Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: West Cary Group LLC

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: March 25, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the execution of visually compelling marketing assets, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to client specifications across various digital and print mediums.

• The Graphic Designer II will be responsible for transforming creative briefs into polished, production-ready final mechanicals, directly impacting the quality and effectiveness of client deliverables.

• This position requires a strong understanding of design principles, including composition, color theory, and typography, to create impactful visual communications.

• Collaboration is key, as the designer will work closely with Creative Directors, copywriters, printers, and other stakeholders to ensure project success from concept to final output.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer II," the responsibilities strongly align with a "Production Artist" or "Mechanical Designer" within a marketing or GTM operations context, focusing on the final execution and pre-flighting of creative assets rather than initial concept generation. The emphasis on client specifications, brand standards, and file output for vendors indicates a role that bridges creative execution with operational readiness for campaign deployment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Designs and executes final mechanical artwork, meticulously adhering to client specifications, established brand guidelines, budget parameters, and output requirements for various file formats.

• Determines optimal size and arrangement of text and illustrative elements, selecting appropriate typography and visual hierarchy to align with aesthetic design concepts and project objectives.

• Presents draft designs and final mechanicals to the Creative Director for review, feedback, and approval, incorporating revisions as necessary.

• Conducts comprehensive pre-flight checks on all digital files prior to delivery to clients and vendors, ensuring accuracy, print readiness, and absence of errors.

• Reviews proofs meticulously to maintain the highest standards of quality and accuracy in all final deliverables.

• Leverages a diverse range of media, including photography, to enhance visual narratives and project impact.

• Stays informed about evolving trends and developments within the marketing and advertising landscapes to inform design choices.

• Actively contributes creative ideas and artwork to briefs, enhancing the overall strategic and visual direction of projects.

• Performs other assigned duties as required to support the broader creative and operational goals of the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong production and execution focus. The emphasis on "final mechanicals," "pre-flight," and "proofs" suggests this role is deeply embedded in the operational workflow of creative asset delivery. It’s crucial for candidates to demonstrate proficiency in ensuring assets are production-ready and meet strict quality control standards before deployment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Exceptional proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, for comprehensive design and production tasks.

• Demonstrated ability to execute design solutions that align with creative briefs, client needs, budget constraints, and tight deadlines.

• Strong understanding of composition, color theory, and typography to create visually impactful and aesthetically pleasing designs.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, effectively liaising with printers, copywriters, photographers, account executives, and marketing specialists.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Sketch and Figma for digital design and prototyping, indicating adaptability to modern design workflows.

• Familiarity with pre-flight software and best practices for ensuring print and digital file accuracy.

• Understanding of brand strategy and ability to consistently apply brand standards across diverse projects.

• Experience in a fast-paced agency environment, handling multiple projects simultaneously.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for proficiency in both Adobe Creative Suite and collaborative tools like Sketch/Figma suggests the company utilizes a modern, integrated design technology stack. The emphasis on "working well in a team" and "client specification" points to a role that requires strong communication and client-facing collaboration skills, common in agency operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing final mechanical artwork, demonstrating precision in layout, typography, and color application.

• Examples of projects where brand standards were meticulously applied and maintained across different platforms or marketing materials.

• Case studies or examples of files that have undergone pre-flight checks and were prepared for final output to printers or digital vendors.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of a systematic approach to design production, including workflow for revisions, approvals, and file delivery.

• Examples of how design processes were optimized for efficiency, particularly in terms of file management and output preparation.

• Demonstration of quality control measures in place for design execution and final file verification.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should heavily emphasize production-ready files and the process by which they were achieved. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their workflow for ensuring accuracy, brand compliance, and timely delivery, highlighting their ability to manage the operational aspects of graphic design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, providing work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Disability and Life Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and employer-paid Life Insurance for financial security.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Health and Dependent Care FSAs to help manage out-of-pocket expenses.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions for long-term financial planning.

