Graphic Designer for Large Format

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer for Large Format
Company: FASTSIGNS #175201
Location: Davie, FL 33317
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing
Date Posted: December 18, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a specialized Graphic Designer focused on the unique demands of large-format signage and visual communications.
• The position requires a deep understanding of production-ready file preparation for large-scale printing, cutting, and installation.
• The Graphic Designer will leverage Adobe Illustrator as the primary design tool, with Photoshop utilized as needed for specific tasks.
• This is an on-site position requiring close collaboration with production and installation teams to ensure design feasibility and successful real-world execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description clearly indicate a specialized role within graphic design, distinct from typical digital or print design. The emphasis on "large-format graphics and custom signage" and the explicit statement that "designing for signage is not the same as designing for social media or web" highlights the need for a candidate with practical production and installation considerations in their design process. This is not a general graphic design role; it requires a production-focused mindset.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce production-ready artwork specifically for large-format printing and plotter cutting machines.
• Accurately prepare files for various output devices, including printers and vinyl cutters, ensuring correct setup for bleed, scaling, tiling, and cut contours.
• Primarily utilize Adobe Illustrator for vector-based design and layout, with Adobe Photoshop for raster image manipulation and editing as required.
• Adapt and refine existing client artwork, or create new designs, to meet FASTSIGNS' production standards and the specific requirements of different materials and installation methods.
• Ensure all designs are technically feasible for the chosen materials and intended installation environments, considering factors like viewing distance, material durability, and mounting techniques.
• Collaborate effectively with the production team to communicate design specifications and troubleshoot any file-related issues that could impact print quality or workflow efficiency.
• Work closely with the installation team to understand practical constraints and ensure designs translate seamlessly to real-world applications on-site.
• Proactively identify and resolve potential design flaws or production challenges before they result in costly reprints or installation delays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are heavily focused on the technical aspects of preparing designs for physical production and installation, rather than purely aesthetic creation. The emphasis on "production-ready designs," "file preparation," "cut paths," and "material and installation requirements" signifies a hands-on, technical role demanding precision and an understanding of manufacturing processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills and experience in graphic design, particularly for large-format applications, will be paramount. A degree or certification in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant portion dedicated to large-format graphics, signage, or similar production-oriented design fields.
• Proven experience in preparing design files for commercial printing and cutting processes.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector graphics, layouts, and preparing files for large-format output.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop: Necessary for image editing, retouching, and preparing raster elements for print.
• Deep understanding of large-format design principles: This includes considerations for scale, resolution, color profiles (CMYK), and material limitations.
• File preparation for production: Expertise in setting up files with bleed, crop marks, color separations, and understanding different file formats (e.g., AI, EPS, PDF/X).
• Knowledge of cutting paths and contours: Essential for vinyl cutting, routing, and die-cutting processes.
• Strong visual problem-solving skills: Ability to translate client needs and complex concepts into effective visual designs that are also production-friendly.
• Excellent attention to detail: Crucial for ensuring accuracy in measurements, typography, and graphics for large-scale applications.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills: Ability to work seamlessly with production and installation teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific large-format printing technologies and finishing techniques.
• Familiarity with various sign materials (e.g., vinyl, acrylic, PVC, ACM, banner materials).
• Understanding of installation considerations for different types of signage (e.g., vehicle wraps, window graphics, wall murals, dimensional letters).
• Experience with RIP software (e.g., Onyx, Caldera) for printer management.
• Basic knowledge of project management principles to manage design timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated experience level of "2-5 years" is inferred from the typical career progression for specialized graphic designers and the complexity of the required skills. The emphasis on specific software (Adobe Illustrator) and practical knowledge ("cut paths," "material requirements") strongly suggests that a candidate with a portfolio showcasing tangible, production-ready work will be highly favored.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Production-Ready File Examples: Showcase examples of designs where you have explicitly prepared files for large-format printing and cutting. This should include examples of cut paths, bleed setup, and color specifications.
• Scale and Application Examples: Include designs that demonstrate an understanding of how graphics will be viewed and applied at large scales, such as vehicle wraps, large banners, or building signage. Visual mockups or photos of installed work are highly valuable.
• Technical Specification Sheets: If possible, include documentation or examples of technical specifications you've created or followed for production, illustrating your grasp of material constraints and printing parameters.
• Case Studies of Design Adaptation: Present instances where you adapted existing artwork or client files for large-format production, highlighting the challenges overcome and the solutions implemented.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your process for taking a design from concept to a production-ready file, including steps for client review, revisions, and final output preparation. Highlight any methods you use to streamline this workflow.
• Quality Control Procedures: Describe your personal quality assurance process for design files before they are sent to production, focusing on identifying potential errors related to scale, color, cut lines, and material compatibility.
• Collaboration Protocols: Illustrate how you typically interact with production and installation teams to gather requirements, provide necessary design information, and resolve issues, emphasizing clear communication and feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on production-ready designs, a portfolio is critical. It must go beyond aesthetic appeal to demonstrate technical proficiency. Candidates should curate examples that clearly showcase their ability to manage scale, prepare files for specific machinery (printers, cutters), and consider the physical properties of materials and installation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $18.00 - $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: An hourly wage that reflects the specialized skills and experience required for large-format graphic design.
