Graphic Designer, Product & Production

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Product & Production

Company: CONVIVIAL BRANDS ELC INC

Location: Grand Rapids, MI, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: September 5, 2025

Experience Level: 1-4+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a hybrid of conceptual graphic design and technical production expertise, focused on creating trend-forward, brand-aligned products.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for designing original artwork and manipulating existing art for application across a diverse range of product categories.

• A key aspect of this position involves preparing final artwork files for production, ensuring they are print-ready and meet manufacturing specifications.

• The role requires a strong understanding of surface design techniques and their application to products such as greeting cards, paper tableware, gift packaging, candles, stationery, tabletop, linens, and home décor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description clearly indicate a dual focus on creative design and the technical execution required for manufacturing. This is not purely a creative design role but one that bridges the gap between concept and production, demanding precision and an understanding of print processes. The emphasis on preparing "ready-for-print" files and "manufacturing precision" highlights the production aspect.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design original, trend-driven artwork for various product categories, including greeting cards, gift packaging, stationery, tabletop, and home décor items.

• Apply and adapt licensed or freelance art to product formats, ensuring creativity, uniqueness, and accuracy across different mediums.

• Develop and apply surface patterns, backgrounds, and repeat layouts suitable for products like linens, napkins, tableware, candles, and home décor.

• Prepare production-ready artwork files for print and manufacturing, adhering strictly to vendor specifications, internal templates, and established protocols.

• Build templates, dielines, and layer files specifically for specialty printing treatments such as foil, emboss, and varnish.

• Manage art files and assets, ensuring proper naming conventions, version control, and formatting for vendor submission and upload.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product, Marketing, and Supply Chain departments, as well as freelance artists, to meet project timelines and creative objectives.

• Contribute to the visual voice and design execution for specific brands within the Convivial portfolio, notably Design Design (art-forward) and Tableau (elevated home/tabletop).

• Partner with the Creative Director for mood boarding, trend assessment, and design alignment with seasonal and everyday product directions, ensuring consistency with brand voice.

• Review vendor proofs and provide constructive feedback to guarantee final production quality, supporting color proofing and pre-production sample approvals.

• Actively participate in the evolution of creative processes, systems, and best practices within a newly restructured creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities detail a hands-on approach to both creative ideation and the meticulous preparation of files for manufacturing. The emphasis on specific product categories and brands (Design Design, Tableau) suggests a need for adaptability and brand awareness. The role also involves process improvement contributions as part of a team restructuring.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, for design creation and manipulation.

• Demonstrated strong understanding of print production methods, including color systems (Pantone, CMYK), dielines, and various finishing techniques.

• Proven ability to create and prepare production-ready artwork files that meet technical specifications for manufacturing.

• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills, crucial for managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and external vendors.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with consumer trends and the gift/home lifestyle industry.

• Experience with art licensing and adapting art from various sources.

• Knowledge of surface pattern design and repeat layout creation.

• Experience in building templates and dielines for specialty print finishes.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) for general business communication and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is framed as "1-4+ years," suggesting a role suitable for early to mid-career professionals. The emphasis on Adobe Suite and print production knowledge is paramount, indicating that technical execution is as critical as creative ideation. The "preferred skills" point towards industry-specific knowledge that would be advantageous.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a strong emphasis on product-oriented design work that translates creative concepts into tangible products.

• Include clear examples of production-ready file creation, demonstrating technical proficiency in preparing artwork for print and manufacturing.

• Showcase your ability to apply design principles to various product categories, such as greeting cards, packaging, stationery, and home goods.

Process Documentation:

• Your portfolio should implicitly or explicitly illustrate your process for taking a design from concept through to final production files.

• Highlight examples where you've adapted existing art or created new designs, followed by the technical steps taken to prepare them for manufacturing.

• Provide evidence of how you maintain file hygiene, version control, and adhere to established templates and protocols in your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Qualifications" section explicitly states "Strong portfolio demonstrating product-oriented design work and production-ready file creation." This is a critical requirement, and the portfolio must clearly illustrate both creative output and technical production capabilities. It should serve as evidence of the candidate's ability to manage the entire design-to-production lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status typically includes a comprehensive benefits package.

• While specific benefits are not detailed, standard offerings often include health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, is generally provided.

• Retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k), may be available.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role is based on-site at the corporate headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI, suggesting standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry standards for the specified experience level and location. The absence of specific benefits means standard offerings are assumed, but candidates should inquire directly for precise details.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Goods / Home Goods / Stationery & Gifts

Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated but is referred to as "CONVIVIAL BRANDS ELC INC," suggesting it's a formal corporate entity. Given the mention of a "newly rebuilt creative team" and "exciting brand evolution and growth," it indicates a company that is undergoing strategic development.

