Commercial Sign Graphic Designer

About the role

This position offers the opportunity to transform creative concepts into production-ready signage that combines visual impact with technical precision. You'll work across the full design lifecycle, from initial concepts and customer direction through fabrication-ready deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple design projects from concept through production-ready delivery, prioritizing workloads, tracking dependencies, and consistently meeting deadlines.
• Translate written, verbal, and conceptual direction into clear, compelling, and technically feasible sign designs for print and electronic presentation.
• Create production-ready layouts using principles of proportion, hierarchy, spacing, typography, contrast, sightlines, and legibility.
• Develop accurate technical drawings incorporating dimensions, scale, material requirements, fabrication details, mounting conditions, installation constraints, service access, depth, returns, reveals, and illumination zones.
• Select appropriate substrates, finishes, materials, illumination methods, and mounting approaches based on durability, availability, cost, appearance, structural requirements, and project specifications.
• Maintain brand integrity through accurate logo usage, color matching, PMS, paint and vinyl specifications, finish selections, and illuminated color considerations.
• Produce advanced photo simulations using Adobe Photoshop, including perspective matching, lighting and shadow effects, material textures, nighttime illumination, neon effects, and realistic integration of 3D sign vectors into site photographs.
• Review and interpret architectural drawings and incorporate relevant construction and installation considerations into designs.
• Maintain accurate internal design databases and project documentation.
• Communicate proactively regarding missing information, risks, scope changes, dependencies, and potential impacts on timelines or budgets.
• Collaborate with design, sales, fabrication, installation, and other internal and external teams to resolve technical or customer-related issues efficiently.
• Incorporate emerging AI tools and design technologies where appropriate to improve workflows, reduce turnaround times, and enhance deliverable quality.
• Give and receive constructive feedback while maintaining a professional, solutions-oriented approach.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related discipline is preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant graphic design experience within the sign industry is desired.
• Proven knowledge of commercial signage, sign types, fabrication techniques, materials, installation processes, and production considerations.
• Strong proficiency in CorelDRAW, which is the primary design software for the role.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator is a plus.
• Advanced Adobe Photoshop skills, particularly for photo manipulation and realistic sign visualization, are highly valuable.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating graphic design capabilities, including technical fabrication and production drawings; applicants should provide sign design samples or a portfolio link.
• Experience with computer-aided design and the ability to read and understand architectural drawings.
• Strong understanding of visual composition, typography, color, corporate identity, and marketing principles.
• Ability to incorporate technical constraints and fabrication requirements without compromising visual quality.
• Excellent organization and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work within deadlines and budget constraints.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Comfortable receiving direction, asking clarifying questions, communicating risks, and providing or receiving constructive feedback.
• Strong attention to detail, technical accuracy, and problem-solving abilities.
• Interest in using AI and emerging technologies to improve design efficiency and quality.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of $40,000–$60,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Health and wellbeing benefits.
• Paid time off, including vacation and holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Access to leading-edge design tools and technology.
• YMCA health and fitness membership.
• Educational and professional advancement opportunities.
• Incentive programs.
• Charitable contribution matching.
• Remote work opportunity within the United States.