Large Format Signage Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Large Format Signage Graphic Designer Company: Strategic Factory Location: Owings Mills, Maryland, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: September 26, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for translating client visions into tangible, large-scale visual assets, directly impacting brand visibility and client satisfaction within the large-format print industry.
• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in the end-to-end design process, from concept development to final print-ready file preparation, ensuring seamless integration with production workflows.
• A key focus will be on maintaining high standards of design quality, color accuracy, and material appropriateness for diverse large-format applications like vehicle wraps, banners, and signage.
• This position requires a blend of creative talent, technical proficiency in design software, and a solid understanding of large-format printing processes and materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the context of "Large Format Signage" and the detailed responsibilities clearly place this role within a specialized design operations function, focusing on the production and execution of visual assets for print. This requires a deep understanding of pre-press operations and material science in a printing context, which is common in GTM and Production Operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop custom, impactful designs for a wide array of wide-format print projects, including but not limited to vehicle wraps, banners, static and dynamic signage, wall graphics, and trade show displays.
• Meticulously prepare and optimize design files for wide-format printing, ensuring critical elements such as color accuracy (utilizing CMYK and spot colors), appropriate bleed, high resolution (DPI), and correct file formats (e.g., EPS, AI, PDF) are maintained.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including sales representatives, account managers, project managers, and the production department, to thoroughly understand project briefs, client objectives, brand guidelines, and technical constraints for large-format applications.
• Leverage advanced proficiency in industry-standard design software, primarily Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and gain familiarity with Raster Image Processor (RIP) software utilized in wide-format printing workflows.
• Develop a strong understanding of the physical properties and applications of various printing materials and substrates, such as vinyl, fabric, mesh, and rigid boards, to inform design choices and ensure optimal final product performance.
• Conduct thorough pre-production checks, review digital and physical proofs, and actively monitor the printing process to guarantee the final output precisely matches the approved design specifications and quality standards.
• Engage directly with clients when necessary for design consultations, concept presentations, feedback sessions, and to iterate on designs based on their input, ensuring client satisfaction and project alignment.
• Proactively research and stay abreast of the latest design trends, emerging printing technologies, new materials, and innovative large-format applications to propose creative solutions and enhance project outcomes.
• Manage a dynamic workload of multiple large-format design projects simultaneously, effectively prioritizing tasks, managing deadlines, and ensuring the timely delivery of all design assets from concept to final production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on pre-press operations and production readiness, which are core components of GTM and operations functions that bridge creative output with manufacturing. The need for color accuracy, file optimization, and material knowledge points to a specialized operational role within the creative domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a closely related field (preferred).

Experience:

• A minimum of 2-5 years of dedicated experience in graphic design, with a mandatory focus on large-format printing environments and applications.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Demonstrable expertise in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for vector and raster graphics creation, manipulation, and layout for print.
• Large-Format Print File Preparation: Proven ability to create and optimize print-ready files specifically for wide-format output, understanding requirements for scaling, resolution, bleeds, and color profiles.
• Design Principles & Application: Strong grasp of fundamental design principles (typography, layout, color theory, composition) and their practical application in creating visually compelling designs for signage, wraps, and displays.
• Client & Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts, gather requirements, and collaborate effectively with sales teams, production staff, and clients.
• Organizational & Project Management: Strong organizational skills and the capacity to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced print production environment.
• Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve design-related issues, including color correction, image resolution problems, and file formatting challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• RIP Software Familiarity: Experience or understanding of Raster Image Processor (RIP) software commonly used in large-format printing.
• Color Management & ICC Profiles: Knowledge of color management workflows, including the use and application of ICC profiles for accurate color reproduction across different devices and substrates.
• Printing Hardware & Materials: Familiarity with various wide-format printing hardware and an understanding of different printing materials (vinyl, fabric, mesh, etc.) and their properties.
• Mathematical Aptitude: Ability to read a ruler, perform simple calculations for scaling and material estimation, and understand basic mathematical concepts relevant to print production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Adobe Creative Suite, RIP software), file preparation for print, and understanding of materials points to a technical and operational aspect of the design role, crucial for ensuring production efficiency and quality in a GTM context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Diverse Large-Format Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating a strong track record in designing for large-format applications, including vehicle wraps, banners, signage, and exhibits.
• Process Optimization Examples: Include case studies or project examples that highlight your process for taking a design from initial concept through to final, production-ready files, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy.
• Technical File Preparation Standards: Showcase examples of print-ready files, illustrating your understanding of resolution, color modes (CMYK, RGB, Spot), bleeds, and file formats suitable for RIP software.
• Client Collaboration & Problem-Solving: Feature projects where you successfully collaborated with clients or internal teams to meet specific project goals, showcasing how you translated requirements into effective visual solutions and overcame design challenges.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your typical design workflow for large-format projects, from brief interpretation to final asset delivery, detailing key stages and decision points.
• File Optimization Methodology: Articulate your systematic approach to preparing and optimizing files for large-format output, including your considerations for specific printing processes and materials.
• Quality Assurance & Proofing: Describe your methods for quality assurance, including proof review strategies and pre-production checks to minimize errors and ensure design fidelity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role focused on production, a portfolio is critical. Highlighting process, technical execution, and client collaboration within the portfolio is essential for demonstrating operational competence and readiness for a role that bridges creative and production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $62,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision benefits provided.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Includes a generous company matching contribution, supporting long-term financial planning.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Ample paid leave for vacation, personal days, and sick leave.
• Paid Holidays: Recognized paid holidays throughout the year.
• Other Unique Benefit Options: Access to additional employee benefit programs.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time employment in the design and production industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the input data. For this specific role and location (Owings Mills, MD), a range of $50,000-$62,000 is competitive for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience specializing in large-format printing. This range reflects the required technical skills and the operational demands of the role in a production environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Printing, Signage, Marketing Services, Manufacturing Company Size: The company is likely mid-sized to large, as indicated by the mention of "rapidly growing," "double in size in the next three years," and offering a "comprehensive package" of benefits. This suggests a structured organization with established operational processes. Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's emphasis on growth and an "updated work environment" implies a company that has evolved and invested in its facilities and capabilities.

Team Structure:

• Creative/Design Team: This role will likely sit within a dedicated design department, potentially reporting to a Creative Director or Design Manager, collaborating closely with production artists.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect significant interaction with sales, project management, and production teams to ensure design projects are aligned with client needs, production capabilities, and business objectives.
• Operations & Production Integration: The designer must work seamlessly with the production floor to understand material limitations, printing processes, and finishing techniques, ensuring designs are feasible and optimized for manufacturing.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Design: The company likely operates with a strong focus on client satisfaction, requiring designers to translate client briefs into effective visual solutions that meet business goals.
• Process-Driven Production: Given the manufacturing aspect of large-format printing, a structured and efficient workflow is essential, moving from design approval to production execution.
• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated, operations-focused companies often leverage data to optimize workflows, track project timelines, and measure client satisfaction.

Company Website: strategicfactory.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Strategic Factory's description suggests a company that values growth, employee development, and a modern work environment. For a designer, this means opportunities to work on diverse projects and potentially influence operational processes within the creative department. The industry context of printing and signage implies a need for precision, technical understanding, and efficient workflow management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer with specialized expertise in large-format printing. It requires practical experience and a solid understanding of production-level design execution, distinguishing it from a purely conceptual or entry-level design position.

Reporting Structure:

• The designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Creative Director, or potentially a Production Manager, depending on the specific organizational structure.
• Close collaboration with sales, account management, and the production floor is expected, indicating a matrixed reporting or strong cross-functional communication requirement.

Operations Impact:

• The quality and accuracy of designs produced directly impact the company's reputation, client satisfaction, and the efficiency of the production process. Errors in design files can lead to costly reprints, delays, and dissatisfied clients, underscoring the operational significance of this role.
• Successful design execution can lead to repeat business and positive client referrals, contributing directly to revenue generation and brand growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer/Art Director: Potential to advance to a senior role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to creative strategy.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific large-format applications (e.g., vehicle wraps, architectural graphics) or advanced printing technologies.
• Operations Process Improvement: With experience, there's potential to contribute to optimizing the design-to-production workflow, implementing new tools or processes to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Client-Facing Roles: For those with strong communication skills, a transition into roles with more direct client interaction, such as an Account Manager specializing in design projects, could be possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes both creative and operational development, aligning with a career in specialized design operations. The impact on revenue and efficiency highlights the operational aspect of the role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company describes its building as "updated" and "state-of-the-art," suggesting a modern, well-equipped office and production facility. This likely includes dedicated design workstations and access to production equipment.

Office Location(s): Owings Mills, Maryland, with a specific address provided: 10324 S. Dolfield Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117. This location is within the Baltimore metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The description emphasizes working alongside "skilled professionals" and "Uber-talented team members," indicating a collaborative atmosphere where knowledge sharing and teamwork are valued.
• Access to Technology: Designers will have access to industry-standard design software and potentially specialized hardware or RIP systems necessary for large-format production.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with sales, project management, and production teams are inherent, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is implied. While the description doesn't explicitly mention flexibility, the focus on deadlines in a production environment suggests that adherence to work hours and meeting project timelines are critical. Occasional overtime might be required during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description suggests a professional setting with ample resources, fostering both individual productivity and team collaboration, which is essential for efficient operations within a creative and manufacturing context.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Screening: Submit resume and cover letter. Candidates may be asked to complete a brief skills assessment or questionnaire.
• Portfolio Review (Virtual or In-Person): This is a critical stage. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, highlighting projects relevant to large-format signage and print production. Focus on your design process, technical execution, and problem-solving skills.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: You may be given a practical design task or scenario related to large-format design to assess your technical abilities, creative thinking, and efficiency under time constraints.
• Behavioral & Technical Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potential team members will assess your fit with the company culture, communication skills, understanding of design principles, and technical knowledge of large-format printing.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership to discuss your career aspirations and overall fit with the company's strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that specifically showcase large-format design experience, print file preparation, and successful client outcomes.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's brief, your design approach, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the final results (e.g., successful installation, positive client feedback).
• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss file setup, color management, software choices, and how you ensured the design was production-ready for wide-format printing.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or quantifiable results (e.g., increased brand visibility, positive client feedback, reduced production errors due to clear file setup).
• Demonstrate Process: Clearly outline your workflow from concept to final file, emphasizing efficiency and attention to detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Medium: Familiarize yourself with common large-format materials (vinyl, banner material, mesh) and their properties.
• Practice File Setup: Be proficient in setting up files with correct dimensions, resolutions (e.g., 100-150 DPI for large prints), color modes (CMYK), and appropriate bleeds.
• Color Accuracy: Review color profiles and best practices for ensuring consistent color reproduction in print.
• Time Management: If a timed challenge is given, practice working efficiently and prioritizing key design elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and practical design challenges underscores the operational and technical demands of this role, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just creative talent but also the ability to execute production-ready designs efficiently.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector-based design, logo creation, and layout for signage and vehicle wraps.
• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image manipulation, retouching, and raster graphics required for large-format prints.
• Adobe InDesign: Useful for layout and multi-page documents, though Illustrator might be primary for many signage projects.
• RIP Software (e.g., Onyx, Caldera, Fiery): Familiarity or ability to learn RIP software used to process design files for large-format printers is highly preferred.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding how design assets are tracked or impact campaign performance might be beneficial. Basic reporting on project completion times and client feedback could be relevant.