Founded: Information about the founding date is not provided.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will work closely with the Creative Director as part of a "newly rebuilt creative team."

• This implies a structured reporting line to the Creative Director, with potential for collaboration with other designers and creative professionals.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes "trend-forward, brand-right products" and a "blend between conceptual graphic design with technical production expertise."

• There's a focus on evolving "creative processes, systems, and best practices" within the team.

• Data-driven insights, likely including trend analysis and consumer insights, inform design decisions.

Company Website: https://www.convivialbrands.com/ (Inferred from company name and domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "newly rebuilt creative team" and "brand evolution" suggests an environment that is dynamic, potentially growing, and open to new ideas and process improvements. The company operates in the consumer goods sector, specifically focusing on categories like gifts, stationery, and home goods.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior designer (1-4+ years of experience). It offers a foundational opportunity to develop expertise in both creative design and critical production processes within the consumer goods industry.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report directly to the Creative Director. This provides a clear line of mentorship and guidance, especially within the context of a newly structured team.

Operations Impact: While this role is within the creative function, its impact on "operations" is through the efficient and accurate delivery of production-ready artwork. High-quality, well-prepared files reduce manufacturing errors, minimize costly reprints, and ensure product quality, directly contributing to the smooth functioning of the supply chain and product launch timelines. The design itself also directly impacts product appeal and marketability, influencing sales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deep expertise in print production, surface design, and specific brand aesthetics for Design Design and Tableau.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer roles, focusing on more complex projects or leading specific product lines, or specializing further in production management.

• Creative Leadership: Contribute to shaping new creative workflows and processes, gaining experience in team collaboration and process refinement.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain valuable experience within the fast-paced consumer lifestyle product industry, understanding market trends and consumer behavior.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed as a stepping stone, offering opportunities for specialized skill development and career advancement within the company's creative department. Its impact on operations is primarily through ensuring efficient and high-quality production outputs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at the corporate headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI. This suggests a traditional office setting conducive to in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Convivial Brands Corporate HQ, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "dynamic, fast paced, change oriented."

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with opportunities to work closely with the Creative Director and cross-functional teams.

• Access to standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and office technology is implied.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.

• On-site work implies adherence to standard business hours, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands, though this is not explicitly stated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and direct team interaction. The description of the environment suggests a workplace that values adaptability and a proactive approach.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative/technical capabilities.

• Creative Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a deep dive into portfolio projects to evaluate design thinking, technical execution, and problem-solving skills. This might involve adapting a brief or presenting artwork preparation processes.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion with the Creative Director and potentially other team members to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.

• Cross-functional Insight: Possible interviews with members of Product, Marketing, or Supply Chain to gauge collaboration effectiveness.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment based on overall fit, demonstrated skills, portfolio strength, and potential to contribute to the team's growth.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Breadth and Depth: Include a mix of conceptual design work and detailed examples of production-ready files. Clearly label each piece with the project type, your role, and the intended application (e.g., "Greeting Card Design - Production Ready File").

• Highlight Production Files: Dedicate a section or specific examples to demonstrating your proficiency in preparing files for print. This should include examples of dielines, color separations, and explanations of how you handled specific print finishes (foil, emboss).

• Tell the Story: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your creative process, the challenges you faced (especially technical ones), and how you achieved the final output. Use case study format where possible.

• Brand Alignment: If possible, showcase work that demonstrates your ability to adapt to different brand aesthetics, referencing the Design Design and Tableau brands.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and presents high-quality images of your work. Be prepared to discuss specific software techniques used.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the Convivial Brands portfolio, particularly Design Design and Tableau.

• Practice preparing artwork files under time constraints, focusing on accuracy and adherence to specifications.

• Be ready to articulate your design process and the technical considerations for print production for any given project.

• Prepare to discuss how you approach trend analysis and incorporate it into your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is explicitly mentioned as a key requirement. Candidates must prepare a portfolio that clearly demonstrates both creative design skills and, crucially, the technical proficiency in preparing files for production. This is a critical differentiator for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout, template creation, and managing files with text and graphic elements for print.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logo creation, pattern development, and detailed artwork manipulation.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Necessary for image editing, retouching, creating raster graphics, and preparing artwork for various applications.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Word: For documentation and general communication.
  • Excel: For data management, tracking, and potentially basic production specifications.
  • Outlook: For email communication and calendar management.
  • PowerPoint: For presentations, mood boards, and internal reviews.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design assets feed into marketing or product management systems could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. The description also explicitly mentions the Microsoft Office Suite as a requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to design "trend-forward, brand-right products" and contribute to an "exciting brand evolution."

