OluKai Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: OluKai Junior Graphic Designer

Company: Archipelago Companies

Location: Irvine, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: October 02, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (1-3 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in-office, 1 day remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute on-brand digital assets for campaigns across paid social, email, web banners, and landing pages, leveraging established templates and brand systems.

• Create and adapt retail, presentation, and print collateral, ensuring visual consistency across various formats and placements.

• Maintain and update shared Figma libraries and templates to enhance team efficiency and design consistency.

• Support campaign production workflows, including file organization, asset preparation, and adherence to naming conventions and version control.

• Prepare, package, and quality-check final artwork against vendor specifications for digital and print delivery.

• Develop production files with strong typography, composition, color accuracy, and product representation.

• Collaborate effectively with senior designers, copywriters, photographers, videographers, and marketing teams to integrate feedback and meet project deadlines.

• Adapt to evolving priorities and provide creative support for new projects as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Junior Graphic Designer within a lifestyle brand focused on the ocean. The emphasis on "on-brand" assets, "established templates and brand systems," and "visual system consistency" indicates a need for meticulous adherence to brand guidelines. The inclusion of AI-enabled tools suggests an expectation for candidates to be forward-thinking and adaptable to new technologies in the design process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a range of on-brand digital assets, including paid social advertisements, email campaign graphics, web banners, and landing page visuals, utilizing existing templates and brand guidelines.

• Develop and adapt creative assets for retail environments, presentations, and print collateral, ensuring a cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints.

• Execute design adaptations across different formats and placements (e.g., static images, carousels, stories, display ads) while maintaining the integrity of the visual system.

• Contribute to the upkeep and organization of shared Figma libraries and templates, facilitating faster and more consistent design output for the entire team.

• Assist in campaign production by meticulously organizing project files, preparing assets for handoff to various teams, and strictly following established naming conventions and version control protocols.

• Prepare, package, and conduct thorough quality checks on final files, verifying them against print and vendor-specific requirements before delivery to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Construct layouts and production-ready files with a keen eye for strong typography, effective composition, appropriate color usage, and precise product representation.

• Foster collaborative relationships with senior designers, copywriters, photo and video teams, and marketing partners to effectively incorporate feedback and ensure timely project completion.

• Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to shifting priorities and provide proactive creative support to the broader Creative team on emergent projects and initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and production support. The emphasis on "established templates and brand systems" and "maintaining visual system consistency" suggests that while creativity is valued, strict adherence to brand guidelines is paramount for this junior role. The note on AI-enabled tools is a specific requirement that should be addressed by candidates.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating a strong foundation in design principles.

Experience: 1–3 years of professional graphic design experience, including internships or significant portfolio work, preferably within a consumer, lifestyle, apparel, or footwear brand environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Expert command of Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Strong understanding of design principles including typography, composition, and color theory.

• Demonstrated ability to create and adapt digital assets for various platforms (paid social, email, web banners).

• Experience in preparing and adapting artwork for print production.

• Proven ability to maintain brand consistency and work within established visual systems.

• Excellent organizational skills, with meticulous attention to detail for file management and version control.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative mindset.

• Ability to effectively receive and implement creative feedback.

• Familiarity with AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies for enhanced productivity and process improvement. Preferred Skills:

• Experience utilizing Asana for project management and task tracking.

• Basic skills in photo retouching and image editing.

• Foundational knowledge of motion design principles and software (e.g., After Effects, Figma animation) for short-form social content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio showing "strong visual fundamentals and examples of both digital and print design" is critical. The emphasis on specific software (Figma, Adobe CC) and the inclusion of AI tools as a required skill indicate a modern design team that values both traditional design craft and technological adaptability. The "1-3 years" experience level, combined with the responsibilities, points to a role focused on production and execution within established brand frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects showcasing strong visual fundamentals, including examples of both digital and print design.

• Demonstrations of ability to create on-brand digital assets such as social media ads, email graphics, and web banners.

• Examples of print collateral design, such as retail signage or presentation materials.

• Case studies or project breakdowns that illustrate the design process, from concept to final execution, highlighting problem-solving and adherence to brand systems.

• Evidence of proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud applications within project examples. Process Documentation:

• Projects should reflect an understanding of workflow stages, including asset creation, adaptation across formats, and final file preparation for vendors.

• Showcase an ability to work within established brand systems and templates, demonstrating an understanding of their importance for consistency and efficiency.

• Include examples that highlight file organization, naming conventions, and version control practices.

• Portfolios that incorporate AI-generated assets or demonstrate the use of AI tools in the design process will be highly regarded.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to prove foundational design skills and the ability to execute within brand guidelines. The inclusion of AI tools as a requirement means candidates should ideally showcase how they've integrated these into their workflow, even if for efficiency or ideation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Complimentary chef-prepared breakfast and lunch provided Monday - Thursday.

• Generous product gift program and all brand discounts.

• Company bonus program, offering an opportunity for annual bonuses.

• Milestone anniversary gifts, including trips to Hawaii and other destinations for 5 and 10-year anniversaries.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Company-paid life insurance.

• 401k retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package: 15 days of PTO, with an additional day added annually on the work anniversary.

• Three Floating Holidays per year.

• Paid beach and giveback days, encouraging community involvement and well-being.

• Bi-annual team-building events and other in-person celebrations to foster camaraderie.

• Opportunity to work with talented individuals who share a passion for the ocean lifestyle.

• OluKai is a Certified B Corporation, offering paid company service days.

• Dog-friendly office environment.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with a hybrid arrangement requiring 4 days in the Irvine, CA office and 1 day remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and explicitly states it is based on the candidate's experience. The benefits package is extensive, highlighting a strong emphasis on employee well-being, company culture, and perks related to the brand's lifestyle. The inclusion of a bonus program and anniversary gifts signifies a commitment to employee retention and rewards.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Footwear, Lifestyle Products, Outdoor Recreation. OluKai operates within the premium consumer goods sector, focusing on products inspired by and designed for the ocean lifestyle. As a Certified B Corporation, the company also emphasizes environmental responsibility and social impact.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Archipelago Companies' job postings suggest a growing organization with multiple brands (OluKai, Melin). This implies an environment that may offer both established processes and opportunities for input and growth.

Founded: OluKai was founded with a commitment to crafting premium products for the ocean lifestyle, emphasizing quality, comfort, and sustainability. The company philosophy centers on environmental responsibility and actively supporting a clean environment.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative team, working closely with senior designers.

• Collaboration is expected with cross-functional partners including copywriters, photo/video teams, and marketing departments.

• The role reports into senior design leadership, indicating a structured creative hierarchy. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for this role, the emphasis on "on-brand" assets and "brand systems" suggests that design decisions are informed by brand strategy and performance metrics.

• Process Optimization: The mention of maintaining Figma libraries and adhering to naming conventions points to a focus on efficient and standardized design workflows.

• Collaboration & Feedback: The role requires active collaboration and the ability to incorporate feedback from various stakeholders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://archipelagocos.bamboohr.com/careers (Note: This links to the hiring platform, the brand website is OluKai.com)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in the "ocean lifestyle" and a commitment to premium products and environmental responsibility, as evidenced by its Certified B Corporation status. This suggests a workplace that values passion for the outdoors, sustainability, and high-quality craftsmanship. The structure implies a supportive environment for junior talent, with clear reporting lines and opportunities for cross-functional interaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level position (Junior Graphic Designer) focused on execution and production within established creative frameworks. It's an excellent starting point for a graphic design career, particularly within the lifestyle and apparel sectors.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will report to senior design leadership within the Creative team. This structure provides mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: While not directly an "operations" role in the RevOps/SalesOps sense, this designer's work directly impacts the visual representation of the brand across all customer touchpoints. Effective design execution is crucial for conveying brand messaging, driving engagement, and supporting sales initiatives through compelling creative assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to hone digital and print design skills, deepen understanding of brand systems, and gain experience with production workflows.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Work with various departments (marketing, photo, video, copy) to broaden understanding of integrated campaign execution.

• Tool Proficiency: Gain expertise in industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe CC) and explore emerging technologies like AI design tools.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or specialized creative roles within the company or Archipelago Companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior designer, "growth" is primarily about skill acquisition and exposure. The role offers a solid foundation in brand-aligned design and production, with clear pathways for learning and advancement within a company that values its employees and brand integrity. The emphasis on AI tools signals a forward-looking approach to skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid position requiring 4 days per week in the Irvine, CA office. The office is described as dog-friendly, fostering a relaxed yet professional atmosphere.

Office Location(s): Irvine, California. Specific details about the office's accessibility or proximity to amenities are not provided but Irvine is a well-established business hub in Southern California.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional work suggest an environment where in-person collaboration is valued for brainstorming, feedback sessions, and team cohesion.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud) and potentially new AI-enabled tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with senior designers, marketing partners, and other creative professionals, fostering a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility of one remote day per week. This balance aims to provide structure while allowing for personal work preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a strong emphasis on in-office days highlights the company's preference for in-person collaboration, especially for creative roles where team synergy and spontaneous idea exchange are crucial. The dog-friendly aspect adds to a unique, lifestyle-oriented company culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills, software proficiency, and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and how they've applied brand guidelines. Emphasis will be on demonstrating understanding of typography, composition, and digital/print asset creation.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to evaluate practical application of skills, problem-solving abilities, and efficiency with design tools (Figma, Adobe CC, AI tools).

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about cultural fit, collaboration style, understanding of the OluKai brand, and enthusiasm for the ocean lifestyle. Questions may probe how candidates adapt to feedback and work within established systems.

• Final Interview: May involve a broader discussion about career aspirations and alignment with Archipelago Companies' values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best showcase your digital and print design capabilities, brand adherence, and any experience with AI tools.

• Highlight Brand Consistency: For each project, explain how you maintained brand consistency, worked within established templates, and met the specific objectives of the brief.

• Detail Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process, from understanding the brief to final file preparation, emphasizing problem-solving and decision-making.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Explicitly mention and demonstrate your skills in Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and any AI tools used.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs contributed to measurable outcomes (e.g., higher engagement rates on social ads), be ready to discuss that.

