Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer Company: Alpinestars Location: Torrance, CA (R&D - Torrance) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: August 11, 2025 Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the creation of high-quality visual content for marketing and brand initiatives within the Motocross category.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate creative briefs into compelling visual assets for digital advertising, social media, email campaigns, and product launches.
• Assist in developing visual assets for athlete partnerships, race team promotions, and event campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and impact.
• Execute photo editing and retouching tasks to maintain brand standards for product and lifestyle imagery.
• Prepare artwork for both print and digital applications, ensuring technical accuracy and adherence to production requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities outlined, particularly the focus on marketing materials, athlete partnerships, and product launches, suggest a role with significant exposure to Marketing Operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) collateral development. The emphasis on preparing artwork for print and digital applications also points to a need for understanding production workflows, a core component of Creative Operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the creation of diverse marketing materials, including digital ads, social media graphics, email campaign visuals, event collateral, and product imagery specifically for the Motocross (MX) category.
• Collaborate closely with senior designers, marketing managers, and product development teams to effectively translate creative briefs into engaging and brand-aligned designs.
• Develop and execute visual assets tailored for athlete endorsements, race team promotions, and motocross event campaigns, ensuring maximum visual impact and brand resonance.
• Perform detailed editing and retouching of product and lifestyle photography to ensure consistency with Alpinestars' established brand guidelines and aesthetic standards.
• Prepare final artwork for both print and digital deployment, meticulously ensuring technical accuracy, correct color profiles, resolutions, and file formats for various media.
• Actively contribute creative ideas and conceptual input for marketing campaigns and content initiatives that effectively capture the essence of the motocross lifestyle and Alpinestars' core brand identity.
• Maintain organized and efficient design files, templates, and digital asset libraries to facilitate smooth workflow and easy retrieval of creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for proficiency in managing a high volume of creative assets across various channels, which is a key function within Marketing Operations. The collaborative aspect with product teams also suggests an involvement in GTM Operations, ensuring marketing collateral aligns with product launch timelines and messaging.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a closely related creative field.

Experience: 1–2 years of professional design experience, including internships or significant freelance work, demonstrating practical application of design skills in a commercial or brand context.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, with a strong emphasis on Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Excellent layout, typography, and image composition skills, with a keen eye for visual hierarchy and aesthetic appeal.
• A demonstrable passion for motocross and broader motorsports culture, indicating an ability to connect with the brand's target audience.
• Strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to manage and prioritize a workload of multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics and video editing software such as Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro for dynamic content creation.
• Familiarity with social media content formats, best practices, and emerging trends to create engaging platform-specific visuals.
• Basic photography skills or experience assisting with photo shoots, understanding visual storytelling through imagery.
• Knowledge of print production processes, including pre-press, color management, and file preparation for various printing methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are standard for a junior designer. However, the preferred skills, particularly motion graphics and social media familiarity, indicate the company values a designer who can contribute to a broader digital marketing and content strategy, aligning with Digital Marketing Operations needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, and color theory.
• Include examples of marketing collateral creation for digital platforms (e.g., social media ads, banners) and print media (e.g., flyers, brochures).
• Present visual assets developed for specific campaigns or brand initiatives, highlighting the creative process and intended impact.
• Feature examples of photo editing and retouching work, demonstrating an ability to enhance imagery while maintaining brand consistency.
• Provide evidence of ability to work with brand guidelines, showcasing consistency across different applications.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for this junior role, candidates who can articulate their design process, from brief interpretation to final asset delivery, will be at an advantage. This includes:
  • Workflow design for managing multiple design projects from concept to completion.
  • Methods for incorporating feedback from stakeholders and making iterative design improvements.
  • Process for preparing and organizing final design files for handoff to production or digital deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, a portfolio is primarily a demonstration of creative output and foundational design skills. However, for operations roles, demonstrating an understanding of workflow management and process adherence, even if not explicitly required, can showcase a candidate's potential for future contributions to Operations Efficiency and Process Optimization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $69,000 - $72,000 per year. This range is dependent on the candidate's experience level and qualifications, aligning with junior-level positions in the creative industry in the Southern California region.

Benefits:

• While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided listing, typical benefits for a full-time position at a company like Alpinestars may include:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage options.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan: With potential company matching contributions.
  • Employee Discounts: On Alpinestars products, reflecting the brand's passion-driven culture.
  • Professional Development Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, and potential mentorship to enhance design and operations skills.
  • Commuter Benefits: Assistance for on-site employees.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, implying approximately 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules are not detailed but are expected to align with standard business hours for an on-site position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided. Based on industry standards for junior graphic designers in Torrance, CA, this range appears competitive. The lack of specific benefits details suggests this is a standard offering, and candidates should inquire during the interview process. The 40-hour work week is typical for full-time employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Motorsports Apparel and Lifestyle Products. Alpinestars operates within a highly competitive and dynamic sector that demands innovation, performance, and a deep connection with its target audience – athletes and enthusiasts of motocross, road racing, cycling, and action sports.

Company Size: Alpinestars is a globally recognized brand, suggesting a substantial organizational structure. While the exact employee count for the Torrance R&D location isn't specified, the company's industry leadership implies a significant workforce, likely with established departments for design, marketing, product development, and operations.

Founded: Alpinestars was founded in 1963. This long history signifies a stable and established company with deep roots and expertise in its industry, providing a solid foundation for its operations and brand strategy.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "art department," implying a creative hub that likely includes senior designers, art directors, and potentially graphic production specialists.
• As a Junior Graphic Designer, the position will report to a Senior Designer or Art Director, receiving guidance and mentorship.
• Collaboration is expected with marketing managers and product teams, indicating a cross-functional team environment where design plays a crucial role in supporting various business functions.

Methodology:

• The company's focus on "cutting-edge innovation" and "iconic style" suggests a design methodology that balances technical performance with strong aesthetic appeal.
• Data-driven insights are likely used to inform design decisions, especially in digital marketing, ensuring campaigns resonate with the target audience and achieve performance objectives.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical for managing the creative output required for product launches, athlete endorsements, and marketing campaigns.
• Automation and efficiency practices may be employed in areas like asset management and file preparation to streamline the creative process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Alpinestars' heritage and focus on performance and style create a unique brand culture. Understanding this duality is key for a designer. The "art department" likely functions as an internal creative agency, requiring strong project management and client-service skills, which are transferable to Creative Operations roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is clearly defined as "Junior," indicating an entry-level role within the creative and marketing functions. It's an opportunity to build foundational experience in brand design, marketing collateral creation, and industry-specific visual communication.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director within the art department. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight, crucial for skill development at the junior level. Collaboration with marketing and product teams means exposure to broader business objectives and how design supports them.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense (e.g., Revenue Operations or Sales Operations), the Junior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of marketing operations and GTM strategies. High-quality visual assets are critical for:

• Brand Perception: Communicating the Alpinestars brand identity and lifestyle.
• Marketing Campaign Performance: Driving engagement and conversion rates for digital ads, social media, and email marketing.
• Product Launch Success: Creating compelling visuals that support product messaging and appeal to consumers.
• Athlete & Partner Relations: Providing professional assets that enhance brand collaborations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, potentially specializing in digital design, print production, or even motion graphics.
• Industry Expertise: Deepen understanding of the motorsports industry, its visual language, and consumer behavior.
• Project Management: Gain experience managing multiple design projects, improving time management and workflow efficiency.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Learn how design integrates with marketing strategies, product development, and sales efforts, potentially leading to roles in Marketing Operations or Brand Management.
• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced design professionals, accelerating learning and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a candidate aspiring to move into operations roles, this Junior Graphic Designer position offers a strong foundation in the visual elements that drive marketing and GTM execution. Demonstrating an understanding of how design supports operational efficiency and campaign success can be a stepping stone.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is located in Torrance, CA, specifically within an "R&D" facility. This suggests a professional, potentially technical, and collaborative work environment focused on product development and brand creative output.

