Graphic Designer (2044387)

$47,840 - $58,240/Yr

ASGN - Allendale, NJ

Full-time - Entry Level

Allendale, NJ

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Graphic Designer position at Apex Systems, Inc. is a full-time, temporary role based in Allendale, New Jersey, with a hybrid work model allowing for two days in the office and three days remote. This role is designed for a creative individual who will be responsible for designing contemporary graphics for branded and private label packaging, display art, and sales support materials. The designer will play a crucial role in supporting the overall sales effort by providing graphic support to gain new accounts and service existing ones. In this position, the designer will conceptualize, design, and produce accurate electronic file mechanicals of contemporary graphic designs, including logos, graphic elements, layouts, illustrations, and more. The designer will interpret package design briefs into creative designs that effectively communicate product benefits, features, and brand equities. Collaboration with internal colleagues is essential to understand business objectives and create clear and compelling designs that align with those goals. The designer will take project assignments from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to deadlines and project schedules. Attention to detail is critical, as the designer must think creatively while producing high-quality work. Responsibilities also include photographing packaging and products, providing color-corrected electronic images, and producing accurate electronic mechanical files for various printing methods. The role requires proofreading and performing quality checks on pre-press proofs to ensure accuracy and quality in the final output.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualizing, designing, and producing accurate electronic file mechanicals of contemporary graphic design including logos, graphic elements, layouts, illustrations, etc.
• Interpreting Package Design Briefs into creative designs that communicate positioning, tone and manner, product benefits and features, and brand equities.
• Developing visually appealing graphic designs that combine PL customer guidelines with Best Practices and Marketing/Legal requirements.
• Working closely with internal colleagues to understand business objectives and create clear and compelling creative designs.
• Taking project assignments from conception to finished stage, including the look, design, layout, illustrations, and photography.
• Thinking creatively and understanding good package design with attention to detail.
• Creating hand-packed, mocked-up, camera-ready packaging for marketing, customer photo shoots, and planograms.
• Photographing packaging and products using a digital camera and providing color-corrected, appropriately formatted electronic images.
• Producing accurate electronic mechanical files and accompanying documentation for digital, offset, and flexo printing.
• Proofreading and performing quality checks on pre-press proofs.

Requirements

• BA or BFA from an accredited college in Graphic Design, or relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as a graphic artist, with experience in package design preferred.
• Knowledge of pre-press requirements and print technology for offset, flexo, and digital printing.
• Knowledge of various software formats (PDF, PNG, JPEG, EPS, TIFF, BMP, GIF, Targa, PICT, etc.) and their appropriate applications.
• Proficient computer skills in a Mac environment and mastery of Adobe Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC, and Acrobat; knowledge of Dimension is a plus.
• Portfolio of past projects demonstrating the ability to create effective designs.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with designing for consumer products/packaging, displays, illustration ability, and photography.
• Illustration/drawing ability to create computer-designed package artwork.
• Experience in interpreting the objectives of the client and translating them into appealing designs.
• Ability to translate complex concepts or vague instructions into polished designs using innovative graphics.
• Experience working directly with or for a printer is preferred.
• Knowledge of digital, offset, and flexo printing requirements for Pantone, Extended Gamut, and process printing including color management.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay ranging from $23 to $28 per hour.
• Opportunity for contract to hire after 6 months.
• Hybrid work model allowing for remote work.
• Professional development opportunities through hands-on experience.