About Company
Join Hiring.zycto and discover a vibrant launchpad for your creative career in the heart of Cedar Rapids’ NewBo District. We believe in nurturing raw talent, providing the tools and mentorship necessary for individuals to thrive in the dynamic world of visual communication. Our team fosters an inclusive, collaborative environment where fresh perspectives are highly valued. Here, you’ll contribute to diverse projects, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain hands-on experience that will build a strong foundation for your design journey. We are committed to empowering our employees and growing together.
Job Description
Are you passionate about design and eager to kickstart your career in a supportive, creative environment? Hiring.zycto is excited to offer an entry-level Graphic Designer Assistant position, perfect for individuals with a burgeoning interest in visual communication who may not have formal certifications or extensive experience. This role is a unique opportunity to learn the ropes of professional graphic design from the ground up, with comprehensive training provided by our experienced team.
As a Graphic Designer Assistant, you will be an integral part of our creative department, supporting senior designers in bringing innovative ideas to life. You’ll gain hands-on experience across a variety of projects, from developing branding assets and marketing materials to assisting with digital campaigns and print layouts. We understand that everyone starts somewhere, and our program is specifically designed to equip you with the fundamental skills, software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite essentials), and industry best practices needed to excel.
We are looking for someone with a keen eye for aesthetics, a strong willingness to learn, and an enthusiastic, proactive approach to tasks. You’ll assist with everything from preparing files for print and digital use, conducting image research, organizing design assets, to making minor design revisions. This isn’t just a job; it’s a mentorship-driven pathway to becoming a skilled graphic designer. If you’re a self-starter who loves visual storytelling and is ready to immerse yourself in a collaborative, fast-paced setting, this could be your ideal starting point. Embrace the challenge, grow your portfolio, and contribute to impactful visual solutions within our thriving NewBo District office. We celebrate creativity, encourage experimentation, and are dedicated to your professional development.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist senior graphic designers with various design projects, including brochures, social media graphics, website elements, and presentations.
- Perform basic design tasks such as image resizing, cropping, color correction, and font adjustments under guidance.
- Organize and maintain digital asset libraries, ensuring files are properly named, categorized, and easily accessible.
- Conduct research on design trends, competitor visuals, and stock photography to support creative concepts.
- Prepare design files for print and digital output, ensuring adherence to specifications and quality standards.
- Collaborate with the creative team to brainstorm new ideas and contribute to concept development sessions.
- Proofread design layouts for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand guidelines.
- Learn and effectively utilize industry-standard software, primarily Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
- Provide general administrative support to the design department as needed.
Required Skills
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Demonstrated passion for graphic design and visual communication.
- Basic computer proficiency (Windows/macOS, Microsoft Office).
- Strong willingness to learn and adapt to new software and design techniques.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to follow instructions and work effectively in a team environment.
- Proactive and positive attitude with a strong work ethic.
- A personal portfolio (even if informal, showcasing personal projects or sketches) is a plus, but not required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with any graphic design software (e.g., Canva, GIMP, or basic exposure to Adobe Creative Suite) is a bonus.
- Understanding of basic design principles (e.g., color theory, typography, layout) acquired through self-study or informal learning.
- Experience with social media content creation.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive on-the-job training and mentorship program.
- Opportunity for rapid professional growth and career advancement.
- Collaborative and inspiring creative work environment.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Access to professional development resources and design workshops.
- Casual dress code.
- Vibrant office location in the heart of NewBo District.
How to Apply
To apply for this exciting entry-level opportunity, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your passion for design and why you believe you’d be a great fit for Hiring.zycto. If you have any personal design projects or a portfolio, please include a link. Click on the link below to apply for the job.