Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer
Company: Spartina LLC
Location: Bluffton, SC, US
Job Type: Full Time
Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations
Date Posted: October 2, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing and executing visual brand strategies across all marketing channels, ensuring a cohesive and compelling brand presence.
• The Senior Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating high-impact visual assets for both digital and print mediums, directly supporting marketing campaigns and brand storytelling.
• A key aspect of this position involves art direction for photo and video shoots, translating brand vision into tangible visual content that resonates with the target audience.
• This role requires a strong understanding of design principles, including composition, color theory, and typography, to produce aesthetically pleasing and effective creative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the emphasis on "marketing operations," "omnichannel assets," and "brand vision" suggests a strong alignment with Go-To-Market (GTM) operations, specifically in how visual elements drive customer engagement and brand consistency across various touchpoints. This role will likely collaborate closely with marketing operations and GTM teams to ensure visual assets support strategic objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of omnichannel assets for both digital platforms (social media, website, email) and print collateral (lookbooks, advertisements, in-store materials), ensuring brand consistency.
• Collaborate closely with marketing and creative team leads to translate campaign objectives and brand messaging into effective visual solutions that solve communication challenges.
• Provide comprehensive art direction for photo and video shoots, including the development of mood boards, shot lists, and on-set creative guidance to ensure alignment with brand aesthetics and campaign goals.
• Conceptualize and execute motion graphics for digital campaigns, social media content, and promotional videos to enhance audience engagement and storytelling.
• Actively participate in creative brainstorming sessions, design research, and concept development to generate fresh ideas for content creation and innovative design treatments.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior designers, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment within the creative team.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work within established timelines and budgets, while remaining adaptable to last-minute feedback and revisions.
• Conduct thorough design research to stay abreast of current trends in visual communication, photography, and emerging design treatments relevant to the apparel and accessories industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and strategic thinking, typical of senior roles supporting GTM initiatives. The need to provide "design solutions that solve problems" and "art direction for photo and video shoots" indicates a responsibility beyond mere execution, requiring strategic input into visual campaign development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Graphic Designer role, providing a foundational understanding of design principles and theory.

Experience:

• 4-5 years of professional experience working as a graphic designer, with a proven track record of creating impactful visual assets across various media.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring junior designers or leading design projects is highly desirable, showcasing leadership potential and collaborative skills.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio Excellence: A strong, compelling portfolio showcasing exceptional composition, color theory application, and advanced typography skills is paramount. This should demonstrate versatility across different design styles and project types.
• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator is essential for creating and manipulating digital and print assets.
• Art Direction & Visual Strategy: Proven ability to provide art direction for photo and video shoots, including concept development, mood board creation, shot list generation, and on-set creative guidance.
• Motion Graphics Expertise: Hands-on experience with motion graphics software (e.g., Adobe After Effects) to create dynamic visual content for digital channels.
• Collaborative Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, and leadership.
• Problem-Solving Acumen: Ability to identify design challenges and propose creative, effective visual solutions that align with brand objectives and marketing strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Brand Development: Experience in developing and maintaining brand guidelines, ensuring visual consistency across all touchpoints.
• UI/UX Principles: Familiarity with User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design principles, which can inform digital asset creation for better user engagement.
• Photography & Videography: Basic understanding or hands-on experience in photography and videography, which can enhance art direction capabilities.
• Interest in Fashion/Lifestyle: A genuine interest in Spartina's product categories (handbags, apparel, accessories) and lifestyle, allowing for more authentic and resonant creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "strong portfolio" and "art direction" experience points towards a role that demands strategic visual thinking, not just execution. The mention of "mentoring junior designers" suggests a potential for leadership or team lead responsibilities within the creative function as the company grows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Storytelling: The portfolio should clearly articulate the narrative and strategic intent behind each project, demonstrating how design choices supported specific campaign goals or brand messaging.
• Problem/Solution Framework: For each featured project, clearly outline the initial design challenge or objective and detail the creative process and solutions implemented to achieve the desired outcome.
• Omnichannel Examples: Showcase a range of work across different platforms, including digital assets (social media graphics, web banners, email templates) and print materials (brochures, ads, packaging concepts).
• Art Direction Showcase: Include examples of mood boards, shot lists, or final photographic/videographic outputs where the candidate provided art direction, demonstrating their ability to guide visual content creation.
• Motion Graphics Demos: Provide links to or embedded examples of motion graphics projects, highlighting animation techniques, timing, and integration with branding elements.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow: Illustrate understanding of a typical design workflow, from initial brief and concept development through to final asset delivery and asset management.
• Collaboration & Feedback Integration: Demonstrate how feedback from stakeholders (marketing, product teams, leadership) was incorporated into the design process, showing adaptability and a client-focused approach.
• Tool Proficiency Documentation: While not required in the portfolio itself, be prepared to discuss your proficiency and workflows within the Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant design or motion graphics software.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role supporting marketing operations, the portfolio needs to go beyond aesthetics. It must demonstrate strategic thinking, process management, and the ability to translate business objectives into compelling visual communications that drive engagement and support Go-To-Market strategies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Graphic Designer with 4-5 years of experience in a desirable coastal location like Bluffton, SC, the estimated salary range is $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the region and the specialized skills, including art direction and motion graphics, required for the role.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: Includes personal time off (PTO) and holidays, providing a balance between work and personal life.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage is provided.
• Retirement Plan: A retirement plan with an employer match is available, supporting long-term financial planning.
• Employee Discount Program: Significant discounts on Spartina products, offering a valuable perk for employees.
• Performance-Based Incentives: Additional benefits and rewards may be tied to individual contributions and the company's overall success, encouraging high performance.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the company fosters a "fun, upbeat working environment," which may imply some flexibility in daily schedules where feasible, provided all deadlines and responsibilities are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the provided experience level, job title, and location. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, portfolio, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with what is typically offered for full-time roles in the retail and apparel sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Spartina LLC operates within the Retail and Apparel industry, with a specific focus on women's accessories, handbags, and apparel. The company draws inspiration from the coastal beauty and history of Daufuskie Island and the South Carolina Lowcountry, aiming to evoke a sense of "laid-back lux" and "casual elegance." This distinct brand identity influences its creative output and marketing approach.

