Junior - Mid Level Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior - Mid Level Graphic Designer

Company: Paperless Post

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-06-09T19:01:46

Experience Level: Junior to Mid-Level (1-3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual storytelling and brand aesthetic for a leading digital invitation platform, influencing user engagement and acquisition through compelling design.

• Collaborate within a dynamic Content Design team to produce original visual assets for web, app, social media, and branded marketing channels.

• Support the development of new partner collections and innovative design solutions for a growing user base.

• Translate creative concepts into tangible design assets, ensuring a sophisticated yet playful aesthetic that resonates with users celebrating life events.

• Contribute to a culture of creative excellence through active participation in brainstorming, critiques, and design discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a "Content Design" team, indicating a strong focus on creating visually engaging elements that directly impact user experience and content strategy, rather than solely focusing on product design or marketing collateral. The emphasis on "design-forward event pages and invitations" and "revolutionized the stationery world" suggests a need for designers who can blend aesthetic sophistication with commercial appeal in the digital realm of invitations and celebrations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute original graphic design and illustration work for the Paperless Post platform, including websites and mobile applications, under the guidance of Art Directors.

• Create compelling visual assets for various branded channels, such as blog posts, social media content, and behind-the-scenes material.

• Partner closely with the Senior Art Director to support the Partnership Team in the creation of unique assets and the integration of partner-provided assets for new collection launches.

• Design and produce innovative digital content for the newest platform features, including stickers, text elements, templates, and interactive effects.

• Actively participate in cross-functional collaboration throughout all workflow stages, from initial content ideation through final deployment, working alongside Art Directors, Designers, Production Designers, and other teams.

• Engage in regular brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and knowledge-sharing forums to foster a collaborative and evolving design environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual content creation and collaborative support, emphasizing the designer's role in both generating original assets and working with existing brand guidelines and partner materials. The mention of "cutting-edge design solutions" and "newest platform" suggests an environment that encourages experimentation and staying ahead of design trends.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BFA in design-related field or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 1-3+ years of relevant professional experience as a graphic designer or illustrator.

Required Skills:

• Proficient illustration and design skills across various mediums and styles, with a meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

• Fundamental understanding of Adobe After Effects; fluency is a significant advantage.

• Experience working with analog materials such as watercolor, pen/ink, and gouache.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver high-quality work within a deadline-driven environment, managing multiple projects concurrently.

• High level of productivity and proactivity, particularly in idea generation and development.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative vision and process to cross-functional partners.

• Adaptability to art direction, openness to feedback, and proficiency in navigating diverse perspectives.

• A collaborative spirit with a positive attitude, demonstrating generosity with time and knowledge. Preferred Skills:

• Competency in Adobe After Effects.

• Experience with type design and lettering.

• Familiarity with studio photography and/or stop-motion animation.

• Experience with prop styling for photography.

• Basic understanding of 3D modeling concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for analog art experience (watercolor, pen/ink, gouache) alongside digital tools suggests a desire for designers with a strong foundation in traditional art principles, which can translate into unique and textured digital work. The emphasis on "impeccable attention to detail" and "sophisticated yet playful aesthetic" points towards a need for designers who can execute with precision while maintaining a distinct brand personality.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating strong illustration fundamentals and a sophisticated, playful aesthetic.

• Include examples of digital assets created for web, app, or social media platforms, highlighting your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Provide evidence of experience with analog art materials (e.g., watercolor, pen/ink, gouache) and how these skills translate into digital work.

• Feature projects that demonstrate an understanding of contemporary design trends and pop-cultural references.

• Include examples of work created under art direction or with specific project goals in mind. Process Documentation:

• Detail your design process from concept to completion, illustrating how you approach new projects and integrate feedback.

• Explain your workflow for creating digital assets, including any steps involving analog materials or animation fundamentals.

• Demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adhere to deadlines, perhaps by highlighting a project with a tight timeline.

• Showcase your communication skills by explaining the rationale behind specific design choices in your portfolio pieces, as if presenting to a cross-functional team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on both original design and collaboration with partners, portfolios should ideally showcase versatility. This includes examples of work that might be inspired by existing brand styles (partner collections) as well as purely original creations. The mention of "animation fundamentals" and "After Effects" suggests that even static portfolio pieces could benefit from demonstrating an understanding of motion principles or potential for animation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 USD per year. This range is based on the NYC market and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic location, relevant skills, and years of experience.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Equity component

• Potential for other benefits as part of a full-time offer package.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with an on-site work arrangement in New York, NY.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($60,000 - $80,000 USD) is typical for junior to mid-level graphic designer roles in a high cost-of-living area like New York City. The inclusion of an "equity component" alongside base salary and benefits suggests a company culture that values employee ownership and long-term commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Stationery & Invitations (Digital Event Planning)

Company Size: As per LinkedIn data, Paperless Post has between 201-500 employees.

