Print Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Print Graphic Designer Company: Heritage Auctions Location: Dallas, Texas, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing / Art & Design Date Posted: 2025-09-27 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on the strategic design and comprehensive layout of multi-page auction catalogs, forming the core of the role (70% of responsibilities).
• Develop compelling print advertising, direct mail campaigns, brochures, and other promotional materials that align with brand ethos and marketing objectives (30% of responsibilities).
• Collaborate closely with internal design teams, print production specialists, marketing managers, and subject matter experts to ensure cohesive and impactful visual communication.
• This role is strictly focused on print design and does not involve digital UI/UX, web, or e-commerce design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Print Graphic Designer" title with a heavy emphasis on auction catalogs and marketing collateral, combined with the explicit exclusion of digital design, strongly indicates a role focused on traditional print production and brand asset creation within a company that relies heavily on physical promotional materials. The 7+ years of experience requirement aligns with a senior-level individual contributor role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and layout process for auction catalogs, which can range from 100 to over 400 pages, ensuring aesthetic appeal, brand consistency, and effective presentation of high-value items.
• Conceptualize, design, and execute a variety of marketing collateral, including print advertisements, direct mail pieces, brochures, flyers, and other promotional materials to support auction events and company initiatives.
• Collaborate with print production staff to prepare final artwork for print, ensuring proper color correction, file preparation, and adherence to pre-press specifications to guarantee high-quality output.
• Translate preliminary concepts and sketches into polished, professional designs that effectively communicate the value and prestige of Heritage Auctions' offerings, particularly in areas like fine jewelry, luxury items, and fine art.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and adapting to shifting deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven auction house environment, ensuring all print materials are delivered on time and to specification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a senior-level print designer focused on high-volume, complex print projects (catalogs) and supporting marketing efforts with traditional collateral. The emphasis on "lead the design" suggests significant autonomy and ownership over these deliverables. The mention of "translating preliminary concepts and sketches" implies a need for creative ideation alongside technical execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Design, Communications, or a closely related field is considered a plus, indicating a preference for formal education in creative or marketing disciplines.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of dedicated experience in print graphic design is essential, with a proven track record in producing high-quality print materials.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and executing complex multi-page projects such as catalogs, books, or magazines is a critical requirement.
• Strong pre-press skills are mandatory, including proficiency in color correction, graphic preparation for print, and understanding of proofing bluelines.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign (for layout and multi-page documents), Photoshop (for image manipulation and retouching), and Illustrator (for vector graphics and logos).
• Expertise in typography, including font selection, hierarchy, and readability for print media.
• Strong layout and composition skills, with an eye for visual balance, flow, and aesthetic appeal.
• Excellent color correction abilities to ensure accurate and vibrant reproduction in print.
• Proven ability to manage intricate projects from concept to completion, including timeline adherence and stakeholder communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with specific emphasis on:
  • Word: For document formatting, template creation, and mail merge functionalities.
  • Excel: For basic data handling, spreadsheet management, and understanding reporting requirements.
  • Outlook: For calendar management, task coordination, and professional communication.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration with teams and stakeholders.
• Exceptional multitasking capabilities to manage a high volume of projects with competing deadlines.
• Aptitude for technical troubleshooting related to design software and print production processes.
• Ability to sketch preliminary thumbnails or conceptual drafts to visualize design ideas.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing for industries such as fine jewelry, luxury items, or fine art, which aligns with Heritage Auctions' core business.
• Familiarity with bidding processes and the specific design needs of auction catalogs.
• Proficiency in Acrobat for PDF creation, optimization, and pre-flight checks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years of experience and advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, especially InDesign for multi-page documents, positions this as a senior-level role. The specific mention of Microsoft Word's mail merge function suggests potential involvement in direct mail campaigns, a key print collateral type. The "plus" for a degree indicates that extensive practical experience can outweigh formal education.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a diverse range of high-quality print design work.
• The portfolio must demonstrate significant experience in designing multi-page documents, with a particular emphasis on auction catalogs or similarly complex publications.
• Examples of marketing collateral, such as print ads, brochures, and direct mail campaigns, should be included to illustrate breadth of skill.
• Showcase projects that highlight strong typography, layout, and color correction expertise.
• Include case studies or project descriptions that outline your role, the design process, challenges faced, and the successful outcomes achieved, especially regarding efficiency and impact.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate the ability to document design processes, from initial concept generation and client brief interpretation to final file delivery for print.
• Provide examples of how you manage project workflows, including task prioritization, timeline management, and communication protocols with cross-functional teams like production.
• Showcase understanding of pre-press workflows, color management standards, and quality control measures essential for print production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio "showcasing a diverse range of print design work" and specifically mentioning "auction catalogs" is crucial. Candidates must curate their portfolios to highlight these specific strengths. The note about submitting portfolios directly to "[email protected] or include a link directly on your résumé" indicates a direct, manual review process for portfolios.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Commensurate based on experience.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior Print Graphic Designer with 7+ years of experience in Dallas, Texas, market research suggests a salary range of approximately $70,000 to $95,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Dallas, the specialized nature of print design for high-value items, and the required expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and pre-press.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage are provided to support employee health and well-being.
• Paid time off (PTO) is offered, allowing for rest and personal time.
• 401k savings plans are available, providing a retirement savings benefit with potential company contributions.
• An onsite gym with access to a personal trainer is offered, promoting employee health and fitness.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the "deadline-driven environment" and "high volume of projects with competing deadlines" suggest that occasional overtime or flexible hours may be necessary to meet critical production schedules, especially around major auction events.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Heritage Auctions operates within the collectibles and auction industry, specializing in a broad range of coveted items including Coins, Sports memorabilia, Comics, Historical artifacts, Jewelry, Fine & Decorative Art, Wine, and more. This niche requires a keen understanding of aesthetics, value perception, and the ability to present luxury and rare items compellingly through print. The company is one of the largest auction houses founded in the U.S., indicating a significant market presence and established operational processes.

