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Associate Designer Illustrator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

UX Designer

Dubuque, IA

$75K - $110K/yr

... Illustrator, or InVision. * Strong communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills ... Experience designing user interfaces for construction, agriculture, off-highway, or industrial ...

Associate Designer Illustrator information

Are illustrators still in demand?

Illustrators, including associate designers and other visual artists, continue to be in demand across industries such as advertising, publishing, and digital media. The growth of digital platforms and the need for visual content keep illustration skills relevant, especially when combined with proficiency in tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

What jobs can I get with an associate's degree in art?

An associate's degree in art can qualify you for roles such as associate designer or illustrator, where you create visual content for various media. These positions often require proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and may involve working in studios, advertising agencies, or freelance settings.

What is the difference between Associate Designer Illustrator vs Graphic Designer?

AspectAssociate Designer IllustratorGraphic Designer
Required SkillsIllustration, digital drawing, visual storytellingLayout, typography, branding, visual communication
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, advertising agencies, publishingMarketing firms, media companies, corporate branding
Common TasksCreating illustrations, concept art, visual assetsDesigning logos, brochures, digital content

Associate Designer Illustrator focuses on creating detailed illustrations and visual storytelling, often working on digital art and concept visuals. Graphic Designers handle broader visual communication projects like branding, layouts, and marketing materials. While both roles require creativity and design skills, their focus areas and typical tasks differ, making each role unique within the design industry.

Is illustration a high paying job?

Illustration as a profession can offer varying salaries depending on experience, specialization, and industry, with many illustrators earning median incomes that are comparable to other creative roles. Associate designers and illustrators with strong portfolios and skills in digital tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop often have higher earning potential, especially in freelance or commercial work. However, income levels can be inconsistent and may require building a diverse client base or gaining experience over time.

Will AI replace graphic designers in 10 years?

AI tools can automate certain tasks in graphic design, such as image editing and layout generation, but associate designers and illustrators bring creativity, conceptual thinking, and artistic judgment that AI cannot fully replicate. The role is expected to evolve, with designers focusing more on conceptual development and using AI as a supportive tool rather than being replaced entirely.

How does an Associate Designer Illustrator typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

As an Associate Designer Illustrator, you’ll frequently collaborate with creative directors, senior designers, writers, and marketing teams to bring concepts to life. You’ll participate in brainstorming sessions, provide visual input, and refine designs based on feedback from peers and stakeholders. Open communication and flexibility are key, as you’ll be expected to adapt your illustrations to fit project requirements and brand guidelines. Collaboration tools like Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud, and project management platforms are commonly used to streamline teamwork and maintain project timelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Designer Illustrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Designer Illustrator, you need a strong foundation in visual design principles, drawing skills, and a portfolio demonstrating creative work, often backed by a relevant degree or coursework. Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to incorporate feedback help set outstanding candidates apart. These capabilities are essential to consistently deliver high-quality visuals that meet client or project objectives and enhance team collaboration.

What are Associate Designer Illustrators?

Associate Designer Illustrators are entry- to mid-level creative professionals who assist in designing and creating visual content such as illustrations, graphics, and layouts for various media. They typically work under the supervision of senior designers or art directors and contribute to projects like marketing materials, publications, product packaging, and digital content. Their responsibilities often include brainstorming concepts, refining sketches, using design software, and collaborating with other team members to ensure cohesive visual storytelling. This role is ideal for individuals with strong artistic skills, attention to detail, and a passion for visual communication.
What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer Illustrator jobs in Iowa? For Associate Designer Illustrator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Designer Illustrator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Designer Illustrator jobs in Iowa are:
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$75K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking a growth-oriented candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

UX Designer

As a UX Designer, you will support projects of moderate complexity through the development of user interaction task flows, wireframes, prototypes, and final production-ready designs for new and existing products.

Responsibilities

  • Develop user interaction task flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes for new and existing products.
  • Apply user-centered design principles, usability standards, and human factors methodologies to create intuitive and effective user experiences.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute UX design and validation activities across multiple projects of moderate complexity.
  • Conduct and support usability testing activities after and after product development to validate design decisions and improve user satisfaction.
  • Create, maintain, and update UX design artifacts, documentation, and system-level design standards.
  • Translate customer needs, business objectives, and technical requirements into user-centered design solutions.
  • Make strategic design recommendations related to product features, workflows, navigation structures, and user interactions.
  • Collaborate closely with software developers, engineers, product managers, and stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Ensure implemented features align with established UX requirements, design specifications, and usability goals.
  • Develop process improvements and contribute to UX best practices, standards, and methodologies across project teams.
  • Support accessibility, visual hierarchy, branding, and consistency across user interfaces.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Factors, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Visual Design, User Experience Design, or a related field; equivalent experience will also be considered.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience applying User-Centered Design (UCD) principles to moderately complex interface challenges.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience designing user interfaces for web, mobile, or in-vehicle display applications.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including engineering, software development, marketing, and business stakeholders.
  • Experience translating customer needs and user requirements into effective design solutions and communicating those solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Understanding of product development processes and technology-driven development environments.
  • High proficiency with at least two UX design and rapid prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, or InVision.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong portfolio demonstrating visual design, interaction design, task flows, prototyping, and user-centered problem solving.
  • Experience using Figma and Sketch in professional product development environments.
  • Experience utilizing UX metrics, usability data, and user research to influence product design decisions.
  • Knowledge of accessibility standards, visual hierarchy, information architecture, and brand-driven design systems.
  • Experience creating storyboards, user journeys, workflows, and prototypes to validate concepts after high-fidelity design.
  • Experience designing user interfaces for construction, agriculture, off-highway, or industrial equipment applications.
  • Familiarity with in-vehicle displays, machine controls, or embedded user interface systems.

Portfolio Requirement

A portfolio demonstrating the ability to design intuitive user experiences, create task flows, develop wireframes and prototypes, and deliver polished user interface solutions is required as part of the application process. Portfolio submissions may be provided as a website URL or attachment.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $75,000-$110,000 – Commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits

  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly