Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: MATTE PROJECTS

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is an entry-level position within a dynamic creative studio, focusing on supporting the execution of design projects across various platforms including digital, print, and experiential.

• The Junior Graphic Designer will work closely with senior design staff and creative leadership to translate concepts into tangible design assets, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and client objectives.

• A key aspect of this role involves assisting in the development of visual concepts and contributing to the creation of pitch decks and presentation materials for new business efforts.

• The position emphasizes learning studio workflows, brand systems, and production best practices within a collaborative, fast-paced environment, fostering professional growth in design craft.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description is for a Graphic Designer, this enhancement will frame the role and responsibilities through the lens of operations, focusing on process, efficiency, and systematic execution within a creative context. This is crucial for attracting candidates with an operational mindset who can bring structure to creative workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the end-to-end execution of creative design projects across digital, print, experiential, and motion graphics platforms, under the guidance of senior designers and design leadership.

• Assist in the conceptualization and development of visual narratives for branded content, campaigns, and client experiences, from initial layout sketches to final, production-ready deliverables.

• Translate creative direction and feedback into refined design solutions, ensuring strict adherence to established brand systems, visual identity, and client-specific goals.

• Apply fundamental principles of typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy to maintain design consistency, quality, and aesthetic coherence across all project outputs.

• Prepare and package production-ready files and assets with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring proper organization, naming conventions, and adherence to technical specifications.

• Collaborate effectively with Design Directors, Creative Directors, strategists, copywriters, and producers to facilitate the seamless progression of creative ideas from concept through to final execution.

• Contribute to new business development initiatives by assisting in the creation of pitch decks, mockups, and compelling visual storytelling materials designed to secure client engagement.

• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects and client demands concurrently, learning to navigate timelines, feedback loops, and production schedules with support from project managers and producers.

• Actively participate in brainstorms, creative reviews, and team synchronization meetings, contributing relevant ideas, visual references, and design inspiration to foster a collective creative output.

• Design and format professional presentations and decks, ensuring strict alignment with both MATTE's and client-specific brand guidelines for polished client-facing materials.

• Systematically organize, prepare, and archive all design files according to established studio best practices, ensuring efficient retrieval and version control for future reference and project continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities have been expanded to highlight the operational aspects of design execution, such as file management, process adherence, and cross-functional collaboration, which are critical for a well-run creative operation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in graphic design principles is expected, often demonstrated through a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 1-2 years of professional design experience, gained through agency, studio, or in-house brand environments, including relevant internships or freelance engagements.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for comprehensive design creation and manipulation.

• Digital Design Tools: High proficiency in Figma for collaborative design, prototyping, and handoff processes in digital environments.

• Foundational Design Principles: Solid understanding and practical application of typography, layout design, color theory, and visual hierarchy to ensure effective communication and aesthetic appeal.

• Portfolio Excellence: A robust portfolio showcasing a range of projects that highlight strong design fundamentals, creative problem-solving, and meticulous execution across digital, print, and experiential mediums.

• Project Management Support: Ability to support the management of multiple concurrent projects and deadlines, learning to prioritize tasks and manage feedback effectively under guidance.

• Communication & Collaboration: Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills, with comfort in discussing design work and participating in collaborative internal reviews.

• Adaptability & Feedback: Capacity to receive constructive feedback, iterate designs rapidly, and contribute thoughtfully to a dynamic, collaborative creative process.

• Organizational Acumen: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced studio setting.

• Curiosity & Learning Agility: A demonstrated curiosity for design innovation, a willingness to experiment with new tools and techniques, and a proactive approach to learning beyond established solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics: Foundational skills or experience in motion design software (e.g., After Effects) for dynamic visual content creation.

• 3D Design: Familiarity or experience with 3D design software and principles, offering an expanded skillset for visual execution.

• Brand System Development: Experience contributing to or working within established brand systems, understanding their importance for consistent visual identity.

• Client-Facing Presentation: Experience in preparing and presenting design concepts or work in client-facing settings, even if in a supporting capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been framed to emphasize the operational aspects of design, such as proficiency in collaborative tools (Figma), understanding of brand systems, and project management support, which are critical for efficient workflow within a creative operations context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process-Driven Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies that illustrate your design process from problem identification through to final execution, emphasizing strategic thinking and problem-solving methodologies.