• Opportunity for Advancement: Potential to grow within the FASTSIGNS network, possibly taking on more complex projects or leadership roles.
• Training & Development: Access to training programs to enhance skills in design software, large-format production techniques, and new materials.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, on-site position. While specific daily hours are not listed, a standard full-time workweek is typically 40 hours. Flexibility may be required based on project deadlines and production schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $18.00 - $27.00 per hour is based on the explicit data in the job listing. For a specialized role like this in Davie, Florida, this range is competitive for designers with 2-5 years of experience focusing on production-level large-format graphics. Benefits are listed as standard for the company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Signage and Visual Communications. FASTSIGNS is a global leader in the industry, providing custom signs, graphics, and visual marketing solutions for businesses of all sizes. Company Size: FASTSIGNS operates as a network of independently owned and operated franchise locations. This specific location (#175201) is part of a larger, established brand, suggesting a blend of local business operations with the resources and standards of a national/international corporation. The company size for the specific franchise location is not detailed but generally, FASTSIGNS centers can range from small teams to moderately sized operations. Founded: FASTSIGNS was founded in 1985. This history provides a foundation of industry experience and established best practices.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: As a FASTSIGNS center, the team likely comprises sales, design, production, and installation personnel working collaboratively to deliver comprehensive signage solutions.
• Reporting: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Production Manager or Center Manager, with direct interaction and collaboration with production staff and sales teams.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role necessitates strong partnerships with production personnel (who handle printing and finishing) and installation crews (who implement the finished products on-site).

Methodology:

• Production-Centric Design: The core methodology revolves around creating designs that are not only visually appealing but also optimized for physical production processes, material usage, and real-world application.
• Client-Driven Solutions: The company's approach is to provide customized visual communication solutions tailored to each client's specific needs and branding.
• Quality and Efficiency: Emphasis is placed on delivering high-quality products efficiently, minimizing errors and ensuring client satisfaction.

Company Website: https://www.fastsigns.com/ (Note: The specific franchise URL is careerplug.com, but the main company site is fastsigns.com)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely driven by a blend of hands-on production, client service, and creative problem-solving. The franchise model means that while core brand standards exist, individual center cultures can vary slightly but will generally emphasize efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction in the visual communications space.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a specialized individual contributor within the design and production arm of a FASTSIGNS center. It requires technical expertise in graphic design as it applies to large-format signage production and installation. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Production Manager or Center Manager, working closely with production staff, sales teams, and installation crews. This structure emphasizes a collaborative, output-driven environment. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the quality, accuracy, and feasibility of physical signage products. Their ability to produce production-ready files efficiently and correctly prevents costly errors, ensures brand consistency for clients, and contributes to the overall reputation and profitability of the FASTSIGNS center.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific large-format applications like vehicle wraps, architectural signage, or intricate vinyl graphics.
• Production Management: Transition into a Production Manager role, overseeing the entire production workflow and team.
• Sales Support/Consultation: Leverage design and production knowledge to assist the sales team in understanding client needs and proposing feasible solutions.
• Training and Mentorship: Become a go-to resource for junior designers or production staff, sharing knowledge and best practices.
• Franchise Network Opportunities: Potential to move to other FASTSIGNS locations or take on roles at a corporate level as experience grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is tied to mastering the technical nuances of large-format design and production. The path often involves becoming a subject matter expert in production feasibility, material science for signage, and advanced design software applications relevant to the industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role within a FASTSIGNS center. The work environment will likely be a combination of office space for design work and a production area where printing and cutting equipment are located. Office Location(s): Davie, FL 33317. This location is within Broward County, Florida, a commercially active region. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with production staff, installers, and sales representatives, requiring clear communication and teamwork.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially specialized large-format printers, plotters, and finishing equipment.
• Hands-on Interaction: The role involves not just digital design but also an understanding of the physical processes involved in sign production.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site. Standard business hours are expected, but flexibility may be needed to meet production deadlines, especially for urgent client projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is inherently hands-on and production-oriented. Candidates should be comfortable working in a commercial setting that involves machinery, materials, and close collaboration with production teams, not just a typical office desk job.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, relevant experience, and understanding of large-format design principles.
• Technical Assessment/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design task or a technical test related to preparing a file for large-format production. This could involve setting up a specific design for a given material or printer.
• Interview with Hiring Manager/Team: Discussion about experience, problem-solving skills, understanding of production workflows, and cultural fit. Questions will likely probe your approach to file preparation, material considerations, and collaborative work.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, explaining your design process, technical choices, and the outcomes of your projects.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Production Files: Clearly showcase examples of files prepared for large-format output. Detail the specific software and settings used.
• Explain Technical Considerations: For each piece, discuss why specific materials were chosen, how scale was managed, and any challenges related to printing or cutting that were overcome.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Present case studies where you encountered a design or production issue and how you resolved it through your design expertise.
