Junior Visual Designer

TaxRise
Full-timeβ€’$20-25/hour (USD)β€’Irvine, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Visual Designer

Company: TaxRise

Location: Irvine, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Develop and execute creative concepts for digital and print marketing materials, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Product, and Development teams to deliver cohesive and engaging brand experiences.

  • Translate complex ideas into clear, visually appealing designs that resonate with target audiences.

  • Contribute to the evolution of TaxRise's visual identity, driving brand recognition and customer engagement.

  • Manage multiple design projects from concept to completion in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is critical for establishing and maintaining TaxRise's visual brand identity. The focus on "Revenue Operations" is implied through the role's contribution to marketing campaigns, product experiences, and brand initiatives that directly influence customer perception and conversion. The emphasis on "on-site" work is a key differentiator.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and produce a wide range of creative assets for digital platforms (websites, social media, email campaigns) and print collateral (presentations, marketing materials).

  • Collaborate with the Marketing team to conceptualize and execute visually engaging content that aligns with brand guidelines and strategic business objectives.

  • Maintain and evolve the company's visual language across all channels, ensuring a cohesive and on-brand experience for clients.

  • Partner with Product and Development teams to design intuitive, functional, and aesthetically polished user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX).

  • Translate complex financial concepts and tax resolution services into clean, engaging, and easily understandable visual designs.

  • Stay abreast of current design trends, emerging tools, and industry best practices to continuously enhance the quality and creativity of design output.

  • Juggle multiple design projects concurrently, effectively prioritizing tasks and meeting strict deadlines while upholding high standards for quality and visual execution.

  • Actively participate in creative brainstorming sessions, contributing innovative ideas and strategic input on design direction and campaign concepts.

  • Create and update brand guidelines documentation to ensure consistent application of visual identity elements across all internal and external communications.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic contribution, typical for junior roles in high-growth companies. The emphasis on "user interfaces and experiences" suggests a need for basic UX/UI understanding, which is crucial for modern GTM operations. The responsibility of translating "complex financial concepts" into visuals is a specific requirement for the financial services industry.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

  • Proven proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for creating and editing high-quality visual assets.

  • Expertise in Canva for rapid content creation and accessible design solutions.

  • Strong aesthetic sense with meticulous attention to detail in layout, typography, color theory, and overall visual composition.

  • Demonstrated ability to translate strategic marketing and product objectives into compelling visual designs.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, essential for effective cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Product, and Development teams.

  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience designing for performance marketing campaigns, including A/B testing visuals and optimizing for conversion on landing pages.

  • Familiarity with basic UX principles, user-centered design methodologies, and wireframing tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

  • Experience working within the financial services industry or with tax-related content, understanding industry-specific communication nuances.

  • Exposure to high-growth, performance-driven business environments and the ability to adapt design strategies accordingly.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical tool proficiency and a strong portfolio, which are standard for junior design roles. The "preferred skills" indicate a desire for a candidate who can contribute to growth-focused marketing efforts and has some understanding of user experience, aligning with GTM objectives. The mention of "financial services industry or tax-related content" is a specific industry requirement.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A curated collection of at least 5-7 distinct projects demonstrating a range of design capabilities across digital and print media.

  • Projects should clearly illustrate the design process, from initial concept and mood boards to final execution, highlighting problem-solving and strategic thinking.

  • Showcase work that demonstrates an understanding of brand consistency, visual hierarchy, and effective communication of complex information.

  • Include examples of marketing collateral, digital ad creatives, social media graphics, and potentially UI mockups or landing page designs if applicable.

Process Documentation:

  • Ability to articulate your design process clearly, explaining how you approach new projects, conduct research, and iterate based on feedback.

  • Understanding of workflow management within a collaborative team environment, including how you handle revisions, approvals, and project handoffs.

  • Familiarity with design system principles and the importance of maintaining consistent brand assets and templates.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a Junior Visual Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of their skills and potential. The emphasis on process documentation is key for demonstrating how they'd integrate into a team and manage workflows, crucial for operations efficiency.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $20 - $25 per hour

Benefits:

  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance coverage, available after 60 days of employment.

  • Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to ensure rest and rejuvenation.

  • Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, supporting long-term financial planning.

  • Professional Growth: Access to a dedicated Professional Development Program designed to foster skill enhancement and career advancement.

  • On-site Amenities: Utilize the on-site gym for fitness and the gaming lounge for relaxation and team building.

  • Team Engagement: Enjoy catered team lunches every Friday, fostering camaraderie and a strong team spirit.

  • Company Culture: Participate in fun and energizing quarterly company outings that celebrate collective achievements.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. The role is strictly on-site, requiring consistent presence during business hours.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly stated and aligns with entry-level design positions in a high cost-of-living area like Irvine. The benefits package is robust, offering a good mix of essential health coverage, financial planning tools, and perks that contribute to a positive work environment, reflecting TaxRise's commitment to employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Tax Resolution

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description "fastest-growing company in our industry" and the mention of departments like Marketing, Product, and Development suggest a mid-sized to large, rapidly scaling organization. This implies a dynamic, potentially fast-paced environment with opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: Not explicitly stated, but the emphasis on growth and revolutionizing the industry suggests a company that is likely established but still in a strong expansion phase.