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to precision in design and the meticulous preparation of "production-ready artwork files."

• Collaboration: Working effectively with the Creative Director and cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

• Adaptability: The ability to design for multiple brands (Design Design, Tableau) and adapt to a "dynamic, fast paced, change oriented environment."

• Process Improvement: Contributing to the evolution of "creative processes, systems, and best practices."

• Professionalism & Respect: Adhering to company policies, maintaining a positive attitude, and treating colleagues with respect, as outlined in the "Convivial Brands Expectations."

Collaboration Style:

• The role emphasizes partnership with the Creative Director for strategic alignment (mood boards, trend assessment).

• Close collaboration with Product, Marketing, and Supply Chain departments is expected to ensure project success.

• A willingness to participate in team reviews and provide/receive constructive feedback is implied.

• The "newly rebuilt creative team" suggests an opportunity to help establish and refine collaborative workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a blend of creative vision and technical execution, underscored by collaboration and a forward-thinking approach to process improvement. The core values listed for all employees provide a strong indication of the expected conduct and work ethic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative and Technical Demands: Effectively managing the dual responsibilities of conceptual design and the rigorous technical requirements of production file preparation.

• Brand Versatility: Adapting design skills to meet the distinct aesthetic and tonal requirements of multiple brands (Design Design vs. Tableau).

• Fast-Paced Environment: Thriving in a dynamic, "change oriented" workplace with evolving creative processes and project demands.

• Process Evolution: Contributing to the development and refinement of new creative workflows and systems within a newly structured team.

• Trend Integration: Consistently translating current consumer and lifestyle trends into commercially viable product designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skills: Deepen expertise in print production techniques, specialty finishes, and surface pattern design.

• Brand Mastery: Become an expert in the visual language and product strategy for Design Design and Tableau.

• Process Contribution: Gain experience in workflow optimization and contribute to establishing best practices within a growing creative team.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the consumer goods market, product development cycles, and cross-functional collaboration in the home goods and stationery sectors.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from the Creative Director, potentially leading to opportunities for increased responsibility and project ownership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly linked to the unique demands of the role, particularly the blend of creative and technical skills and the need for adaptability. Growth opportunities focus on skill development, brand expertise, and contribution to team process improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a project from your portfolio where you designed artwork for a product and then prepared the final production files. What were the key technical considerations?" (Focus on demonstrating understanding of print specs, dielines, and file preparation.)

• Brand Adaptation: "How would you approach designing for a brand like Design Design versus a brand like Tableau? What are the key differences you'd consider?" (Showcase your ability to interpret and apply brand aesthetics.)

• Production Challenges: "Describe a time you encountered a challenge with a print production file. How did you resolve it, and what did you learn?" (Highlight problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.)

• Trend Integration: "How do you stay current with design trends, and how do you incorporate them into product designs while staying true to a brand's identity?" (Demonstrate market awareness and creative application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Convivial Brands, and specifically about the Design Design and Tableau brands?" (Research the company and its brands thoroughly.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a 'newly rebuilt creative team' and its evolving processes?" (Express enthusiasm for process improvement and team collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by brand or by project type (e.g., conceptual design, production files).

• Highlight Production Work: Dedicate specific slides or sections to showcasing your production file preparation. Clearly explain the technical aspects, including color modes, bleed, resolution, dielines, and any special finishes.

• Tell the Story: For each project, provide context: the objective, your role, the process, challenges, and the final outcome. Emphasize how your work translated from concept to a manufacturable product.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific software functions, print terminology, and your troubleshooting methods.

• Showcase Versatility: If you have examples that demonstrate your ability to work across different product types (cards, packaging, home goods), be sure to include them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of both creative design principles and the practical, technical aspects of print production. The portfolio presentation is critical for showcasing this dual capability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer, Product & Production position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=219352&clientkey=CB70AC98735AA0CBECE1DC55C99CBA22

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest work, ensuring it clearly showcases both creative product design and detailed production-ready file preparation examples. Organize it for easy navigation and include explanations for each piece.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, print production, and any relevant product categories (stationery, gifts, home décor). Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on efficiency or accuracy improvements in production.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review common print production terms, color systems (CMYK, Pantone), dieline construction, and file formats for print. Be ready to discuss your experience with specialty finishes like foil or embossing.

• Research Convivial Brands: Understand their product lines, particularly Design Design and Tableau, and their overall market position. Familiarize yourself with their core values and the company culture described.

⚠️ 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.