• Showcase Collaboration: If possible, include examples of projects where you worked closely with production or installation teams and how that collaboration influenced the final product.
• Focus on Real-World Application: Use mockups or photos of installed signage to illustrate the impact of your designs in their intended environment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Production Workflows: Be familiar with the general steps involved in large-format printing and vinyl cutting.
• Practice File Setup: Review best practices for setting up files in Adobe Illustrator for various output devices, including bleed, color modes, resolution, and vector vs. raster elements.
• Material Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with common sign materials and their properties relevant to design and production.
• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to clearly explain your design process and technical decision-making for any given project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize practical production skills. A portfolio that clearly demonstrates technical competence in preparing files for large-format output will be more valuable than one focused solely on aesthetic design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: The core design software for this role. Proficiency in creating vector graphics, manipulating paths, managing layers, and preparing files for print and cut is essential.
• Adobe Photoshop: Used for image manipulation, retouching, and preparing raster elements. Understanding of color correction, resolution, and file formats for print is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design role, an understanding of how design choices impact production efficiency and material waste can be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• The designer may interact with a CRM or project management system to receive job briefs and track project status, but direct administration is unlikely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, along with the context of large-format printing and cutting, strongly indicates the required technical skill set. Familiarity with vector graphics, color management for print, and file preparation for output devices is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision and Accuracy: A strong emphasis on getting the details right in design files to avoid production errors and ensure high-quality output.
• Efficiency and Productivity: Valuing streamlined workflows and timely completion of design tasks to meet production schedules.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where designers, production staff, and installers work together towards common goals.
• Problem-Solving: Encouraging a proactive approach to identifying and resolving design and production challenges.
• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting client needs through effective visual communication solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-on and Direct: Expect frequent, direct communication with production and installation teams to clarify requirements and resolve issues quickly.
• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback between design, production, and installation to continuously improve processes and product quality.
• Process-Driven: Workflows are likely well-defined, with an emphasis on following established procedures for file submission, approvals, and production handoffs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values will likely reflect the practical, results-driven nature of the signage industry. Precision, efficiency, and strong teamwork are critical for success in a production environment where mistakes can be costly and visible.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Digital to Physical: Bridging the gap between on-screen design and the reality of large-scale physical materials, printing limitations, and installation constraints.
• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling diverse client requests with varying deadlines and technical specifications.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Resolving file issues, color discrepancies, or design conflicts that arise during the production process.
• Staying Updated: Keeping pace with evolving large-format printing technologies, materials, and design software capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Deepening expertise in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and potentially learning new design or production software.
• Material and Process Knowledge: Gaining hands-on understanding of different sign materials, their properties, and how they are fabricated and installed.
• Industry Best Practices: Learning from experienced production staff and installers to refine design techniques for optimal results.
• Specialized Certifications: Pursuing certifications in specific areas of large-format design or production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is not just artistic creativity but technical execution within the constraints of large-format production. Growth will come from mastering these technical aspects and becoming a reliable resource for production-ready designs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for preparing a design file for large-format vinyl cutting. What specific considerations do you make?" (Focus on cut paths, line thickness, vector vs. raster, material properties).
• "How do you ensure your designs are technically feasible for installation, especially for complex projects like vehicle wraps or large exterior signs?" (Discuss client consultation, material limitations, installation methods).
• "Walk me through a time you encountered a significant issue with a design file during the production process. How did you identify it, and what steps did you take to resolve it?" (Highlight problem-solving, communication, and technical acumen).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about designing for large-format signage, as opposed to other forms of graphic design?" (Show understanding of the unique demands and your enthusiasm for this niche).
• "How do you approach collaboration with production and installation teams to ensure successful project outcomes?" (Emphasize communication, understanding their roles, and proactive problem-solving).
• "Describe your experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for print and production environments." (Be ready to detail specific features and workflows you use).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure by Project Type: Group examples by application (e.g., banners, vehicle wraps, interior signage) or by technical challenge (e.g., complex cut files, multi-panel designs).
• Detail Technical Aspects: For each piece, explicitly state the software used, the specific file preparation steps taken, material considerations, and any production challenges overcome.
• Showcase Before & After (if applicable): If you adapted client artwork, show the original and your production-ready version, explaining the modifications.
• Visual Mockups/Installed Photos: Use high-quality mockups or, ideally, photos of the finished product installed to demonstrate the real-world application of your designs.
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about color profiles, resolution, vectorization, trapping, and cut line creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating a practical, production-oriented understanding of graphic design for large-format applications. Candidates should be ready to discuss technical details and showcase their ability to prevent costly errors through meticulous file preparation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the FASTSIGNS #175201 career page.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience with large-format graphics, signage production, Adobe Illustrator, and file preparation for printing and cutting. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in large-format design, production-ready file creation, and understanding of materials/installation. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a PDF, a personal website, or a dedicated portfolio platform).
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review your knowledge of Adobe Illustrator's production features, color management for print, and common large-format file preparation techniques.
• Research FASTSIGNS: Understand the company's mission, the types of projects they undertake, and the value they bring to businesses through visual communications. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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