Packaging Graphic Designer & Coordinator

📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Packaging Graphic Designer & Coordinator

Company: The Lumistella Company

Location: Atlanta, GA, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative Operations / Brand Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-28T13:25:00

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years, though description suggests 4-6 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Spearhead the graphic design and adaptation of packaging artwork for a beloved portfolio of children's brands, ensuring brand consistency and production readiness.

Serve as a key coordinator for the packaging lifecycle, managing project assets, approvals, and communication to facilitate seamless workflow across cross-functional teams.

Translate creative briefs and brand guidelines into visually compelling and accurate packaging layouts that effectively communicate product features and brand messaging.

Collaborate closely with Product Development, Production Art, and Marketing teams to ensure all packaging elements meet regulatory, compliance, and sales requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the AI experience level suggests 2-5 years, the job description explicitly states "4–6 years of professional packaging, layout, or print design experience." This discrepancy should be noted by candidates, and the more specific requirement of 4-6 years should be prioritized. The role is positioned within Creative Operations or Brand Operations due to its focus on executing brand assets and coordinating the production process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Adapt and create production-ready packaging graphic designs, ensuring adherence to established brand guidelines, templates, and design systems across diverse product lines, SKUs, languages, and packaging formats.

Develop clear, accurate, and visually hierarchical packaging layouts that effectively communicate product features, included components, and brand messaging, working within specified dielines and packaging formats.

Manage the inflow and organization of essential project information and assets, including briefs, copy, product details, dielines, brand assets, licensor materials, photography, and compliance documentation, proactively identifying and resolving missing elements.

Facilitate the seamless flow of files, feedback, and approvals between Packaging Design, Product Development, Production Art, Photography, and other internal and external partners, meticulously tracking open questions and ensuring timely responses.

Coordinate the procurement and management of physical product samples, packaging mockups, prototypes, and photography samples critical for comprehensive packaging development and review.

Support the creation of packaging-related merchandising materials, including retail signage, displays, and corrugates, ensuring visual consistency and brand alignment.

Execute artwork revisions and updates based on constructive feedback and formal approvals, ensuring all changes are accurately implemented.

Perform high-quality retouching and color correction on photography intended for packaging and print applications.

Generate physical mockups, digital renderings, and presentation materials for internal reviews, stakeholder approvals, and sales team enablement.

Maintain organized digital asset management for packaging files, project documentation, and related assets, adhering to company policies for information security.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core design execution and critical project coordination, emphasizing the "coordinator" aspect of the role. This suggests a need for strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, in addition to design proficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Communication Design, Packaging Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: 4–6 years of professional experience in packaging, layout, or print design within consumer products, licensing, publishing, or a similar creative industry.

Required Skills:

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for graphic design and layout creation.

Strong portfolio showcasing a range of packaging design, layout application, and adaptation of established brands.

Deep understanding of typography, visual hierarchy, composition, color theory, and the ability to rigorously apply brand standards.

Proven experience working with established design systems, templates, and brand guidelines to maintain consistency.

Working knowledge of packaging dielines and their implications for artwork creation and print production.

Experience creating packaging mockups, digital renderings, and presentation materials for review and sales purposes.

Exceptional organizational skills, with a meticulous attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

Ability to protect company assets through proper management of asset files and adherence to information security policies.
Preferred Skills:

Experience with 3D rendering software for packaging visualization.

Familiarity with project management software for tracking assets and approvals.

Understanding of retail display graphics and merchandising materials.

Experience in the children's toy or entertainment industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio specifically demonstrating "packaging design, layout, and application of established brands" is crucial. Candidates should curate their portfolios to highlight projects that align with these specific needs, showcasing their ability to work within existing brand frameworks and produce production-ready artwork.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:

A curated selection of packaging design projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to adapt existing brand assets and guidelines across various product lines and SKUs.

Case studies or examples highlighting your process for creating accurate, production-ready artwork, including adherence to dielines and print production specifications.

Visual examples of how you have applied typography, color, and imagery to maintain brand consistency and communicate product features effectively within packaging layouts.

Demonstrations of your ability to create packaging mockups, digital renderings, or presentation materials for internal reviews and stakeholder approvals.
Process Documentation:

Showcase examples of how you have organized and managed project assets (e.g., briefs, copy, dielines, brand assets) for packaging design projects.

Illustrate your approach to coordinating feedback and approvals from multiple stakeholders across different departments (e.g., Product Development, Marketing).

Provide examples of how you manage revisions and updates to artwork, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic design but also the practical aspects of packaging production and coordination. Demonstrating a structured approach to asset management, feedback loops, and adherence to technical specifications will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Packaging Graphic Designer & Coordinator with 4-6 years of experience in Atlanta, GA, the estimated salary range is $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the hybrid work model, the specific industry (consumer goods/licensing), and the required Adobe Suite proficiency.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays.

Retirement savings plan options, such as a 401(k) with company match.

Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in design and project management.

Employee discounts on The Lumistella Company's beloved product lines.

Hybrid work model offering flexibility with a balance of remote and in-office collaboration.

