Senior Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Visual Designer

Company: Imagination

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative / Brand Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual identity development for established and challenger brands across diverse formats, including large-scale environments and digital platforms.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including strategists, producers, and fellow designers, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and bold thinking.

• Translate creative concepts into compelling visual designs that push brand narratives forward and create impactful experiences.

• Maintain a high standard of design execution, ensuring all work aligns with client brand guidelines while creatively pushing boundaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a blend of strategic brand thinking and hands-on design execution across multiple mediums, indicating a need for a versatile and conceptually strong designer. The mention of "large-scale environments" and "digital platforms" suggests a focus on integrated brand experiences.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and present innovative concept treatments, mood boards, and storyboards to effectively communicate design direction and creative ideas.

• Design compelling visual assets for a variety of applications, including print collateral, digital interfaces, spatial graphics for live experiences (installations, exhibitions, brand activations), and motion graphics.

• Ensure all design outputs adhere to client brand guidelines while proactively exploring creative avenues to elevate brand presence.

• Collaborate with strategists and copywriters to shape multi-channel creative ideas and ensure a cohesive brand message across all touchpoints.

• Liaise effectively with the production team to guarantee that creative solutions are realized with precision and excellence in execution.

• Present design concepts and rationale clearly and persuasively to internal teams and clients, adeptly incorporating feedback to refine creative outcomes.

• Contribute to a culture of creative innovation by sharing expertise in animation and motion design, and by driving experimentation within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can not only execute visually but also participate in the ideation and strategic shaping of brand experiences, from initial concept to final production. The requirement to design for "spatial graphics for live experiences" is a key differentiator.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 5-6 years of dedicated agency experience in graphic design, digital design, or brand design is essential. Required Skills:

• Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Proficiency in Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Demonstrated understanding of core design principles for effective brand communication across various formats.

• Proven ability to develop and present concept treatments, mood boards, and storyboards.

• Experience in designing spatial graphics for physical installations, exhibitions, and brand activations.

• Strong understanding of UI/UX principles and their application in interactive touchpoints.

• Ability to articulate design rationale clearly and present ideas effectively to both internal teams and clients.

• Excellent time management skills, with a proven ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience or a strong interest in motion graphics and animation.

• Familiarity with After Effects for animation and motion design tasks.

• Experience in storyboarding and proof-of-concept development for both static and motion design projects.

• Knowledge of digital technologies, emerging platforms, and multi-channel design applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on agency experience and specific software proficiencies (Adobe Suite, Figma) indicates a need for a designer who can hit the ground running in a fast-paced, client-focused environment. The preference for motion graphics experience points towards a desire for a designer with a dynamic and modern skill set.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of projects demonstrating expertise in brand identity development, encompassing both digital and physical applications.

• Include case studies that highlight your process from concept ideation through to final execution, emphasizing problem-solving and creative decision-making.

• Present examples of spatial graphics for experiential design, such as installations, exhibitions, or brand activations, detailing your role and contribution.

• Demonstrate proficiency in UI/UX design for interactive touchpoints, illustrating user-centered design thinking.

• Clearly articulate the strategic thinking behind your design choices and how they align with client objectives and brand guidelines. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your workflow for developing and presenting design concepts, including mood boards and storyboards.

• Detail your process for collaborating with cross-functional teams (strategists, copywriters, producers) to shape multi-channel creative ideas.

• Explain your approach to translating client brand guidelines into innovative and effective design solutions.

• Provide examples of how you have liaised with production teams to ensure flawless execution of creative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will be the primary tool for assessing design capability, conceptual thinking, and execution across diverse mediums. The emphasis on process and collaboration indicates a need to demonstrate not just the final output but the journey to get there.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $110,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive paid time off benefits for work-life balance.

• Hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in the New York office to foster collaboration.

• Generous parental leave policies to support new parents.

• Up to 4% safe harbor company 401k match to aid in retirement savings.

• Comprehensive, low-cost health benefits package.

• Dedicated personal growth and development opportunities through the "GrowForward" program.

• Opportunities to work with state-of-the-art products and deliver for exciting, innovative brands.

• A fun, engaging, and mission-driven work culture that values agility, integrity, and excellence.

• Opportunity to contribute to large-scale, high-impact projects from the outset.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, with occasional flexibility required outside of standard working hours during live events and production phases to ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Visual Designer role in New York City. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on professional development and work-life balance, albeit with the noted need for occasional flexibility. The hybrid model is explicitly defined with a minimum office presence.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing / Brand Experience Design. Imagination specializes in creating immersive brand experiences that connect with audiences across multiple touchpoints, blending physical and digital realms.

Company Size: Imagination is a global agency with a significant presence, likely employing hundreds or thousands of individuals across various offices. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for diverse project exposure.

Founded: Imagination was founded in 1978, bringing decades of experience and a deep understanding of brand building and experiential marketing to its clients. This long history implies stability, a strong legacy, and a mature approach to creative problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• The Creative - 2D / Brand department is a specialized unit focused on visual identity and brand execution.

• This role is part of a growing creative team, indicating an environment of expansion and opportunity.

• Collaboration is a key tenet, with expected interaction with Creative Strategists, Designers, Copywriters, Producers, and Client Services teams. Methodology:

• Imagination likely employs a human-centered design approach, focusing on creating meaningful connections between brands and people.

• Emphasis is placed on curiosity, collaboration, and bold thinking to drive innovative creative solutions.

• The agency's work spans experiential design, content creation, and brand storytelling, suggesting a holistic approach to brand building.

Company Website: https://imagination.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Imagination's focus on experiential design and integrated brand storytelling suggests a creative environment that values innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The company's long history implies a solid foundation and established processes, while its growth indicates dynamism and future-oriented thinking.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Visual Designer role, indicating a professional with substantial experience and a high degree of autonomy. It requires not only strong design execution but also the ability to conceptualize, present, and guide creative output. The role is positioned to influence creative direction and mentor junior team members.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Visual Designer will report into a Creative Director or Head of Design within the Creative - 2D / Brand department. They will work collaboratively with a team of creatives, strategists, and producers, and will likely interact directly with client services and clients.

Operations Impact: The Senior Visual Designer directly impacts brand perception and client success by translating strategic objectives into compelling visual identities and experiences. Their work is critical in differentiating brands, engaging target audiences, and achieving client marketing and communication goals. This role is pivotal in shaping the visual narrative of brands.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, experiential design, or digital UI/UX through specialized projects and training.

• Leadership: Progress into a Art Director role, leading creative projects, managing junior designers, and taking greater ownership of client relationships and creative strategy.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Expand knowledge in areas like brand strategy, content development, and production through collaboration with other departments.

• Mentorship: Develop leadership and coaching skills by mentoring junior designers and contributing to the team's overall creative development.

• Professional Development: Utilize the "GrowForward" program for structured learning, skill enhancement, and career pathing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Visual Designer role offers a clear path for growth into leadership positions within the creative department. The emphasis on continuous learning and cross-disciplinary exposure provides a well-rounded development trajectory for ambitious designers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Imagination operates a hybrid work model, meaning the New York office is a central hub for collaboration, brainstorming, and team interaction, complemented by remote work flexibility. This setup aims to balance focused individual work with dynamic team engagement.

Office Location(s): The role is based in New York City, a vibrant hub for creative industries. Specific office details beyond its existence in New York are not provided but would typically involve modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster creativity and teamwork.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to be fun, engaging, and collaborative, supporting the agency's culture of curiosity and bold thinking.

• Expect access to contemporary design tools and technologies necessary for executing high-caliber visual design work across various mediums.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with designers, strategists, producers, and other creative professionals, facilitating knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, with the explicit understanding that occasional flexibility outside of standard hours may be required during critical project phases such as live events and production. This acknowledges the demanding nature of agency work while aiming for a sustainable work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a minimum of 3 days in the office is a key aspect of the work environment, emphasizing the value placed on in-person collaboration and team synergy. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic agency setting that blends focused work with creative interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present a curated selection of their work, discussing their process, design rationale, and contributions to specific projects. Be prepared to articulate how your work aligns with Imagination's focus on brand experience and multi-channel design.

• Creative Challenge (Potential): You may be asked to complete a design exercise or case study, either as a take-home assignment or during an interview, to evaluate your problem-solving skills and conceptual thinking.

• Team & Cultural Fit Interviews: Conversations with potential team members and hiring managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment with Imagination's values.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in brand identity, spatial graphics, digital design, and conceptual thinking. Tailor your selection to highlight relevant experience for Imagination's work.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you were solving, your creative process (ideation, sketching, digital execution), key design decisions, and the final outcome. Use visuals (mood boards, sketches, wireframes) to illustrate your journey.

• Highlight Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful event execution, brand recognition improvements).

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples that span different mediums (print, digital, experiential, motion) to showcase your adaptability.

• Be Concise and Clear: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and that your explanations are clear and to the point.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Imagination's portfolio and recent campaigns to understand their aesthetic and strategic approach.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale concisely.

• Be prepared to discuss how you approach creative constraints and client feedback.