Team Structure:

  • The Junior Visual Designer will be part of a creative or marketing team, working closely with peers and managers within those departments.

  • Close collaboration is expected with Product and Development teams, indicating a cross-functional team structure common in tech-forward companies.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Creativity: While a design role, the emphasis on "performance marketing campaigns" and "conversion-focused landing pages" suggests that design decisions are informed by data and aimed at achieving measurable business outcomes.

  • Agile Collaboration: The fast-paced environment and cross-functional partnerships point towards agile methodologies where teams work collaboratively and iteratively to achieve goals.

  • Brand Consistency: A core methodology will be adherence to and evolution of brand guidelines to ensure a unified and professional brand image across all platforms.

Company Website: https://taxrise.com/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: TaxRise positions itself as an innovative and rapidly growing leader in the tax resolution space. The culture appears to value empathy, client success, and employee growth. The "on-site" requirement suggests a preference for collaborative, in-person work dynamics.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Designer (0-2 years experience)

Reporting Structure:

  • The Junior Visual Designer will likely report to a Senior Designer, Art Director, or Marketing Manager who oversees creative output.

Operations Impact:

  • The Junior Visual Designer directly impacts the company's brand perception, customer acquisition, and client engagement through their visual creations.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as UI/UX, performance marketing design, motion graphics, or branding.

  • Career Advancement: Progression to Mid-Level Visual Designer, Senior Visual Designer, or potentially Art Director roles within TaxRise as experience and capabilities grow.

  • Cross-functional Exposure: Gain exposure to product development, marketing strategy, and GTM planning, broadening understanding of business operations and impact.

  • Professional Development: Access to company-provided training, workshops, and potentially support for external courses or certifications to enhance design skills and industry knowledge.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a launchpad for a design career, offering structured growth within a rapidly expanding company. The emphasis on impact in a "fastest-growing company" suggests opportunities for significant professional development and career acceleration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: TaxRise emphasizes an "in-person vibe," indicating a traditional office setting designed for collaboration. The mention of an on-site gym and gaming lounge suggests modern office amenities aimed at employee well-being and engagement.

Office Location(s): Irvine, California. This location is known for its vibrant business community, particularly in technology and professional services.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Atmosphere: The "in-person vibe" and emphasis on cross-functional work suggest an environment where designers are encouraged to interact, share ideas, and contribute to team efforts.

  • Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) and likely other collaborative tools common in a tech-forward company.

  • Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with marketing specialists, product managers, developers, and leadership, fostering a dynamic work environment.

Work Schedule:

  • The role requires a standard 40-hour work week, strictly on-site. This means a consistent daily presence in the Irvine office is expected, aligning with the company's preference for in-person collaboration and engagement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The Irvine location offers a professional business environment. The on-site requirement is a significant factor, indicating a company culture that values face-to-face interaction and a dedicated physical workspace for its employees.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative alignment with TaxRise's brand.

  • Portfolio Presentation & Interview: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their process, design decisions, and how their work aligns with the company's needs. This is often followed by behavioral and situational questions.

  • Skills Assessment (Potential): A small design exercise or challenge, potentially focused on a specific scenario relevant to TaxRise's marketing or product needs, to evaluate practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

  • Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with members of the Marketing, Product, or Development teams to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit.

  • Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership or the hiring manager to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills applicable to TaxRise's business (digital marketing, branding, UI).

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your role, the tools used, and the outcome. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions.

  • Highlight Brand Awareness: Demonstrate an understanding of brand identity and how you applied it effectively in your work.

  • Showcase Versatility: Include examples of both digital and print designs if possible, and mention any experience with UI/UX or performance marketing creative.

  • Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, and how you stay updated on design trends.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Brand: Research TaxRise's current visual identity, marketing campaigns, and target audience.

  • Focus on Problem-Solving: If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief, exploring multiple concepts, and presenting a well-reasoned solution, rather than just aesthetics.

  • Demonstrate Process: Even in a timed exercise, try to outline your thought process and justify your design choices.

  • Professionalism: Present your work clearly, concisely, and professionally.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and demonstrate how their skills can directly benefit TaxRise's growth and brand strategy. The on-site requirement means in-person interviews are highly likely.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for professional graphic design, including Photoshop (image editing, digital assets), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and potentially InDesign (print layout).

  • Canva: A key tool for rapid content creation, social media graphics, presentations, and marketing collateral, indicating a need for efficiency and accessibility in design workflows.

