Kaleidoscope
Junior Designer
Kaleidoscope, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Kaleidoscope is a creative collective of thinkers, designers and makers that together connect people and brands.
At Kaleidoscope, we believe the most effective brand solutions require both abstract thinking & tangible results. And like a kaleidoscope that combines colors, shapes and forms to allow us to view the world through a unique point of view, our creative collective of thinkers, designers and makers come from all walks of life and flex all types of skills to provide fresh perspectives rooted in Strategy, Design and Prototyping.
JOB SUMMARY
Kaleidoscope is a dynamic, tier-2 creative agency with a strong reputation in brand packaging design, innovation, and brand marketing support, serving both established brands and innovative start-ups.
Kaleidoscope is looking for a standout Junior Designer to add to our dynamic and growing Design team. As a Junior Designer on our team, you will work on packaging design projects and brand identity. You will be an indispensable partner to the entire team as you will be completing all manner of studio roles from designing to creating presentation boards and providing support for any department that may need an extra pair of hands. No task is too big or too small in an effort to show true team skills and a positive can-do attitude.
You are the perfect fit for this role if you are described as incredibly creative and are looking for the opportunity to work on a wide variety of categories. You are just as comfortable drawing on paper napkins as you are throwing layers in Photoshop, and you possess an uncanny ability to work on multiple projects at a given time. You feed off the energy and enthusiasm of others and welcome creative direction and feedback. You are eager to contribute to category audits, corporate identity, and packaging design projects. Most importantly, you are the type of person who is the first one to raise your hand for any extra tasks when help is needed.
Core ResponsibilitiesPlay an active role in creating BIG IDEAS working under senior members of the team.Focus on developing tight sketching skills to effectively communicate ideas using traditional design tools (pen and pencils).Learn and apply Kaleidoscope's Pointing North Methodology in developing initial concepts and refining design iterations for consumer packaging.Participate in store audits and content gathering for immersion phases, contributing to the development of category language and overall project strategy.Assume a hands-on design function to help complete projects in a timely, aesthetically compelling manner.Take accountability and ownership of assigned projects while understanding timelines and budgeted hours.Contribute to building decks with a clear point of view (POV) and support strategic problem-solving under the guidance of senior team members.Display a positive, team-building work attitude under pressure.Observe and learn from client-facing interactions and participate in at least one photo shoot within the first year to understand the process.Qualifications
Technical Proficiency:
o Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and other relevant design software in a Mac OS X environment.
o Basic understanding of print production processes, with a willingness to learn and apply this knowledge to improve design feasibility.
o Ability to create and refine design concepts using traditional tools such as pen and pencils, with a focus on developing tight sketching skills.
Creative Skills:
o Strong conceptual thinking with a proven ability to contribute to BIG IDEAS under the guidance of senior team members.
o Ability to create compelling theme boards and initial design iterations that align with strategic briefs and project objectives.
o Keen eye for detail, ensuring high-quality execution and consistency in all design outputs.
Growth and Learning:
o Demonstrated commitment to personal growth, actively seeking to learn new design techniques, tools, and processes.
o Openness to feedback and a willingness to apply learnings to improve creative and technical skills.
Team Collaboration:
o Proven experience in collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, including Account Management, Strategy, and Production.
o Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, contributing positively to group dynamics.
o Willingness to observe and learn from client-facing interactions and participate in collaborative activities such as photo shoots.
Communication Skills:
o Excellent verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to present ideas and concepts clearly to both internal teams and, when required, clients.
o Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to actively listen, provide constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful team discussions.
Project Management:
o Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
o Strong organizational skills, with an understanding of the importance of timelines and budgeted hours in the design process.
Curiosity and Initiative:
o A passion for design, demonstrated by an active curiosity about trends, techniques, and tools that can inspire and enhance creative work.
o Proactive approach to problem-solving, with the initiative to take on new challenges and contribute to project success.
Bonus Skills:
o Experience in art directing photo shoots or participating in strategic workshops is a plus but not mandatory.
o Familiarity with motion graphics or 3D design software is advantageous but not required.
o Actively focus on personal growth, continuously learning and refining technical skills to enhance design concepts and efficiency.
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Education & Experience
Educational Background:
o Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field (BFA or equivalent experience in Design, Packaging, Advertising, or promotional collateral).
Experience:
o 1-3 years of professional experience in graphic design, brand packaging, or identity design, ideally with a major CPG brand or within an agency setting.
>
$52,500 - $60,000 a year
At Kaleidoscope, we value our team members and strive to provide them with a competitive benefits package that supports their well-being and helps them achieve their financial and personal goals. In addition to a great studio space, unlimited Starbucks coffee, and awesome people (and sometimes dogs) to work with, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time team members, including:
- Flexible work arrangements, including work-from-home options and flexible hours, for certain roles;
- Generous PTO/Floating Holidays, Paid Holidays, and Paid Parental Leave to support work-life balance;
- Health, well-being, and retirement benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance;
- 100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance;
- Voluntary Life Insurance for additional coverage for yourself, partner, and children;
- Voluntary Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance (STD and LTD) for added financial protection;
- 401(k) plan with a generous employer match to help you plan for your future;
- Employee Assistance Program - free and confidential support for you and your family.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Upon hire, candidates are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the United States.