Office Location(s): Torrance, California. This location is known for its proximity to the automotive and aerospace industries, offering a professional business environment.

Workspace Context:

• The "art department" setting implies a creative and collaborative atmosphere where designers work closely together and with other departments like marketing and product.
• Access to necessary design software and hardware is expected.
• The R&D context might mean an environment that values innovation and a hands-on approach to creative problem-solving.
• Opportunities for interaction with product designers and marketing strategists will be present, fostering a holistic understanding of brand development.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time and on-site, meaning a consistent presence in the Torrance office during standard business hours is expected. This structured environment can be beneficial for junior roles, providing clear expectations and opportunities for direct mentorship and supervision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial. For candidates interested in operations, an on-site role often provides more direct exposure to team dynamics, process workflows, and cross-functional collaboration, which are vital for understanding operational structures.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates must submit their resume and a portfolio link.
• Portfolio Review: The primary screening tool will be the portfolio, assessing design skills, creativity, and relevance to the Alpinestars brand and motocross culture.
• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications, focusing on qualifications and portfolio content.
• Design Test/Challenge: It's common for design roles to include a practical design exercise or case study to evaluate problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and ability to adhere to a brief under time constraints. This could involve creating a social media graphic or a small marketing asset.
• Interviews: Candidates will likely have interviews with the hiring manager (e.g., Art Director or Design Lead) and potentially other team members. These interviews will assess:
  • Design philosophy and process.
  • Technical skills and software proficiency.
  • Cultural fit and passion for the brand/motorsports.
  • Ability to collaborate and receive feedback.
• Final Round: A potential final interview with a more senior leader or HR.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select your strongest, most relevant work. For this role, prioritize projects that showcase digital marketing assets, campaign visuals, and any work that demonstrates an understanding of sports or action culture.
• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your thought process, the problem you were solving, and the rationale behind your design decisions for each project. This demonstrates critical thinking beyond just aesthetics.
• Highlight Brand Alignment: Emphasize how your designs align with brand guidelines and target audience needs. If you have any work related to motorsports or extreme sports, make sure it's prominent.
• Technical Accuracy: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and features high-quality images of your work.
• Tailor to Alpinestars: If possible, include a speculative piece or two that demonstrates your understanding of the Alpinestars brand and how you would approach designing for them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyze any design challenge provided. Identify the key objectives, target audience, and constraints.
• Time Management: Practice creating design assets within a limited timeframe. Prioritize essential elements and efficient execution.
• Brand Consistency: If a brand is provided (or if you're using Alpinestars' brand), ensure your design strictly adheres to their visual identity, color palettes, and typography.
• Presentation: Be prepared to present your design challenge solution, explaining your choices and how it meets the brief. Focus on clarity and conciseness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenge is standard for creative roles. For candidates looking at operations, demonstrating an understanding of project management within the creative process and how design supports broader marketing and GTM operations will be beneficial during interviews.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential for this role. Proficiency in:
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, retouching, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, illustrations, and layout design.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and page design of marketing materials, brochures, and event assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary requirement for the designer, familiarity with how design impacts performance metrics (e.g., click-through rates for digital ads) is valuable. Understanding basic analytics dashboards might be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are listed for this design role. However, understanding how marketing assets are deployed through email marketing platforms or social media management tools can be beneficial.

Preferred Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: For creating motion graphics, animated logos, and video intros/outros.
• Adobe Premiere Pro: For basic video editing and content assembly.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Familiarity with how creative assets are stored, organized, and distributed within a company can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are Adobe Creative Suite. For aspiring operations professionals, understanding the role of design tools in the broader Marketing Operations tech stack (e.g., how assets are managed and deployed) is a valuable perspective.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance & Style: Alpinestars values the fusion of high-performance engineering with cutting-edge style, a principle that should extend to their creative output. Designs should be both functional and aesthetically compelling.
• Authenticity: The brand is deeply rooted in motorsports culture, so authenticity in design and messaging is paramount to connecting with their audience.
• Innovation: A commitment to "cutting-edge innovation" suggests a culture that encourages new ideas and creative problem-solving within the design process.
• Collaboration: The role requires working with senior designers, marketing, and product teams, emphasizing a collaborative approach where ideas are shared and built upon.
• Detail-Oriented: Precision in design, from typography to image retouching, is critical for maintaining brand integrity.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work together, sharing feedback and supporting each other's projects.
• Close interaction with marketing managers and product teams will be necessary, requiring strong communication and the ability to understand and execute diverse project needs.
• A culture that values constructive criticism and iterative design improvements is likely present.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Alpinestars' core values helps in aligning design work with the company's mission. For operations-minded individuals, recognizing how these values translate into workflow efficiency, brand consistency, and stakeholder communication is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Effectively translating the Alpinestars brand identity and motocross culture into compelling designs while adhering to established visual standards.
• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: Juggling various design requests from different teams and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality assets in a fast-paced environment.
• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with design trends, social media formats, and motorsports culture to keep Alpinestars' visual content fresh and relevant.
• Feedback Incorporation: Effectively receiving and implementing feedback from various stakeholders, potentially including non-designers, to refine designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to hone skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and potentially gain experience in motion graphics or video editing.
• Industry Immersion: Deepen understanding of the motorsports industry, its unique visual language, and marketing strategies.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learn how design integrates with marketing campaigns, product development, and GTM strategies, building a broader business acumen.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with real-world projects for a leading brand, which is invaluable for future career growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common for junior creative roles. For those interested in operations, framing these challenges in terms of process improvement, workflow efficiency, and stakeholder management can highlight operational aptitude.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your design process for creating a social media campaign graphic, from receiving the brief to final delivery." (Focus on workflow, feedback, and file management).
• Brand Understanding: "How would you approach creating visual assets for Alpinestars' motocross category, considering the brand's heritage and target audience?" (Showcase research and cultural understanding).
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to work with challenging feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on collaboration and adaptation).
• Technical Skills: "What are your go-to tools and techniques in Photoshop/Illustrator for retouching product photography?" (Demonstrate practical application).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Alpinestars and the motorsports industry?" (Show enthusiasm and passion).
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and industry news?" (Demonstrate continuous learning).
• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, like marketing or product teams?" (Highlight communication and teamwork skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each piece in your portfolio, tell a brief story: What was the objective? Who was the audience? What was your role? What was the outcome?
• Highlight Key Skills: Point out specific examples in your portfolio that demonstrate proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, layout, typography, and photo editing.
• Showcase Relevance: Emphasize any work that aligns with marketing collateral, digital campaigns, or sports-related brands. If you have speculative work for Alpinestars, present it clearly.
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Know your software inside and out. Be ready to discuss file formats, color spaces, and print production considerations if applicable.
• Enthusiasm for the Brand: Convey genuine interest in Alpinestars and the motocross culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for questions that probe your design process, understanding of the brand, and collaborative abilities is crucial. For those eyeing operations, subtly weave in how your design process contributes to operational efficiency and brand consistency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the application form via the provided link.
• Portfolio is Key: Meticulously curate your online portfolio. Ensure it's easily accessible, showcases your best and most relevant work (especially digital marketing assets and any motorsports-related projects), and includes brief descriptions of your process and impact for each piece.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience relevant to graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and any projects involving marketing collateral or brand campaigns. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed social media assets that contributed to a 15% increase in engagement").
• Research Alpinestars: Familiarize yourself with the Alpinestars brand, its history, product lines (especially motocross), marketing campaigns, and overall aesthetic. Understand their position in the motorsports industry.
• Prepare for Design Challenges: Be ready to complete a design exercise that assesses your creative skills and ability to adhere to a brief under pressure. Practice creating simple marketing assets quickly and effectively.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to discuss your portfolio and your design process confidently during interviews, articulating how your skills align with Alpinestars' needs and culture.

⚠️ 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.