• Demonstration of Workflow: Include examples that clearly articulate your workflow for specific projects, detailing how you approach concept development, asset creation, and final file preparation.

• Systematic Execution: Present projects that demonstrate adherence to brand guidelines and system consistency, highlighting your ability to work within established frameworks and maintain quality control.

• Impact Visualization: Where possible, visually represent the impact or effectiveness of your design work, even if through mockups or conceptual explanations of intended outcomes, to showcase an understanding of design's business objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you approach organizing design tasks and workflows, and any methods you've used or observed for optimizing efficiency in the design process.

• System Implementation & Automation: Discuss your experience with design tools and systems that aid in creating, managing, or automating design assets and processes.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: While direct measurement may be limited for junior roles, be ready to discuss how design contributes to broader project goals and how you'd approach understanding design effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is entirely inferred, emphasizing the operational rigor expected in a creative studio environment. A strong portfolio for a Junior Designer in this context should not just showcase aesthetics but also the underlying process, organization, and systematic approach to design execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 per year. This range is competitive for a Junior Graphic Designer role in New York City, reflecting the cost of living and the typical compensation for early-career creative professionals in a major metropolitan area and a high-caliber studio.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings: 401k plan with a generous 4% company contribution and maximum match, aiding long-term financial planning.

• Wellness Perks: Fully covered yearly Citibike membership and Talkspace membership, promoting physical and mental health.

• Paid Time Off: A competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) package for rest and personal pursuits.

• Additional Recharge Time: End-of-Year Recharge paid time off to ensure employees have dedicated time to disconnect.

• Long-Term Incentives: Sabbatical Program option available after three years of employment, rewarding tenure and commitment.

• Family Support: Comprehensive Parental Leave for all new parents, supporting work-life balance during significant life events.

Working Hours: The role requires 4 days per week in the office (Monday-Thursday), with one designated remote work day on Fridays. This hybrid model is designed to balance collaborative in-office synergy with individual focus and flexibility. Standard full-time hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is directly from the input. Benefits are listed with added detail for clarity. The working hours have been clarified to emphasize the hybrid structure and its operational implications for team coordination and individual productivity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Creative Services / Advertising & Marketing / Experiential Design. MATTE PROJECTS operates at the intersection of strategic ideation, creative development, and production, serving a diverse range of forward-thinking brands and institutions. This multi-faceted approach requires agility and a strong operational backbone.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description implies a multidisciplinary studio with various capabilities and leadership roles (Design Director, Creative Directors, strategists, copywriters, producers), suggesting a medium-sized to large agency or studio environment. This size typically means established processes but also room for individual impact.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's description as a "360° full-service creative studio" suggests a mature organization with a proven track record in delivering comprehensive creative solutions.

Team Structure:

• Creative Hub: The design team is likely structured under a Design Director, collaborating closely with Creative Directors, strategists, copywriters, and producers, forming cross-functional project teams.

• Hierarchy & Collaboration: A clear hierarchy exists with senior leadership providing direction, but the emphasis on collaboration suggests a flat enough structure for junior members to contribute and learn.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires constant interaction with various departments (strategy, copywriting, production, project management), highlighting the importance of seamless interdepartmental communication and workflow integration.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Creativity: The studio aims to blend "hype, storytelling and design," suggesting an approach that is both trend-aware and strategically grounded, likely informed by insights and data.

• Process-Oriented Execution: The mention of "strategic ideation and insights, creative development... all the way through full-scale production and execution" points to a structured, end-to-end process designed for efficiency and quality.

• Agile & Adaptive Practices: The need to "nimbly and truly do the same" for brands indicates an agile approach to project management and creative development, capable of adapting to client needs and market dynamics.

Company Website: https://matteprojects.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: This section synthesizes company information to highlight how its structure and operational approach would impact a Junior Graphic Designer, emphasizing the need for process adherence and cross-functional collaboration within a creative context.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Designer. This entry-level role is designed for individuals with foundational skills and 1-2 years of experience, focused on learning and executing under supervision. The emphasis is on developing craft, understanding studio workflows, and contributing to project execution rather than leading strategic initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Designer reports directly to the Design Director, indicating a clear line of mentorship and oversight. This relationship is crucial for skill development and understanding studio standards.

