This person will work alongside Varyer’s team to tackle a variety of design challenges across a wide range of projects which include consumer packaging, brand identity, print, experiential, digital and interactive design. The ideal candidate is passionate about exploring and defining design opportunities while also having the flexibility and discipline to work on short timelines and with nuanced partners. We’re looking for someone who is good-humored, humble, unpretentious, unafraid to share ideas, and who is eager to pitch-in even when design is not a consideration. This individual holds their work to the highest standard and is passionate about their craft. This role reports to Varyer’s Principals, is full-time and based in Chicago.
Responsibilities
Develop, define and present design concepts and creative ideas for a broad array of client engagements and internal needs
Ideate, design and produce from concept through execution for digital/interactive, print, experiential, retail & packaging and more according to set deadlines and standards
Participate in and lead brainstorms with team and partners
Help lead the creation of pitches for new business
Monitor and oversee design-related production timelines and approvals with 3rd party vendors alongside the project manager
Report project status, risks and progress proactively and as needed
Desired Skills and Qualifications
3-5 years of previous experience as a designer in a creative environment or agency
Strong portfolio that attests to a diverse background of projects, and the ability to both unique envision creative concepts and execute on them through a range of aesthetic touchstones
Experience connecting big picture brand strategy to on-the-ground tactics and deliverables, including brand development and identity
Strong visual/design skills and literacy, and an elevated sense of layout, form, color and typography
Solid experience with Adobe applications (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign mandatory, others a plus), Keynote, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.
Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects in a high pressure environment
Positive attitude, collaborative working style, articulate presentation skills, and an extreme attention to detail
Experience in After Effects, Cinema 4D and other motion graphics are a huge plus
Experience and/or interest in web development, HTML & CSS + JavaScript, WebGL, and a desire for continued learning with respect to coding would also be relevant
Self-directed toward excellent work outcomes and doesn’t take constructive criticism personally; a good communicator who proactively looks for creative solutions and brings people in to help make them better; finds joy and inspiration in daily life and builds it into their work
Effective written communication skills and a desire to build fully-formed ideas into their design work, with the mindset that design is as much about communication and function as it is visual decoration
Understands a process that interprets client and audience needs to achieve unique and exciting results, and can communicate ideas across multiple versions and areas of visual direction
Compassion, empathy, tolerance and inclusiveness are required traits.
About Varyer
Varyer is an integrated creative studio that builds relationships around brave ideas, and works to find the most imaginative and focused voices of their partners. Just over one year old, Varyer was founded with a unique pedigree of expertise that informs their offerings of creative services, content strategy, and experience design. Their studio is inside the retail brand they also operate, Asrai Garden West Loop, adjacent to Ace Hotel.