Graphic Designer | Retail Marketing & Advertising

Placement Type:TemporarySalary:$35-50 HourlyProactive Talent PipelineStart Date:May 2, 2026ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITYWe're building talent pipelines for Graphic Designer roles supporting a Fortune 500 home improvement retailer's marketing, advertising, and merchandising operations. This is not an active requisition-we're identifying qualified designers now for anticipated opportunities in 2026.Why register your interest?Early access when roles openDirect connection to hiring managersFirst consideration before public postingsTHE ROLEAs a Graphic Designer, you'll create compelling visual communications across print and digital channels including advertising, promotional materials, social media content, email campaigns, presentations, and in-store collateral. You'll work within an established creative team to design layouts that are visually appealing, technically accurate, and aligned with brand standards and merchandising strategies.Core Responsibilities:CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN EXECUTION (60%)Drive creation of original design concepts that result in effective, compelling communicationDesign high-quality images for print advertising (run-of-press, tabloids, brochures, signage, catalogs, circulars) within assigned product categoriesCreate digital assets including social media content, blog graphics, email messaging, display advertisements, and presentationsIllustrate concepts by designing rough layouts considering arrangement, composition, type size and style, color theory, and aesthetic principlesPrepare final layouts by marking up and assembling finished copy and artUse words, illustrations, fonts, colors, and visual layouts to effectively communicate messages and showcase productsWork within provided templates while maintaining creative excellence and brand consistencyAdapt designs for multiple channels and formats (print, web, mobile, social, in-store)COLLABORATION & APPROVAL PROCESS (20%)Plan concepts by studying project information, materials, and creative briefsCollaborate with merchandising partners, creative managers, and senior designers on content development under tight deadlinesPresent rough layouts and obtain approval from stakeholders before proceeding to final executionWork closely with outside creative agencies, providing photo and layout art direction consistent with advance planning team creativePartner with production artists and provide training/guidance when neededAttend ad review meetings to present layouts and sketchesEnsure look and feel of deliverables aligns with direction from Creative Manager, Senior Designer, and merchandising leadershipRESEARCH & TREND MONITORING (10%)Research design trends in home improvement industry and retail advertisingMaintain industry and product knowledge to guide creative processKeep visual solutions consistent with current trends while remaining unique and innovativeUnderstand consumer appeal of product categories and particular brandsStay current on channel best practices (print, digital, social media)ASSET MANAGEMENT & TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE (10%)Maintain image library through electronic archiving processMaintain deep working knowledge of design software (Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)Adapt to design software improvements and technology advancementsEnsure technical accuracy in all design work (color specifications, file formats, production requirements)Prepare files for various output methods (digital, offset printing, large format, web)KEY DESIGN TYPES YOU'LL CREATEPrint Advertising:Run-of-press (ROP) newspaper adsTabloid inserts and circularsBrochures and catalogsIn-store signage and point-of-purchase displaysDirect mail piecesPromotional flyersDigital & Social Media:Social media graphics (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok)Email campaign designs and templatesDisplay advertising (banner ads, retargeting ads)Blog post featured images and graphicsWebsite landing page designsPresentations & Collateral:PowerPoint/Keynote presentation decksSales collateral and one-pagersTrade show materialsInternal communications materialsPackaging & Product Marketing:Private label packaging design supportProduct photography art directionSKU-specific promotional materialsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSMust-Haves:Experience:3-5+ years professional graphic design experiencePortfolio demonstrating strong design fundamentals and range across print and digitalExperience designing under tight production deadlinesProven ability to work within brand guidelines and templates while maintaining creativityDesign Skills:Typography: Hierarchy, readability, font pairing, type systemsLayout & Composition: Grid systems, visual balance, white space, alignmentColor Theory: Color psychology, brand color systems, print vs. digital colorVisual Communication: Translating complex messages into clear, compelling visualsPrint Production: Understanding of bleed, trim, color modes (CMYK/PMS), file prepDigital Design: Web-optimized graphics, responsive design principles, social media formatsSoftware Proficiency:Adobe Photoshop (expert level - image editing, compositing, retouching)Adobe Illustrator (expert level - vector graphics, logos, icons, illustrations)Adobe InDesign (advanced - multi-page layouts, print production)Microsoft PowerPoint/Keynote (presentation design)Working knowledge of Adobe XD or Figma (digital/web design)Work Style:High-energy professional with passion for designAbility to execute work under tight deadlines (fast-paced retail environment)Strong attention to detail and technical accuracyCollaborative mindset-works well with creative teams, merchandising, agenciesReceptive to feedback and direction from senior designers and creative leadershipAdaptable to changing priorities and last-minute requests Nice-to-Haves:Industry Experience:Retail advertising background (circulars, promotional materials, seasonal campaigns)CPG/product marketing experience (showcasing physical products)Agency experience (fast-paced, multi-client environment)Home improvement, hardware, or building materials industry knowledgeSpecialized Skills:Photography art direction or basic photography skills3D rendering or product visualization (KeyShot, Cinema 4D, Blender)Motion graphics (After Effects - animated social content, video ads)Illustration capabilities (custom illustrations, iconography)Web design fundamentals (HTML/CSS understanding)Print production management (working with printers, understanding print processes)Technical Knowledge:Understanding of prepress and print production workflowsExperience with large format printing (signage, banners, displays)Knowledge of accessibility standards (ADA compliance, readability)Familiarity with DAM systems (Digital Asset Management - Bynder, Widen, etc.)Experience with project management tools (Workfront, Asana, Monday.com)#LI-MM3**About Aquent Talent:**Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!