Rise Above Sign & Graphics is hiring: Graphic Designer in Charleston

Job Summary:
As a Graphic Designer, you will play a key role in bringing creative visions to life by designing production-ready concepts, mockups, and layouts that captivate clients and guide the production process. This role involves working with a variety of materials and surfaces, collaborating with internal teams and external vendors, and ensuring that all designs meet aesthetic, technical, and brand standards. You will use industry-standard software to develop detailed renderings, prepare files for production, and contribute to the creation of high-quality signage and graphics.

Company Overview:
Rise Above Sign & Graphics is a dynamic and growing sign and graphics company serving local, regional, and national accounts. We are looking to add a committed, detail-oriented Sign Installer to our team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, hands-on environment, values customer satisfaction, and takes pride in their craft.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design production-ready concepts, mockups, renderings, and drawings in both 2D and 3D to impress clients, support sales, and guide production and installation teams.
2. Create detailed illustrations, sketches, layouts, and copy for print reproduction based on client or supervisor instructions.
3. Review and refine production layouts, ensuring optimal visual appeal and functionality.
4. Use design software to arrange layouts that meet aesthetic standards, project specifications, and customer requirements.
5. Prepare and present final layout samples for approval.
6. Generate color separations, vignettes, chokes, spreads, and dropouts as needed for production.
7. Develop contour cut paths and vector images for precise output.
8. Adjust illustrations to improve clarity, scale, or overall impact.
9. Provide clear notes and instructions for production and assembly teams.
10. Stay current with design trends and technologies through research and industry publications.
11. Process and optimize files for RIP software, ensuring correct settings for printing.
12. Design, review, and refine conceptual and production-ready graphics using Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.).
13. Work with client logos, branding materials, and various formats to create signage, collateral, and environmental graphics.
14. Develop proofs for internal review and client approval.
15. Collaborate with sales, project management, and production teams to maintain design integrity from concept to completion.
16. Coordinate with project managers and external vendors to meet deadlines and quality standards.
17. Maintain organized digital project files across cloud storage, local servers, and backup systems.
18. Participate in planning, production, and client meetings to align design concepts with project goals.
19. Understand materials, fabrication techniques, and vendor capabilities to ensure effective design execution.
20. Follow all department and company safety policies and procedures.
21. Occasionally assist with the hands-on application and installation of vinyl graphics, signage, or other graphic elements.

Qualifications:

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree (BS or BFA) in Graphic Design or a related field.
2. Experience: Previous graphic design experience is required, with proven proficiency in industry-standard software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
3. Strong conceptual design skills with a keen eye for aesthetics, layout, and composition.
4. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
5. Ability to perform well under pressure, manage tight deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
6. Exceptional multitasking skills with strong attention to detail and efficiency.
7. Ability to visually communicate compelling ideas while adhering to strict brand standards.
8. Deep understanding of corporate branding, layout design, color theory, and typography for both print and digital applications.
9. Strategic thinker with a creative mindset and the ability to contribute to brainstorming sessions.

Preferred Skills:

1. Familiarity with tools such as drills, saws, and tape measures.
2. Basic understanding of safety protocols related to operating production equipment, handling materials, and working in a shop environment.
3. Strong organizational skills and a keen eye for precision to ensure high-quality output in tasks like vinyl cutting, weeding, and applying graphics.

Benefits:

1. 401(k) Retirement Plan
2. Paid Time Off
3. Health Insurance
4. Vision Insurance
5. Dental Insurance
6. Life Insurance

Why Join Us?
You’ll join a team that values Drive, Awareness, Responsibility, Clarity, and Integrity. If you’re a hardworking, enthusiastic individual looking to gain hands-on experience, we’d love to hear from you!