• Address the "Ocean Lifestyle": Demonstrate an understanding of and passion for the OluKai brand and the ocean lifestyle it represents.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Design Tasks: Familiarize yourself with common digital and print asset creation tasks relevant to a lifestyle brand.

• Time Management: Be prepared to complete tasks within a set timeframe, demonstrating efficiency and focus.

• Tool Fluency: Ensure you can quickly navigate and utilize Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud tools effectively.

• Brand Adherence: Focus on creating assets that are visually consistent with a provided brand guide.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates need to demonstrate not just creative talent but also production capability, adherence to brand standards, and adaptability with new technologies like AI tools. Preparing to discuss the "ocean lifestyle" aspect is crucial for cultural fit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and maintaining shared design systems and libraries. Expect to use it extensively for asset creation and adaptation.

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, retouching, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and detailed illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design, particularly for print collateral, presentations, and retail materials.

• AI-enabled tools: Actively sought and encouraged for improving productivity, generating insights, and enhancing design processes. Specific tools are not listed, but candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience or willingness to adopt them.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how designs perform (e.g., through marketing analytics) could be a plus for demonstrating impact.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to this design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is non-negotiable. The explicit mention of "AI-enabled tools" as a required skill indicates that candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience or aptitude for integrating artificial intelligence into their design workflow, which is a significant differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to maintaining and enhancing the OluKai brand identity across all visual communications.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Dedication to producing premium, high-quality design assets that reflect the brand's premium positioning.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: Alignment with OluKai's Certified B Corporation status, valuing environmentally conscious practices and social impact.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together, sharing feedback, and supporting team members to achieve collective goals.

• Passion for the Ocean Lifestyle: A genuine appreciation for the brand's ethos and the active, outdoor lifestyle it represents.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with marketing, copy, photo, and video teams to ensure cohesive campaign execution.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to receiving and applying constructive feedback from senior designers and stakeholders to refine designs.

• Process-Driven: Adherence to established workflows, file management standards, and brand guidelines to ensure efficiency and consistency.

• Proactive Support: Willingness to assist team members and adapt to evolving project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of creative passion, operational efficiency, and a strong ethical compass, driven by the brand's lifestyle and B Corp status. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Strictures: Navigating the need to produce fresh, engaging designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and templates.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various design requests with competing deadlines across different platforms (digital, print, retail).

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with evolving design software, tools, and the integration of AI in the creative process.

• Incorporating Feedback: Effectively translating constructive criticism from diverse stakeholders into refined design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Deepen expertise in digital and print design, typography, and visual storytelling within a professional context.

• Brand System Mastery: Become an expert in the OluKai brand guidelines, contributing to their evolution and maintenance.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain insights into marketing strategies, content creation, and campaign management through collaboration.

• Emerging Tech Exploration: Opportunities to experiment with and integrate AI-enabled design tools into workflows, enhancing efficiency and creative output.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance and training from experienced senior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around execution within constraints and adapting to a dynamic creative environment. The growth opportunities are substantial for an entry-level designer, focusing on building a strong foundation in brand design and production, with an emphasis on future-ready skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a social media ad campaign for a new product launch while adhering to OluKai's established brand system?" (Focus on process, brand understanding, and asset adaptation).

• "Describe a time you received constructive feedback on a design and how you incorporated it. What was the outcome?" (Assess ability to receive and apply feedback).

• "How do you prioritize multiple design requests with competing deadlines?" (Evaluate time management and organizational skills).

• "In what ways do you see AI tools enhancing the graphic design process for a brand like OluKai?" (Gauge understanding and adoption of new technologies). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the OluKai brand and the ocean lifestyle?" (Assess cultural fit and genuine interest).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new creative technologies?" (Understand commitment to continuous learning).

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment." (Evaluate teamwork and communication style). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronological order. Clearly label each piece with the project title, your role, and the tools used.

• Narrative: For each selected project, tell a story: What was the objective? What was your role? What challenges did you face? How did you solve them? What was the outcome?

• Brand Focus: For OluKai, explicitly highlight projects where you demonstrated strong brand consistency, worked within established guidelines, or adapted designs for different platforms.

• Tool Demonstration: Be ready to briefly discuss your workflow in Figma and Adobe CC, and crucially, how you've leveraged or would leverage AI tools to enhance your design process.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful projects and be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a solid grasp of design fundamentals, proficiency with core tools, and an understanding of brand adherence. Crucially, candidates must articulate their familiarity with or eagerness to adopt AI tools and their genuine connection to the brand's ocean lifestyle ethos.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this OluKai Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Archipelago Companies careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant digital and print design examples, emphasizing brand consistency and your experience with Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud. If possible, include examples or discuss how you've utilized AI tools in your design process.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 1-3 years of experience, relevant software proficiencies (Figma, Adobe CC, AI tools), and any experience with lifestyle or consumer brands. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, ability to take feedback, and understanding of the OluKai brand. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, focusing on how your skills align with the role's responsibilities and the company's values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with OluKai's brand identity, mission, products, and commitment to sustainability. Understand the "ocean lifestyle" ethos and how it translates into their visual branding.

⚠️ 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.