• Positive Work Environment: Access to a team of "cool people to work with," fostering a collaborative and engaging atmosphere.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While specific daily schedules may vary, the role is generally expected to align with standard business hours to facilitate team collaboration and client responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific and aligns with industry benchmarks for a mid-level graphic designer in a mid-sized city. The benefits package is robust, offering comprehensive support for employees and their families, which is a common offering in agency environments. The mention of "cool people to work with" suggests a culture that values positive interpersonal dynamics.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Marketing & Technology Agency

Company Size: The company is likely mid-sized, given it services both mid-sized local clients and Fortune 500 clients, suggesting a firm that has achieved significant growth and has the capacity for diverse client engagements.

Founded: West Cary Group was founded in 1991, indicating a long-standing presence and a wealth of experience in the marketing and technology sector. This longevity suggests stability and a deep understanding of industry evolution.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will likely be part of a larger Creative department, reporting to a Creative Director.

• This department is expected to be structured with specialized roles (e.g., copywriters, other designers, art directors) working in project-based teams.

Methodology:

• The agency operates on a full-service, digital marketing and technology model, implying a data-driven approach to campaign strategy and execution.

• Emphasis is placed on creating effective solutions that meet client specifications, brand standards, and business objectives, suggesting a process that balances creativity with strategic goals.

• The mention of a "frenetic, dynamic, and exciting environment" points to a culture that thrives on fast-paced project cycles and adaptability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: West Cary Group's long history (since 1991) and their client base (mid-sized to Fortune 500) suggest a mature, reputable agency. The "frenetic, dynamic, and exciting environment" description implies a culture that values agility, responsiveness, and a proactive approach to client needs, which is typical for successful marketing agencies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Specialization: Potential to become a Senior Graphic Designer or specialize in areas like motion graphics, UI/UX design, or brand identity development.

• Production Expertise: Develop into a Lead Production Artist or Pre-press Specialist, focusing on optimizing workflows and ensuring the highest quality output for complex projects.

• Team Leadership: With significant experience, opportunities might arise to mentor junior designers or lead smaller creative teams on specific projects.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Exposure to marketing strategy, account management, or digital technology through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in Graphic Designer II suggests a clear career progression path within the company. Growth opportunities lean towards deepening creative/production expertise or moving into leadership within the creative department, rather than a transition into traditional operations roles unless the individual actively seeks to pivot.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a collaborative environment conducive to creative work. This includes access to necessary design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with other creative professionals, account managers, and leadership will be present, facilitating learning and team cohesion.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (40 hours per week) are expected, with the flexibility of a hybrid model. This allows for structured workdays while accommodating personal needs. The fast-paced agency environment may occasionally require extended hours to meet project deadlines, a common characteristic of the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key aspect of the work environment, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote focus. This is increasingly common in creative and marketing roles, allowing for flexibility while maintaining team connectivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and creative fit.

• Skills Assessment/Technical Interview: A practical exercise or portfolio review where you'll be asked to demonstrate your proficiency with design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma) and discuss your design process, particularly focusing on mechanical execution and pre-flight.

• Creative Director/Team Interview: A more in-depth discussion about your experience, creative approach, problem-solving skills, and ability to work within a team and adhere to client briefs and brand standards. You may be asked to present specific portfolio pieces.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss company culture, career growth, and finalize any logistical details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Production: Showcase examples of "final mechanicals" that are clean, accurate, and ready for output. Highlight projects where you had to adhere strictly to client specifications and brand guides.

• Demonstrate Process: Include a few case studies that detail your workflow from brief to final file. Explain your pre-flight process and how you ensure quality control.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and any other tools mentioned (Sketch, Figma).

• Visual Impact & Clarity: While production is key, ensure your portfolio also conveys your ability to create visually appealing and impactful designs that align with marketing objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve taking a brief and creating a specific asset or making revisions to an existing design, with an emphasis on execution speed and accuracy.

• Practice articulating your design decisions, especially regarding layout, typography, and color choices, and how they serve the project's objectives and constraints.

• Familiarize yourself with common pre-flight issues and how to resolve them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process description emphasizes practical application and portfolio demonstration, which is standard for creative roles. The advice to focus on "final mechanicals" and "pre-flight" is critical for this specific role, distinguishing it from roles focused purely on conceptual design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator for creating and manipulating a wide range of graphic assets.

