Senior Illustrator / Graphic Designer (Golf & Lifestyle Brand)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Illustrator / Graphic Designer (Golf & Lifestyle Brand)

Company: Pins & Aces

Location: Arvada, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Art & Design

Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a senior-level position focused on driving the visual identity and product aesthetic for a golf and lifestyle brand.

• The core of the role involves creating original, high-level illustrations and production-ready artwork for a variety of physical products.

• It requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as screen printing and embroidery, ensuring designs are feasible and optimized for production.

• The position emphasizes a unique blend of artistic concept development and practical application for consumer goods, not just digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description does not explicitly state "Revenue Operations," "Sales Operations," or "GTM," this role is critical to the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by defining the product's visual appeal, which directly influences sales and brand perception. The emphasis on production-ready artwork and understanding manufacturing constraints is a key operational aspect of bringing products to market efficiently and cost-effectively. Therefore, this role can be framed within a broader GTM operations context due to its direct impact on product commercialization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of original, high-impact illustrations for a diverse product line including golf headcovers, apparel (e.g., repeating patterns for polo shirts), ball markers, accessories, and packaging.

• Develop innovative visual concepts that align with the brand's direction while also pushing creative boundaries and introducing fresh aesthetics.

• Translate conceptual ideas into clean, vector-based artwork that is fully optimized and ready for immediate production across various manufacturing techniques.

• Collaborate closely with product development and marketing teams to ensure seamless integration of designs into final products and marketing campaigns, maintaining brand consistency across collections.

• Maintain a strong understanding of manufacturing constraints, including screen printing, embroidery, and other relevant production methods, to ensure design feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

• Work with limited color palettes (typically 2-6 colors) and focus on creating bold, high-contrast graphics that are simplified yet impactful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a crucial operational function: ensuring product design feasibility and readiness for manufacturing. This directly impacts production timelines, costs, and quality, which are core concerns for GTM operations. The need to translate concepts into "production-ready artwork" and understand "manufacturing constraints" points to a process-oriented mindset essential for operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for a senior-level creative role. Equivalent practical experience and a robust portfolio will be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in illustration and graphic design, with a significant portion dedicated to product design and direct-to-production artwork.

Required Skills:

• A strong, non-negotiable portfolio showcasing high-level original illustration work.

• Proven ability to create bold, simplified, and production-friendly graphics suitable for physical products.

• Extensive experience in vector illustration, with expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator.

• Deep understanding of manufacturing constraints and processes, including screen printing and embroidery.

• Experience designing for apparel, accessories, and physical products.

• Ability to work effectively within limited color palettes (2–6 colors).

• Demonstrated ability to develop concepts that align with and advance brand direction.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within the golf, streetwear, or lifestyle brand sectors.

• Familiarity with successful brands in these sectors (e.g., Swag Golf, Malbon).

• Proven ability to create seamless repeat patterns and cohesive product collections.

• Understanding of how designs translate across different physical product mediums and materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio and experience with production methods like screen printing and embroidery are key indicators of the operational rigor expected. This role requires more than just aesthetic talent; it demands an understanding of the practicalities of manufacturing, which is a critical component of GTM operations and product lifecycle management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5-7 distinct projects demonstrating original illustration capabilities for physical products.

• Include examples of vector artwork optimized for production methods like embroidery and screen printing.

• Present case studies that illustrate the design process from concept to final production-ready artwork, highlighting problem-solving related to manufacturing constraints.

• Demonstrate proficiency in working with limited color palettes and creating bold, high-contrast graphics.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio piece, outline the design workflow, including concept generation, initial sketches, vector refinement, and final production file preparation.

• Detail any specific challenges encountered during the design-to-production phase (e.g., color limitations, material compatibility) and how they were overcome.

• Illustrate how designs were adapted for different manufacturing processes (e.g., digitizing for embroidery, separating colors for screen printing).

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as the primary evidence of operational capability in bringing designs to market. The expectation for process documentation within the portfolio underscores the need for structured thinking and execution, aligning with operational best practices for project management and workflow efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Senior Illustrator/Graphic Designer with 10+ years of experience in a specialized niche (golf/lifestyle), and considering the Arvada, CO location, the estimated salary range is $70,000 - $90,000 per year. This estimate accounts for the specialized skill set, the senior level of the position, and the cost of living in the Denver metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options for employees and their families.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar plan with potential company match.

