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Graphic Design Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Design Associate

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Maintain consistent graphic standards, layering, labelling and file naming across all documents ... design preferred. * Associates degree (two-year degree) or certification program of comparable ...

Design Associate

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Maintain consistent graphic standards, layering, labelling and file naming across all documents ... design preferred. * Associates degree (two-year degree) or certification program of comparable ...

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency ... Top-performing interns may be invited to continue beyond the initial term as Associates within the ...

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency ... Top-performing interns may be invited to continue beyond the initial term as Associates within the ...

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency ... Top-performing interns may be invited to continue beyond the initial term as Associates within the ...

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency ... Top-performing interns may be invited to continue beyond the initial term as Associates within the ...

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency ... Top-performing interns may be invited to continue beyond the initial term as Associates within the ...

Senior Graphic Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

Associate's degree in design and/or certificate in graphic design required * 10+ years of professional design experience * Strong background in branding and working within structured brand guidelines

Motion Graphic Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

Associate or bachelor's degree preferred Candidate must have had formal training in design/art school and preferably motion graphic curriculum at trade school or college. Please don't apply if you ...

$20 - $27.25/hr

From photography and journalism to graphic design and videography, Navy MCs can do it all. We're ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

From photography and journalism to graphic design and videography, Navy MCs can do it all. We're ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

From photography and journalism to graphic design and videography, Navy MCs can do it all. We're ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

From photography and journalism to graphic design and videography, Navy MCs can do it all. We're ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

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Graphic Design Associate information

See Colorado salary details

$13

$28

$45

How much do graphic design associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for graphic design associate in Colorado is $28.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $32.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Graphic Design Associate typically collaborate with other team members on projects?

As a Graphic Design Associate, you will frequently collaborate with other designers, copywriters, marketing specialists, and project managers to bring creative projects to life. Collaboration often involves participating in brainstorming sessions, sharing drafts for feedback, and revising designs based on input from both the creative team and stakeholders. Effective communication and openness to constructive criticism are key, as projects may require quick turnarounds and multiple rounds of revisions. This team-oriented environment offers valuable learning opportunities and helps develop both your creative and interpersonal skills.

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

AspectGraphic Design AssociateGraphic Designer
CredentialsAssociate degree or equivalent in graphic design or related fieldBachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting design teams in agencies or in-house departmentsCreative roles with more independence, often leading projects
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with design tasks, preparing files, basic layoutsCreating original designs, managing projects, client interaction

Graphic Design Associates typically support senior designers with foundational tasks and have entry-level credentials, while Graphic Designers take on more complex projects and often hold a bachelor’s degree. Both roles are common in creative agencies and corporate settings, but the Designer role usually involves more responsibility and creative independence.

Is AI replacing graphic designers?

AI tools are increasingly used in graphic design to automate repetitive tasks and generate ideas, but they do not fully replace graphic designers. The role of a graphic design associate involves creativity, client collaboration, and technical skills that AI cannot replicate entirely. Human judgment and artistic sensibility remain essential in producing unique and effective designs.

What is the 70/30 rule in graphic design?

The 70/30 rule in graphic design suggests that 70% of a design should be whitespace or background, allowing 30% for focal content or visuals. For a Graphic Design Associate, understanding this balance helps create clear, effective layouts and improves visual hierarchy using tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

What does a Graphic Design Associate do?

A Graphic Design Associate assists in creating visual content for various media, such as advertisements, websites, social media, and print materials. They work under the supervision of senior designers or art directors, helping to develop concepts, layouts, and designs that communicate a brand’s message effectively. Their tasks may include editing images, selecting colors and fonts, and preparing files for print or digital publication. This role often requires proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite and strong attention to detail.

What is an associate graphic designer?

An associate graphic designer is an entry-level or junior position in the graphic design field, responsible for creating visual content under the supervision of senior designers. They typically use design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and may work on projects such as branding, marketing materials, and digital media. This role often requires a relevant associate degree or certification and developing skills in layout, color theory, and visual communication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graphic Design Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graphic Design Associate, you need a solid understanding of design principles, proficiency in typography, color theory, and a portfolio showcasing creative work, often supported by a degree in graphic design or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with digital asset management systems are typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication, and time management skills help you collaborate effectively and meet project deadlines. These competencies ensure high-quality visual output that aligns with brand identity and client objectives in a fast-paced environment.

What can an associate's degree in graphic design get you?

An associate's degree in graphic design prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as graphic design assistant or junior designer, focusing on skills like Adobe Creative Suite and visual communication. It can lead to opportunities in advertising, marketing, or media companies, often requiring a portfolio and proficiency with design tools.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graphic Design jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Graphic Design jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Graphic Design Associate jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Graphic Design Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Graphic Design Associate job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,834 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Title: Instructor - MGD

Position Type: Instructor

College: Community College of Denver

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: CCD Arts, Communication, Design and Education Pathway

Campus: Auraria Campus

Location: Denver

Who We Are:

The Community College of Denver (CCD) seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive learning and work environment and who can effectively work with students, families, faculty, instructors, and staff from diverse backgrounds. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, CCD is dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for nontraditional students, supporting workforce development, and strengthening community partnerships that promote educational attainment and career success. Serving a diverse student population, CCD values individuals who contribute to its mission of advancing social, civic, and economic vitality.