• Sketch: Proficiency is preferred, indicating a need for experience in modern UI/UX design workflows.

• Figma: Proficiency is preferred, suggesting familiarity with collaborative design and prototyping tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this role's core functions, but an understanding of how creative assets are deployed via marketing automation platforms or CRM systems could be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, and Figma indicates the company's embrace of industry-standard and modern design tools, crucial for efficient and collaborative workflows in a digital agency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on meeting client specifications, brand standards, and project requirements, ensuring client satisfaction and retention.

• Quality & Accuracy: A commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work through meticulous attention to detail, especially in final file preparation and proofing.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: An emphasis on working effectively with internal teams (Creative Directors, copywriters, account managers) and external partners (printers, vendors).

• Adaptability & Agility: Thriving in a "frenetic, dynamic, and exciting" environment, requiring the ability to adapt to changing project needs and tight deadlines.

• Innovation & Creativity: While focused on execution, the role also contributes ideas and artwork, valuing creative problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• The agency fosters a collaborative environment where designers work closely with various departments. This includes receiving direction from Creative Directors, partnering with copywriters and other designers, and coordinating with account executives to understand client needs. The hybrid model necessitates proactive communication and clear documentation to maintain seamless collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values emphasize a blend of client focus, quality execution, and teamwork, all within a fast-paced agency setting. This means candidates should be prepared for a demanding yet rewarding collaborative environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Demands: Effectively translating creative concepts into technically sound, production-ready files under tight deadlines.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Feedback: Navigating revisions and feedback from various sources (Creative Directors, clients, account managers) while maintaining design integrity and project timelines.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Staying updated with new design software, tools, and industry best practices (e.g., digital vs. print requirements).

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring strict adherence to diverse client brand guidelines across a high volume of projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or learn new design and prototyping tools.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Staying current with marketing and advertising trends through agency-provided resources or professional development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining insights into marketing strategy, account management, and client relations through integrated project work.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Creative Directors and senior designers within the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational demands of a production-focused design role within an agency. Growth opportunities are framed within creative and agency contexts, emphasizing continuous learning and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a creative brief and turning it into final mechanical files ready for print or digital deployment." (Focus on your workflow, attention to detail, and quality control measures.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple projects for different clients?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and systematic approaches.)

• "Walk us through a challenging design project where you had to meet tight deadlines and multiple stakeholder revisions. How did you manage it?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio that demonstrates problem-solving and execution under pressure.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about West Cary Group and our work?" (Research their client roster, recent campaigns, and company values.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Showcase a collaborative and adaptable attitude.)

• "How do you see this role contributing to the success of our clients and our agency?" (Connect your skills to client satisfaction and agency output.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate for Production: Select 3-5 strong examples that best showcase your mechanical design execution, pre-flight capabilities, and adherence to brand standards.

• Tell the Story: For each piece, explain the brief, your design process, the technical challenges, and how you ensured the final output was accurate and ready for delivery.

• Highlight Software Use: Be ready to discuss your specific use of Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or Figma within these projects.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a design contributed to a successful campaign or client outcome, mention it.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on the practical, execution-oriented aspects of graphic design. Candidates need to demonstrate not just creative flair but also the technical rigor and operational discipline required for agency production work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the West Cary Group LLC careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature examples of final mechanical artwork, pre-flighting processes, and strict adherence to brand guidelines. Showcase your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any relevant collaboration tools like Sketch or Figma.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your 3-5 years of experience, emphasizing responsibilities related to design execution, production, quality control, and client specification adherence. Use keywords like "mechanicals," "pre-flight," "Adobe Creative Suite," "brand standards," and "client briefs."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, particularly your methods for ensuring accuracy and meeting deadlines. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio to discuss during interviews, focusing on technical execution and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research West Cary Group LLC’s client work, industry focus, and company culture. Understand their approach to digital marketing and technology to better align your responses with their business objectives and values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with West Cary Group LLC before making application decisions.