Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: Cresco Labs

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Retail

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 years

🚀 Role Summary

• Executes a variety of print and digital design assignments under the guidance of design leadership, supporting both retail and wholesale brands.

• Translates creative briefs into visual layouts that adhere to established brand guidelines, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.

• Adapts existing creative assets into multiple sizes and formats, preparing production-ready files according to established specifications.

• Collaborates with cross-functional partners to gather necessary assets and implement revisions accurately throughout the review process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry-level opportunity within a corporate creative team, focusing on foundational design execution and brand adherence. The emphasis on "junior" and "assisting" indicates a developmental path rather than strategic design leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute print and digital design assignments for B2B and B2C channels, including web assets, email campaigns, social media graphics, in-store signage, sales materials, event graphics, internal communications, and branded merchandise.

• Develop visual layouts that align with established brand guidelines and creative briefs, ensuring a cohesive brand experience across all customer touchpoints.

• Adapt and resize existing creative assets for various formats and state-specific variations, maintaining visual integrity and brand messaging.

• Prepare production-ready files for print and digital applications, adhering to technical specifications and quality control standards.

• Implement requested revisions accurately and efficiently throughout the creative review process, collaborating with team members for timely feedback.

• Manage assigned design projects, ensuring timely completion within defined project timelines and scope.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, sales, e-commerce) to gather project requirements, assets, and feedback, fostering strong working relationships.

• Maintain a high level of attention to detail to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality in all design outputs.

• Stay current with emerging design trends, software updates, and industry best practices to continuously develop technical expertise and creative confidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on execution role focused on delivering creative assets according to established parameters. The emphasis on "adapting existing creative" and "preparing production-ready files" points to a need for technical proficiency and adherence to workflows, rather than conceptual ideation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: 0-2 years of professional design experience, either in-house or at an agency.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio demonstrating strong foundational graphic design skills, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Solid proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Familiarity with designing for both print and digital channels, understanding their unique requirements and best practices.

• Basic understanding of production standards and the ability to prepare files for print and digital output according to specifications.

• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all deliverables.

• Ability to follow direction and implement feedback effectively throughout the design process.

• Effective communication skills, capable of explaining design decisions when prompted and collaborating with team members.

• Eagerness to learn and grow within a fast-paced professional environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with web design principles and UI/UX basics.

• Familiarity with motion graphics or video editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro).

• Knowledge of pre-press processes and print production techniques.

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Understanding of content management systems (CMS) for web assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize core design software proficiency and fundamental design principles. The "0-2 years" experience level, combined with the need for a portfolio, suggests that practical application and demonstrated skill are prioritized over extensive professional history. Passion for the industry is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of design projects demonstrating proficiency in layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy across both print and digital media.

• Include examples of adapting existing creative assets, showing an ability to maintain brand consistency across different formats and sizes.

• Present projects that highlight an understanding of preparing production-ready files, detailing specifications and considerations for print or digital output.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not a direct requirement for this junior role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for managing design tasks, incorporating feedback, and preparing files for final delivery.

• The ability to follow established company processes for project submission, review, and file management will be assessed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for demonstrating foundational skills. Candidates should curate examples that align with the types of deliverables mentioned in the responsibilities, such as marketing collateral, web graphics, and social media assets, showcasing their ability to execute within brand guidelines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $58,000 - $63,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Major medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) match program.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) programs.

• Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) options.

• Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

• Potential for annual discretionary bonuses.

• Stock options.

• Employee discount program.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a junior graphic designer role in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, especially within a corporate setting. The comprehensive benefits package is a significant advantage, particularly the 401(k) match, stock options, and industry-specific discounts.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cannabis Industry (Multistate Operator - MSO).

Company Size: Large (Implied by "one of the largest public, vertically integrated, multistate operators" and "dozens of locations nationwide").

Founded: 2013.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of "The HotBox," Cresco Labs' in-house creative team.

• This team leads B2B and B2C creative efforts across various channels.

• The Junior Graphic Designer reports to a Mid-Level Graphic Designer and works in partnership with Senior Designers and Design leadership.

Methodology:

• Cresco Labs emphasizes a mission-driven approach focused on regulatory compliance, product consistency, and customer satisfaction.

• The company aims to normalize and professionalize the cannabis industry through integrity and professionalism.

• The SEEDTM initiative highlights a commitment to Social Equity and Educational Development, reflecting the communities served.

• Design work supports brand consistency and strengthens Cresco's national presence.

Company Website: https://www.crescolabs.com/ (Based on domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Cresco Labs operates in a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. The company culture appears to value professionalism, integrity, and social responsibility, alongside creative execution. The in-house creative team structure suggests a collaborative environment focused on supporting broader marketing and brand initiatives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Creative Professional. This role is designed for individuals beginning their careers in graphic design, providing foundational experience within a corporate structure.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, with mentorship and guidance from Senior Designers and Design Leadership. This supports a clear hierarchical structure for learning and development.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role (like Revenue or Sales Ops), the graphic design function is critical for the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. Effective visual communication drives brand perception, customer engagement, and supports sales efforts across retail and wholesale channels. The design team's output directly influences how Cresco Labs' brands are presented to consumers and business partners.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone foundational design skills, gain proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and learn best practices for print and digital production within a professional setting.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience in the dynamic and growing cannabis industry, understanding its unique branding and marketing challenges.

• Career Advancement: Potential to progress to Mid-Level Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or specialized roles within the creative team, depending on performance and development.

• Cross-functional Learning: Exposure to various marketing and business functions through collaboration with different departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a structured path for junior designers to build their professional portfolio and gain valuable industry experience. Growth is likely tied to mastering core competencies, demonstrating reliability, and showing initiative in learning new skills and understanding the business context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Likely a corporate office environment within Cresco Labs' Chicago headquarters or a dedicated creative hub.

