Graphic Designer, Mass Appeal

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Mass Appeal Company: Sony Music Entertainment US Location: New York, NY Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative Operations / Marketing Operations Date Posted: July 24, 2025 Experience Level: 5+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid (Office-first, 4 days/week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the visual execution of marketing campaigns for Sony Music Entertainment's label division, Mass Appeal, focusing on creating compelling visual assets that elevate music releases and brand identity.
• The Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with the VP, Marketing, and broader creative team to conceptualize and produce a wide array of creative materials across digital and physical platforms.
• Responsibilities span from album and tracklist artwork to marketing decks, social media assets, and merchandise, requiring a strong understanding of design principles and brand consistency.
• Success in this role hinges on exceptional attention to detail, efficient project management under tight deadlines, and a keen awareness of current design, music, and cultural trends to ensure creative output remains fresh and relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily within a creative function, the operational aspects of ensuring timely delivery, managing multiple projects, maintaining brand consistency across diverse assets, and collaborating effectively with marketing and label teams place it under the umbrella of Creative Operations or Marketing Operations. The emphasis on structured project execution and asset management aligns with operational best practices.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design engaging visual assets for music releases, including album/tracklist covers, single artwork, and promotional materials, ensuring alignment with artist branding and campaign objectives.
• Develop visually compelling marketing decks and presentations that effectively communicate creative concepts, campaign strategies, and performance metrics to internal stakeholders and potential partners.
• Create a diverse range of social media assets (e.g., static posts, animated graphics, short video clips) optimized for various platforms, driving engagement and amplifying campaign reach.
• Design physical product packaging, merchandise (e.g., t-shirts, posters, vinyl sleeves), and promotional items that reflect the brand identity of Mass Appeal and its artists.
• Collaborate with the VP, Marketing, and the broader creative team to brainstorm new ideas, refine design concepts, and provide constructive feedback to foster a high-quality creative output.
• Maintain rigorous adherence to all content brand guidelines, ensuring a consistent and strong visual identity across all touchpoints and deliverables for the label division.
• Manage project priorities effectively, ensuring all creative assets are delivered on time and to the highest quality standards, even under tight deadlines and fast-paced campaign cycles.
• Organize and maintain meticulous file management for all project assets, ensuring production-ready artwork is correctly formatted and easily accessible for distribution and archival purposes.
• Stay informed about current design trends, music industry developments, and broader cultural shifts to infuse innovation and relevance into all creative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design and project management, typical for a Graphic Designer in a fast-paced entertainment marketing environment. The need to "manage priorities," "ensure all project assets are delivered on time," and "maintain excellent file organization" highlights the operational demands of the role, requiring strong organizational and execution skills beyond pure design talent.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong portfolio showcasing work in the music, entertainment, or related cultural industries.
• Proven experience in designing for a variety of platforms and devices, including social media assets, digital advertising, print materials, and web graphics.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects, with a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality, production-ready artwork.
• Expertise in creating effective and visually appealing deck presentations for marketing and strategic communications.
• Strong grasp of fundamental design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, layout, and visual hierarchy.
• Deep understanding of social media platforms and digital storytelling techniques, with the ability to translate brand messaging into engaging visual content.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and polish in all design outputs.
• Robust problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot design challenges and technical issues quickly and effectively.
• Strong multitasking capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and communicate progress clearly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and management.
• Familiarity with AI tools in design workflows is a plus, indicating an openness to leveraging new technologies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in illustration and photo retouching, adding depth and polish to visual assets.
• Knowledge of Mass Appeal's culture, artists, and brand aesthetic, demonstrating a genuine connection to the company's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years of experience" requirement, coupled with the need for advanced software proficiency and a strong portfolio, suggests this is not an entry-level role. The preference for knowledge of Mass Appeal's culture indicates that candidates with genuine interest and understanding of the brand and its market will be strongly considered. The mention of AI tools indicates a forward-looking approach to design technology.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated digital portfolio that clearly demonstrates a range of design capabilities, showcasing proficiency in album art, marketing collateral, social media graphics, and presentation design.
• Case studies or detailed project examples that illustrate the design process, from conceptualization to final execution, highlighting problem-solving approaches and design rationale.
• Examples of work that demonstrate an understanding of brand identity and how to maintain visual consistency across diverse assets and platforms.
• Visualizations of how design solutions have contributed to campaign goals or brand reinforcement, ideally with quantifiable results if available.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for submission, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, workflow management, and how they ensure quality and efficiency in their work.
• Be ready to articulate how you manage feedback from stakeholders, iterate on designs, and prepare final artwork for various production and distribution channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role like this, the "portfolio" functions similarly to an "operations portfolio" in other fields – it's the tangible evidence of process execution, skill application, and impact. The emphasis on showing the "design process," "problem-solving approaches," and "brand consistency" highlights the operational rigor expected within the creative output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The anticipated annual base salary for this role in New York, NY, ranges from $72,000 to $95,000 USD. This range is determined by factors such as qualifications, relevant experience, specific skills, education, certifications, and the candidate's location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings: 401K plan with employer matching.
• Financial Protection: Life & Disability coverage.
• Enhanced Security: Company-paid Identity Theft Protection.
• Wellness & Support: Resources for Pets, Mental Health and Meditation resources.
• Family Support: Industry-leading Fertility coverage, Fully Paid Leave for Childbirth or Bonding, Fully Paid Leave for Caregivers, Subsidized Back-Up Child and Elder Care.
• Specialized Programs: Programs for Loved Ones with Developmental Disabilities and Neurodiversity.
• Educational & Personal Growth: Reimbursement for Adoption, Surrogacy, Tuition, and Student Loans.
• Additional Perks: Time off for a winter recess, investment in professional growth and development.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week. The role is described as "office-first," requiring 4 days per week in the New York office, indicating a structured hybrid work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to New York, reflecting the higher cost of living and competitive market for design talent in that region. The extensive list of benefits indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which can be a significant factor for operations professionals evaluating total compensation and company culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Music & Entertainment (specifically Hip Hop and its cultural sphere). Mass Appeal is a key entity within Sony Music Entertainment, focusing on content, music, and creative services. Company Size: Sony Music Entertainment is a large global corporation. Mass Appeal, as a division, likely operates with the agility of a specialized unit within this larger structure. This means access to corporate resources while maintaining a focused, culture-driven environment. Founded: Mass Appeal was founded in 1996, with a long history of documenting and influencing culture, particularly Hip Hop. This legacy provides a rich context for the brand's visual identity and marketing efforts.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports directly to the VP, Marketing, indicating a clear line of reporting within the marketing department.
• Collaboration is expected with the broader creative team, including other designers and marketing professionals, fostering a team-oriented approach to creative projects.
• Cross-functional interaction is implied with label managers and other department managers to ensure project goals and brand consistency are met across various initiatives.