Company Size:

• Heritage Auctions is a large, established organization with a significant global footprint, including offices in multiple major cities worldwide. This scale suggests a structured corporate environment with dedicated departments, including a robust Marketing and Design team, and complex operational workflows. For a graphic designer, this means working within established brand guidelines and collaborating with various specialized teams.

Founded:

• Founded almost 50 years ago, Heritage Auctions has a long-standing history and deep expertise in the auction market. This longevity implies stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of its customer base and market dynamics. The company's growth, described as "fastest-growing," suggests an innovative and dynamic culture that balances tradition with forward momentum.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Design Team within the Marketing Department. This structure indicates close collaboration with marketing managers and potentially other creative specialists.
• The role requires working in tandem with fellow designers, print production staff, and subject matter experts, suggesting a cross-functional team approach.
• Reporting lines are likely within the Marketing department, with potential oversight from a Creative Director or Marketing Manager.

Methodology:

• The company likely employs a project-based methodology, driven by auction schedules and marketing campaigns.
• Emphasis will be placed on data-driven insights for marketing collateral, though the designer's primary focus is execution of print assets that visually communicate value.
• Workflow optimization is implied by the need to manage a high volume of projects with competing deadlines, requiring efficient processes and clear communication.

Company Website:

• https://www.ha.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on high-value collectibles and luxury items means the design output must reflect a premium, sophisticated brand image. The "fastest-growing" descriptor suggests a dynamic environment where processes may be evolving, requiring adaptability from team members.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as a Senior Print Graphic Designer, indicating a high level of individual contributor expertise. It requires extensive experience (7+ years) and the ability to lead complex print design projects independently. The focus is on deep specialization in print design rather than broad GTM operations.

Reporting Structure:

• The designer will report to a manager or director within the Marketing Department, likely overseeing the Design Team. Collaboration will extend to fellow designers, print production staff, marketing managers, and subject matter experts across various departments relevant to auction items.

