📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Graphic Designer & Content Creator
🔹 Company: Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing
🔹 Location: Silver Spring, MD
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
🔹 Category: Retail, Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Intermediate (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-Site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Designing and producing print and digital marketing materials
- Managing email and social media marketing programs
- Collaborating with teams to develop engaging content
- Working autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong balance of creativity, organization, and communication skills to manage multiple design projects and marketing efforts effectively.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Design and produce various print and digital marketing materials
✅ Work with print vendors for print production, estimates, and timelines
✅ Coordinate across departments to collect data, copy, and assets for projects
✅ Manage inventory of printer supplies and perform necessary maintenance to printing equipment
✅ Contribute to content planning and strategy of marketing efforts
✅ Manage email marketing and social media marketing programs
✅ Review and interpret marketing analytics tracking to better plan marketing strategy
✅ Edit and proofread content for all marketing communications and collateral
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of creative and analytical tasks, requiring the ability to switch between different types of work throughout the day.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or similar preferred
Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a professional graphic design role managing multiple design projects with strict deadlines; preferably hands-on experience in a fast-paced agency environment
Required Skills:
- Expert knowledge of current version of Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
- Responsive HTML5 and CSS
- Microsoft Office
- Video editing skills using Adobe Premier and Adobe Rush (a plus)
- Copywriting skills and ability to write effective SEO marketing content
- Understanding of, and experience with, utilizing email marketing platforms, social media platforms, and other digital marketing tools
- Ability to follow and maintain Plaza's established branding and design aesthetic based on brand guidelines
- Proven experience in print and digital design, retail layouts preferred
- Proficiency in print production and file prep of multipage publications
- Outstanding time-management skills across a fast-paced work environment and ability to meet deadlines
- Proficient in social media and email marketing strategy, concepts, and trends
- Interest in staying abreast of design, visual marketing, and e-commerce trends
- Ability to work autonomously on assigned projects and act as your own project manager
- Ability to collaborate with other members of the Marketing & Web Teams in design and planning of marketing materials
- Creative thinker, problem solver, and innovator – able to translate concepts into design as well as contribute to and communicate those ideas
Preferred Skills:
- Background in the arts, knowledge of fine arts materials, and retail industry knowledge
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio showcasing their design skills and experience working on multiple projects with tight deadlines.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discount on art supplies and framing services
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a graphic designer with 3-5 years of experience in the retail sector.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing is a retail company specializing in fine artist materials, custom framing, graphic design supplies, creative children's products, fine craft supplies, and gifts. They operate 12 physical locations in six states and an e-commerce site.
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: 1960
Company Description:
- Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing offers a wide selection of art materials, creative gifts, and custom framing services.
- The company provides additional services such as gift cards, workshops, demos, classes, delivery, special orders, and bulk discounts.
- They strive to serve their customers' particular needs and maintain a neighborhood art store feel.
Company Specialties:
- Fine Artist Materials
- Custom Framing
- Graphic Design Supplies
- Creative Children Products
- Fine Craft Supplies
- Gifts
Company Website: http://www.plazaart.com
ASSUMPTION: Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing caters to both professional artists and hobbyists, offering a wide range of products and services to meet their customers' creative needs.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer & Content Creator will report directly to the Marketing Manager.
Work Arrangement: This is a full-time, on-site position with a standard workweek of Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Growth Opportunities:
- As the company continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the Graphic Designer & Content Creator to take on more responsibilities or move into a management role.
- The role may also provide opportunities to work on special projects or events, allowing the incumbent to gain experience in new areas.
ASSUMPTION: The Graphic Designer & Content Creator role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing's headquarters is a corporate office environment.
Office Location(s): Silver Spring, MD (headquarters); additional locations in six states
Geographic Context:
- The Silver Spring office is located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, offering easy access to public transportation and various amenities.
- The company's other locations are spread across six states, with a concentration on the East Coast.
Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with a 1-hour lunch break.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing's headquarters is professional and collaborative, with a focus on creativity and innovation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-person or video interview with the Marketing Manager
- Portfolio review and creative challenge (if applicable)
- Final interview with the Marketing Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Design skills and portfolio
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and time management skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant design experience and skills.
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work, including examples of print and digital marketing materials, as well as any email or social media marketing campaigns you've managed.
- Be ready to discuss your design process, creative inspiration, and how you approach marketing challenges.
- Research the company and be prepared to explain why you're interested in the role and how you can contribute to their success.
ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Content Creation, Adobe Creative Cloud, HTML5, CSS, Marketing, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Print Production, Time Management, Collaboration, Creative Thinking, Problem Solving
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for the Graphic Designer & Content Creator role at Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, creativity, and cultural fit.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
- Responsive HTML5 and CSS
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Premier and Adobe Rush (video editing)
- Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Print production software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, PDF-XChange Editor)
ASSUMPTION: The Graphic Designer & Content Creator will be expected to have proficiency in the listed tools and technologies to perform their job effectively.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity and innovation
- Customer focus
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Integrity and accountability
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Customer-focused
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and detail-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong portfolio showcasing your design skills and experience working on multiple projects with tight deadlines?
- Are you comfortable working autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment?
- Do you have a passion for staying up-to-date with design, visual marketing, and e-commerce trends?
- Are you comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously?
- Do you have excellent written and verbal communication skills?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for the Graphic Designer & Content Creator role at Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing will be a creative and innovative thinker with strong communication and collaboration skills, as well as a passion for staying up-to-date with industry trends.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working on multiple projects with tight deadlines, which can be stressful and demanding at times.
- There may be a need to manage conflicting priorities and balance multiple tasks simultaneously.
- The role may require occasional weekend or evening work to meet project deadlines or attend events.
- The work environment may be fast-paced and dynamic, with changes in priorities or projects occurring frequently.
ASSUMPTION: The Graphic Designer & Content Creator role at Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing offers a dynamic and challenging work environment that requires strong time management, communication, and adaptability skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other graphic designer roles, this position places a greater emphasis on content creation and marketing strategy.
- Unlike some other retail graphic designer roles, this position requires a broader range of skills, including video editing and copywriting.
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in marketing management or specialized design roles within the company.
ASSUMPTION: The Graphic Designer & Content Creator role at Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing offers a unique blend of creative and strategic responsibilities, setting it apart from other similar roles in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Designing and producing promotional flyers, store signage, and workshop schedules for an upcoming art event
- Managing an email marketing campaign to promote a new product line, including creating engaging content and tracking analytics
- Collaborating with the web team to design and implement a new website layout, including responsive design and SEO optimization
ASSUMPTION: The Graphic Designer & Content Creator role at Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing offers a diverse range of projects that allow the incumbent to showcase their skills and gain experience in various aspects of marketing and design.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow for a marketing project from start to finish?
- How does the Marketing Team collaborate with other departments, such as Sales and Operations?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the Marketing Department?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Marketing Department in the next 12 months, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and allows you to better understand the company's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant design experience and skills, as well as any marketing or content creation experience you have.
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work, including examples of print and digital marketing materials, as well as any email or social media marketing campaigns you've managed.
- Be ready to discuss your design process, creative inspiration, and how you approach marketing challenges during your interviews.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the role and ask about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
