Junior Graphic Designer (Temporary)
π Job Overview
Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer (Temporary)
Company: Christie's
Location: New York, New York, United States
Job Type: Full time, Temporary
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Administrative
Date Posted: 2026-09-10
Experience Level: 0-2 years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
-
Provides essential design and production support for high-value proposals, presentations, and pitch materials within Christie's Proposals team.
-
Responsible for creating visual mock-ups, editing and scanning images, and maintaining the team's digital asset library.
-
Refines and formats proposal documents and presentation decks using Adobe InDesign, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Figma.
-
Ensures all design output is visually consistent, accurate, and presentation-ready through meticulous quality control.
π Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for the GTM (Go-To-Market) enablement function within Christie's, specifically supporting the Proposals team. The output of this role directly impacts the company's ability to secure high-value business opportunities by ensuring polished and professional client-facing materials. The temporary nature of the position, with a defined contract end date of December 31st, 2026, suggests a project-based need or a period of increased demand for proposal development.
π Primary Responsibilities
-
Assist in the creation of compelling visual mock-ups for proposals, presentations, and various client pitch materials.
-
Perform detailed image editing, retouching, resizing, cropping, and color correction to prepare assets for both print and digital applications.
-
Execute accurate scanning of artwork images and supporting collateral, ensuring proper file naming, labeling, and organization.
-
Proactively maintain and organize the Proposals team's image library, including sourcing, filing, tagging, and archiving visual assets.
-
Format, refine, and ensure consistency in proposals using Adobe InDesign, focusing on typography, imagery, spacing, and overall layout integrity.
-
Support the production and formatting of presentations within Microsoft PowerPoint and Figma, adhering to brand guidelines.
-
Update existing proposal and presentation templates and adapt layouts to meet the specific needs of individual clients, collections, and business opportunities.
-
Efficiently and accurately incorporate design edits and feedback received from multiple stakeholders.
-
Conduct thorough quality-control checks on all materials to guarantee visual consistency, accuracy, and readiness for client delivery.
-
Prepare and package final files for printing, digital distribution, and internal review processes.
-
Maintain organized project files, templates, and design assets for easy retrieval and future reference.
-
Provide general design and production support to the Proposals team as required, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on production-level design tasks within a structured GTM support function. The need to "adapt layouts for individual clients, collections, and business opportunities" indicates a requirement for understanding client-specific needs and tailoring visual communications, which is a key aspect of sales enablement. The focus on quality control and file organization points to the importance of process adherence and data integrity within the proposals workflow.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related field.
Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on production and support roles. Previous experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment is highly advantageous.
Required Skills:
-
Proven proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular focus on InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
-
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint and Figma for presentation creation and refinement.
-
Demonstrated experience with image scanning, retouching, file preparation, and digital asset organization.
-
Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy in all deliverables.
-
Robust organizational and time-management skills, enabling effective management of multiple tasks and deadlines.
-
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to shifting priorities in a dynamic work environment.
-
Collaborative spirit, responsiveness to requests, and comfort in incorporating feedback from diverse stakeholders. Preferred Skills:
-
A strong portfolio showcasing proficiency in typography, layout design, image editing, and presentation design.
-
An expressed interest in art, design, luxury goods, or culture.
π Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level, combined with the "Junior" title and "Temporary" status, suggests this role is ideal for recent graduates or individuals early in their design careers seeking to build practical experience in a high-profile environment. The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" is critical, as it serves as the primary demonstration of a candidate's technical skills and creative potential in lieu of extensive professional experience. The preference for an interest in art/luxury reinforces the need for candidates who can align with Christie's brand and industry.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
A curated portfolio that prominently features examples of typography, layout design, sophisticated image editing, and polished presentation design.
-
Case studies or examples demonstrating the ability to adapt design templates for specific client needs or business opportunities.
-
Visual examples of file preparation techniques for both print and digital distribution, showcasing an understanding of output requirements.
-
Evidence of meticulous quality control in design outputs, highlighting attention to detail and accuracy. Process Documentation:
-
Demonstrated understanding of workflow processes for managing digital assets, including sourcing, filing, tagging, and archiving.
-
Examples of how candidates have managed project files and templates for efficient retrieval and reuse.
-
An approach to incorporating stakeholder feedback and design edits within a structured process.
-
Understanding of quality control checks and final file preparation for various distribution channels.
π Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase aesthetic skills but also the ability to follow brand guidelines and production processes, which are critical in a corporate setting like Christie's. The emphasis on "adapting layouts" and "file preparation" suggests a need for candidates who can execute design efficiently and according to specific project requirements, rather than purely conceptual design work.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour.
Benefits:
-
Temporary, full-time position offering a defined contract period until December 31st, 2026.
-
Opportunity to gain valuable experience within a world-renowned auction house and art business.
