Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer Company: Learning Resources Location: Vernon Hills, IL, US Job Type: Regular Full-Time Category: Marketing & Creative Operations Date Posted: 2025-10-17 Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Junior) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the creation and execution of visually compelling digital and print assets to enhance marketing campaigns and brand presence.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, product development, and e-commerce teams to deliver integrated design solutions across multiple brands.
• Drive engagement through the design of social media graphics, web assets, and email marketing materials.
• Ensure brand consistency and adherence to design standards across all visual communications.
• Leverage modern design tools, including AI-powered creative technologies, to optimize workflows and enhance visual output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a broader GTM (Go-To-Market) operational framework, focusing on the creation of visual assets that directly support sales, marketing, and product launch initiatives. The "Junior" designation, combined with the 1-3 years of experience requirement, indicates a foundational role with significant growth potential, emphasizing learning and execution under senior guidance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce web-ready assets such as landing pages, email blasts, digital banners, web ads, and e-newsletters that align with campaign objectives and brand guidelines.
• Create engaging social media graphics to support content strategy and drive audience interaction across various platforms.
• Partner with e-commerce and brand teams to conceptualize and develop innovative digital content that enhances online customer experience and conversion rates.
• Assist the product development team by providing design support for new product packaging, marketing collateral, and visual elements.
• Develop print-ready materials including packaging artwork, trade show signage, point-of-sale displays, and advertising collateral, ensuring all files meet production specifications.
• Actively participate in creative review sessions, brainstorming meetings, and concept development to contribute fresh ideas and solutions.
• Utilize AI-powered creative tools to explore new design concepts, enhance visual asset creation, and streamline design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of tactical execution and creative contribution. For a Junior Graphic Designer, the emphasis is on executing designs based on clear briefs and brand standards, while also being encouraged to contribute ideas and learn advanced techniques. The integration of AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related creative field.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of professional experience in digital design, preferably within a business or agency environment, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and application.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: An online portfolio is essential, showcasing a diverse range of relevant digital and print design work that demonstrates creativity, technical skill, and brand understanding.
• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Strong command of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for asset creation, manipulation, and layout.
• Digital Asset Creation: Proven ability to design web-ready assets, including banners, landing pages, and email graphics, optimized for various digital platforms.
• Brand Aesthetics: Clear understanding and ability to execute the specific brand identities of Learning Resources, Brightkins, and Hunger for Words.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated experience working effectively within cross-functional teams, including designers, marketers, and product developers, contributing to a cohesive creative output.
• Time Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Image Optimization: Expertise in optimizing images and layouts for web and mobile platforms to ensure fast loading times and high visual quality.

Preferred Skills:

• Responsive Design & UX/UI: Familiarity with responsive design principles, basic UX/UI best practices, and cross-platform design considerations to ensure optimal user experience.
• Video Production & Editing: Bonus skills in video production and editing, which can enhance the scope of visual content creation.
• AI Creative Tools: Experience or a strong aptitude for leveraging AI-powered creative tools to augment design processes.
• Print Production Knowledge: Understanding of print production processes, pre-press requirements, and file preparation for various printing methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an online portfolio and specific Adobe Creative Suite proficiency are standard but critical for design roles. The mention of "brand aesthetics" for multiple brands indicates a need for adaptability and brand stewardship. The "bonus" skills like video production and AI tools suggest areas for future development and added value.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 key projects that demonstrate your design process from concept to final output, highlighting problem-solving and creative execution.
• Brand Consistency Examples: Include work that illustrates your ability to maintain brand integrity across different media (digital, print, social).
• Digital Asset Examples: Feature examples of web banners, email graphics, or landing page designs that show optimization for user engagement and conversion.
• Print Asset Examples: Present examples of packaging, signage, or collateral that highlight your understanding of print production requirements and aesthetic appeal.
• Impact Metrics (if available): Where possible, include metrics or outcomes associated with your designs (e.g., increased click-through rates, engagement metrics, successful product launches).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Demonstration: Be prepared to articulate your typical design workflow, from brief intake and ideation to execution, review, and final delivery, emphasizing efficiency and collaboration.
• Tool Proficiency Articulation: Clearly describe your experience with the Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant design or project management tools used in your process.
• Problem-Solving Narratives: For each portfolio piece, be ready to explain the design challenge, your approach, the solutions implemented, and the reasoning behind your creative decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer, the portfolio review will likely focus on foundational skills, creative thinking, and the ability to follow brand guidelines. The emphasis is on demonstrating potential and a structured approach to design work, rather than solely on extensive experience or complex process optimization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $57,000 – $60,000 annually Note: Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as years of experience, specific skill set, and location. This range is a benchmark for a Junior Graphic Designer in the Vernon Hills, IL area.