Founded: Paperless Post was founded in 2009.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Content Design team, reporting directly to the Senior Art Director.

• This team comprises creatives with expertise in design, lettering, illustration, and photography.

• Collaboration is emphasized with Production Design and Planning teams, as well as external design partners.

• Company-wide, there is a stated balance of engineers and designers, suggesting a strong product and technology focus. Methodology:

• Emphasis on creating "design-forward" and "original" content for users.

• Focus on user delight and celebrating "all the moments that matter."

• Encouragement of thoughtful AI use to enhance speed and creativity, while maintaining emphasis on individual skill in interviews.

• Commitment to iterating on the "ideal version of our platform, product, content, and partnerships."

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's business model, not being supported by ad revenue, allows them to prioritize product quality and user experience. This suggests a design team that has the autonomy to focus on aesthetic excellence and innovation rather than solely on conversion metrics driven by advertising. The mention of an "even gender split and a balance of engineers and designers" indicates a potentially collaborative and interdisciplinary work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Junior to Mid-Level Graphic Designer, suitable for individuals with 1-3+ years of experience. It offers hands-on experience in creating visual assets for a consumer-facing platform.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to the Senior Art Director, providing a clear line of mentorship and guidance within the Content Design team.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will directly influence user acquisition and engagement by creating visually appealing event pages, invitations, and marketing materials. This role contributes to the overall brand perception and user experience of the Paperless Post platform.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in graphic design, illustration, and potentially animation (After Effects) through practical application and collaboration with senior creatives.

• Specialization: Potential to develop a niche in specific areas like digital illustration, motion graphics, or partner asset integration based on project involvement and team needs.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Collaboration with Production Design, Planning, and Partnership teams offers broader insights into the product development lifecycle and business operations.

• Creative Exploration: Involvement in designing for a wide range of life events and partnership collaborations allows for diverse creative expression and exposure to various design aesthetics.

• Mentorship: Direct reporting to a Senior Art Director provides opportunities for structured feedback, skill development, and career advice.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer," its placement within the "Content Design" team suggests growth potential towards roles focused on user-facing content strategy, digital illustration specialization, or even motion graphics if After Effects skills are developed. The company's focus on product iteration suggests opportunities to influence design systems and best practices over time.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment in New York, NY.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. Specific office details (e.g., amenities, accessibility) are not provided but are typical for a company based in this major metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The description emphasizes team collaboration, brainstorming, and critiques, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed for creative exchange.

• Tools and Technology: Access to Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, potentially After Effects) and other relevant design software is expected. The company's focus on digital product implies a modern tech stack.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with Art Directors, Senior Designers, Production Designers, and other cross-functional teams will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, likely adhering to standard business hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with an on-site expectation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement suggests a company that values in-person collaboration for creative ideation and team cohesion. For a graphic design role, this often translates to a dynamic office space that facilitates spontaneous discussions, whiteboarding sessions, and peer-to-peer learning, which are crucial for creative output.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review your application and portfolio, focusing on your design fundamentals, illustration skills, and aesthetic fit.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Expect a session where you present your portfolio, discussing your process, design choices, and how you've approached past projects. Be prepared to elaborate on your illustration techniques and experience with analog materials.

• Creative Challenge/Case Study: A potential exercise may involve a small design task or a case study presentation to assess your problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, and application of design principles to specific Paperless Post scenarios.

• Cross-functional Interviews: You may meet with members from other teams (e.g., Production Design, Art Direction) to evaluate your collaboration style and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Versatility: Include a mix of projects demonstrating your illustration skills, digital design capabilities (web/app assets), and potentially any animation or type design work.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain your thought process, the problem you were solving, your design choices, and the outcome. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Emphasize Aesthetic: Ensure your portfolio clearly conveys your "sophisticated yet playful aesthetic" and your attention to detail.

• Analog Integration: If possible, show how your analog art skills (watercolor, ink) inform or are integrated into your digital work.

• Tailor to Paperless Post: Consider including a piece or two that is inspired by Paperless Post's brand or addresses a hypothetical design challenge for their platform.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Familiarize yourself with Paperless Post's existing designs, tone, and target audience.

• Practice Articulation: Be ready to clearly explain your design decisions and how they align with project goals and user needs.

