Graphic Designer

smartdept. is searching for a Graphic Designer for a consumer packaged goods client located in Chicago, IL. The ideal candidate will come with 3-5+ years of experience. This is a full-time, hybrid (Tues-Thurs in office), contract-to-hire opportunity. Compensation for this position is expected to be $28/hr - $32/hr depending on experience level and fit. 

The role of the Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating a variety of print and digital projects to include house branded and private label packaging, infographics, trade show graphics, banner ads, emails, website content, social media content and more. This role will report to the Art Director.

What You’ll Do: 

• Demonstrate strong layout and design skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and creativity.
• Experience maintaining brand consistency across all brand assets
• Ability to edit, recolor, and composite images in Photoshop
• Work with overseas and domestic partners to obtain project dielines, mockups, samples, translations, and photography
• Create high-impact packaging and display designs maintaining consistent brand esthetic across all deliverables
• Experience using customer style guides to create private label packaging designs, displays and master carton labeling
• Prepare packaging BOM, detailing all artwork components for a given project
• Create original vector line art, illustrations and unique pattern designs for product application and packaging
• Identify color, packaging, display and design trends to enhance product innovation in the marketplace
• Collaborate with Digital Marketing team to create a variety of assets for website and social media projects
• Daily collaboration with internal cross-functional teams
• Manage and maintain consistent naming/filing structure of collateral and images in-line with department standards on our server
• Perform daily project management, with the ability to prioritize and organize workload to ensure deadlines are met, and quality is consistent.

What You’ll Need: 

• BA or BFA preferred in Graphic Design or Communication Design.
• Proficient knowledge of Adobe programs: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Solid organizational skills, detail-oriented; time management skills, ability to juggle priorities.
• Strong relationship-building skills; ability to collaborate and work cross-functionally within the organization.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet very tight deadlines under shifting priorities.
   
• Previous experience using Asana for project management, and Adobe Dimension for 3D
  renderings a plus