  • Figma/Sketch/Adobe XD (Preferred): Familiarity with UI/UX design and wireframing tools is a plus, suggesting the company may be expanding its digital product design efforts or values designers who can contribute to user interface development.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • Experience with CRM systems (like Salesforce, HubSpot) or marketing automation platforms (like Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign) may be beneficial for understanding how visual assets are deployed in campaigns and where to optimize for engagement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva are non-negotiable. The "nice to have" mention of UX/wireframing tools suggests TaxRise values designers who can contribute to a holistic user experience, bridging the gap between design and product development.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Innovation & Empathy: TaxRise aims to "reshape the tax resolution industry through innovation, empathy, and unwavering commitment to our clients." This means designers should be encouraged to think creatively while always considering the client's perspective.

  • Client-Centricity: The company's mission is to provide "hope, stability, and solutions." Design work should reflect this dedication to client well-being and clear communication.

  • Growth Mindset: As the "fastest-growing company in our industry," TaxRise likely values individuals who are eager to learn, adapt, and contribute to rapid expansion.

  • Collaboration: The emphasis on "in-person vibe" and cross-functional partnerships highlights the importance of teamwork and open communication.

  • Impact-Driven: The focus on "making a tangible difference in people's lives" suggests a culture where employees feel their work has a meaningful purpose.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with Marketing, Product, and Development teams, requiring clear communication and the ability to understand diverse perspectives.

  • Feedback Loop: A collaborative environment likely involves regular feedback sessions, both giving and receiving, to refine designs and strategies.

  • Proactive Contribution: The company seeks individuals who can bring "fresh ideas" and contribute to design strategy, not just execute tasks.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: TaxRise's stated values emphasize client success and innovation. For a designer, this translates to creating visuals that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also clear, trustworthy, and supportive of the client's journey through complex tax issues.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Consistency: Navigating the need to produce fresh, innovative designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and legal/compliance requirements in the financial sector.

  • Translating Complex Concepts: Effectively communicating intricate tax resolution services and financial information through visual mediums to a broad audience.

  • Fast-Paced Environment: Keeping up with the demands of a rapidly growing company, managing multiple projects, and adapting quickly to evolving priorities.

  • On-site Requirement: For candidates relocating or accustomed to remote work, the mandatory on-site presence in Irvine may present a personal challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deepen Design Expertise: Gain hands-on experience with a variety of design projects, honing skills in digital marketing, UI/UX, and branding within a professional context.

  • Industry Exposure: Develop an understanding of the financial services and tax resolution industries, learning how design supports business objectives in this sector.

  • Cross-Functional Knowledge: Learn about marketing strategies, product development lifecycles, and GTM operations through close collaboration.

  • Professional Development Program: Access to company-sponsored training, workshops, and potentially resources for relevant certifications or courses to advance design skills and career path.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for junior roles in fast-paced, regulated industries. The growth opportunities are significant, especially given TaxRise's status as a fast-growing company, offering a strong foundation for a design career.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for developing a visual concept for a new marketing campaign." (Focus on research, ideation, iteration, and alignment with objectives.)

  • "How do you ensure brand consistency across different design deliverables and platforms?" (Discuss brand guidelines, asset management, and quality control.)

  • "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to translate a complex idea into a simple visual." (Use a specific example, detailing the challenge, your approach, and the outcome.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about TaxRise and our mission?" (Research the company website, recent news, and their values.)

  • "How do you see your design skills contributing to TaxRise's growth and client success?" (Connect your abilities to their stated goals and industry.)

  • "What are your thoughts on the importance of an on-site work environment for a creative team?" (Reflect on collaboration, idea-sharing, and team dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Select Strongest Work: Choose 3-5 impactful projects that best represent your skills and relevance to TaxRise.

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem you solved, your creative process, the tools used, and the results achieved.

  • Quantify Impact (If Possible): Even for a junior role, try to mention any metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the success of your designs.

  • Highlight Process: Show your thought processβ€”sketches, mood boards, iterationsβ€”to demonstrate how you arrive at final solutions.

  • Be Enthusiastic and Professional: Convey your passion for design and your eagerness to contribute to TaxRise.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a clear design process, an understanding of brand strategy, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Rehearsing portfolio presentations is crucial for conveying confidence and clarity.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Visual Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the TaxRise careers page.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating digital marketing assets, brand identity work, and any UI/UX considerations, aligning with TaxRise's needs. Tailor your online portfolio or PDF to highlight relevant pieces.

  • Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva, any relevant design coursework or internships, and your ability to collaborate and manage projects. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process for key projects in your portfolio. Prepare to discuss how your skills can support TaxRise's growth and client-focused mission. Research the company's current visual branding and marketing efforts.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly explore the TaxRise website, "About Us" section, and any available company news or mission statements to understand their values, industry position, and client focus. This will be invaluable for interview discussions.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or equivalent professional experience, along with proven experience as a Visual Designer supported by a strong portfolio. Essential technical requirements include proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and Canva, coupled with strong attention to detail and excellent cross-team collaboration skills.