• Prepare for AI Policy: Be mindful of the company's AI usage policy for interviews and assignments. Ensure all submitted work is your own independent creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's explicit note on AI usage during interviews is critical. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate their skills and thought processes independently, without reliance on AI tools for generating design work or responses during the interview process. This underscores the importance of genuine individual creativity and problem-solving.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

• Adobe After Effects: Fundamental understanding required, with fluency being a strong plus. This indicates a need for designers who can contribute to motion graphics or animated assets.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned for this design role, understanding how design impacts user engagement might involve familiarity with basic analytics platforms to see how their creations perform.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities of a graphic designer in this context, but understanding how designs are deployed on the platform is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop, is standard for graphic designers. However, the "strong plus" for After Effects suggests that candidates with animation skills will have a competitive edge, indicating a growing need for dynamic visual content on the Paperless Post platform. Familiarity with analog tools is also a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Being Resourceful: This translates to finding creative solutions, utilizing available tools (including thoughtfully applied AI), and efficiently managing project resources.

• Progress Over Perfection: Encourages iteration, learning from mistakes, and moving forward with designs, rather than getting bogged down in endless refinement. This aligns with a deadline-driven environment.

• Being a Positive Force: Implies a collaborative, supportive, and constructive team atmosphere, where individuals contribute positively to team dynamics and company culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with Art Directors, Senior Designers, Production Designers, and the Partnership Team, necessitating strong teamwork and communication skills.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and giving constructive feedback is essential, as indicated by the need to "take art direction, receiving feedback and navigating multiple points of view."

• Knowledge Sharing: A "generous with your time and knowledge" attitude is valued, promoting a culture of learning and mutual support within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Being Resourceful, Progress Over Perfection, and being a Positive Force" provides a clear framework for how Paperless Post expects its employees to operate. For a designer, this means being proactive in problem-solving, embracing a growth mindset towards design challenges, and contributing positively to the team's collaborative energy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Creating visually appealing designs that also function effectively within the Paperless Post platform and meet user needs.

• Meeting Diverse Creative Demands: Designing for a wide range of life events and collaborating with various partners requires stylistic flexibility and adaptability.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends: Continuously evolving the platform's visual appeal to remain current and engaging in the digital design space.

• Working Within Brand Guidelines: Effectively integrating partner assets and adhering to Paperless Post's established "sophisticated yet playful aesthetic."

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Tool Proficiency: Deepen skills in Adobe After Effects for animation and motion graphics.

• Specialized Design Areas: Develop expertise in areas like type design, lettering, or digital illustration based on project involvement.

• Partnership Integration: Gain experience in collaborating with high-profile design partners and understanding their brand integration needs.

• Product Design Exposure: Learn how design decisions impact user experience and product strategy within a tech-focused company.

• Creative Mentorship: Receive guidance from a Senior Art Director to refine artistic vision and technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "Progress Over Perfection" suggests that designers will have opportunities to experiment and learn from their work, even if initial iterations aren't flawless. This fosters a growth-oriented environment where challenges are seen as stepping stones for development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with specific client or brand requirements. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, compromise, and final outcome.)

• "Walk us through a design project from your portfolio that you're particularly proud of. What was the objective, your role, your process, and the result?" (Be ready to discuss your illustration techniques, tool usage, and decision-making.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how have you incorporated them into your work?" (Showcase your awareness of contemporary aesthetics and pop culture references.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Paperless Post and this specific role?" (Align your answer with their mission, product, and values like "Being Resourceful" or "Progress Over Perfection.")

• "How do you approach receiving and implementing feedback from art directors or cross-functional teams?" (Highlight your adaptability and collaborative spirit.)

• "Describe your experience working with analog art materials. How do you see this contributing to your digital design work at Paperless Post?" (Connect your analog skills to their desired aesthetic.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation as a narrative for each project, explaining the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your slides are clean, well-designed, and easy to follow, reflecting your own design skills.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples that demonstrate your illustration prowess, Adobe Suite mastery, and any animation fundamentals.

• Address AI Policy: Be prepared to confirm that all work presented is your own original creation, especially if any pieces were developed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the explicit AI policy, be ready to discuss your personal creative process in detail. If a take-home assignment is given, ensure you can explain every element and decision without relying on AI-generated justifications. Demonstrating your unique artistic voice and problem-solving approach independently is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features strong illustration samples, examples of digital design for web/app, and highlights your proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. If possible, include work demonstrating analog techniques or animation fundamentals.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 1-3+ years of experience, specific design skills (illustration, Adobe Suite, After Effects fundamentals), and any experience with analog art materials or related preferred skills (type design, lettering, etc.). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative vision, and how your skills align with Paperless Post's "sophisticated yet playful aesthetic." Be ready to discuss your experience taking art direction and collaborating cross-functionally.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Paperless Post's brand, mission, and values. Understand their product and target audience to better articulate your interest and fit. Review their AI usage policy carefully.

⚠️ 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.