Operations Impact:

• While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" role, the Print Graphic Designer has a significant impact on revenue by creating visually compelling marketing collateral and auction catalogs that drive bidder interest and participation. High-quality print materials are crucial for presenting valuable items, influencing purchasing decisions, and reinforcing the brand's premium image, which directly supports sales and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to deepen expertise in specialized print production techniques, advanced pre-press workflows, and print vendor management.
• Leadership Potential: Opportunity to take on lead roles on larger catalog projects, mentor junior designers, or contribute to the strategic direction of print campaigns within the marketing department.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of different auction categories (e.g., Fine Art, Jewelry, Collectibles) by working closely with subject matter experts, enhancing contextual design skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section is adapted to reflect how a design role contributes to business objectives, framing it within the broader context of driving revenue through effective visual communication, a key GTM function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This is an in-house position requiring on-site attendance at the Dallas, Texas office. The environment is described as a "bustling, deadline-driven environment," typical of a high-volume auction house.

Office Location(s):

• The office is located south of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, at the NW corner of W. Airport Freeway (Hwy. 183) and Valley View Lane. This location offers accessibility within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be within a dedicated design studio or marketing department, fostering collaboration with fellow designers and marketing professionals.
• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware is expected.
• The environment demands focus and efficiency due to the high volume of projects and competing deadlines.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, totaling 40 hours per week.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of the auction business and the emphasis on deadlines, flexibility may be required, potentially including occasional extended hours or weekend work during peak periods leading up to major auctions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of résumé and portfolio submission (required via [email protected] or link on résumé).
• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or HR representative to assess qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. This may include discussing past projects and design philosophies.
• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio in detail, explaining their process, design choices, and problem-solving approaches for specific projects, particularly multi-page catalogs. A practical design test or case study related to print design challenges might be administered.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or key stakeholders from marketing and production teams to discuss strategic contributions and final fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Prioritize showcasing your strongest print design work, especially multi-page catalogs and luxury/art-focused collateral.
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable impact (e.g., on bidder engagement, brand perception).
• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency in typography, layout, color correction, and pre-press preparation.
• Showcase Process: Include examples of sketches, mood boards, or workflow diagrams if they effectively illustrate your design methodology.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Print Production Knowledge: Be prepared to discuss common print production challenges, such as color management, bleed, trapping, and file preparation for various printing methods.
• Catalog Design Strategy: Think about how design elements contribute to the overall narrative and appeal of an auction catalog, considering target audiences and item value.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle conflicting feedback, tight deadlines, or technical issues during the design and print process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit instruction for portfolio submission via email or résumé link highlights the critical importance of this component for application success. Candidates should prepare a digital portfolio that is easily shareable and professionally presented.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Advanced Proficiency Required):
  • InDesign: Essential for layout design of multi-page documents like auction catalogs, brochures, and direct mail. Must be proficient in master pages, styles, pre-flighting, and interactive PDF creation.
  • Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, retouching, color correction, and preparing raster graphics for print.
  • Illustrator: Necessary for creating logos, icons, vector illustrations, and preparing vector artwork for print.
  • Acrobat Pro: For PDF creation, optimization, pre-press checks, and commenting workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While this role is print-focused, a basic understanding of how print campaigns are tracked or how data informs design choices might be beneficial. However, direct analytics tool proficiency is not specified as a primary requirement.

CRM & Automation:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required:
  • Word: For document formatting, templates, and mail merge, which is directly relevant to direct mail campaigns.
  • Excel: For potential data reporting related to print runs, cost estimates, or tracking collateral distribution.
  • Outlook: For managing communications, scheduling, and coordinating tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The heavy emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, underscores the core technical requirements for this print-centric role. The inclusion of Microsoft Office Suite points to administrative and communication tasks alongside design execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craftsmanship: A commitment to producing high-quality, visually stunning print materials that reflect the prestige of Heritage Auctions and its offerings.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with designers, production staff, and marketing teams to achieve collective goals and project success.
• Efficiency and Deadline Adherence: A strong focus on managing workload effectively, prioritizing tasks, and delivering projects on time in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to typography, layout, color, and pre-press preparation to ensure flawless print output.
• Brand Integrity: Upholding and enhancing the Heritage Auctions brand through consistent and professional visual representation across all print media.

