Kaleidoscope
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 SUMMARYKaleidoscope 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.We are looking for a talented Designer to join our growing team. As a Designer, you will work on packaging design projects, corporate identity, and you will develop initial concepts and refine design iterations for multiple projects. Under the direction of a Design Director or Creative Director, you will help develop design strategy to deliver the best possible creative solution on brief for larger initiatives. You can also follow a brief and own smaller initiatives, independently.You are not only incredibly creative, but you possess the ability to think strategically and are constantly seeking the challenge to work on a variety of projects ranging from big brand names and international projects to small boutique clients.
Core Competencies
BIG IDEA Development:
Ability to sketch and develop design concepts with a strong focus on creating and owning a BIG IDEA, based on creative briefs and client’s business strategy.Initiative and Ownership:
Take initiative in owning and leading projects, managing project details, and collaborating effectively across all disciplines including Account Management, Strategy, Industrial Design, Production & Implementation, and the Mock-Up department.Curiosity and Inspiration:
Actively seek inspiration and stay curious about design trends, contributing fresh ideas and inspiration to the team.Audits and Category Development:
Conduct store audits, competitor brand audits, and develop category language to support the strategic development of design concepts and solutions. Present findings and a point of view (POV) in client reviews and presentations.Presentations and Ownership:
Confidently own and present design work in internal and client reviews, taking responsibility for ensuring the clarity and impact of the narrative.Strategic Insight Contribution:
Collaborate with Strategy and Creative Directors to contribute to strategic insights and ensure the alignment of creative work with overall brand strategy.Kaleidoscope Methodology:
Fluent in Kaleidoscope’s Pointing North methodology for creative development, creating theme boards, sketching, and developing concepts that align with the four directions.Technical Proficiency:
Demonstrate high proficiency in Adobe Suite, ensuring technical accuracy and consistency in the execution of designs. Develop a keen understanding of print processes to enhance design feasibility.Collaboration and Feedback:
Actively collaborate with peers across all disciplines and be receptive to creative direction and feedback, continuously seeking opportunities for improvement.Time and Budget Management:
Manage time and projects efficiently, being conscious of timelines and budgets while delivering high-quality creative work.Photography Art Direction (Bonus):
Experience in art directing photography is a bonus, but not mandatory.Qualifications
Technical Proficiency:
High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). Strong understanding of print production processes, including color management, file setup, and print feasibility. Experience with wireframing tools and basic knowledge of UX/UI design principles is a plus.Creative Skills:
Strong sketching and ideation skills, with a proven ability to develop and communicate BIG IDEAS. Ability to create compelling & strategically aligned theme boards, concept sketches, and final designs. Keen eye for detail, typography, and overall craft, ensuring great design.Strategic Thinking:
Ability to contribute to the development of strategic insights and apply them effectively in creative work. Strong understanding of brand strategy and the ability to translate it into impactful design solutions.Team Collaboration:
Proven experience in collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, including Account Management, Strategy, Industrial Design, and Production. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, taking ownership of projects and contributing positively to team dynamics. Experience in conducting and contributing to collaborative brainstorming sessions and workshops.Communication Skills:
Excellent verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to present design concepts and ideas clearly to both internal teams and clients. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to give and receive constructive feedback effectively. Ability to articulate a point of view on design audits, brand strategies, and creative concepts confidently.Project Management:
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining high-quality standards. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, ensuring all aspects of a project are well-managed and executed.Curiosity and Continuous Learning:
Active curiosity and a passion for design, consistently seeking out new trends, techniques, and inspiration to fuel creative work. Openness to learning and growing within the role, continuously improving skills and expanding knowledge.Bonus Skills:
Experience in art directing photo shoots or participating in strategic workshops is a plus but not mandatory (video production is also plus). Familiarity with motion graphics or 3D design software is advantageous but not required.Education & Experience
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field.Experience:
2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, brand development, or related fields, preferably within an agency or creative studio environment.$62,500 - $70,000 a yearAt 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Core Competencies
BIG IDEA Development:
Ability to sketch and develop design concepts with a strong focus on creating and owning a BIG IDEA, based on creative briefs and client’s business strategy.Initiative and Ownership:
Take initiative in owning and leading projects, managing project details, and collaborating effectively across all disciplines including Account Management, Strategy, Industrial Design, Production & Implementation, and the Mock-Up department.Curiosity and Inspiration:
Actively seek inspiration and stay curious about design trends, contributing fresh ideas and inspiration to the team.Audits and Category Development:
Conduct store audits, competitor brand audits, and develop category language to support the strategic development of design concepts and solutions. Present findings and a point of view (POV) in client reviews and presentations.Presentations and Ownership:
Confidently own and present design work in internal and client reviews, taking responsibility for ensuring the clarity and impact of the narrative.Strategic Insight Contribution:
Collaborate with Strategy and Creative Directors to contribute to strategic insights and ensure the alignment of creative work with overall brand strategy.Kaleidoscope Methodology:
Fluent in Kaleidoscope’s Pointing North methodology for creative development, creating theme boards, sketching, and developing concepts that align with the four directions.Technical Proficiency:
Demonstrate high proficiency in Adobe Suite, ensuring technical accuracy and consistency in the execution of designs. Develop a keen understanding of print processes to enhance design feasibility.Collaboration and Feedback:
Actively collaborate with peers across all disciplines and be receptive to creative direction and feedback, continuously seeking opportunities for improvement.Time and Budget Management:
Manage time and projects efficiently, being conscious of timelines and budgets while delivering high-quality creative work.Photography Art Direction (Bonus):
Experience in art directing photography is a bonus, but not mandatory.Qualifications
Technical Proficiency:
High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). Strong understanding of print production processes, including color management, file setup, and print feasibility. Experience with wireframing tools and basic knowledge of UX/UI design principles is a plus.Creative Skills:
Strong sketching and ideation skills, with a proven ability to develop and communicate BIG IDEAS. Ability to create compelling & strategically aligned theme boards, concept sketches, and final designs. Keen eye for detail, typography, and overall craft, ensuring great design.Strategic Thinking:
Ability to contribute to the development of strategic insights and apply them effectively in creative work. Strong understanding of brand strategy and the ability to translate it into impactful design solutions.Team Collaboration:
Proven experience in collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, including Account Management, Strategy, Industrial Design, and Production. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, taking ownership of projects and contributing positively to team dynamics. Experience in conducting and contributing to collaborative brainstorming sessions and workshops.Communication Skills:
Excellent verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to present design concepts and ideas clearly to both internal teams and clients. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to give and receive constructive feedback effectively. Ability to articulate a point of view on design audits, brand strategies, and creative concepts confidently.Project Management:
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining high-quality standards. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, ensuring all aspects of a project are well-managed and executed.Curiosity and Continuous Learning:
Active curiosity and a passion for design, consistently seeking out new trends, techniques, and inspiration to fuel creative work. Openness to learning and growing within the role, continuously improving skills and expanding knowledge.Bonus Skills:
Experience in art directing photo shoots or participating in strategic workshops is a plus but not mandatory (video production is also plus). Familiarity with motion graphics or 3D design software is advantageous but not required.Education & Experience
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field.Experience:
2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, brand development, or related fields, preferably within an agency or creative studio environment.$62,500 - $70,000 a yearAt 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr