Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Tower 28 Beauty

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative Operations / Brand Design

Date Posted: August 29, 2025

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Senior)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the evolution and refinement of Tower 28 Beauty's graphic identity, focusing on typographic excellence and cohesive visual branding across all touchpoints.

• Drive the conceptualization and execution of high-impact design for diverse assets, including retail point-of-sale displays, product packaging, PR kits, and event collateral.

• Champion brand consistency by developing and enforcing comprehensive brand guidelines and visual systems, ensuring uniformity across a multi-sku product line.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Marketing, and Merchandising, to translate business objectives into compelling visual narratives.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior design talent, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented creative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and the responsibility of mentoring junior designers, this role likely involves strategic input into the brand's visual direction and requires a candidate who can not only execute but also guide and influence the creative output. The emphasis on "brand guidelines and brand codes" suggests a need for strong systems thinking and process adherence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and rigorously enforce brand guidelines and visual identity systems across all brand communications and product touchpoints.

• Lead design initiatives for key physical and digital assets, including but not limited to: point-of-sale (POS) retail fixtures, innovative product packaging, exclusive PR packaging, event signage, and marketing collateral.

• Conceptualize and execute unique, aesthetically pleasing, and structurally sound packaging for beauty products, with a strong consideration for innovative structures and sustainable material solutions.

• Collaborate effectively with Product Development, Marketing, Merchandising, and other internal stakeholders to ensure design solutions align with brand strategy and commercial goals.

• Manage vendor relationships, including printers, manufacturers, and structural engineers, ensuring designs are translated accurately into production with high-quality finishes and adherence to dielines.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, providing constructive feedback, sharing expertise, and fostering their professional development within the creative team.

• Stay abreast of industry trends in beauty, packaging, and graphic design, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the brand's visual expression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "Sephora" experience for retail fixtures suggests a need for understanding the specific demands and visual standards of major beauty retailers. The focus on "sustainable, recyclable and home-compostable materials" indicates a requirement for knowledge in eco-friendly design practices and material sourcing.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 7+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant portion ideally within the beauty, fashion, or lifestyle industries.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in graphic design principles, with a specialization in typography, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• A sophisticated and discerning eye for elevated aesthetics, with a demonstrated ability to create striking and memorable visuals.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, with a clear emphasis on brand identity, packaging, and retail design.

• Deep understanding of print production processes, including dielines, color management, bleeds, and various specialty finishes (e.g., foil stamping, embossing, UV coating).

• Proficiency in sustainable design practices and knowledge of eco-friendly materials relevant to packaging.

• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and precision in all design outputs.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of articulating design concepts and collaborating effectively with diverse teams.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• A proactive, self-starter attitude with a collaborative spirit and a genuine passion for design, culture, and branding.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for major beauty retailers, particularly Sephora, including understanding their specific POS display and fixture requirements.

• Familiarity or experience with 3D rendering tools such as ArtiosCAD, Adobe Substance 3D, or Blender for packaging visualization.

• Experience in mentoring or leading junior design staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "passionate typographer with a deep knowledge and geeky predilection for hierarchy, systems and type that talks" indicates a strong preference for candidates who view typography not just as text, but as a core element of brand storytelling and system design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a strong command of typography, demonstrating sophisticated hierarchy, system development, and expressive type usage.

• Include examples of brand identity systems, illustrating how visual elements are applied consistently across various applications.

• Feature detailed case studies of packaging design projects, highlighting the conceptualization, structural considerations, material choices, and production execution.

• Present examples of retail POS displays or fixture designs, demonstrating an understanding of dimensional design, materials, and in-store visual merchandising principles.

• Include examples of PR packaging or special event collateral, showcasing creativity and elevated execution for unique brand experiences.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial concept generation and mood boarding to final file preparation for print and production.

• Be ready to articulate how they approach developing and implementing brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all brand assets.

• Prepare to explain their workflow for collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing feedback loops.

• Demonstrate how they manage vendor communication and quality control during the print and production phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "systems" in the portfolio suggests that designers who can demonstrate building and maintaining cohesive visual frameworks will be highly valued. A strong understanding of the end-to-end design-to-production process, especially for packaging, is critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry standards for a Senior Graphic Designer with 7+ years of experience in Los Angeles, CA, and considering the hybrid work model and the company's position in the beauty sector, the estimated salary range is approximately $85,000 - $115,000 annually. This range is competitive for a role with significant brand responsibility and mentorship duties.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Potential for employee discounts on Tower 28 Beauty products.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in design and brand management.

• A dynamic and collaborative work environment within a growing beauty brand.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with a full-time employment status. The role requires a hybrid presence, with 3 days per week expected in the Santa Monica office and 2 days of flexible work (potentially remote).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from reputable compensation resources for creative roles in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, adjusted for the specified experience level and the specific industry focus. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in this sector and location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Beauty & Cosmetics. Tower 28 Beauty operates within the rapidly evolving clean beauty sector, known for its emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility, and sensitive-skin formulations. This context implies a brand culture that is modern, progressive, and consumer-focused.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the presence of a VP of Creative and the need for a Senior Graphic Designer suggest a growing, mid-sized company, likely between 50-200 employees. This size typically offers a balance between structure and agility, with opportunities for significant individual impact.

Founded: Tower 28 Beauty was founded in 2019. This relatively recent founding means the brand is still actively shaping its identity and market presence, offering a dynamic environment for creative professionals to contribute to its growth and visual narrative.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will report directly to the VP of Creative, indicating a clear reporting line within the creative department.

• The role involves mentoring junior designers, suggesting the creative team includes at least one junior-level designer, and potentially other creative roles (e.g., copywriters, social media designers) that the Senior Designer will collaborate with.

Methodology:

• Design decisions are driven by a blend of brand strategy, market trends (especially in clean beauty), and a strong emphasis on typography and visual systems.

• The approach to packaging and retail design prioritizes innovation, aesthetic appeal, and sustainable material solutions.

• Collaboration is key, with a focus on aligning creative output with business objectives and receiving input from various departments.

Company Website: https://www.tower28beauty.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's founding date and focus on "clean, non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free" beauty suggest a brand built on modern values and a commitment to conscious consumerism, which likely permeates its internal culture and creative output.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior level position within the creative function, specifically focused on graphic and brand design. It signifies a significant level of responsibility, requiring not just design execution but also strategic input, brand guardianship, and the ability to mentor. The role is critical in shaping the tangible visual representation of the brand.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the VP of Creative. This structure provides a direct line to senior leadership, allowing for significant visibility and influence on brand direction. It also implies a level of autonomy and trust in managing design projects.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the brand's market perception, customer engagement, and sales performance through its influence on packaging, retail presence, and overall visual identity. High-quality, consistent, and innovative design is crucial for standing out in the competitive beauty market and reinforcing brand values.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into an Art Director or Creative Director role as the company expands, taking on more strategic oversight and team management.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in packaging design, retail fixture design, or sustainable design practices through hands-on project experience and potential training.

• Brand Building: Contribute significantly to the ongoing development and refinement of a rapidly growing and influential beauty brand, building a strong portfolio of impactful work.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader business acumen by working closely with Marketing, Product Development, and Merchandising teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation combined with mentorship responsibilities suggests a potential stepping stone to leadership roles. Candidates showing strong strategic thinking and leadership potential will likely find significant growth opportunities within Tower 28 Beauty.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role requires 3 days per week in the office in Santa Monica, CA, with 2 days offering flexibility (potentially remote). This blend aims to foster in-person collaboration and team cohesion while allowing for focused work and work-life balance.

Office Location(s): Santa Monica, California. This location is known for its vibrant creative and business scene, offering a desirable work environment.

Workspace Context:

• The Santa Monica office likely provides a modern, collaborative workspace conducive to creative brainstorming and team interaction.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware (Adobe Creative Suite, potentially 3D tools) is expected.

• The hybrid model suggests an environment that values both in-person connection and independent work, encouraging efficient project management and communication.

Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule is anticipated to be Monday through Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in structuring the two remote workdays, provided project deadlines and team collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific requirement for 3 days in the Santa Monica office highlights the company's emphasis on in-person collaboration for creative roles, particularly for tasks involving concept development, team feedback, and mentorship.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and creative alignment with the brand.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the VP of Creative and potentially other key stakeholders. This session will focus on design approach, process, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with members of Marketing, Product Development, or Merchandising teams to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of cross-functional dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall brand vision and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that highlight your skills in typography, brand identity, packaging, and retail design. Prioritize work that demonstrates innovation and a strong understanding of the beauty industry.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges you faced, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the impact of your work. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your approach to typography, brand systems, packaging dielines, material selection, and print production. If you have 3D rendering experience, showcase how you used it.

• Demonstrate Brand Fit: Ensure your portfolio reflects an understanding of Tower 28 Beauty's aesthetic and values (clean, inclusive, fun). Consider including a speculative piece or adapting an existing project to show how you would approach their brand.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, your experience with sustainability, and your approach to mentoring.

Challenge Preparation:

• Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge, potentially involving a concept for a new product launch, a packaging update, or a retail fixture idea.

• Prepare to articulate your creative process under time constraints, demonstrating your ability to think critically and deliver compelling design solutions efficiently.

• Focus on clear communication of your concept, rationale, and execution strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "uncompromisingly sharp eye" and "bold, striking visuals" in the job description suggests that the portfolio review will look for both technical skill and a strong, distinctive creative voice. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency is mandatory, specifically:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image manipulation, retouching, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, typography, and illustration.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design, brand guideline creation, and print collateral production.

• 3D Rendering Tools (Preferred):

  • ArtiosCAD: Industry standard for packaging structural design and dieline creation.
  • Adobe Substance 3D / Blender: For creating realistic 3D mockups and visualizations of packaging and products.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly a design tool, understanding how design impacts performance metrics (e.g., conversion rates for packaging, engagement for retail displays) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or social media analytics tools could be advantageous for understanding campaign performance, though not explicitly required for the design role.

CRM & Automation: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) might be helpful for understanding marketing campaign contexts, but direct CRM management is not expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong preference for 3D rendering tools indicates a move towards more sophisticated digital prototyping and visualization in packaging design, a key area of focus for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Clean & Conscious: A commitment to clean, non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products is foundational. This ethos likely extends to a conscious approach to design, including material choices and sustainability.

• Inclusive & Accessible: The brand aims to make beauty accessible and inclusive, suggesting a design approach that is welcoming, diverse, and representative.

• High Quality & High Standards: While fun, the brand also upholds high standards for product quality and creative execution, demanding precision and excellence from its team.

• Fun & Approachable: Tower 28 aims to be a "beauty big sister," implying a culture that is friendly, approachable, and doesn't take itself too seriously, balancing professionalism with a positive, engaging atmosphere.

• Data-Driven Brand Evolution: While creative-led, decisions are likely informed by market insights and performance data, encouraging a balanced approach to creative strategy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with Marketing, Product Development, and Merchandising to ensure cohesive brand messaging and product launches.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback is crucial for refining designs and fostering growth.

• Process-Driven: Emphasis on developing and adhering to brand guidelines and workflows to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Innovation & Experimentation: Encouragement to explore new ideas, materials, and visual approaches within the brand’s framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The brand's "big sister" persona suggests a culture that is supportive, communicative, and encouraging, particularly for the junior designers being mentored.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Evolution with Consistency: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity while pushing creative boundaries and introducing new product lines or packaging formats.

• Sustainable Material Innovation: Staying at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions and integrating them effectively into design and production, which can involve technical and material sourcing challenges.

• Retail Fixture Design Complexity: Translating brand aesthetics into functional, eye-catching, and compliant retail displays for diverse environments like Sephora.

• Mentorship Responsibilities: Effectively guiding and developing junior designers while managing a senior workload requires strong leadership and communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Packaging Design: Gain extensive experience in structural packaging design, material science (especially sustainable options), and print production techniques.

• Retail Design Expertise: Develop specialized skills in designing for retail environments, understanding merchandising principles, and working with fixture manufacturers.

• Brand Strategy Contribution: Play a key role in shaping the visual language of a growing beauty brand, contributing to its long-term brand equity.

• Leadership Training: Opportunities to hone mentorship and leadership skills, potentially leading to formal training or advancement into management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of "bringing uniformity to a multi-sku packaging system" highlights the need for a designer with strong systems thinking and the ability to create flexible yet consistent design frameworks.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Vision: How would you approach evolving Tower 28 Beauty's graphic identity to further differentiate it in the clean beauty market? What are your initial thoughts on the brand’s current typographic system?

• Process & Problem-Solving: Describe your process for developing packaging for a new beauty product. Walk me through a time you had to solve a complex design problem related to print production or material constraints. How do you approach collaborating with Product Development on packaging concepts?

• Mentorship & Leadership: How do you approach mentoring junior designers? Describe your experience in leading design projects and providing constructive feedback.

• Retail & Production Know-How: What are the key considerations when designing retail POS displays for a major retailer like Sephora? Discuss your experience with specialty finishes (foil, embossing) and sustainable packaging materials.

Company & Culture Questions:

• What attracts you to Tower 28 Beauty specifically? How do your personal values align with the brand's mission?

• How do you stay inspired and keep up with current trends in beauty and design?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with an overview of Tower 28 Beauty and your understanding of its brand. Then, present 3-4 key projects, dedicating 5-7 minutes to each. Conclude with a summary of your key strengths and fit for the role.

• Content for Projects: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the creative process (ideation, execution, refinement), the tools used, challenges overcome, and the final outcome/impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, mockups, and potentially short videos or animations if relevant. Ensure your typography and layout are impeccable within your presentation itself.

• Key Projects to Highlight: Prioritize packaging design, brand identity work, and any retail display or PR packaging examples. If you have experience with sustainable materials or innovative structures, make sure to showcase it.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices, technical expertise, and how you would handle specific scenarios presented by the interviewers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you have used typography to build brand systems and communicate brand personality. Showcase your understanding of the practicalities of beauty packaging production and retail display design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to beauty packaging, brand identity systems, and retail design. Tailor your case studies to highlight your process, typography skills, and understanding of print production and sustainability.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 7+ years of experience, emphasizing achievements in graphic design, brand guardianship, and any mentorship roles. Use keywords like "typography," "packaging design," "brand guidelines," "print production," and "Adobe Creative Suite."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear articulation of your design process, problem-solving abilities, and how your work aligns with Tower 28 Beauty's brand values and aesthetic. Prepare specific examples for questions about collaboration, mentorship, and handling feedback.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself thoroughly with Tower 28 Beauty's brand, product lines, mission, and recent marketing campaigns. Understand their commitment to clean beauty and inclusivity.

⚠️ 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.