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how design requests are logged or managed within a CRM or project management system would be advantageous, ensuring seamless integration with sales and production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools are industry-standard for graphic design, with a strong emphasis on the Adobe Creative Suite. The inclusion of RIP software highlights the production-centric nature of this operational role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to delivering high-quality, error-free designs that meet stringent print standards and client expectations. This aligns with a data-driven approach to ensure accuracy.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: Valuing efficient workflows and meeting deadlines is paramount in a production environment, ensuring projects move smoothly through the design-to-print process.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with sales, production, and other team members to achieve collective goals.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Encouraging creative solutions and being open to learning new technologies, materials, and design techniques to stay competitive.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Workflow: Expect a highly integrated collaboration style where designers work closely with sales to understand client needs and with production to ensure designs are feasible and optimized for manufacturing.
• Feedback Loops: Openness to constructive feedback from peers, managers, and production teams to refine designs and improve processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture where best practices for design, file preparation, and material usage are shared to elevate the team's overall capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style point to a results-oriented, team-focused environment where operational excellence in design execution is highly prized.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of large-format printing often involves rapid turnaround times, requiring designers to work efficiently without compromising quality.
• Technical Constraints of Printing: Overcoming limitations imposed by specific printing technologies, materials, or finishing processes while still delivering compelling designs.
• Balancing Creativity with Practicality: Ensuring creative vision aligns with production feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and client brand guidelines.
• Adapting to New Technologies: Keeping pace with evolving printing technologies, software updates, and new material options in the large-format industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or learn new design and production software.
• Large-Format Printing Workshops: Access to training on specific printing technologies, materials, and RIP software to enhance technical skills.
• Color Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications or training in advanced color management techniques.
• Industry Trend Seminars: Attending webinars or conferences focused on signage, vehicle wraps, and large-format display trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for resilience, technical acumen, and continuous learning, which are common in operational roles. Growth opportunities focus on enhancing both creative and technical skills essential for this specialized design function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for preparing a design file for large-format printing, including considerations for color, resolution, and bleeds." (Assesses technical process knowledge)
• "How do you ensure your designs are aligned with client brand guidelines and production capabilities simultaneously?" (Assesses balance of creativity, operational constraint, and client focus)
• "Walk me through a challenging large-format design project you completed. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Assesses problem-solving and project execution)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with large-format signage specifically, and why Strategic Factory?" (Assesses genuine interest and cultural fit)
• "How do you approach collaboration with sales and production teams in a high-volume print environment?" (Assesses teamwork and communication style)
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new printing technologies?" (Assesses continuous learning and industry engagement)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each selected project, clearly outline your step-by-step workflow, from understanding the brief to final file delivery.
• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to explain technical decisions related to file setup, color profiles, and material suitability.
• Problem/Solution Narrative: Structure your project explanations around a clear problem (client need/challenge) and your solution (design execution and technical implementation).
• Showcase Production Readiness: Emphasize how your designs were optimized for printing and installation, demonstrating your understanding of the end-to-end process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, technical proficiency in large-format production, and strong operational awareness regarding workflows, deadlines, and cross-functional collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting.paylocity.com, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience with large-format design, Adobe Creative Suite, file preparation for print, and any relevant materials or RIP software knowledge. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed design for 50+ vehicle wrap projects").
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest large-format design projects. Prepare to discuss your process, technical execution, and problem-solving approach for each. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., PDF, personal website, Behance).
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review common large-format design principles, color management, file setup requirements, and be ready to discuss your familiarity with RIP software.
• Research Strategic Factory: Understand their services, client base, and company culture to articulate your interest and how you can contribute to their operational success.

⚠️ 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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