📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Graphic Designer & Content Creator
🔹 Company: Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing
🔹 Location: Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Retail
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (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 various teams to enhance customer engagement
- Contributing to content planning and strategy
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of creative and analytical skills, with a focus on driving customer engagement and sales through effective marketing campaigns.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Design and produce various print and digital marketing materials, including promotional flyers, store signage, classes and workshop schedules, social media posts, emails, web assets, etc.
✅ Work with print vendors for print production, estimates, and timelines
✅ Coordinate across departments to collect data, copy, and assets needed to complete projects
✅ Manage inventory of printer supplies and perform necessary maintenance to printing equipment
✅ Contribute to content planning and strategy of marketing efforts in collaboration with the ecommerce and purchasing teams
✅ 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 design, project management, and data-driven decision making to ensure effective marketing campaigns.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a similar field (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
- Proficient 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 graphic 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) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts on art supplies and framing services
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for a mid-level graphic designer in the retail sector in the Silver Spring, Maryland area.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail (Fine Artist Materials, Custom Framing, Graphic Design Supplies, Creative Children Products, Fine Craft Supplies, and Gifts)
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: 1960
Company Description:
- Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing is a chain of art supply and framing stores with 12 physical locations in six states and an e-commerce site.
- The company offers a wide range of art materials, creative gifts, custom framing, gift cards, workshops, demos, classes, delivery, special orders, and bulk discounts.
- Plaza is committed to serving its customers and providing them with the best possible experience in their neighborhood art store.
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 is a well-established company in the retail sector, focusing on providing high-quality art supplies and services to its customers.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Department and collaborates with the Web and Store Staff teams.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a senior graphic design role or management position within the Marketing Department
- Opportunities to expand skills and knowledge in digital marketing, content creation, and project management
- Possibility to work on high-visibility projects and campaigns that drive customer engagement and sales
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the Marketing Department and the company as a whole.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office
Office Location(s): Plaza Art-Corporate Office - Silver Spring, MD
Geographic Context:
- Silver Spring is a suburban city located in Montgomery County, Maryland, near Washington, D.C.
- The area is known for its diverse cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters.
- Silver Spring offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to public transportation and major highways.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The corporate office in Silver Spring, Maryland, provides a professional and collaborative work environment for employees.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the Hiring Manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the Marketing Team
- Final interview with the Marketing Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio review and creative problem-solving exercises
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Understanding of marketing strategies and trends
- Technical proficiency in graphic design software and digital marketing tools
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant graphic design experience and skills
- Include a link to your portfolio or attach samples of your work
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, creativity, and collaboration
ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Content Creation, Adobe Creative Cloud, HTML5, CSS, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Print Production, Time Management, Collaboration, Creative Thinking, Problem Solving, Visual Marketing, E-commerce
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's creative problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and technical proficiency in graphic design and digital marketing.
🛠️ 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 platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
- Print production software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, PDF-XChange Editor)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are industry-standard and widely used in graphic design and digital marketing.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity and innovation
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Customer focus and excellence
- Integrity and respect
- Continuous learning and improvement
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Customer-focused and results-driven
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Continuously learning and improving
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I have a strong portfolio showcasing my graphic design skills and experience working on multiple projects with tight deadlines?
- Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
- Do I have a passion for staying up-to-date with design, visual marketing, and e-commerce trends?
- Am I able to effectively communicate and collaborate with various teams to drive customer engagement and sales?
ASSUMPTION: Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing values creativity, collaboration, and customer focus in its employees, and seeks candidates who align with these values and work styles.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects with tight deadlines
- Balancing creative design work with data-driven decision making
- Adapting to a fast-paced, collaborative work environment
- Staying up-to-date with design, visual marketing, and e-commerce trends
ASSUMPTION: This role presents challenges that require strong time management, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other graphic design positions in its focus on driving customer engagement and sales through effective marketing campaigns
- Industry-specific context: Retail (Fine Artist Materials, Custom Framing, Graphic Design Supplies, Creative Children Products, Fine Craft Supplies, and Gifts)
- Career path comparison: Mid-level graphic design role with opportunities for advancement to senior graphic design or management positions within the Marketing Department
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and development within the Marketing Department and the company as a whole.
📝 Sample Projects
- Design and produce promotional flyers, store signage, and social media posts for upcoming events and sales
- Collaborate with the ecommerce and purchasing teams to create engaging content for email marketing campaigns and product descriptions
- Manage email marketing and social media marketing programs to drive customer engagement and sales
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects highlight the diverse range of responsibilities and collaborative nature of the Graphic Designer & Content Creator role at Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Marketing Department?
- How does this role contribute to the overall marketing strategy and goals of the company?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the Marketing Department and the company as a whole?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the work environment and company culture.
📌 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 graphic design experience and skills
- Prepare a portfolio or attach samples of your work showcasing your graphic design skills and experience working on multiple projects with tight deadlines
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, creativity, and collaboration
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