Company Size:

• While specific employee numbers are not provided, Spartina LLC is likely a mid-sized company, given its established brand presence and the mention of a "creative team" and "team leads." This size often offers a good balance: enough structure to have established processes and resources, but agile enough for individual contributions to have a significant impact.

Founded:

• The company's inspiration from Daufuskie Island suggests a history rooted in local culture and heritage. While the founding date isn't specified, the brand's narrative implies a connection to the region's rich past, which is a key element of its brand identity.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Director of Marketing, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the marketing and creative department.
• The role involves collaboration with "team leads" across various functions, suggesting a matrixed approach where designers work on projects with input from different department heads.
• The creative team is described as "fun, motivated," and focused on providing a "Lowcountry experience," pointing towards a collaborative and energetic team dynamic.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: The core methodology revolves around translating the unique Spartina brand vision and Lowcountry inspiration into compelling visual assets.
• Omnichannel Strategy: A key approach involves creating cohesive visual content that spans digital and print channels to provide a consistent customer experience.
• Data-Informed Creativity: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on solving problems and deepening engagement implies that design decisions will be informed by marketing objectives and potentially performance data.

Company Website:

• https://www.spartina449.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's strong emphasis on its coastal heritage and "Lowcountry experience" is a critical cultural element. Operations professionals, particularly in creative or marketing roles, should understand how this brand identity informs all visual and messaging strategies. This context is vital for aligning design work with the overall company mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior Level within the creative and marketing operations sphere. As a Senior Graphic Designer, the individual is expected to operate with a significant degree of autonomy, contribute strategically to visual campaigns, and potentially guide junior team members. The role requires not only technical proficiency but also leadership qualities in art direction and creative problem-solving.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Creative Director of Marketing. This reporting line suggests direct access to senior marketing leadership, allowing for clear communication of objectives and opportunities for strategic input. The role also implies collaboration with other "team leads," indicating a cross-functional reporting or working relationship.

Operations Impact:

• The Senior Graphic Designer's work has a direct impact on brand perception, customer engagement, and sales conversion. By creating visually appealing and on-brand assets for digital and print channels, the designer influences how customers interact with Spartina 449 products. Strong visual marketing can lead to increased website traffic, higher social media engagement, and ultimately, improved sales performance, directly contributing to the company's revenue operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead Graphic Designer or Art Director role, taking on more strategic oversight of creative projects and team management.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in motion graphics, photography, and digital marketing design, potentially expanding into related areas like UI/UX design.
• Brand Strategy Contribution: As the company grows, there may be opportunities to contribute more significantly to the overall brand strategy and visual identity development.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Exposure to other marketing functions, product development, and retail operations can broaden understanding of the business and open doors to other career paths within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Senior Graphic Designer in a company like Spartina LLC is often tied to their ability to not only execute creatively but also to understand and contribute to broader marketing and GTM strategies. Demonstrating an understanding of how visual assets drive business outcomes will be key to career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The position is based in Spartina 449's newly opened workplace in Old Town Bluffton, SC. It features an open concept office and photo studio. This type of environment is designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and a sense of community among team members.

Office Location(s):

• The office is located in Old Town Bluffton, SC. This area is described as a "vibrant small-town marketplace" surrounded by local shops, restaurants, bars, and a weekly farmer's market. It's noted as being "minutes from several charming residential neighborhoods," suggesting a desirable and accessible location for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The open concept office is intended to encourage spontaneous interactions and teamwork among creative and marketing professionals.
• Integrated Creative Resources: The presence of an on-site photo studio means designers have direct access to resources for art direction and content creation, streamlining the production workflow.
• Inspiring Surroundings: The location in a lively small-town marketplace provides a dynamic and pleasant work environment, potentially fueling creative inspiration.
• Modern Facilities: Being a "newly opened workplace" suggests modern amenities and a well-equipped environment conducive to creative tasks.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time, on-site position requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While the role demands adherence to deadlines, the company's stated culture of a "fun, upbeat working environment" may offer some degree of flexibility in daily scheduling, provided operational needs and project timelines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "open concept office and photo studio" in a "vibrant small-town marketplace" highlights a company culture that values collaboration, creativity, and a positive work-life integration. For operations professionals, this suggests an environment where visual asset creation is central and well-supported.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes and portfolios will be screened for relevant experience, skills, and alignment with Spartina's brand aesthetic. A link to a portfolio is mandatory for consideration.
• Portfolio Deep Dive: Candidates may be asked to walk through their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role in them, the design process, and the outcomes achieved. This session will assess problem-solving skills, art direction capabilities, and strategic thinking.
• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: A practical exercise may be given, such as designing a sample asset or providing art direction concepts for a hypothetical campaign, to evaluate technical proficiency and creative problem-solving under time constraints.
• Cultural Fit Interview: Conversations with the Creative Director of Marketing and potentially other team members to assess communication style, collaboration aptitude, attitude, and alignment with Spartina's "fun, upbeat" culture.
• Final Interview: Possibly with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and potential contributions to the company's strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills in composition, typography, art direction, and motion graphics, specifically highlighting work relevant to apparel, accessories, or lifestyle brands.
• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your design process, the solutions implemented, and the results or impact achieved. Quantify results where possible.
• Showcase Art Direction: Include examples of mood boards, shot lists, or final photo/video assets where you provided art direction, explaining your creative vision and leadership.
• Highlight Motion Graphics: Ensure your motion graphics work is easily accessible and demonstrates your technical skill and creative application.
• Tailor to Spartina: If possible, include a project that demonstrates an understanding of Spartina's brand aesthetic and target audience, or explicitly state how your skills align with their "laid-back lux" and Lowcountry-inspired style.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Spartina 449's current marketing campaigns, website, social media presence, and brand voice. Identify their visual aesthetic and target audience.
• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your design process step-by-step, focusing on how you approach problem-solving, ideation, and execution.
• Practice Presenting: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and any potential creative challenge responses concisely and compellingly, focusing on clarity and impact.
• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready about the team, the creative process, company culture, and future marketing initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and art direction, combined with a "creative challenge," indicates that Spartina LLC places a high value on practical, strategic creative output. Applicants should prepare to demonstrate not just technical skill but also their ability to think critically and align creative work with business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency is required in:
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • InDesign: For layout design of print materials (brochures, lookbooks, advertisements).
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, and illustration.
• Motion Graphics Software: Experience with Adobe After Effects is crucial for creating animated graphics and video elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly listed, understanding how design impacts metrics is key. Familiarity with:
  • Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): To understand how digital assets influence website traffic and user behavior.