Working Hours: Standard full-time role, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature may allow for some flexibility in scheduling, but regular in-office attendance in Atlanta is required for collaborative activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry averages for graphic design and coordination roles in Atlanta, GA, factoring in the specified experience level and the hybrid work arrangement. Specific compensation details will be provided by the hiring company.

🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Consumer Products / Intellectual Property & Entertainment (focus on children's brands). The Lumistella Company operates within the highly creative and brand-driven space of children's entertainment and consumer products, known for its unique storytelling approach. This context implies a culture that values creativity, imagination, and a strong connection to its target audience.

Company Size: The Lumistella Company is a growing global entity. Its size suggests a dynamic environment where individuals can have a significant impact, but also one that requires efficient processes and clear communication to manage growth effectively. This means operations roles are vital for maintaining order and scalability.

Founded: The company was founded in 2005. Its relatively recent founding, coupled with the immense success of its core brands like The Elf on the Shelf, indicates a culture of innovation, agility, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive its expansion.

Team Structure:

The Packaging Graphic Designer & Coordinator likely sits within a broader Creative, Marketing, or Product Development department.

The team structure is expected to be collaborative, with close interaction with Brand Managers, Product Developers, Production Artists, and potentially external agencies.

Reporting likely goes up to a Creative Director, Design Manager, or Brand Manager, with a dotted line to production or project management functions.
Methodology:

Emphasis on maintaining brand integrity and storytelling across all visual assets, especially packaging.

Data-driven decisions may be less prominent in pure design execution but are crucial for understanding market reception and product performance.

Workflow optimization is key, given the fast-paced nature of consumer product launches and the need to manage multiple SKUs and international variations.

Company Website: www.Lumistella.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "Telling the Stories of Santa’s North Pole" suggests a highly imaginative and brand-centric culture. Operations roles, including this one, are essential for translating that imaginative vision into tangible, high-quality products that resonate with families.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior individual contributor role, focusing on specialized design execution and project coordination within the creative operations workflow. It requires a solid foundation of experience and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Creative Director, or potentially a Brand Manager overseeing product development. Collaboration will be extensive with Product Development, Production Art, Marketing, and other internal departments, as well as external vendors.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the market-ready appearance and appeal of The Lumistella Company's products. Effective packaging design and coordination ensure that products meet production timelines, maintain brand integrity, and are visually compelling on shelves and online, ultimately contributing to sales success and brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

Specialization: Deepen expertise in packaging design for specific product categories or international markets.

Project Management: Transition into a dedicated Project Manager or Production Manager role, focusing more on process, timelines, and cross-functional coordination.

Creative Leadership: Advance to Senior Designer or Art Director roles, taking on more strategic design direction and mentoring junior team members.

Brand Development: Move into broader brand management or marketing roles that leverage a strong understanding of visual brand execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Coordinator" aspect of the title suggests a pathway for individuals looking to move from pure design into roles with more project management and operational oversight. Highlighting successes in process improvement or efficient workflow management within the portfolio will be key for demonstrating growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring regular in-office presence in Atlanta, GA, for collaborative sessions and team integration.

Office Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the Atlanta office. Specific office address details would be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among creative and product development teams. Expect opportunities for brainstorming, design reviews, and cross-functional meetings.

Access to necessary design software and potentially a well-equipped creative studio or shared workspace.

Regular interaction with colleagues from various departments, promoting a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week). While hybrid, the schedule will necessitate in-office days for team collaboration, design reviews, and project coordination meetings. Flexibility may be offered, but consistent availability during core business hours is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates a company that values both focused individual work and in-person collaboration. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they balance these two aspects and contribute effectively in both remote and office settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:

Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, salary expectations, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to adhere to brand guidelines. A specific design challenge or case study related to packaging adaptation may be assigned.

Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate technical skills, project coordination abilities, understanding of production processes, and fit within the creative team.

Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key collaborators (e.g., Product Development, Marketing) to assess teamwork, communication style, and ability to integrate into the broader product development workflow.

Final Round: May involve a leadership interview or a final discussion to confirm fit and discuss offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest packaging design projects that best demonstrate your ability to adapt existing brands, follow dielines, and deliver production-ready artwork.

Tell the Story: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced (e.g., adapting to a tight dieline, incorporating regulatory text), and how you ensured brand consistency and print-readiness.

Highlight Coordination: If possible, include examples or discuss how you managed assets, feedback, or approvals for your projects, demonstrating your coordination skills.

Showcase Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your advanced use of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, and how you leverage them for efficient packaging design.

Address Production: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of print production requirements and how you ensure files are optimized for manufacturing.

Challenge Preparation:

Understand Dielines: Familiarize yourself with common packaging dielines and how to work within their constraints.

Brand Guideline Interpretation: Practice applying fictional or existing brand guidelines to new product concepts or existing packaging.

Asset Management: Think about how you would organize and manage a large volume of assets for a product line with multiple variations.

Communication: Prepare to articulate your design decisions and project coordination approach clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to not only showcase visually appealing designs but also to articulate the strategic thinking, technical execution, and coordination efforts behind them.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:

Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector-based packaging artwork, logos, and typography. Proficiency in manipulating paths, layers, and preparing files for print.

Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image retouching, color correction, creating mockups, and preparing photographic elements for packaging.

Adobe InDesign: Used for layout design, text placement, and managing multi-page documents or complex packaging structures.

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): For documentation, project tracking, creating presentations, and general communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to interpret basic product sales data or consumer feedback can inform design choices. Familiarity with tools that might track product SKU performance could be beneficial.
CRM & Automation:

Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but understanding how packaging information flows into product information management (PIM) systems or ERPs could be advantageous.

Familiarity with project management or workflow tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) would be beneficial for the coordination aspect.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are heavily focused on the Adobe Creative Suite, with a specific emphasis on Illustrator for packaging artwork. The "Coordinator" aspect suggests a need for organizational and potentially project management software proficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:

Creativity & Imagination: A fundamental value, driving the unique storytelling that defines The Lumistella Company's brands. Operations professionals are expected to support and enable this creative output.

Brand Integrity: Upholding the visual and narrative consistency of beloved characters and worlds across all touchpoints, especially packaging.

Attention to Detail: Critical for ensuring accuracy in design, copy, and production specifications, preventing costly errors.

Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across departments to bring products to life efficiently and effectively.

Passion for Children's Brands: A genuine enthusiasm for the products and the joy they bring to children and families.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with Product Development, Marketing, Sales, and Production teams, requiring clear communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback to refine designs and processes, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Agile & Responsive: Given the consumer product market, adaptability and the ability to respond to changing needs or market trends are likely valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are deeply intertwined with its brand identity. Operations professionals must demonstrate an understanding of how their work supports the imaginative, child-focused mission of the company.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:

Balancing Creative Vision with Production Constraints: Effectively translating imaginative brand concepts into packaging that is both visually appealing and manufacturable within budget and technical limitations.

Managing Multiple SKUs and International Variations: Adapting designs across numerous product variations, languages, and regional requirements, demanding meticulous organization and attention to detail.

Tight Deadlines and Fast-Paced Market: Working within demanding timelines common in the consumer product industry, requiring efficient workflow management and the ability to prioritize effectively.

Maintaining Brand Consistency Across a Growing Portfolio: Ensuring that new products and packaging designs seamlessly integrate with the established visual identity of The Elf on the Shelf and other Lumistella brands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Packaging Design Techniques: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses focused on the latest trends and technical aspects of packaging design and print production.

Project Management Skills: Development in project coordination, workflow optimization, and stakeholder management through hands-on experience and potential training.

Brand Management Principles: Gaining a deeper understanding of brand strategy and how packaging contributes to overall brand perception and market success.

Cross-Functional Acumen: Expanding knowledge of product development, marketing, and sales processes to become a more integrated and strategic contributor.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for a designer to gain significant experience in the operational aspects of bringing consumer products to market, bridging the gap between creative execution and business objectives.

💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:

"Describe a time you had to adapt a well-established brand's identity to a new packaging format. What was your process, and what were the key considerations?" (Assesses brand adherence and design thinking)

"How do you ensure accuracy and completeness when gathering and organizing assets and information for a packaging design project?" (Evaluates coordination and organizational skills)

"Walk me through your process for preparing artwork for print production. What are the critical elements you check for?" (Tests technical knowledge and attention to detail)

"Imagine a scenario where product development has made a last-minute change to the product dimensions. How would you manage the impact on existing packaging artwork and the timeline?" (Assesses problem-solving and adaptability)
Company & Culture Questions:

"What do you admire about The Elf on the Shelf or other Lumistella brands, and how do you see your design skills contributing to their continued success?" (Gauges passion and brand alignment)

"How do you approach collaboration with teams outside of design, such as product development or marketing?" (Assesses teamwork and communication)

"Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective communication and productivity when working remotely versus in the office?" (Evaluates adaptability to work model)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your solution (design and coordination), and the outcome.

Emphasize Process: Don't just show final art; explain the steps you took, including how you managed feedback, revisions, and ensured production readiness.

Highlight Coordination Skills: Point out specific instances where your organizational or coordination efforts contributed to project success or efficiency.

Quantify Impact: If possible, mention how your design or coordination efforts led to positive outcomes (e.g., faster time to market, reduced errors, positive retailer feedback).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who possesses both strong design skills and the operational acumen to manage complex projects within a creative environment. Demonstrating an understanding of the entire packaging lifecycle, from concept to production, will be key.

📌 Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your 4-6 years of packaging design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any project coordination responsibilities. Specifically mention your experience with consumer products or licensed brands if applicable.

Portfolio Preparation: Curate your digital portfolio to prominently feature packaging design examples that demonstrate adaptation of brand guidelines, adherence to dielines, and production-ready artwork. Be prepared to discuss your process and coordination efforts.

Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Lumistella Company's brands (The Elf on the Shelf, Elf Pets, Elf Mates) and their brand aesthetic. Understand their mission and how packaging contributes to their storytelling.

Mock Interview Practice: Practice articulating your design decisions, problem-solving approaches, and coordination strategies, especially for packaging-specific challenges and hybrid work scenarios.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.