Operations Impact: While a junior role, the impact is felt through the consistent and high-quality execution of design assets that form the visual foundation of client campaigns, brand identities, and experiential projects. Efficient and well-executed design contributes directly to client satisfaction and the studio's reputation for quality and reliability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in core design software (Adobe Suite, Figma) and potentially explore specialized areas like motion graphics or 3D design, guided by senior team members.

• Process Mastery: Develop a comprehensive understanding of studio workflows, project management methodologies, and best practices for asset creation and delivery, preparing for more senior operational roles in design.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Benefit from direct mentorship from the Design Director and exposure to senior creative leadership, fostering growth towards mid-level and eventually senior design or art direction roles. The potential for a Sabbatical Program after three years also signifies a commitment to employee well-being and long-term careers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory within a creative operations framework, emphasizing how a junior role serves as a foundational step for understanding and mastering the systematic processes required for successful creative project delivery.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role specifies a hybrid work environment, requiring 4 days per week in the office (Monday-Thursday) and offering 1 remote day (Friday). This structure aims to balance in-person collaboration and team synergy with individual focus and flexibility.

Office Location(s): New York, New York. This prime location in a major creative hub offers access to industry events, networking opportunities, and a vibrant professional ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, with teams working closely together on projects. This is essential for brainstorming, creative reviews, and the seamless exchange of ideas and feedback.

• Tools & Technology: Designers will have access to the necessary software and hardware, including Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, within the studio setting. The emphasis on "studio best practices" suggests well-organized digital infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: The 4-day in-office requirement ensures regular opportunities for direct interaction with the Design Director, senior designers, and cross-functional team members, promoting a strong team dynamic and efficient communication.

Work Schedule: A hybrid schedule with designated in-office and remote days allows for structured workdays. The standard expectation is approximately 40 hours per week, with the flexibility of the remote Friday allowing for focused, individual work or personal appointments, managed within the overall project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are interpreted to highlight how the physical and structural setup supports operational efficiency, collaboration, and the systematic execution of design tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Expect to present your portfolio, discussing your process, design choices, and how you approach problem-solving. Be prepared to articulate your role in projects and demonstrate your understanding of design principles and studio workflows.

• Creative Challenge/Exercise: A potential exercise to assess your design skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle feedback in a timed or simulated scenario. This might involve a small design task or a critique of existing work.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: An opportunity for the hiring team (including potentially the Design Director and other creatives) to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within MATTE PROJECTS' dynamic studio environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in typography, layout, digital design, and any preferred areas (motion, 3D). Ensure variety if possible.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your thought process, design iterations, and the final outcome. Visualizing your workflow is key.

• Highlight Collaboration: If projects were team-based, clearly define your specific contributions and how you collaborated with others.

• Tailor to MATTE: Research MATTE PROJECTS' work and client roster. If possible, include projects that align with their aesthetic or industry focus.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and how you use them to achieve specific design outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a creative challenge, thoroughly read and understand the objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes. Ask clarifying questions.

• Focus on Process: Even with limited time, demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, sketching out ideas, and making considered design choices.

• Communicate Clearly: Be prepared to present your work concisely, explaining your rationale and design decisions. Practice articulating your ideas under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred, providing actionable advice on how to navigate the application and interview process from an operational perspective, focusing on demonstrating systematic thinking and process-oriented skills relevant to a creative studio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for a wide range of graphic design tasks, from raster image editing and vector illustration to page layout and print production. Mastery is expected for executing high-quality creative assets.

• Figma: High proficiency required for digital design, collaborative workflows, prototyping, and asset handoff. This tool is central to modern digital design operations.

Supporting & Preferred Tools:

• Motion Graphics Software (e.g., Adobe After Effects): Experience is a plus, indicating potential for dynamic content creation and animation for digital campaigns or experiential elements.

• 3D Design Software (e.g., Cinema 4D, Blender): Familiarity is preferred, suggesting an ability to contribute to more advanced visual projects or explore innovative design solutions.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in Keynote or Google Slides is implied for creating and formatting pitch decks and client presentations, aligning with studio standards.

Collaboration & Project Management Tools:

• Internal Studio Systems: While not specified, expect to utilize internal systems for file management, project tracking, and communication, adhering to "studio best practices."

• Cloud Storage & Sharing: Likely uses cloud-based solutions for file sharing and collaboration on projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred and tailored to a graphic design role within a creative studio, highlighting the essential software for design execution and collaboration, and framing them within an operational context of tool proficiency and workflow integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A strong emphasis on producing thoughtful, well-crafted design work that meets high aesthetic and technical standards, reflecting meticulous attention to detail.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture that values teamwork, open communication, and shared learning, where designers work closely with each other and cross-functional teams to achieve collective goals.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouragement to experiment, explore new design solutions, and push creative boundaries while maintaining a strategic understanding of client objectives.

• Efficiency & Process Adherence: A commitment to understanding and following studio workflows, best practices for file management, and project timelines to ensure timely and organized delivery of creative assets.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers actively collaborate with strategists, copywriters, producers, and other creative leads, ensuring design is integrated with broader project objectives and client strategies.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: A culture that embraces constructive feedback as a means to refine and improve design work, with designers expected to iterate effectively and contribute to a continuous improvement cycle.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing inspiration, techniques, and insights among team members to foster collective growth and elevate the overall quality of creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred and focuses on the operational implications of the company's culture and values for a designer, emphasizing how these principles translate into day-to-day work, collaboration, and process adherence within the studio.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Constraints: Navigating the inherent tension between exploring innovative design solutions and adhering strictly to established brand guidelines and client requirements.

• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Effectively prioritizing and managing workload across various projects with different deadlines and stakeholder expectations, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Rapid Iteration & Feedback Integration: The need to quickly adapt designs based on feedback, often requiring multiple revisions within tight timelines, while maintaining design integrity and quality.

• Staying Current with Design Trends & Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to evolving design trends, software updates, and new creative technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Design Craft: Opportunities to hone fundamental design skills through hands-on project work and mentorship from experienced designers.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of client projects across different industries and platforms, broadening experience and skill sets.

• Understanding Studio Operations: Gaining insight into the operational aspects of a creative studio, including project management, client relations, and production workflows.

• Potential for Specialization: Exploring areas like motion graphics or 3D design through project assignments or internal training, guided by team needs and individual interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred and focuses on challenges and growth from an operational perspective, highlighting how the role prepares individuals for future career progression by developing skills in process management, adaptation, and continuous learning within a creative context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and adherence to operational frameworks.)

• "Walk us through your typical design process for a new campaign or brand identity project, from brief to final delivery." (Emphasize structured workflow, research, ideation, execution, and file management.)

• "How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects with competing deadlines?" (Highlight organizational strategies, time management, and communication about workload.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What aspects of MATTE PROJECTS' work or client portfolio resonate most with you, and why?" (Demonstrate research into the company's operational output and creative style.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your design work?" (Showcase adaptability, a collaborative spirit, and a process-oriented approach to iteration.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with non-designers (e.g., writers, strategists). How did you ensure clear communication and alignment?" (Focus on cross-functional operational communication and teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by illustrating a specific skill. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, and the outcome.

• Highlight Process, Not Just Pixels: For each case study, detail your workflow, the tools you used, how you iterated based on feedback, and any challenges you overcame. This demonstrates operational thinking.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): Even for a junior role, try to discuss how your designs contributed to project goals or client objectives, linking design execution to broader business outcomes.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, explaining how specific features or tools helped you execute your designs efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred, providing specific, actionable advice for interview preparation, focusing on how to frame responses and showcase skills through an operational lens relevant to a creative studio environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Curate Your Operations-Focused Portfolio: Select 2-4 key projects that best demonstrate your design process, organizational skills, and ability to execute within established brand systems. For each project, clearly outline the brief, your specific role, your workflow, and the final deliverables, emphasizing how you managed tasks and ensured quality.

• Optimize Your Resume for Operations: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with design software (Adobe Suite, Figma), project management support, cross-functional collaboration, and any instances where you improved efficiency or organization in your design workflow. Use keywords related to design execution, process, and collaboration.

• Prepare for a Process-Oriented Interview: Practice articulating your design process, how you handle feedback, and your approach to managing multiple projects. Be ready to discuss your proficiency with design tools and how you ensure consistency and quality in your work. Prepare specific examples of collaboration and problem-solving.

• Research MATTE PROJECTS' Operations: Understand the studio's approach to creative work, their client portfolio, and their emphasis on "hype, storytelling and design." Consider how your own operational approach to design aligns with their stated methodologies and values.

⚠️ 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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