Collaboration Style:

• The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working closely with fellow designers to share ideas and workload, with print production staff to ensure technical feasibility, and with marketing managers to align designs with campaign objectives.
• Open communication and a willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback are essential for iterating on designs and ensuring project success.
• Adaptability and flexibility in shifting focus between different projects and collaborating with diverse stakeholders are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize both creative quality and operational efficiency, which are critical in a deadline-driven, high-stakes industry like auctioneering. The collaborative style notes highlight the need for strong interpersonal skills alongside design talent.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume & Competing Deadlines: Managing a constant flow of diverse projects, each with its own critical deadline, requires exceptional time management and prioritization skills.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all print materials, from multi-page catalogs to small ads, adhere to established brand guidelines while still offering creative solutions.
• Technical Pre-Press Demands: Navigating the complexities of print production, color management, and file preparation to achieve high-quality output consistently.
• Translating Value Visually: Effectively conveying the worth and desirability of unique, high-value items through print design alone.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Print Skills: Deepen expertise in advanced pre-press techniques, print vendor relations, and emerging print technologies.
• Industry Knowledge: Gain in-depth knowledge of various collectible categories (e.g., art, jewelry, coins) through close collaboration with subject matter experts, enhancing contextual design capabilities.
• Project Leadership: Opportunities to lead design on major catalog projects, potentially influencing design direction and mentoring junior team members.
• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Develop a broader understanding of marketing strategies, auction processes, and business operations within a leading auction house.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the nature of the business and the role's responsibilities, offering clear areas for candidates to demonstrate problem-solving skills. Growth opportunities focus on deepening specialized print expertise and gaining broader industry insight.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Catalog Design Process: Be prepared to walk through your process for designing a complex, multi-page catalog. Discuss how you approach layout, hierarchy, typography, and image placement to create a compelling narrative.
• Print Production Challenges: Anticipate questions about how you handle issues like color shifts, bleed problems, or file incompatibility during the pre-press phase. Discuss specific examples of how you've resolved them.
• Brand Alignment: How would you ensure that all print collateral, from ads to catalogs, consistently reflects the premium brand image of Heritage Auctions, even when designing for vastly different item categories?
• Workflow Management: Describe how you prioritize and manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. What tools or methods do you use to stay organized?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Industry Understanding: Research Heritage Auctions' recent sales, key auction categories, and recent marketing campaigns. Be prepared to discuss what excites you about their business and why you want to contribute your design skills to their success.
• Team Collaboration: How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as subject matter experts or marketing managers, to ensure their input is incorporated effectively without compromising design integrity?
• Motivation for Print: Given the prevalence of digital design, what draws you specifically to a career focused on print graphic design, and how do you see its value in today's market?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Catalog Case Study: Select your best multi-page catalog project and prepare a concise presentation that highlights your design thinking, layout strategy, typographic choices, and how you managed the project from start to finish.
• Showcase Variety: Include examples of different types of print collateral (ads, brochures) to demonstrate versatility.
• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss specific technical aspects of your work, such as color correction methods, pre-press considerations, and software shortcuts.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have any data or feedback on how your print designs have contributed to successful campaigns or increased engagement, be sure to present it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses heavily on demonstrating practical skills in print design, workflow management, and understanding the specific needs of an auction house. The portfolio presentation is highlighted as a key component, requiring structured storytelling and technical detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Print Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting portal.
• Portfolio Submission: Ensure your résumé includes a direct link to your online portfolio or submit your portfolio separately to [email protected] as instructed. Your portfolio is critical for consideration.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your résumé to highlight your 7+ years of print graphic design experience, specifically mentioning experience with multi-page documents (catalogs, books), pre-press skills, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare for Portfolio Review: Be ready to present and discuss your portfolio in detail during interviews, focusing on your process, problem-solving abilities, and technical skills relevant to print production.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Heritage Auctions, its auction categories, and recent marketing efforts to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their business and brand.

⚠️ 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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