Job Summary:

The Community College of Denver seeks a collaborative and student-centered instructor to teach face-to-face and/or online courses within the Multimedia Graphic Design program. The successful candidate will teach a range of foundational, user experience, and advanced capstone courses while fostering an inclusive, equitable learning environment that supports the success of a diverse student population. Responsibilities include curriculum development and delivery, student assessment and advising, participation in program assessment and departmental initiatives, and collaboration with faculty to advance the quality and growth of the program. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in graphic design, a commitment to culturally responsive teaching, and a passion for preparing students for transfer, employment, and lifelong learning.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. The instructional assignment will include Graphic Design lecture-lab classes in the discipline.
2. In addition to conducting classes, the job includes class preparation, student evaluation, program level assessment, student advising, attendance and participation in student art/design shows and various art/design scholarship programs.
3. Use of Open Educational Resources (OER) in their courses.
4. Attendance at department meetings and response to emails from students and supervisor within two business days is required.
5. Participation in discipline/department decision making processes and work regarding curriculum, program development, scheduling and other matters are also expected of all Graphic Design instructors.
6. Responsibilities also include maintaining standards of professional conduct and ethics appropriate to the professional position.

Competencies/KSAs:

A demonstrated ability to teach Graphic Design to an underrepresented and diverse student population at a community college or baccalaureate level institution is required. The ideal candidate will show evidence of utilizing a diverse canon in their classroom as to address the equity and achievement gaps in higher education. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about culturally-responsive pedagogical techniques and practices for engaging our diverse student population in addition to having the ability to teach well; create and develop curriculum; work well with others (students, faculty, staff, and administrators); and fulfill the duties of a full-time faculty member in a shared governance environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

An associate degree or higher in graphic design, digital design, digital media, communication design, marketing design, advertising design, media design, technology arts and media, art.
Also allowed:
A bachelor's or associate degree in any field with at least 18 graduate credit hours in graphic design, digital design, digital media, communication design, marketing design, advertising design, media design, technology arts and media, art.
Tested Occupational Experience:
Evaluated based on general guidelines.
Tested Professional Experience:
Demonstrated experience, ability, and talent is validated through local or national recognition in design work or exhibitions, design contributions, publications, conference presentations, curriculum development, or extended employment as a practitioner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recent experience working with Latinx/Hispanic, African American, Native American and other racially/ethnically, socioeconomically minoritized students in the classroom is preferred.
• An understanding of how historical patterns have shaped these groups' experiences and representation within higher education, especially how real or perceived exclusion can shape patterns of participation and outcomes is required. Successful candidates will demonstrate a willingness to continually examine and re-mediate one's instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support various groups of marginalized students. Experience and skill with addressing issues of equity in the classroom.
• The candidate must have expertise in culturally responsive teaching in design, which will address equity gaps within studio art courses and classrooms. The candidate will also demonstrate knowledge of the implications of the Hispanic-Serving designation for institutional, departmental, and instructional practices.

Selection Process:

Preliminary screening will be made on the basis of completed application packet submitted by candidate. Completed application packet includes: a letter of interest of no more than five pages, addressing in general the items under "Primary Duties" and specifically each item under “Minimum Qualifications”; an online application; resume; and transcripts.
All candidates, including current Community College of Denver employees must submit a complete application packet which includes all materials listed above.
Only completed application packets will move forward for screening. Please review the job duties and minimum requirements carefully. Meeting the minimum qualifications for a particular position does not assure the applicant an interview. Selected applicants will be invited by the screening committee for interviews. All application materials become the property of Community College of Denver and cannot be copied.

Application Instructions: 

Interested applicants must submit a complete application packet which includes:
1. Electronic Application, Click ‘New Resume’ at the bottom of this page
2. Cover Letter
3. Resume
4. References - Names, phone numbers, addresses, & email addresses of three professional references
5. Copies of transcripts, official preferred
6. Copies of appropriate credentials, if applicable
**All included attachments should be saved with the following nomenclature: Last name, First name Document; for example Doe, John Resume; Doe, Jane Transcripts
***Your resume should clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications. Those applicants that do not meet the minimum qualifications will not be considered. Part-time experience is ½ the equivalent of full-time experience. Example: Four (4) years applicable part-time experience equals 2 years full-time equivalency.
For information regarding Community College of Denver Security, including crime statistics for the campus and surrounding area, please see the CCD Campus Security website under “student’s right to know”: CCD.edu/Safety. For a hard copy report please contact 303-352-3042.

Additional Information/Benefits:

Our campus is located in downtown Denver, adjacent to two light rail stations, and just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, and event venues. When you visit our campus, it will be immediately evident that our faculty, staff, and instructors are passionate about serving our diverse student population. At CCD our passion is to help others, and we offer career pathways that will make a difference in the lives of our students.
If you are interested in sharing our passion for student success, CCD offers generous medical, dental, vision, life, and retirement options. We also offer the opportunity to expand your education, and those of your dependents, through our tuition reimbursement program.
CCD is a Learning College where policies, programs and practices support learning as the major priority. The Community College of Denver is an Equal Employment Opportunity Educational Employer.
Background checks will be conducted on all finalists for employment consideration.
CCD recognizes that administration, faculty, instructors, and staff reflect the diversity of its students and community and prohibits employment and student discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.