At Kaleidoscope, we believe the most effective brand solutions require both abstract thinking & tangible results. And like a kaleidoscope that combines colors, shapes and forms to allow us to view the world through a unique point of view, our creative collective of thinkers, designers and makers come from all walks of life and flex all types of skills to provide fresh perspectives rooted in Strategy, Design and Prototyping.
JOB SUMMARY
Kaleidoscope is a dynamic, tier-2 creative agency with a strong reputation in brand packaging design, innovation, and brand marketing support, serving both established brands and innovative start-ups.
Kaleidoscope is looking for a standout Junior Designer to add to our dynamic and growing Design team. As a Junior Designer on our team, you will work on packaging design projects and brand identity. You will be an indispensable partner to the entire team as you will be completing all manner of studio roles from designing to creating presentation boards and providing support for any department that may need an extra pair of hands. No task is too big or too small in an effort to show true team skills and a positive can-do attitude.
You are the perfect fit for this role if you are described as incredibly creative and are looking for the opportunity to work on a wide variety of categories. You are just as comfortable drawing on paper napkins as you are throwing layers in Photoshop, and you possess an uncanny ability to work on multiple projects at a given time. You feed off the energy and enthusiasm of others and welcome creative direction and feedback. You are eager to contribute to category audits, corporate identity, and packaging design projects. Most importantly, you are the type of person who is the first one to raise your hand for any extra tasks when help is needed.
Core ResponsibilitiesPlay an active role in creating BIG IDEAS working under senior members of the team.Focus on developing tight sketching skills to effectively communicate ideas using traditional design tools (pen and pencils).Learn and apply Kaleidoscope's Pointing North Methodology in developing initial concepts and refining design iterations for consumer packaging.Participate in store audits and content gathering for immersion phases, contributing to the development of category language and overall project strategy.Assume a hands-on design function to help complete projects in a timely, aesthetically compelling manner.Take accountability and ownership of assigned projects while understanding timelines and budgeted hours.Contribute to building decks with a clear point of view (POV) and support strategic problem-solving under the guidance of senior team members.Display a positive, team-building work attitude under pressure.Observe and learn from client-facing interactions and participate in at least one photo shoot within the first year to understand the process.Qualifications
Technical Proficiency:
o Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and other relevant design software in a Mac OS X environment.
o Basic understanding of print production processes, with a willingness to learn and apply this knowledge to improve design feasibility.
o Ability to create and refine design concepts using traditional tools such as pen and pencils, with a focus on developing tight sketching skills.
Creative Skills:
o Strong conceptual thinking with a proven ability to contribute to BIG IDEAS under the guidance of senior team members.
o Ability to create compelling theme boards and initial design iterations that align with strategic briefs and project objectives.
o Keen eye for detail, ensuring high-quality execution and consistency in all design outputs.
Growth and Learning:
o Demonstrated commitment to personal growth, actively seeking to learn new design techniques, tools, and processes.
o Openness to feedback and a willingness to apply learnings to improve creative and technical skills.
Team Collaboration:
o Proven experience in collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, including Account Management, Strategy, and Production.
o Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, contributing positively to group dynamics.
o Willingness to observe and learn from client-facing interactions and participate in collaborative activities such as photo shoots.
Communication Skills:
o Excellent verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to present ideas and concepts clearly to both internal teams and, when required, clients.
o Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to actively listen, provide constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful team discussions.
Project Management:
o Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
o Strong organizational skills, with an understanding of the importance of timelines and budgeted hours in the design process.
Curiosity and Initiative:
o A passion for design, demonstrated by an active curiosity about trends, techniques, and tools that can inspire and enhance creative work.
o Proactive approach to problem-solving, with the initiative to take on new challenges and contribute to project success.
Bonus Skills:
o Experience in art directing photo shoots or participating in strategic workshops is a plus but not mandatory.
o Familiarity with motion graphics or 3D design software is advantageous but not required.
o Actively focus on personal growth, continuously learning and refining technical skills to enhance design concepts and efficiency.
>
Education & Experience
Educational Background:
o Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field (BFA or equivalent experience in Design, Packaging, Advertising, or promotional collateral).
Experience:
o 1-3 years of professional experience in graphic design, brand packaging, or identity design, ideally with a major CPG brand or within an agency setting.
>
$52,500 - $60,000 a year
At Kaleidoscope, we value our team members and strive to provide them with a competitive benefits package that supports their well-being and helps them achieve their financial and personal goals. In addition to a great studio space, unlimited Starbucks coffee, and awesome people (and sometimes dogs) to work with, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time team members, including:
- Flexible work arrangements, including work-from-home options and flexible hours, for certain roles;
- Generous PTO/Floating Holidays, Paid Holidays, and Paid Parental Leave to support work-life balance;
- Health, well-being, and retirement benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance;
- 100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance;
- Voluntary Life Insurance for additional coverage for yourself, partner, and children;
- Voluntary Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance (STD and LTD) for added financial protection;
- 401(k) plan with a generous employer match to help you plan for your future;
- Employee Assistance Program - free and confidential support for you and your family.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Upon hire, candidates are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the United States.