Benefits:

• Profit Sharing Bonus Potential: Opportunity to share in the company's financial success.
• 401k Matching: Employer contribution to your retirement savings plan.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Details available via the provided link, typically including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid Time Off: Includes holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Training and Development Opportunities: Access to resources and programs aimed at enhancing professional and personal growth.
• Employee Assistance Program: Support services for personal and work-related challenges.
• Product Discounts: Potential for discounts on Learning Resources products.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours. The hybrid arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. Specific in-office days will be determined by team needs and management guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Junior Graphic Designer in the Chicago metropolitan area. The inclusion of profit sharing and 401k matching suggests a company that invests in its employees' long-term financial well-being. The hybrid work arrangement is also a significant benefit for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Educational Toys & Learning Materials. Learning Resources operates within the consumer goods sector, specifically focusing on the development and distribution of educational toys and learning resources for children. This industry requires creativity, a deep understanding of child development, and a commitment to quality and safety. Company Size: Approximately 150 employees. This size generally fosters a close-knit, collaborative culture where individuals can have a noticeable impact. It's large enough to offer resources and stability but small enough to maintain personal connections and agility. Founded: The company was established with a focus on making learning fun and engaging. As a family-owned business, it likely prioritizes long-term vision and employee well-being over short-term gains.

Team Structure:

• Creative Team: The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of a creative department, likely reporting to a Sr. Design Manager. This team will include other designers, potentially copywriters, and other creative specialists.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Marketing, E-commerce, Product Development, and Brand Management teams. This indicates a highly integrated approach to product launches and campaign execution.
• Brand Portfolio: The team manages multiple brands (Learning Resources, hand2mind, Educational Insights, Brightkins, Hunger for Words), requiring designers to adapt their style and approach to different brand identities.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the team likely uses data from e-commerce performance, campaign analytics, and market research to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Agile Project Management: Given the fast-paced nature of product launches and marketing campaigns, elements of agile methodology may be employed for efficient workflow management.
• User-Centric Design: A focus on creating engaging and effective visual content for target audiences (children, parents, educators) is paramount.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Learning Resources' mission to "bring learning to life" suggests a culture that values creativity, playfulness, and a passion for education. Being a family-owned business and a multi-year recipient of Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces awards indicates a strong commitment to employee satisfaction, development, and a positive work environment. The diverse brand portfolio means designers must be adaptable and versatile.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Designer. This entry-level position is designed for individuals with foundational design skills and a strong desire to learn and grow within a professional creative operations environment. It offers a stepping stone into more specialized or senior design roles.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer reports to the Sr. Design Manager. This provides direct mentorship and guidance, crucial for skill development and understanding of company-specific design standards and workflows.

Operations Impact: The visual assets created by this role directly impact the company's Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. High-quality, on-brand designs are critical for:

• Product Launch Success: Effective packaging and marketing collateral drive initial product interest and sales.
• Brand Perception: Consistent and appealing visuals build brand recognition and trust.
• Customer Engagement: Digital assets for e-commerce, social media, and email marketing directly influence customer interaction and conversion rates.
• Marketing Campaign Effectiveness: Strong visual elements enhance the reach and impact of advertising and promotional efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in digital design, print production, social media content, or even explore emerging areas like motion graphics or UX/UI.
• Brand Mastery: Develop a comprehensive understanding of multiple brand identities, becoming a key steward for visual consistency across the Learning Resources family of companies.
• Advanced Tool Proficiency: Gain experience with more advanced design techniques and potentially learn new software or AI tools that enhance creative output.
• Leadership Potential: With proven performance and dedication, progression to roles such as Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or even Art Director is a potential career path within the organization.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop a broader understanding of marketing, product development, and e-commerce operations through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Junior" title signifies an investment in training and development. The company's emphasis on employee development suggests that this role is viewed as a training ground for future talent within their creative operations. The potential for growth is tied to demonstrating initiative, learning quickly, and consistently delivering high-quality work.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement. This typically involves a combination of working from the company office and remotely. The specific balance will likely depend on team needs, project phases, and management direction. Office Location(s): Vernon Hills, IL. This location offers a suburban setting, potentially with ample parking and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to a downtown core.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Studio: Expect a creative workspace that encourages interaction, brainstorming, and peer feedback. Desks may be arranged to facilitate team communication.
• Technology Access: Access to necessary hardware (computers, monitors) and software (Adobe Creative Suite, AI tools) will be provided. High-speed internet is crucial for remote work.
• Team Interaction: Regular in-person meetings, design reviews, and informal discussions with the Sr. Design Manager and other creative team members will be part of the daily routine. This fosters a strong sense of team cohesion and shared project ownership.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours, likely Monday through Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature offers some flexibility, but core hours for team collaboration and meetings will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is increasingly common and attractive, offering a balance between focused remote work and in-person collaboration essential for creative roles. The Vernon Hills location suggests a stable, potentially family-friendly work environment, aligning with the company's overall ethos.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A more in-depth session with the Sr. Design Manager and potentially other members of the creative team. This will involve:
  • Walkthrough of Portfolio: Presenting key projects, explaining your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work.
  • Design Challenges: You may be asked to complete a small, timed design exercise (e.g., creating a social media graphic based on a brief) or discuss hypothetical design scenarios.
  • Technical Questions: Questions about your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, image optimization, and understanding of digital/print requirements.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Discussions with representatives from Marketing, E-commerce, or Product Development to assess collaboration skills and understanding of their needs.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager to confirm fit and discuss overall career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that showcases digital assets, brand consistency, and creativity.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the solutions you implemented, and any measurable outcomes.
• Highlight Brand Adaptability: If possible, include work that demonstrates your ability to work with different brand styles or tones.
• Showcase Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator, image optimization techniques, and an understanding of digital/print file preparation.
• Be Ready for Live Exercises: Practice creating a simple graphic or mock-up under time pressure.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brands: Thoroughly research Learning Resources, Brightkins, and Hunger for Words. Familiarize yourself with their current marketing, product lines, and visual identities.
• Practice Design Critiques: Be prepared to discuss design choices, justify your decisions, and receive constructive feedback gracefully.
• Familiarize Yourself with AI Tools: While not explicitly required, understanding how AI can augment design workflows will be a plus.
• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready about the team, their workflow, company culture, and growth opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical stage for this role. Candidates should focus on presenting work that directly aligns with the responsibilities and requirements outlined. Demonstrating a structured approach to design, strong technical skills, and an eagerness to learn are key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Photoshop: Essential for image editing, manipulation, and creating complex digital graphics.
  • Illustrator: Core for vector-based graphics, logos, icons, and print layout elements.
• Web Design Tools (Familiarity):
  • Figma / Sketch / Adobe XD: While not explicitly listed as required, familiarity with modern UI/UX design and prototyping tools is beneficial for digital asset creation and collaboration.
• AI-Powered Creative Tools:
  • Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, DALL-E, etc.: Experience or a willingness to learn tools that assist in ideation, asset generation, and workflow enhancement.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms (Basic Understanding): Familiarity with how digital assets perform on websites (e.g., Google Analytics) is helpful for understanding design impact.
