VISUAL DESIGNER I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual Designer I

Company: Bluewater Technologies Group

Location: Wixom, MI, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on the production and execution of high-quality visual design across various mediums, including experiential activations, digital media, and live environments.

• The Visual Designer I will be instrumental in translating creative briefs, brand standards, and established concepts into polished, production-ready deliverables.

• This is a hands-on creative production role requiring strong technical proficiency in design software and a keen eye for detail in executing visual work.

• The position involves close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, including creative directors, motion designers, 3D artists, software developers, and project managers, to deliver impactful visual experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Visual Designer I," the emphasis on "production and execution" and "translating established concepts" suggests a role that prioritizes craft and adherence to direction over independent concept generation. This is typical for an entry-level design position within a larger creative or operations team, where efficiency and consistency in delivering client-ready assets are paramount. The role sits within the broader "Creative Services" department, indicating a strong connection to operational workflows that support sales and client delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Creative Production & Execution: Translate creative briefs, sketches, style frames, references, and brand standards into refined visual assets and production-ready artwork for diverse applications.

• Visual Design & Storytelling: Create high-quality vector graphics, illustrations, icons, typography, compositions, and layouts, ensuring strong principles of hierarchy, typography, composition, and brand consistency are applied.

• Concept Development Support: Contribute ideas during brainstorming and concept development sessions, and collaborate with creative leadership to develop mood boards and style frames.

• Technical Production: Prepare assets for various output formats including LED walls, projection systems, touchscreens, interactive software, web experiences, print, and environmental applications, ensuring technical executability.

• Collaboration & Communication: Participate actively in creative reviews, communicate design rationale clearly, incorporate feedback from internal stakeholders and clients, and maintain organized project files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed and cover the full lifecycle of visual asset creation, from initial interpretation to final technical preparation. The emphasis on "production-ready artwork," "technical production," and "organized project files" highlights the operational aspect of this creative role, requiring a structured approach to design work.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field is typically expected for a Visual Designer role. Equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in visual design, with a focus on production and execution within a creative agency, internal creative department, or related field. Experience supporting experiential design, interactive installations, live events, environmental graphics, or branded spaces is a strong asset.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma for interface design and asset creation.

• Strong command of Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and illustration.

• Experience with Adobe After Effects or comparable motion design software for animation.

• Ability to translate creative briefs and brand standards into polished visual assets.

• Solid understanding of design principles: hierarchy, typography, composition, color theory, and brand consistency.

• Experience in creative production and execution across various formats.

• Ability to create

high-quality vector graphics and illustrations.

• Experience designing professional presentations that communicate concepts effectively.

• Familiarity with visual storytelling techniques and organizing complex ideas visually.

• Skill in preparing assets for technical production and non-traditional formats.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting

experiential design, interactive installations, live events, environmental graphics, or branded spaces.

• Familiarity with additional design or prototyping tools.

• Basic understanding of

motion design or animation principles.

• Ability to interpret and execute upon mood boards and style frames.

• Experience working with developers, technologists, or fabricators.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily tool-specific, emphasizing hands-on technical ability. The inclusion of "supporting experiential design" and similar areas points towards a need for designers who can adapt their skills to the unique demands of Bluewater's services, which involve physical and digital integrations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating proficiency in Figma, Illustrator, and After Effects.

• Examples of visual design execution across diverse projects, showcasing the ability to translate concepts into polished deliverables.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight technical production capabilities, such as preparing assets for various output formats (e.g., digital screens, environmental graphics).

• Demonstrations of strong design principles (hierarchy, typography, composition, color) applied consistently across projects.

• Examples of presentation design and visual storytelling that effectively communicate ideas.

• Work that shows an understanding of brand consistency and adaptation across different touchpoints. Process Documentation:

• Showcase ability to manage project files and documentation efficiently, ensuring organized asset libraries for cross-disciplinary use.

• Provide examples of how design decisions were made to meet specific technical specifications or production constraints.

• Illustrate a process for incorporating feedback and iterating on designs based on stakeholder input.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Visual Designer I, the portfolio is critical. It needs to clearly demonstrate not just aesthetic talent but also the technical skill and operational discipline required to produce production-ready assets consistently. The emphasis on "technical production" and "organized project files" suggests that employers will look for evidence of a structured design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Visual Designer I with 0-2 years of experience in Wixom, MI, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $55,000 and $70,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for entry-level design roles in the Detroit metropolitan area, considering the cost of living and the demand for skilled visual designers.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation: Reflecting the value of creative talent and contribution to client success.

• Comprehensive benefits package: Likely includes health insurance, dental, vision, and potentially life insurance.

• Ongoing support for certifications: Encouraging professional development and skill enhancement in design and related technologies.

• Leadership development opportunities: Providing pathways for career growth and advancement within the creative services team.

• Hybrid work policy: Offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility to support productivity and work-life balance.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement allowing for a balance of in-office and remote work days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for an entry-level role in the specified location. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are highly relevant to attracting and retaining talent in creative and operations-focused roles. The hybrid policy is a key differentiator for modern work arrangements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Bluewater Technologies Group operates within the Audio/Visual (A/V) and Experiential Marketing/Design industry. They specialize in transforming spaces through integrated technology, creative design, and strategic implementation for events, workplaces, and permanent installations. This means the design team works on projects that blend physical environments with digital and A/V components.

Company Size: Bluewater Technologies Group is part of a larger entity (implied by the ADP Workforcenow platform), likely falling into the mid-to-large enterprise category with potentially hundreds to thousands of employees across various divisions and locations. This size suggests a structured organization with established processes and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: Founded in 1985, Bluewater Technologies Group has a long-standing history, indicating stability and deep industry experience. As a woman-owned business, it likely fosters a unique culture that values diverse perspectives and leadership.

Team Structure: The Visual Designer I reports to the VP of Creative Services, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the creative department. They will work closely with a team that includes creative directors, motion designers, 3D artists, software developers, and project managers. This structure implies a collaborative environment where different specializations come together to execute complex projects.

Methodology: Bluewater's approach is described as blending creativity, technology, and strategy to deliver experiences. Their internal methodology likely involves structured project phases, from discovery and concept development through to production, implementation, and post-project analysis. The emphasis on "unlocking the potential of spaces" suggests a solutions-oriented, client-centric approach.

Company Website: Bluewater Technologies Group Website

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the industry is crucial for a Visual Designer. Working in A/V and experiential design means designers must consider technical constraints, physical environments, and interactive elements, which are different from purely digital or print design. The company's history and woman-owned status also contribute to its unique culture and values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level (Level I) position within the Visual Design function. It is positioned as a foundational role focused on executing established creative direction and producing production-ready assets. Progression would typically involve moving into a Visual Designer II role, then potentially a Senior Visual Designer, Art Director, or Creative Director, depending on individual aptitude and career aspirations.

Reporting Structure: The Visual Designer I reports directly to the VP of Creative Services. This direct line of reporting suggests a clear chain of command and opportunities for mentorship from senior leadership within the creative department. They will also collaborate closely with Project Managers and potentially Sales teams, indicating exposure to the operational and client-facing aspects of the business.

Operations Impact: While primarily a creative role, the Visual Designer I contributes significantly to the operational success of Bluewater by ensuring that client visions are translated into visually compelling and technically feasible designs. High-quality visual assets are critical for sales presentations, client approvals, and the final execution of experiential and digital projects, directly impacting client satisfaction and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in core design tools (Figma, Illustrator, After Effects) and learn new technologies relevant to experiential and digital design.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like environmental graphics, UI/UX for interactive installations, or presentation design.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Exposure to project management, software development, and sales processes, providing a broader understanding of the business.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior designers and the VP of Creative Services to develop design craft and career path.

• Potential for increased responsibility: As experience grows, the opportunity to take on more complex projects or lead visual direction on smaller initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Visual Designer I is clearly defined by increasing complexity of projects, level of creative ownership, and technical specialization. The "Operations Impact" section highlights how creative output directly supports business objectives, a key consideration for operations-minded candidates.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Bluewater Technologies Group offers a hybrid work policy, indicating a blend of in-office and remote work. This suggests a modern work environment that balances the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. The company likely has a well-equipped office space for collaborative tasks and client meetings.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Wixom, MI. This location would be the hub for in-office workdays, team meetings, and access to company resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model suggests that in-office days will be focused on team collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and project reviews, fostering a dynamic creative atmosphere.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Illustrator, After Effects) and likely other project management and communication tools essential for a hybrid and cross-functional team.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with a diverse team of designers, technologists, project managers, and sales professionals, facilitating knowledge sharing and a holistic understanding of project lifecycles.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid work policy. This schedule allows for focused work on design tasks while accommodating personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a significant aspect of the modern workplace. For a Visual Designer, this means balancing focused, individual design work (often better suited for remote settings) with collaborative brainstorming and team alignment sessions that benefit from in-person interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the resume and portfolio by HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, discusses their design process, and may be asked to complete a design exercise or answer technical questions related to Figma, Illustrator, or After Effects.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: Meeting with potential team members (e.g., Creative Director, Project Manager) to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within the EPIC values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the VP of Creative Services or another senior leader to discuss career aspirations, role expectations, and overall alignment with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in Figma, Illustrator, and After Effects, particularly those relevant to experiential design or digital media.