• Product Discounts: Employee discounts on Pins & Aces merchandise.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and attending relevant industry events.

• Creative Work Environment: A collaborative and inspiring office space.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in start and end times, subject to team coordination and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on typical compensation for senior creative roles in the Denver metro area, factoring in the specialized nature of the golf and lifestyle industry. Benefits are standard for full-time positions and are crucial for attracting and retaining talent in competitive creative fields. The on-site requirement suggests a need for consistent team presence and collaboration, which is common for roles deeply integrated into product development cycles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Golf & Lifestyle Apparel/Merchandise. Pins & Aces operates within a dynamic market that blends sports enthusiasm with fashion and lifestyle trends, requiring designs that resonate with a discerning consumer base.

Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated but appears to be a growing, specialized brand, likely in the small to medium-sized business (SMB) category. This often means a more agile environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: Pins & Aces was founded in 2018. This relatively recent founding suggests a company culture that is likely innovative, adaptable, and focused on rapid growth and establishing a strong brand identity.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Illustrator / Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Head of Product Development.

• The role involves close collaboration with product managers, marketing specialists, and potentially external manufacturing partners.

Methodology:

• Design decisions are driven by a blend of brand vision, market trends, and direct consumer feedback.

• Emphasis is placed on creating unique, high-quality, and production-ready artwork that stands out in the market.

• A data-informed approach may be used to understand customer preferences and successful design elements, though the primary driver for this role is creative execution and illustration skill.

Company Website: pinsandaces.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a relatively young company in a niche market, Pins & Aces likely values creativity, strong execution, and a hands-on approach. The "golf and lifestyle" focus implies a culture that appreciates both performance and aesthetic appeal. The emphasis on original illustration and production-ready artwork suggests a practical, results-oriented operational mindset within the creative department.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility. The role is expected to influence the brand's visual direction significantly and mentor junior designers if applicable.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Illustrator/Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Head of Product. This structure allows for strategic guidance while providing the freedom to execute creative vision.

Operations Impact: The visual output of this role directly impacts the marketability and perceived value of Pins & Aces' products. High-quality, unique illustrations can drive sales, enhance brand loyalty, and differentiate the company from competitors. This role is integral to the product's Go-To-Market strategy by defining its visual appeal.

Growth Opportunities:

• Become the lead visual authority for product design, shaping the future aesthetic of the brand.

• Potential to move into a Creative Director role as the company scales.

• Opportunities to develop expertise in specific product categories or manufacturing techniques.

• Involvement in broader brand strategy and product development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title signifies a leadership potential within the creative function, which is a key component of GTM strategy execution. The impact on sales through product design is a direct operational contribution, highlighting the business-critical nature of this creative role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, suggesting a traditional office or studio environment. This fosters direct collaboration, team synergy, and easy access to physical product samples and production materials.

Office Location(s): Arvada, Colorado. This location offers a blend of suburban accessibility and proximity to the Denver metropolitan area's creative and business resources.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative studio environment where designers can interact with product samples, physical materials, and team members.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware, including high-performance workstations for complex vector work.

• Opportunities for hands-on interaction with product prototypes and manufacturing samples.

• An environment that encourages creative thinking and problem-solving related to product design and production.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the on-site requirement necessitating consistent daily presence. Flexibility may be available for start/end times, but the core hours will likely align with team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for roles involving physical product design and collaboration with manufacturing. This environment supports the operational need for immediate feedback and iterative design processes, which are essential for efficient product development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess required skills and experience.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: Candidates will present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, and how they handle production constraints. A practical design challenge may be assigned to assess problem-solving and illustration skills under time constraints.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members (e.g., Creative Director, Product Manager) to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Production Readiness: Clearly demonstrate how your illustrations are production-ready, specifically for screen printing and embroidery. Show final artwork files if possible.

• Showcase Process: Walk through your design process for key projects, emphasizing concept development, problem-solving, and adaptation for manufacturing.