• Social Media Analytics: Understanding how graphics perform on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms (Awareness): Basic understanding of how email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot) use visual assets.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with uploading and managing content on web platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is Adobe Creative Suite proficiency. The mention of AI tools indicates that the company is embracing new technologies, and candidates who show initiative in exploring these will be highly valued. While not strictly required, understanding how design assets are used within broader marketing technology stacks (CRM, CMS, Analytics) provides valuable context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and novel approaches to visual communication that capture attention and convey messages effectively.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where designers work together, share feedback, and support each other to achieve common goals.
• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to producing polished, professional, and error-free design work that upholds brand integrity.
• Efficiency & Adaptability: Valuing the ability to manage workloads effectively, adapt to changing priorities, and utilize tools to streamline processes.
• Passion for Learning: Encouraging continuous improvement, skill development, and staying current with design trends and technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Open Communication: Expect regular team meetings, design critiques, and informal discussions to share progress, challenges, and ideas.
• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that embraces constructive feedback as a tool for growth and improvement in design outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Harmony: Working closely with non-design departments (marketing, product) to ensure visual assets align with broader business objectives and strategies.
• Brand Stewardship: A shared responsibility for maintaining and evolving the visual identity of multiple brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Learning Resources' ethos of "bringing learning to life" likely translates into a work environment that is both professional and engaging, with a creative spark. The emphasis on multiple brands suggests a need for designers who can be both versatile and consistent.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Expression: Effectively designing for multiple distinct brands while ensuring each maintains its unique identity and adheres to overarching company standards.
• Managing Multiple Project Deadlines: Juggling various assignments from different departments, each with its own urgency and requirements, in a fast-paced environment.
• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with new digital platforms, design best practices, and emerging technologies (like AI) to keep visual content fresh and effective.
• Translating Business Needs into Visual Solutions: Understanding complex marketing or product objectives and translating them into compelling and clear visual designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to internal workshops, external courses, or conferences focused on graphic design, digital marketing, or new creative technologies.
• Mentorship: Guidance from the Sr. Design Manager and experienced team members to refine technical skills and develop strategic design thinking.
• Project Variety: Exposure to a wide range of design projects across different brands and media, providing invaluable hands-on experience.
• Tool Exploration: Opportunities to experiment with and master new design software and AI tools that can enhance workflow and creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a junior role in a creative operations setting, emphasizing the learning curve and the need for strong organizational and adaptive skills. The growth opportunities are clearly tied to leveraging these challenges as learning experiences.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss the "why" behind your design choices for each project. Explain the problem you were solving, your creative process, the tools you used, and the outcome.
• Brand Adaptability: Prepare to discuss how you would approach designing for a new brand or adapting your style to fit different brand guidelines.
• Workflow & Collaboration: Describe your ideal design workflow and how you prefer to collaborate with team members and stakeholders.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Research: Demonstrate a deep understanding of Learning Resources and its sister brands. Discuss what you admire about their current visual communication.
• Cultural Fit: How do you embody creativity, collaboration, and a passion for learning in your work and professional life?
• Adaptability: How do you handle feedback and changing project requirements?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project, aim for a 3-5 minute explanation that covers the brief, your solution, and the results.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing on screen.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your work demonstrates proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, image optimization, and brand adherence.
• Showcase Process: Briefly touch upon your thought process, sketches, or early iterations if they illustrate problem-solving effectively.
• Prepare for Live Design: If a live exercise is given, focus on understanding the brief, making clear design decisions, and communicating your rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design thinking. Practice your "elevator pitch" for each project and be prepared to discuss your strengths and areas for development. Showing enthusiasm for the company's mission and brands is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application through the ADP portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 3-5 design projects that best represent your skills in digital and print design, brand adaptation, and creative problem-solving. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, Adobe Portfolio).
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience (1-3 years), technical skills (Adobe Creative Suite, image optimization), education, and any achievements that align with the job description. Use keywords from the listing.
• Prepare for the Interview: Research Learning Resources and its brands thoroughly. Practice presenting your portfolio and be ready to discuss your design process, collaboration style, and how you handle feedback.
• Understand the Hybrid Model: Be prepared to discuss your comfort level and approach to a hybrid work arrangement.

⚠️ 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.

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