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State of Montana

Museum Graphic Designer

State of Montana, Helena, Montana, us, 59604


The Montana Historical Society (MTHS) seeks an energetic and talented museum professional for the full-time position of Experiential Graphic Designer. We are growing – creating a world-class Heritage Center that will be a destination, a gathering place, and a space to tell the stories of Montana to all. The Montana Historical Society saves Montana’s past, shares our stories, and inspires exploration, to provide meaning for today and vision for tomorrow. We are looking for an individual that will contribute to that mission by offering the public exciting and innovative ways to experience Montana’s history. The ideal candidate is a creative, motivated, detail-oriented team member with experience doing graphic design in museum exhibits or public spaces, is familiar with curatorial processes, is a strong collaborator, and has good time management skills.

Function:

TheExperiential Graphic Designerworks as a member of the Museum Program team and is responsible for creating visual concepts and strategies to communicate historic and artistic ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate visitors to museum exhibits. In conjunction with the exhibit team, develops the overall layout and production design of graphics to achieve creative effects in both two- and three-dimensional spaces.This position is responsible for making all graphics clear and sympathetic to the purpose of the exhibit’s goals.

Representative Duties:

* Designs all labels, illustrations, graphics and signage for Historical Society exhibit projects in conjunction with Exhibit Designer. Designs all graphic printed materials as required for the rest of the Museum Program. As needed, participates in design of graphics for other departments of the Historical Society. * Produces, prepares and mounts graphics; or coordinates installation as part of the installation team. Includes familiarity with a variety of substrates and mounting techniques, such as cutting foam core, mat board, gator board; use of vinyl and stencils; and using various adhesives. * Serves on exhibit project teams composed of internal museum staff and external collaborative partners * Meets with each exhibit project team to: 1) discuss design needs such as purpose, audience, message (storytelling), aesthetic, style, layout, etc., and 2) ensure the integration of design with all project goals including exhibit design, interpretation, education, curatorial, conservation, accessibility and wayfinding. * Create a storyboard of designs for exhibit graphics, incorporating selection of colors, images, photos, illustrations, typography, and interfaces. Presents to exhibit project team and incorporates recommended changes into final design. Reviews and proofs designs for team to obtain approval before publishing, presenting, or finalizing. * Uses industry software and equipment to generate, edit, draw, and print illustrations, images, and artwork; prepare mockups, drawings, and specifications; and produce scaled and other reference documents. * Develops, designs, reviews, and creates new applications, ideas, and productions including artistic contributions. * Contributes graphics and layouts for exhibit and Society-wide items such as illustrations, signage, advertising, brochures, invitations, company logos, identity, web sites, and other projects as needed. * Collaborates with other State agency staff, contractors and vendors for the final production and delivery of items, within the parameters of State regulations. * Investigates, identifies needs and makes recommendation for equipment and supplies, and provides budget information for graphic production projects. * Participates as required in fabrication, installation/deinstallation and maintenance/cleaning activities of all exhibits.

Skills:

* Ability to work independently or as part of a team. Willingness to collaborate with team members on all parts of the project to co-create the visitor experience. Open to feedback from other expertise to consider historical accuracy, accessibility and inclusivity, cultural sensibilities, and museum standards. * Demonstrate overall general creativity in their work. Ability to marry principles of design with the best practices of interpretive museum exhibits to create a powerful, compelling and educational experiencein an aesthetically pleasing way that contributes to the overall exhibit experience * Ability to perform standard graphic design (ie: laying out text and graphics for flat graphic panels) in an aesthetically pleasing way that contributes to the overall exhibit experience. * Working knowledge of graphic production materials and techniques, and ability to physically produce and install the final product. * Ability to think and design in a three-dimensional space; use three-dimensional visioning skills to use signage and graphics to augment visitor experience. * Maintain a positive attitude while balancing priorities and managing time to achieve a balance of creativity and quality, while respecting deadlines and budgets

Qualifications : Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, visual communication or related area of focus, and two years of experience in graphic design in two- or three-dimensional spaces. Other combinations may be substituted. Preferred applicant will experience designing for three-dimensionally branded spaces or museum exhibits.

Required Materials

* Resume * Cover letter * Candidates that pass the initial screening will be requested to turn in a portfolio of work that demonstrates examples of: overall general creativity; coherence between content/story and design; flexibility to work in a variety of styles for different audiences; and ability to work on a project from concept through completion.

First Review Date

The first review of applications will be August 14, 2024.

Title:

*Museum Graphic Designer *

Location:

Helena

Requisition ID:

24142141