Sounds True | Visual Designer

Design

Description

Visual Designer

Do you want to work with a group of people striving to create a wiser and kinder world? We value being of service, exceptional teamwork, authentic connection, being direct and kind and honoring human dignity while having a commitment to growth and transformation. Sounds True, founded in 1985, is a multimedia publisher specializing in spirituality, holistic living, and transformational learning. We are seeking a full-time Visual Designer to join our team.

This position will support both print and digital teams. As a visual designer, this role will deliver effective, on-brand, and on-strategy creative materials for web pages, marketing funnels, email campaigns, social media (paid and organic), banner ads, marketing campaigns, and more. It is essential to have a keen eye for detail and to create engaging deliverables for Sounds True audiences. This role requires a conceptual and creative digital designer and proactive problem solver with an understanding of UX/UI, marketing, and responsive design. Collaboration with the marketing team, developers, project managers, producers, A/V team, other designers, and management are essential for this position.

For the print portion of this role, this person will design covers for our hardgoods. They will work directly with the Art Directors to create book, audio, marketing and other generalized print and digital designs. It is essential to have a keen eye for detail and to assist in creating engaging deliverables for Sounds True audiences. They will have high-level engagement in the creation and delivery of books and assist and collaborate with Art Directors throughout the book production and marketing processes. The ability to juggle multiple projects, with high attention to detail under tight deadlines is essential to be successful in this role.

Responsibilities:
Design and develop web pages:
Demonstrate great user experience, elegant design aesthetics and pixel-perfect execution, staying mindful of both concept and strategy
Work with UX researchers, producers, and marketing managers to understand customer needs, opportunities and pain points
Execute rich modern user experiences that are progressive and responsive
Use knowledge of HTML5, CSS3, WordPress and ClickFunnels to Design and Develop webpages/marketing funnels
Design (prototype) and deliver digital assets:
Create assets to drive engagement and appropriate user action on the Sounds True website, marketing funnels, social media platforms, email campaigns, and course platform
Create visual artifacts to articulate, inform and validate ideas (prototypes, wireframes, sketches, journey maps, etc.)
Think systematically about designs, and develop holistic solutions that can be used in meaningful and effective manors
Maintain brand consistency throughout all marketing projects and customer touchpoint
Handle and prioritize multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Have excellent technical problem-solving skills and be able to multitask while working with minimal supervision on a wide variety of projects
Utilize animation skills to animate elements for both web and email designs
Advanced typography and layout skills with ability to emulate brand and design standards
Collaboration and art direction:
Run design projects, from conception to delivery
Collaborate with copywriters, developers, UX researchers, project managers and other team members to develop creative concepts and establish practices for designing positive end-to-end experiences at all user touch points
Work closely with the Creative Director and the direct marketing team to design assets which meet branding guidelines, business needs, and adhere to timelines.
Create, oversee, and maintain the visual identity for email campaigns
Collaborate with other designers (freelancer and/or in-house) to support the production of high-quality work
Work with video editors and motion graphic artists, providing branded assets to be animated and utilized in promotional and informational videos
Attend kickoff and brainstorming meetings and contribute ideas and solutions in a collaborative manner
Demonstrate an eagerness to learn, be a team player, receive feedback, share information, and provide a fresh perspective:
Solicit and assimilate design feedback
Independently execute revisions with a high level of accuracy
Interpret creative direction and accept constructive design feedback
Exhibit strong problem-solving skills
Articulate design rational and solutions in a compelling manner based on research, data and industry best practices
Learn new tools quickly and work in a fast evolving environment
Be detail oriented, highly organized, and consistent
Print designer:
Use advanced design skills, especially in regards to print design and typography to create covers, internal page layouts, marketing collateral, audio covers, etc.
Create files for print including books, audio, print ads. High focus on book production, including interior design, rounds of changes, routing, and preparing files for print. Delivery of files to multiple vendors and internal clients for print and digital
Assist in designs and rounds of corrections on book interiors and book jackets

Qualifications/Skills/Requirements:
Education:
BA or BS Degree in Web Design, Visual Design, or equivalent field
Experience:
3-5 years of experience with web/interactive design in a B2B or B2C industry
Web design background as represented in a strong portfolio of work demonstrating creativity and sound aesthetic judgment in the context of interactive projects such as websites, emails, and social media campaigns
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:
Advanced skills and enthusiasm in web design, digital design, typography, and color theory
Print design experience is a huge plus
Understanding and application of UX/UI design best practices through all stages of web development for websites and mobile applications
Excellent verbal/written communication, organizational, and project management skills
Ability to respond quickly and manage time effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative team-based environment.
Ability to follow direction, yet work independently and be comfortable presenting to a group
Ability to define design processes and documentation
Experience creating wireframes, storyboards, user flows, process flows, prototypes, and site-maps to communicate interaction and design ideas
Ability to oversee brand development and brand equity
Be up-to-date with the latest design and web trends, techniques, and technologies
General understanding of HTML, CSS, WordPress, and some JavaScript
Strong design skills, especially in regards to print design and typography
Proven understanding of print and digital production
Expert skills in organization and editing as related to extensively large books, or interest to learn them
Advanced to Expert skills in publication layout design, or strong interest to learn them
Self-motivated, autonomous and proactive, sharp attention to detail, and process-oriented attitude
Ability to collaborate on a team and support Art Directors as needed
Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Familiarity working within a project management system and task driven environment
Advanced knowledge of all proofing and printer’s marks and processes
Ability to create and maintain archival and highly organized file libraries
Program and Platform Knowledge:
Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver) - Preferred
Sketch - Preferred
InVision and InVision Inspect - Preferred
Email Service Providers: Klaviyo - A Plus
Shopping Platforms: Magento / Shopify - A Plus
Content Management Systems: Wordpress - A Plus
Project Management Software: Wrike - A Plus
Specialized Knowledge:
Personal experience of spiritual practice(s) is a plus. Interest and willingness to learn is helpful.
Personal Characteristics:
Ability to receive and learn from critique; being a team player; independence and self-discipline; willingness to actively participate in Sounds True’s unique culture; passion for design and a deep interest in web design and digital technologies.

Sounds True is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We offer an excellent working environment and great benefits including health, dental, vision, paid time off, matching 401k, profit sharing, and more! The compensation range for this position is $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. To learn more about us, visit SoundsTrue.com.