Methodology:

• The company's approach emphasizes telling stories from the perspective of cultural shapers, positioning Hip Hop as its core focus.
• Integrated offerings in content, music, and creative services suggest a holistic strategy for maximizing the impact of their output.
• Design methodology centers on understanding project goals, context, and brand guidelines to create assets that build and strengthen brand identity and campaign effectiveness.
• A commitment to staying current with trends ensures creative work remains fresh, relevant, and innovative.

Company Website: Sony Music Entertainment US / Mass Appeal

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Mass Appeal's specific cultural niche and its role within Sony Music is crucial. The "office-first" hybrid model suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and a structured work environment, which is common in established entertainment companies. The company's focus on cultural movements implies a dynamic and trend-aware approach to creative operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior Graphic Designer, requiring 5+ years of experience and advanced software skills. It involves significant responsibility for asset creation and brand representation within a specific division. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the VP, Marketing, placing them within the marketing hierarchy. This provides exposure to strategic marketing decisions and allows for direct influence on campaign visuals. Operations Impact: The work directly impacts the visual perception and marketability of music releases and brand campaigns. By creating compelling assets, the designer contributes to brand recognition, fan engagement, and ultimately, the commercial success of artists and projects handled by Mass Appeal.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics (After Effects), illustration, or packaging design within the music industry.
• Project Leadership: Potential to take ownership of design projects from concept to completion, managing timelines and stakeholder expectations.
• Creative Direction Exposure: Working closely with the VP, Marketing, offers exposure to strategic creative direction and brand management, paving a path towards senior design or art direction roles.
• Cross-Functional Learning: Opportunities to learn about music marketing, label operations, and the broader business of the music industry through collaboration with various departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" role (like Revenue or Sales Ops), the career progression and impact are significant. Growth opportunities focus on deepening creative expertise and gaining strategic marketing exposure, which are valuable for anyone looking to build a career in creative operations within the entertainment sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Sony Music Entertainment likely offers a modern, professional office environment in New York City, designed to support creative and collaborative work. Office Location(s): New York, NY. This central location provides access to industry networks and a vibrant cultural scene. Workspace Context:

• The work environment is described as "office-first," requiring 4 days per week in the office, suggesting a culture that values in-person collaboration, brainstorming, and team synergy.
• The office space is expected to be equipped with the necessary technology and tools to support high-level graphic design work.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with the VP, Marketing, and other creative team members will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and communicative workspace.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the hybrid arrangement requiring consistent presence in the office on designated days. This structure supports focused work and team integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model (4 days in-office) is a key detail for candidates. It signifies a preference for a structured, collaborative environment over fully remote work, which can influence work-life balance and team dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and creative output.
• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio and discuss specific projects, demonstrating their design process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of brand aesthetics. Be prepared to walk through your design rationale.
• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or practical test to evaluate proficiency in required software (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects) and ability to meet specific creative briefs.
• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interviews: Discussions with the VP, Marketing, and potentially other team members to assess problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, understanding of Mass Appeal culture, and overall fit within the team.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best work, ensuring it aligns with the requirements of this role (music, marketing, social media).
• Tell a Story: For key projects, explain the brief, your process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcome. Quantify results where possible.
• Highlight Versatility: Demonstrate proficiency across different asset types (print, digital, social, presentations).
• Showcase Brand Understanding: Include examples where you've successfully applied or adapted brand guidelines.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.
• Prioritize execution within the given timeframe, demonstrating core skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Articulate your design choices clearly and concisely, referencing design principles and brand considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating qualifications. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process and rationale behind each piece shown, connecting their work to business objectives and brand strategy – a key aspect of operational excellence in creative roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects are explicitly required. Proficiency should be advanced.
• Presentation Software: Tools for creating marketing decks (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides) are essential.
• AI Design Tools: Mentioned as a plus, indicating potential integration or exploration of AI in design workflows (e.g., Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, DALL-E).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, understanding how to create assets for campaigns that will be tracked via analytics (e.g., social media engagement metrics, website traffic) is beneficial. Designers may need to format assets for specific tracking parameters or understand basic performance indicators.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this role's core function, but familiarity with project management tools or asset management systems used within marketing/creative operations could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects highlights the technical skill requirements. The inclusion of AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to design technology, which is increasingly relevant in operations for efficiency gains.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Valuing fresh, relevant, and innovative design work that keeps pace with trends.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasizing close collaboration with internal managers and the broader creative team to align on project goals and refine concepts.
• Brand Integrity: Maintaining a consistent visual identity and adhering to brand guidelines across all projects.
• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to high-quality output and exceptional attention to detail, even under tight timelines.
• Cultural Relevance: Deep understanding and appreciation for Hip Hop culture and its influence, informing design decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with marketing managers and other departments to ensure design supports overall campaign objectives.
• Feedback-Driven: Actively participating in creative brainstorming and providing hands-on feedback to team members to foster growth and maintain quality standards.
• Clear Communication: Articulating ideas clearly to the creative team and other department managers is essential for project alignment and success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "collaboration," "communication," and "feedback" points to a team culture that values open exchange and collective improvement, hallmarks of effective operational teams. Understanding and aligning with "Mass Appeal culture" is a key indicator of cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Ensuring innovative designs remain consistent with established brand identity and artist expectations.
• Managing Tight Deadlines: Consistently delivering high-quality assets under pressure in the fast-paced music industry.
• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying ahead of design, music, and cultural trends to keep creative work fresh and relevant.
• Multi-Project Management: Effectively juggling multiple design projects with varying priorities and requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to hone skills in motion graphics, illustration, and other specialized design areas.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the music industry, marketing strategies, and artist branding from a leading company.
• Creative Direction Mentorship: Learning from senior leadership (VP, Marketing) on strategic creative decision-making.
• Trend Analysis: Developing a keen eye for identifying and leveraging emerging cultural and design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a creative role in a dynamic industry, requiring strong operational skills in time management and adaptability. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening creative expertise and gaining strategic marketing experience, which are valuable for career advancement in creative operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to present your portfolio and discuss 3-5 key projects in detail. Focus on the creative brief, your problem-solving approach, design decisions, tools used, and the impact of your work.
• Design Process: Describe your typical workflow from receiving a brief to delivering final assets. How do you manage feedback and iterate on designs?
• Brand Consistency: How do you ensure visual consistency across different platforms and campaigns for a brand or artist?
• Trend Awareness: How do you stay updated on design, music, and cultural trends, and how do you incorporate them into your work?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mass Appeal Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of Mass Appeal's mission, its artists, and its cultural significance. Why do you want to work for Mass Appeal specifically?
• Collaboration Style: How do you collaborate with marketing teams and other stakeholders? Describe a time you had to work with a difficult stakeholder or manage conflicting feedback.
• Problem-Solving: Describe a challenging design problem you faced and how you overcame it.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project, include a brief overview, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the outcome.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and visuals. Ensure your work is presented cleanly and professionally.
• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives that highlight your strategic thinking and creative process, not just finished pieces.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present efficiently and answer questions articulately.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill, but also the operational competencies of project management, clear communication, strategic thinking, and brand alignment. The portfolio serves as the primary artifact to showcase these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Visit the provided Greenhouse job link and submit your application.
• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, easily accessible, and showcases your most relevant work, particularly in music, entertainment, or cultural marketing. Tailor your selected pieces to highlight skills in album art, social media graphics, and presentation design.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your 5+ years of experience and advanced proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects. Quantify achievements where possible, such as "Increased social media engagement by X% through designed assets" or "Delivered X number of design assets under tight deadlines."
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and answering questions about brand consistency and trend awareness. Be ready to discuss your understanding of Hip Hop culture and Mass Appeal.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Mass Appeal, its artists, recent campaigns, and its position within Sony Music Entertainment. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.