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL. Specific office details would need to be confirmed.

Workspace Context:

• The role is part of an in-house creative team ("The HotBox"), suggesting a collaborative studio-like atmosphere within the larger corporate structure.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware is expected.

• The environment will likely require close collaboration with other designers and regular interaction with project stakeholders.

• The dynamic nature of the cannabis industry means the environment may be fast-paced and require adaptability.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday. While not explicitly stated as hybrid, the location is Chicago, IL, suggesting an on-site or potentially hybrid arrangement if company policy allows. Given the "Junior" level and need for close collaboration/mentorship, on-site is more probable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on working closely with a team and reporting to specific levels suggests a structured office environment. While flexibility is not detailed, standard corporate hours are indicated. The "HotBox" team name might imply a creative, perhaps slightly more informal, internal dynamic compared to the broader corporate setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for foundational design skills and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the design team, discussing their process, design choices, and ability to meet project requirements.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or challenge to evaluate technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and speed under pressure.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with hiring managers and potential team members to assess communication skills, eagerness to learn, passion for the industry, and fit within the team and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 strong projects that best showcase your foundational design skills, versatility across print and digital, and ability to follow brand guidelines.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, be prepared to walk through your thought process, from understanding the brief to final execution. Highlight how you addressed challenges and incorporated feedback.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within established brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of consistency.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio includes examples that clearly demonstrate proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Tailor to Cresco: If possible, include any relevant work that touches on retail, consumer goods, or regulated industries to show transferable skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Core Software: Be ready for tasks that require quick execution in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.

• Design Fundamentals: Expect questions or exercises related to typography, color application, and layout principles.

• Adaptability: Prepare for scenarios where you might need to quickly adapt an existing design or apply feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for assessing suitability for this role. Candidates should focus on showcasing their technical abilities and understanding of design fundamentals, as well as their potential to grow and adapt within the team.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are explicitly required.

• Web Design/Digital Tools: Familiarity with designing for web, email, and social media is expected, implying potential use of tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, though not explicitly listed.

• Production Software: Knowledge of file preparation for print (e.g., prepress software) and digital platforms.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly relevant to this role, but understanding how designs perform digitally might be a learning opportunity.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant, but familiarity with marketing collateral used in CRM and email campaigns is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their command of these tools. Any additional digital design tools or experience with asset management will be a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: Core to Cresco Labs' mission in the highly regulated cannabis industry. This translates to meticulous work, adherence to guidelines, and professional conduct.

• Quality & Consistency: Emphasized in product and operations, this extends to creative execution, ensuring brand standards are met across all materials.

• Social Equity & Community Focus: Reflected in the SEEDTM initiative, suggesting a value placed on diversity, inclusion, and giving back.

• Collaboration: Essential for an in-house creative team supporting multiple departments and brands.

• Adaptability & Growth: Given the dynamic nature of the industry and the "junior" role, a willingness to learn and adapt is paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be collaborative, working closely with other designers, project managers, and marketing stakeholders.

• Emphasis on clear communication, timely feedback exchange, and team-oriented project execution.

• As part of "The HotBox," the team likely fosters a creative, supportive environment where ideas are shared and constructive feedback is given.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and values suggest a culture that balances creativity with a strong sense of responsibility and adherence to regulations. For a junior designer, demonstrating a willingness to learn, collaborate, and uphold these values will be as important as technical skill.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of the Industry: The cannabis industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, requiring designers to be adaptable and quick to respond to market changes and new regulations.

• Brand Consistency Across Markets: Managing and adapting creative assets for multiple states, each with unique regulations and consumer bases, can be challenging.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Executing creative briefs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and legal disclaimers.

• Learning Curve: As a junior role, mastering new software, processes, and industry-specific requirements will present an initial challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from mid-level and senior designers provides opportunities for structured learning and skill development.

• Industry Knowledge: Deep dive into the nuances of marketing and design within the cannabis sector, including regulatory considerations.

• Skill Expansion: Potential to learn new design software, explore different creative disciplines (e.g., motion graphics), and understand integrated marketing campaigns.

• Portfolio Building: Accumulate professional work experience and diverse projects to enhance future career prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role provides an excellent platform for a junior designer to overcome initial career challenges by working within a supportive team structure and a growing industry, offering significant potential for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project from your portfolio where you had to strictly adhere to brand guidelines. How did you ensure consistency?"

• "Walk us through your process for preparing a design file for print production."

• "How do you handle receiving constructive feedback on your designs?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working in the cannabis industry, specifically with Cresco Labs?"

• "How do you approach collaboration within a creative team?"

• "Describe a time you had to adapt quickly to a change in project scope or direction."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (e.g., digital, print) or by skill demonstrated.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the brief/problem, your approach/solution, and the outcome (if known).

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your work demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Suite, typography, layout, and brand adherence.

• Be Concise: Focus on clarity and impact, especially when discussing your process and design decisions.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your choices, challenges faced, and how you would approach specific tasks relevant to Cresco Labs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of technical skill, creative potential, understanding of design principles, and a genuine interest in the company and its industry. A well-prepared portfolio presentation that clearly articulates your design thinking process is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.io.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., PDF, website link) and prominently features projects demonstrating foundational design skills, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and experience with print/digital deliverables. Tailor the selection to highlight relevant aspects like brand consistency and production readiness.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly list your experience (0-2 years), highlight proficiency in required software (Adobe Creative Suite), and use keywords from the job description (e.g., "graphic design," "print," "digital," "brand consistency," "typography").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and preparing answers to common interview questions related to design, collaboration, and industry interest.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Cresco Labs' brands, mission, values, and recent marketing efforts to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

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