like straight edges, corner rounders, bull-nose punches, and X-Acto knives for creating physical packaging mockups.
• Large-Format Printer: Familiarity with operating or preparing files for large-format printers (e.g., EPSON).
• Finishing Equipment: Experience with spray booths for finishing mockups.

Other:

• Studio Photography/Video Production Basics: Understanding of optimizing visuals for digital use and basic photo retouching.
• File Organization & Version Control: Strong practices for managing design files efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the specific software and equipment mentioned in the job description, categorizing them by function and highlighting the required vs. preferred status. The inclusion of physical tools for mockups is a unique aspect that is emphasized.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to high-quality design execution and meticulous attention to detail, especially in print-ready files, is paramount.
• Brand Integrity: Upholding and strengthening the company's brand identity through consistent and compelling visual communication.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A proactive, positive, and team-oriented approach, with a willingness to work both independently and cross-functionally.
• Adaptability & Efficiency: Thriving in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities, and consistently delivering results within tight deadlines.
• Innovation & Continuous Learning: A curious mindset, open to feedback, and actively seeking to stay updated on design trends, sustainability practices, and new technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with marketing, product, and brand teams to ensure design solutions are strategically aligned and meet business objectives.
• Open Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, needs, and potential challenges with team members and stakeholders.
• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Being receptive to constructive criticism and using feedback to refine designs and improve personal performance.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Identifying potential issues early and working collaboratively to find effective solutions that uphold design quality and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the company's values and collaboration style based on the "Behaviors and personal attributes" and "Talent Profile" sections of the job description, framing them within an operations-focused context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Consistently delivering high-quality, production-ready packaging designs under tight deadlines without compromising detail or brand integrity.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively managing diverse stakeholder expectations and ensuring design solutions satisfy creative, marketing, product, and production requirements simultaneously.
• Staying Current: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving design trends, packaging technologies, and sustainability practices relevant to the craft and hobby industry.
• Production Realities: Navigating the complexities of print production, vendor limitations, and supply chain constraints while pushing creative boundaries.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Packaging Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas such as structural packaging design, advanced print finishes, or sustainable packaging solutions.
• Digital Design Skill Expansion: Potential to develop skills in motion graphics, digital asset creation, or user interface design, depending on evolving company needs.
• Industry Trends & Best Practices: Access to industry publications, workshops, or conferences focused on graphic design, packaging innovation, and consumer trends.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential for growth into senior roles, offering opportunities for mentorship, leading projects, and influencing creative strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges specific to a packaging design role in a fast-paced environment and outlines relevant learning and development avenues.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Deep Dive: Be prepared to walk through 2-3 of your most relevant packaging design projects in detail. Focus on:
  • The initial brief and your understanding of the business/marketing objectives.
  • Your creative process from concept to final production files.
  • How you incorporated brand guidelines and market research.
  • Challenges you faced (e.g., production, stakeholder feedback) and how you overcame them.
  • The final outcome and any measurable impact (if known).
• Technical Proficiency: Expect questions about your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, regarding print production. Be ready to discuss color management, file preparation, and working with dielines.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: "Describe a time you had to deliver a design under a very tight deadline. How did you manage your time and ensure quality?" or "How would you approach designing packaging for a new product line that needs to stand out in a crowded market?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Understanding: "What are your thoughts on the iLoveToCreate brand? How would you approach designing packaging that resonates with our target audience (crafters, DIY enthusiasts)?" Research their product lines and current branding.
• Work Style: "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" or "Describe your ideal collaboration process with marketing and product teams."
• Industry Awareness: "What are some current trends in packaging design you find particularly interesting or relevant to our industry?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: Use your portfolio as a visual narrative. Clearly label each project with the client/product, your role, and the outcome.
• Concise Explanations: For each project, aim for a 3-5 minute explanation focusing on the key aspects mentioned above. Avoid getting bogged down in minor details.
• Highlight Production Readiness: Explicitly point out examples of print-ready files or discuss your process for ensuring files are technically sound for production.
• Engage the Interviewer: Ask clarifying questions if needed and be ready to adapt your presentation based on interviewer interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides tailored interview preparation guidance, focusing on the specific demands of a packaging design role with a strong emphasis on print production, brand alignment, and collaborative skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting platform.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features your strongest packaging design projects. If a digital portfolio is submitted, organize it logically with clear project titles and descriptions. For print-focused roles, consider including high-resolution images of physical mockups.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with packaging design, print production, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed design for X product lines," "Reduced production errors by Y%").
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review the "Interview Preparation" section above. Practice articulating your design process and project outcomes, and research PAISLEY CRAFTS LLC and the iLoveToCreate brand to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with iLoveToCreate's product range, target audience, and current branding. Understand their market position within the craft and hobby industry to better align your responses during the interview.

⚠️ 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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