• Showcase process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process (including ideation, iteration, and problem-solving), and the final outcome.

• Highlight technical execution: Demonstrate your ability to produce production-ready assets. If possible, show examples of how designs were adapted for different technical applications.

• Quantify impact (if possible): While challenging for design roles, if your work contributed to specific client success metrics, mention it.

• Be ready to discuss: Prepare to articulate your design rationale, your approach to collaboration, and how you handle feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve creating a visual asset based on a brief, adapting existing creative, or solving a visual problem under time constraints.

• Practice articulating your design process and decisions clearly and concisely.

• Familiarize yourself with Bluewater Technologies Group's work and client examples to understand their aesthetic and project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges underscores the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their technical proficiency and ability to deliver polished, production-ready work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Adobe Illustrator: Critical for creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.

• Adobe After Effects: Required for motion design and animation, crucial for dynamic visual content.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly used by the Visual Designer for reporting, understanding how visual assets perform in digital or experiential contexts can be beneficial. This might involve exposure to tools used for tracking engagement with digital content or performance of environmental graphics.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the core responsibilities of a Visual Designer, but understanding how sales and project management tools (likely used by other departments) interface with creative assets can be helpful for workflow integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack is heavily focused on core design and motion graphics software. The explicit mention of Figma, Illustrator, and After Effects means candidates must have demonstrable skills in these applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: Bluewater Technologies Group operates under the EPIC values: Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration - and Fun!

• Excellence: This translates to a high standard of craft in design, meticulous attention to detail in production, and a commitment to delivering outstanding visual solutions.

• Passion: A drive to create impactful experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for design and technology.

• Integrity: Honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all interactions with colleagues and clients.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, sharing ideas, and contributing to a collective goal.

• Fun: Fostering a positive and enjoyable work environment where creativity can thrive.

Collaboration Style: The culture emphasizes cross-functional integration between creative, technology, and sales teams. Collaboration is key to translating complex project requirements into tangible visual designs. Expect a dynamic environment where feedback is shared openly, and teamwork is essential for success. The hybrid work model also influences collaboration, requiring effective communication across different work locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The EPIC values are central to the company's identity and should guide how candidates present themselves and their work. Demonstrating alignment with these values, particularly Collaboration and Excellence, will be important during the interview process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating abstract concepts into concrete visuals: Effectively interpreting client needs and creative direction into compelling visual designs.

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines: Balancing workload and maintaining high-quality output across various assignments in a fast-paced environment.

• Adapting designs for technical constraints: Ensuring visual assets are not only aesthetically pleasing but also technically feasible for diverse applications (e.g., large-format displays, interactive systems).

• Staying current with design trends and technologies: Continuously learning and adapting to new tools and techniques in the rapidly evolving fields of visual design and experiential technology.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gaining experience in production workflows, asset management, and technical specifications relevant to A/V and experiential projects.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about the broader A/V, event production, and experiential design industries through project involvement.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from senior creative professionals and leadership to hone design craft and understand career progression.

• Certifications & Training: Access to support for relevant design software certifications or workshops to enhance technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the practical application of design skills within a business context. Growth opportunities are framed around both creative skill development and understanding the operational aspects of the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex creative brief into a visual design. What was your process?" (Focus on how you interpreted requirements and executed).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different design deliverables and platforms?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and application).

• "Walk me through a project where you had to adapt your design for specific technical constraints or a non-traditional format." (Showcase your technical production skills and problem-solving).

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs?" (Demonstrate your collaborative and receptive attitude). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Bluewater Technologies Group and our work in experiential design?" (Research their portfolio and mention specific projects that resonate).

• "How do you align with our EPIC values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Collaboration, Fun)?" (Provide specific examples of how you embody these values).

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to collaboration." (Emphasize teamwork and communication skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by highlighting specific skills (e.g., Figma projects, Illustrator projects, After Effects work).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and process, the solutions you developed, and the final outcome. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques you used. If applicable, show how your designs were implemented or prepared for production.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Respect the interviewer's time by being direct and enthusiastic. Practice your presentation to ensure smooth delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also the ability to execute, collaborate, and align with the company's operational values. The portfolio is the primary tool for this, so preparation is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP Workforcenow link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight specific design software proficiencies (Figma, Illustrator, After Effects), any experience with experiential design or live events, and quantifiable achievements where possible.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure it clearly showcases your best work relevant to the job description, with a focus on production-ready assets and design process. Be ready to present and discuss your projects in detail.

• Prepare for a design challenge: Familiarize yourself with common design tasks and practice articulating your creative process and rationale.

• Research Bluewater Technologies Group: Understand their industry, client work, and company culture (EPIC values) to tailor your responses during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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