• Consider how you would approach a hypothetical brief that involves creating a brand experience across both digital and physical touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be thorough, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio as a demonstration of practical skills and creative thinking. Candidates should prepare to not only present their work but also to discuss their strategic approach and collaborative capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for creating and manipulating visual assets across various formats.

• Figma: Required for collaborative design, prototyping, and handoff, indicating a modern digital design workflow.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how design impacts user engagement metrics on digital platforms would be beneficial. Familiarity with analytics tools used to track website/app performance could be an advantage. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities of a Visual Designer, but an understanding of how design integrates into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven customer journeys could be a plus. Preferred Tools/Skills:

• After Effects: Highly desirable for motion graphics and animation, suggesting the team is involved in creating dynamic visual content.

• Storyboarding Software: Tools used for creating visual narratives and pre-visualization of concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are centered around industry-standard design software. The preference for After Effects indicates a growing need for dynamic and animated visual content within the agency's offerings.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: A genuine interest in exploring new design trends, technologies, and creative approaches to solve client challenges.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in teamwork, open communication, and collective problem-solving to achieve the best creative outcomes.

• Bold Thinking: Encouragement to push creative boundaries, take calculated risks, and develop innovative solutions that stand out.

• Agility: The ability to adapt quickly to changing project requirements, client feedback, and evolving market trends.

• Integrity: Maintaining high ethical standards in design practice and client interactions.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful, and meticulously executed design work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with strategists, copywriters, producers, and client services to ensure integrated and cohesive brand experiences.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine creative work and foster continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing of insights, techniques, and inspiration among team members to elevate collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a proactive and collaborative approach to creativity, valuing innovation and a commitment to excellence. Designers are expected to be team players who contribute to a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: The primary challenge will be to uphold established client brand guidelines while pushing creative boundaries to deliver fresh and impactful designs.

• Multi-Format Design Execution: Successfully translating a core creative concept across diverse mediums (print, digital, experiential, motion) requires adaptability and a deep understanding of each format's unique requirements.

• Managing Tight Deadlines: The agency environment often involves fast-paced projects with demanding timelines, requiring efficient workflow management and prioritization.

• Client Communication and Feedback: Effectively presenting design rationale and incorporating client feedback constructively can be challenging, especially when navigating differing opinions or visions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in motion graphics, animation, and potentially 3D design through project work and specialized training.

• Experiential Design Immersion: Gain hands-on experience in designing for large-scale environments, installations, and brand activations.

• Strategic Brand Development: Contribute to the strategic thinking behind brand identity and multi-channel campaigns, deepening understanding of brand architecture and storytelling.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from senior designers and creative directors, fostering professional growth and skill refinement.

• Industry Exposure: Stay abreast of the latest design trends and technologies through internal workshops, conferences, and project assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for growth in a dynamic agency setting, particularly in the realm of integrated brand experiences and advanced visual design techniques. Candidates should view challenges as opportunities for skill development and creative problem-solving.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance strict brand guidelines with a need for creative innovation. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process for finding creative solutions within constraints).

• "Walk us through your process for developing a visual concept for a new brand or campaign, from initial brief to final presentation." (Highlight your ideation, mood boarding, and refinement stages).

• "How do you ensure your designs translate effectively across different mediums, such as print, digital, and experiential?" (Emphasize your understanding of format-specific design principles). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Imagination's approach to brand experience design, and how does your work align with it?" (Research their portfolio and recent work).

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic." (Relate to their emphasis on curiosity and bold thinking).

• "How do you stay current with design trends and new technologies, and how do you integrate them into your work?" (Showcase your passion for continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling is Key: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the client's challenge, your strategic approach, your creative solution, and the impactful results.

• Focus on Process: Don't just show the final polished images. Include sketches, mood boards, wireframes, or prototypes to illustrate your thought process and problem-solving.

• Articulate Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially in collaborative projects.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, challenges faced, and how you handle feedback. Practice concise and confident answers.

• Tailor to Imagination: Emphasize projects that demonstrate experience in experiential design, brand identity, and multi-channel campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skill but also strategic thinking, collaborative ability, and a strong understanding of brand building in an agency context. The portfolio presentation is a critical component and should be treated as a strategic opportunity to showcase your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on imagination.pinpointhq.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your digital portfolio to prominently feature projects that align with Imagination's focus on brand experience, spatial graphics, and multi-channel design. Ensure it showcases your process and versatility.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your agency experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any experience with motion graphics or experiential design. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and answering strategy-focused questions. Prepare specific examples of how you've driven creative innovation and collaborated effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review Imagination's website, case studies, and recent work to understand their brand, values, and project scope. This will enable you to tailor your application and interview responses effectively.

⚠️ 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.