Graphic Designer

The Graphic Designer is responsible for creating and executing on-brand creative across all channels, with a keen understanding of how to adapt and optimize messages for each platform. This includes developing channel-specific deliverables for social, email, digital, in-store, and internal initiatives. The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Manager, Art Direction, supporting them on campaigns and design exploration, while also collaborating closely with cross-functional partners to ensure the Indigo brand is communicated in a strong and consistent manner day-to-day.

KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS

• Delivery of unique and creative artwork and graphics that meet brand objectives  
• On time, on-spec, within budget delivery of all graphics and artwork 
• Positive consumer response and brand appropriate design 
• Satisfaction of cross-functional partners and internal customers 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Functional

• Translate campaign concepts into channel-specific layouts, optimizing for format, placement, motion, and performance without losing the conceptual idea.
• Ideate and execute impactful, on-brand design for campaigns and initiatives across channels, including in-store, web, email, social, and internal communications, as directed.
• Execute designs and apply Indigo branding aesthetics, ensuring consistency and effective messaging hierarchy 
• Develop integrated production ready artwork that spans all digital and print mediums.
• Design high-impact social-first creative (organic + paid), including modular systems that scale across sizes and placements.
• Contributes to presentations and development of concepts as required.
• Multitasking and the ability to balance multiple projects and workstreams at once with speed and care.
• Balancing high-volume output with strong design standards.
• Ensure creative is on-brand while confidently bringing fresh, contemporary references and a strong point of view to elevate the work.
• Act as an advocate for the customer by placing them at the forefront of all decision-making and design processes.
• Challenge the status quo by consistently identifying areas for improvement, diagnosing issues and working to resolve them.

People

• Take feedback with openness and professionalism, adapting quickly and translating input into thoughtful iterations.
• Collaborate with team members across the studio and cross functionally to build relationships, understand roles and responsibilities, and reach the greatest outcome.
• Encourage others to freely share their point of view and be open to feedback.
• Build strong working relationships through kindness and reliability.

Cultural

• Model Indigo’s beliefs and convey a positive image in everything you do
• Celebrate diversity of thought and have an open mindset
• Take an active role in fostering a culture of continual learning, taking risks without the fear of making mistakes
• Embrace, champion and influence change through your team and/or the organization

SCOPE

Reports to: Manager, Art Direction

Manager once Removed (MOR): VP, Creative Studio

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• Visual Merchandising
• Marketing
• Merchants 

Qualifications

Work Experience / Education / Certifications

• Degree or diploma in graphic design or design-related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in an agency or in-house creative shop
• Prior experience supporting national brands considered an asset

Tools

• Extensive knowledge and experience in Adobe Creative Suite
• Advanced use of Figma
• Extensive knowledge and experience creating content for social media

Competencies / Skills / Attributes

• Excellent conceptual, visualization and design skills 
• Demonstrated skills in graphic design and brand development 
• Thorough understanding and ability in graphic design and typography
• Strong understanding of industry standards and best practices for design and development in a retail environment
• Dynamic, driven, good-listener, team-oriented, with ability to handle and learn from constructive criticism
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills
• Ability to meet tight deadlines is essential to keep up in our fast-paced environment
• Ability to balance impacts of deadlines and resources with style and quality requirements 
• Ability to create storytelling via social media platforms

A portfolio is required as part of your application for this position. Please include either:

• A link to an online portfolio (e.g., personal website, Behance, GitHub, etc.), or
• A file upload of your portfolio in PDF or another accessible format.

Additional Information

Indigo utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support various aspects of the hiring process, including screening and assessments. These tools assist our team but do not replace human decision-making. We are committed to using AI responsibly, fairly, and in compliance with Canadian employment and human rights laws. We regularly review these tools to help prevent bias or discrimination.

At Indigo, we embed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility into the foundation of our values, through training, policy, and hiring practices, and continue to update our approach to reflect the evolving values and needs of communities across Canada. We welcome and encourage applicants of all backgrounds and lived experiences, including but not limited to individuals who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), 2SLGBTQIA+, and persons with disabilities. Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at talent@indigo.ca

This posting is for a current opportunity within Indigo

About the Company

WHO WE ARE 

Indigo is a physical and digital place inspired by and filled with books, ideas, beautifully designed lifestyle products, and the creative people who help make it all happen. We believe in real books, living life fully and generously, being kind to each other and to the environment, and that stories — big and little — connect us. Indigo is our customer's happy place — for joyful moments of discovery and to connect with people who share their passion for reading, their belief in ideas, and their commitment to making the world a better and more beautiful place. 

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES 

Our Mission is to inspire reading and enrich the lives of booklovers. As such, we believe in the power of people and their stories. We aim to attract top talent, nurture the potential of our employees, and create space for everyone to thrive. Our Guiding Principles are the few key ideas that are meant to influence everything we do, every day. 

• We Will Hire, Inspire, Promote and Retain the Best
• We Will Be Customer Centric
• We Will Be Entrepreneurial
• We Will Be Committed to Caring About Each Other, Our Communities, and Our Environment
• We Will Be Committed to True and Shared Value Creation
• We Will Be Systems Thinking, Data Driven and AI enabled