Entry Level Illustrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Junior Product Designer

This role is located in our office in Laguna, CA

U Brands is a California based company obsessed with bringing design, innovation, and productivity together. We know that people don’t just work from the office anymore, sometimes it's the kitchen table or even that coffee shop with the really good lattes, and we need tools that will help keep us inspired anywhere our work takes us. We are driven to creating those tools, making useful products that are versatile and elegant.

The Junior Product Graphic Designer is an entry-level role that supports the design team in creating product illustrations, mockups, and surface art. This individual assists other designers by developing unique patterns, assets, and color palettes that are applied to products, researching design and color trends, and helping produce physical product mockups. This is a hands-on, collaborative role ideal for a designer with an illustration background who is eager to grow within a fast-paced product design team.

• Create product illustrations and digital mockups to support new product development.
• Design original surface art, patterns, and repeatable assets that can be applied across product lines.
• Develop and curate color palettes for products and collections.
• Research design, color, and consumer trends to inform new artwork and concepts.
• Assist mid-level and senior designers by preparing production-ready artwork and design assets.
• Build physical product mockups and prototypes by hand, demonstrating precise craftsmanship with a utility blade and other tools.
• Organize and maintain design files, assets, and pattern libraries.
• Incorporate feedback and iterate on designs to meet brand and product standards.
• Support the broader design team across projects as needed.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

• Degree in illustration, graphic design, or a related field, or equivalent training.
• No professional experience required; this is an entry-level position.
• Strong understanding of the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator.
• An illustration background with strong skills in illustration, pattern, and surface design.
• Demonstrated craftsmanship and precision in hands-on model making, including skill and comfort using a utility blade.
• A strong eye for color, composition, and detail.
• Ability to take direction, collaborate, and manage time across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• A portfolio showcasing illustration, pattern, or surface design work.
• Familiarity with AI generation tools a plus.

• Design skills: An illustration-driven eye for creating original surface art, patterns, and product artwork.
• Craftsmanship skills: Precise, careful hands-on work, including the ability to build clean physical mockups with a utility blade and other tools.
• Creativity & trend skills: Curiosity to research color and design trends and translate them into fresh, on-brand concepts.
• Time management skills: The ability to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines in support of the design team.
• Interpersonal skills: Strong communication and a collaborative attitude when working alongside other designers.
• Technical skills: Confident use of Adobe Illustrator and the broader Creative Suite, with a willingness to learn new tools.

HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE- 3/days in office and 2/days work from home

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Hourly Range: $24.00–$29.00 per hour

Job Family: Design

Job Function: Design

Pay Type: Hourly (Non-Exempt)