-
Exposure to high-value proposals, presentations, and pitch materials for a global clientele.
-
Potential to develop skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Figma within a professional setting.
-
Collaborative work environment with a passionate team.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, indicating a standard full-time schedule.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($22.00 - $26.00/hour) is typical for a temporary Junior Graphic Designer role in New York City, reflecting the cost of living and the specialized skills required. While comprehensive benefits are not detailed, the nature of a temporary role typically means benefits are limited. The value proposition for this role lies heavily in the experience gained, the brand exposure, and the specific skill development opportunities within a prestigious organization like Christie's.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Art Business / Auction House / Luxury Goods. Christie's operates at the forefront of the global art market, renowned for its expertise, historic significance, and innovative approach to art sales and client services.
Company Size: Large, global organization with a significant number of employees, indicated by its operational complexity and the need for specialized teams like Proposals.
Founded: Over 250 years ago. This deep history signifies a culture that balances tradition and innovation, emphasizing long-standing values such as Respect, Passionate Expertise, Exceptional Client Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Business Judgement, and Innovation.
Team Structure:
-
The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the Proposals team, a specialized unit likely within a broader Sales, Marketing, or Business Development function.
-
This team's primary objective is to support the creation of high-value client-facing materials.
-
Collaboration is expected with specialists, sales teams, and potentially marketing professionals who contribute content and strategic direction to proposals. Methodology:
-
Data-driven insights: While not directly a data role, the design output will support proposals that are informed by market data and client intelligence.
-
Workflow optimization: The role contributes to refining the proposal production process, ensuring efficiency and quality.
-
Automation and efficiency: Utilizing design software effectively to streamline the creation and revision of materials.
Company Website: https://www.christies.com/
π Enhancement Note: Christie's culture is characterized by a blend of historical prestige and forward-thinking dynamism. For a Junior Graphic Designer, this means working within established brand guidelines and high standards of presentation while also contributing to innovative pitches. The emphasis on "teamwork" and "client service" suggests a collaborative and responsive work environment.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: Entry-level (Junior) within a specialized creative support function. This role is designed for individuals looking to gain foundational experience in graphic design, particularly within a corporate and client-facing context.
Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Proposals Manager, Design Lead, or a senior member of the Proposals team. The role is supportive, assisting the core proposal development process.
Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the GTM strategy by enhancing the quality and professionalism of proposal and pitch materials. High-quality visual assets can significantly influence client perception, strengthen sales pitches, and contribute to winning new business for Christie's. The efficiency of the design process also contributes to the overall speed and effectiveness of the Proposals team.
Growth Opportunities:
-
Skill Specialization: Develop advanced proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma, along with presentation software.
-
Industry Knowledge: Gain in-depth understanding of the art market, luxury goods, and client engagement strategies specific to Christie's.
-
Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with real-world projects from a globally recognized brand, showcasing professional design capabilities.
-
Potential for Future Roles: While temporary, successful performance could lead to opportunities in other creative or operational roles within Christie's or the broader arts and luxury industries.
π Enhancement Note: This temporary role offers a significant stepping stone for a junior designer. The "operations impact" is framed through its contribution to the sales enablement function, which is a critical part of GTM strategy. Growth is primarily focused on skill acquisition and industry exposure, rather than immediate hierarchical advancement.
π Work Environment
Office Type: On-site within Christie's New York offices. This implies a professional, corporate office setting.
Office Location(s): New York City, a major global hub for art, finance, and business, offering a dynamic and professional environment.
Workspace Context:
-
Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with the Proposals team, suggesting an open or semi-open office layout conducive to teamwork and quick communication.
-
Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and presentation tools (PowerPoint) on professional-grade hardware.
-
Team Interaction: Regular interaction with proposal managers, specialists, and other team members involved in client engagement.
Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday, to accommodate the demands of proposal development and client deadlines.
π Enhancement Note: Working on-site at Christie's in New York provides an immersive experience in a prestigious corporate culture. The environment is likely to be fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring focus and efficiency from team members.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design capabilities.
-
Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, potentially including specific exercises or discussions about past projects, focusing on technical skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and image handling.
-
Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions assessing attention to detail, time management, ability to handle feedback, and teamwork.
-
Team Fit/Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager and potential team members to evaluate cultural fit and suitability for the Proposals team's dynamic.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Showcase Core Skills: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of typography, layout, image editing (retouching, color correction), and presentation design using InDesign, Photoshop, and PowerPoint.
-
Highlight Process: For key projects, briefly explain your design process, how you incorporated feedback, and the final output's purpose (e.g., a specific proposal, pitch deck).
-
Demonstrate Accuracy: Include examples that showcase meticulous attention to detail and high-quality execution, especially in areas like file preparation and template adherence.
-
Tailor to the Role: If possible, include examples that align with the luxury or art industry, or demonstrate adaptability to different client needs.
Challenge Preparation:
-
Be prepared for potential design challenges, such as a quick modification of an existing template or a task involving image manipulation and layout refinement under a time constraint.
-
Practice articulating your design choices and explaining how you would approach a specific request from the Proposals team.
-
Familiarize yourself with common proposal elements and the importance of brand consistency in corporate communications.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely place a heavy emphasis on the candidate's portfolio as the primary evidence of their capabilities. Candidates should be ready to discuss their design decisions, technical execution, and how they manage production workflows and feedback in a deadline-oriented environment.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign (primary for proposals), Photoshop (image editing, retouching), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos).
-
Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for presentation creation, formatting, and integration with InDesign assets.
-
Figma: Used for presentation support and potentially collaborative design workflows.
Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design impacts proposal effectiveness (e.g., readability, visual appeal) is beneficial.
CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable, but awareness of how proposals fit into the broader sales cycle is helpful.
Integration Tool: Not specified, but familiarity with exporting and packaging files for various outputs is key.
π Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft PowerPoint is paramount for this role. Figma is also a key requirement, indicating its growing importance in presentation design and collaborative workflows within Christie's.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
Respect: For colleagues, clients, and the art itself.
-
Passionate Expertise: Demonstrating genuine interest and skill in design and the art world.
-
Exceptional Client Service: Ensuring all materials meet the highest standards for external stakeholders.
-
Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with the Proposals team and other departments.
-
Integrity: Maintaining accuracy and professionalism in all design work.
-
Business Judgement: Understanding how design contributes to business objectives and proposal success.
-
Innovation: Applying creative solutions within established brand parameters.
Collaboration Style:
-
Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with proposal managers, specialists, and potentially sales teams to understand requirements and deliver on briefs.
-
Process Review: Openness to feedback on designs and willingness to refine work based on stakeholder input.
-
Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the team's asset library and best practices for design production.
π Enhancement Note: The values of Christie's are deeply embedded in its operational approach. For a designer, this translates to a focus on precision, quality, client satisfaction, and a collaborative spirit that supports the company's overarching business goals in the art market.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
-
Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple design requests and tight deadlines for high-stakes proposals.
-
Incorporating Feedback: Effectively integrating revisions from various stakeholders with potentially differing opinions.
-
Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring brand and template consistency across a high volume of diverse proposal materials.
-
Technical Demands: Mastering specific software functionalities and troubleshooting design production issues efficiently.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
-
Advanced Design Skills: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and presentation software through practical application.
-
Industry Exposure: Gaining firsthand experience in the art and luxury market, understanding client engagement in this sector.
-
Professional Portfolio Building: Creating impactful design assets for a globally recognized brand.
-
Process Proficiency: Learning efficient workflows for design production, asset management, and quality control in a corporate setting.
π Enhancement Note: This temporary role presents a unique opportunity to face real-world design challenges in a prestigious context. The challenges are directly tied to the demands of supporting a high-level sales enablement function, offering significant learning potential for a junior professional.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
-
"Describe a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?" (Assesses time management, organization, and prioritization skills.)
-
"How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your design work, especially when working with templates or existing assets?" (Focuses on quality control and meticulousness.)
-
"Walk me through your process for incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project." (Evaluates collaboration, communication, and adaptability.) Company & Culture Questions:
-
"What interests you about working for Christie's, specifically within the Proposals team?" (Gauges genuine interest and alignment with the company/role.)
-
"How do you see your design skills contributing to the success of high-value proposals?" (Connects design abilities to business objectives.)
-
"Describe your understanding of the luxury goods or art market and how it might influence your design approach." (Assesses industry interest and potential cultural fit.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
-
Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (e.g., proposals, presentations) or by showcasing your strongest skills (e.g., typography, image editing).
-
Narrative: For each key project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the tools used, the process (including any feedback incorporated), and the outcome.
-
Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss specific techniques used in InDesign, Photoshop, and PowerPoint, especially regarding layout, image manipulation, and file preparation.
-
Showcase Adaptability: Demonstrate how you can adapt templates and create tailored designs for specific client needs.
π Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who demonstrate strong technical design skills, exceptional attention to detail, excellent organizational abilities, and a collaborative attitude. The ability to articulate design choices and connect them to business objectives will be crucial.
π Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
-
Submit your application through the provided link on Christie's careers portal.
-
Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, PowerPoint, and Figma, with specific examples of proposal or presentation design work.
-
Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with image editing, file preparation, quality control, and working under deadlines. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "supported the production of X proposals").
-
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, response to feedback, and time management strategies. Be ready to walk through your portfolio and discuss specific projects.
-
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Christie's brand, its services, and the art market to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the company's context.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field and possess a strong portfolio. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Figma is required, along with excellent organizational skills.