  • Social Media Analytics Platforms: To gauge the performance of social media graphics and campaigns.
  • Email Marketing Platforms: To design effective email templates and analyze open/click-through rates.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Klaviyo) for designing and deploying email campaigns is likely beneficial.
• Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) for web content updates may also be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is heavily focused on Adobe Creative Suite and motion graphics tools. For a Senior Graphic Designer supporting marketing operations, understanding how these tools interface with analytics and CRM platforms to measure the impact of visual content is an added advantage, demonstrating a holistic approach to creative strategy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to explore new design treatments and content ideas to keep the brand fresh and engaging.
• Brand Integrity: A commitment to maintaining the unique "laid-back lux" and Lowcountry aesthetic of Spartina 449 across all visual communications.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with marketing, creative, and other teams, sharing ideas and providing constructive feedback.
• Problem-Solving: Approaching design challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, delivering effective visual communication.
• Positive Attitude: Contributing to a "fun, upbeat working environment" through enthusiasm, professionalism, and a proactive approach.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with marketing team leads and potentially product development, sales, and e-commerce teams to ensure visual assets align with broader business objectives.
• Open Communication: An environment where ideas can be freely exchanged, and constructive feedback is welcomed during brainstorming sessions and project reviews.
• Shared Vision: Working towards a common goal of enhancing the Spartina 449 brand through compelling visual storytelling, reinforcing the company's unique identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "fun, upbeat working environment" and "laid-back lux" suggests a culture that values creativity, personal expression within brand guidelines, and a positive, collaborative spirit. Operations professionals who thrive in such an environment, particularly those focused on creative execution and brand consistency, will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining the distinct Spartina 449 aesthetic while continuously introducing fresh and engaging visual concepts for diverse campaigns.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to tight deadlines and the need for rapid turnarounds on creative assets, often with last-minute feedback.
• Omnichannel Execution: Ensuring visual coherence and effectiveness across a wide range of digital and print platforms, each with its own technical and aesthetic requirements.
• Art Direction Scope: Providing effective art direction for photo and video shoots to capture the desired brand essence and narrative, which can be demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunity to hone skills in motion graphics, digital illustration, and potentially explore areas like UI/UX design.
• Photography & Videography Skills: Gaining practical experience and insights through art direction for shoots, potentially leading to a deeper understanding of visual production.
• Brand Strategy Contribution: Developing a stronger strategic understanding of how creative assets contribute to overall marketing and business objectives within the retail and apparel sector.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior designers can build leadership capabilities and prepare for future management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior creative role supporting a dynamic brand. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for an individual looking to expand their skillset beyond traditional graphic design into broader marketing and brand strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex brand vision into a cohesive set of visual assets across multiple channels. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus on your strategic approach, art direction, and problem-solving.)
• "How do you ensure visual consistency while also bringing fresh, innovative ideas to a brand's creative output?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and your creative ideation process.)
• "Walk us through a project where you provided art direction for a photo or video shoot. What were your key considerations, and how did you ensure the final output aligned with the project goals?" (Prepare to discuss your role in storyboarding, concept development, and on-set execution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about the Spartina 449 brand and its Lowcountry-inspired aesthetic?" (Demonstrate you've researched the brand and understand its unique positioning.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with marketing and other teams, especially when receiving feedback or handling last-minute changes?" (Emphasize your communication skills, adaptability, and positive attitude.)
• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers or leading creative projects." (Showcase your leadership potential and collaborative spirit.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a story for each project – the challenge, your approach, your creative solutions, and the impact.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples that demonstrate your proficiency in typography, composition, art direction, and motion graphics.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics (e.g., increased engagement, click-through rates) to show the effectiveness of your design work.
• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to discuss your workflow, from initial brief to final delivery, and how you incorporate feedback.
• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of work that demonstrates your ability to adapt to different project types and mediums.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for this interview involves not only showcasing your design skills but also demonstrating your strategic thinking, collaborative abilities, and understanding of how visual design contributes to business success and brand identity within the retail and lifestyle sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application, ensuring you include a link to your online portfolio, through the provided ADP application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best reflect Spartina 449's aesthetic, focusing on apparel, accessories, lifestyle branding, art direction, and motion graphics.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 4-5 years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and motion graphics, and any art direction or mentorship experience, using keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, art direction experience, and how your work has driven results. Prepare specific examples for potential creative challenges and strategy questions.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Spartina 449's brand, mission, target audience, and current marketing efforts to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

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

---