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Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer Jobs in California

Overall Summary of Function The Graphic Designer at Blueprint Studios is an entry-level creative role focused on execution, learning, and growth within the event and experiential design space. This ...

Overall Summary of Function The Graphic Designer at Blueprint Studios is an entry-level creative role focused on execution, learning, and growth within the event and experiential design space. This ...

The graphic designer will play an important role in the growth of our design team, and will be ... Must be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program. Education: Candidate must be ...

The graphic designer will play an important role in the growth of our design team, and will be ... Must be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program. Education: Candidate must be ...

About the Role The Assistant Designer, Print supports the creation and execution of print and ... or entry-level roles included) in print, textile, or graphic design * Strong creative sensibility ...

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Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer information

What does an entry level graduate graphic designer do?

An Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer is responsible for creating visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They typically work under the supervision of senior designers and assist with projects such as designing logos, brochures, advertisements, and digital content. Entry level designers use graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite to develop layouts and artwork, while also collaborating with other team members to ensure cohesive branding. This role helps recent graduates build their portfolios and gain practical experience in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level graduate graphic designer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, color theory, and typography, typically supported by a degree in graphic design or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you interpret briefs and collaborate effectively with clients and team members. These skills ensure you can produce visually compelling work that meets project goals and client expectations in a competitive creative industry.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level graduate graphic designer expect to work on during their first year?

As an entry level graduate graphic designer, you’ll typically assist with a range of creative projects such as developing digital and print assets, creating social media graphics, preparing marketing materials, and supporting brand identity initiatives. You’ll often collaborate closely with senior designers, copywriters, and marketing teams to refine concepts and adapt designs to client feedback. Early on, you may also be tasked with production work like resizing images, preparing files for print, and maintaining visual consistency across various platforms. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building a strong design portfolio and understanding workflow processes in a professional setting.

What is the difference between Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer vs Junior Graphic Designer?

AspectEntry Level Graduate Graphic DesignerJunior Graphic Designer
Required CredentialsDegree in Graphic Design or related field, portfolioSome experience, portfolio, possibly a degree
Work EnvironmentInternship or entry-level position, learning-focusedFull-time role, more independent responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageDesign agencies, marketing firms, in-house teamsDesign agencies, corporate marketing departments

Typically, an Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer is a recent graduate starting their career, often in internships or entry-level roles, focusing on learning and skill development. A Junior Graphic Designer usually has some work experience, handling more responsibilities and working more independently. Both roles are common in similar environments, but the Junior role generally requires a bit more practical experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Lead Graphic Designer

San Luis Obispo, CA

Associated Students, Inc.
Non-Profits • 11 - 50 employees

$18.40/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Definition and Purpose 

The Lead Graphic Designer reports to the Assistant Coordinator-Marketing (Creative Operations). The Lead Graphic Designer is responsible for creating and supporting the graphics needs for ASI promotional, collateral, and digital materials. In addition, the Lead Graphic Designer will provide scheduling assistance, review concepts or campaigns to ensure brand standards, prepare and revise training materials, create, and monitor daily or weekly task lists, and support the technical needs of the other graphic designers. The team of designers must deliver creative solutions while still maintaining a consistent ASI branded appearance that is attentive to the Cal Poly brand in the design, layout, artwork, and color for all promotional print and digital materials. 

ASI is committed to supporting the aspirations of the university learning objectives. Our employees are expected to make reasoned decisions based on ethics, respect for diversity, and an awareness of issues of sustainability. Additionally, they will work productively as individuals and in groups while communicating effectively.

This position is based at the Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Requirements

Educational Requirements and Qualifying Experience 
  • Must be a currently enrolled student at Cal Poly with a minimum of 6 units. Graduate students must carry 4 units. 
  • Knowledge and experience in creation of original artwork. 
  • Knowledge and experience in the study of typography. 
  • Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Mac computers. 
  • Working knowledge of video or motion graphics preferred. 
  • Ability to be highly organized, work independently, and have good planning skills. 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
  • Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office. 
  • Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork bymaintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere.  
  • Ability to establish and maintain effectiveworking relationships within a diverse population and with those fromvarious cultural backgrounds, specific needs, or limitations. 
Supervisory Responsibilities 
  • None 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
  • Ability to use graphic creation skills. 
  • Prepare graphics for print and digital marketing materials, such as fliers, brochures, posters, T-shirts, web advertisements, social media posts, etc. 
  • Coordinate photography or video graphics as needed for assignments. 
  • Plan and implement print layouts for multi-page publications, integrated marketing campaigns, and individual collateral pieces. 
  • Adhere to established project deadlines and maintain an up-to-date work calendar. 
  • Establish and monitor daily and/or weekly priorities and task lists.  
  • Work with on- and off-campus vendors to obtain quotes, set production timeline, send product to print, check proofs, and receive final product. 
  • Maintain consistent communication directly with clients to coordinate project details to ensure deadlines and the most appropriate design applications, including but not limited to scheduling, assessing photography or video needs, original artwork creation, and revisions.  
  • Maintain archives of individual project specifications, drafts, and final proofs. 
  • Adhere to ASI style and branding guidelines.  
  • Adhere to Cal Poly brand guidelines as required by project. 
  • Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and retreats. 
  • Provide quality customer service for all staff and customers. 
  • Willing to learn new technology and provide training to the other graphic designer staff. 
  • Give attention to detail. 
  • Conduct inventory of supplies and communicate needs to supervisor. 
  • Provide leadership and guidance to the other graphic designer staff. 
  • Awareness of safety concerns and risk management. 
  • Maintain prompt hours and follow absence procedures. 
  • Maintain a working relationship with staff and co-workers. 
  • Adhere and enforce all ASI departmental policies and procedures. 
  • Ensure a safe environment for all participants. 
  • Commitment to student development and leadership. 
  • Work well with others and be self-motivated. 
  • Other duties as assigned.  
Period of Employment 

Employment with this organization is of an "at will" nature, which means that the employee may resign at any time and ASI may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause. 

Benefits

Compensation and Hours 
  • Hourly Pay Rate: $18.40 per hour 
  • Hourly Pay Range: $18.40 per hour - $18.40 per hour 

Requires a minimum of two consecutive terms of work availability

Location: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.

The Associated Students, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.