• Illustrate Versatility: Present a range of styles within the required "bold, clean, high-contrast" aesthetic, showing your ability to work with limited color palettes.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While challenging for design roles, discuss how your designs contributed to product success or brand recognition.

• Tailor to Pins & Aces: Research the brand and its existing aesthetic to show how your style aligns and can evolve their visual identity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a hands-on design exercise that involves creating an original illustration for a specific product (e.g., a headcover design).

• Focus on delivering a clean, vector-based design within a specified color palette and demonstrating an understanding of production feasibility.

• Practice articulating your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio as proof of operational capability in design and production. The expectation for a practical design challenge and detailed portfolio walkthrough means candidates must be prepared to demonstrate their skills and process in real-time, mirroring the demands of a production-focused role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector illustration, logo design, and creating production-ready artwork. Proficiency must be expert-level.

• Adobe Photoshop: Useful for mockups, image manipulation, and initial concept sketching.

• Procreate / Affinity Designer (Optional): May be used for initial sketching and concept development.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities, but awareness of how design assets are managed and deployed within a broader marketing or e-commerce platform could be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Illustrator as essential highlights the tool proficiency required. This is a direct operational requirement, as mastery of specific software tools is critical for efficient workflow and output quality in design and production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce unique and compelling designs that push the brand forward.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to creating high-quality, production-ready artwork that reflects well on the brand.

• Efficiency & Practicality: An understanding that designs must be feasible for manufacturing and align with business objectives.

• Collaboration: A willingness to work closely with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

• Brand Alignment: A dedication to understanding and upholding the Pins & Aces brand identity.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and iterative feedback loops with product and marketing teams.

• Cross-functional problem-solving to overcome design and production challenges.

• A shared commitment to launching successful, visually appealing products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values described emphasize a blend of creative excellence and practical execution, which is characteristic of successful GTM operations. The focus on quality, efficiency, and collaboration ensures that creative output is not only aesthetically pleasing but also operationally sound.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing creative vision with production constraints and cost-effectiveness.

• Maintaining a consistent brand aesthetic across a wide range of diverse products.

• Adapting to evolving trends in golf, lifestyle, and streetwear markets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in specific manufacturing techniques (e.g., advanced embroidery, specialized printing).

• Expand knowledge of product design and material science within the apparel and accessories space.

• Gain exposure to broader brand strategy and marketing initiatives.

• Potential for leadership growth within the creative department as the company expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities inherent in product design for a physical goods company. Overcoming these requires strategic thinking and problem-solving skills that are transferable to operational roles focused on process improvement and efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating original illustrations for physical products, from concept to final production file. How do you account for manufacturing limitations like screen printing or embroidery?" (Prepare a concise walkthrough of a past project, emphasizing decision-making and problem-solving related to production.)

• "How do you approach a design challenge that requires working within a limited color palette (e.g., 3 colors) while still achieving a bold and impactful visual?" (Have examples ready that showcase your ability to work with constraints and deliver strong results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Pins & Aces and the golf/lifestyle market?" (Show genuine interest and knowledge of the brand and its industry.)

• "How would you collaborate with our product and marketing teams to bring your designs to life?" (Emphasize communication and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically.

• Storytelling: For each key piece, tell a story: the brief, your concept, the process, the challenges, and the final outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and actual product photos where possible to show how your designs look in context.

• Focus on Production: Explicitly discuss how your work is production-ready. Highlight vector formats, color separations, and specific manufacturing considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just artistic talent, but also operational understanding of the design-to-production lifecycle. This includes clear communication, problem-solving, and a strategic approach to creative execution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Illustrator / Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on app.trinethire.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience, specifically mentioning skills in original illustration, vector art, Adobe Illustrator, and experience with production methods like screen printing and embroidery. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features high-level illustration work for physical products, demonstrating your ability to create bold, clean, production-ready graphics within limited color palettes. Include case studies that detail your process and problem-solving.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, and your understanding of manufacturing constraints. Practice articulating your creative vision and operational approach.

• Research Pins & Aces: Understand the brand's aesthetic, target audience, and market position. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and style can contribute to their continued growth and 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.