Footwear Design Director

Rago / Wright, a network of independent network of auction houses for fine art and design is seeking a full-time senior graphic designer to join our in-house creative team.

Our design crew is comprised of graphic designers, art directors, photographers and developers who actively build, design and maintain our four websites : Rago (Lambertville, NJ), Wright (Chicago, IL), LAMA (Los Angeles, CA) and Toomey & Co.

Chicago, IL). The team works with the developers and stakeholders to build upon our existing frameworks with design-forward presentation and a digital editorial experience that are unparalleled in the auction industry.

Reporting to the Creative Director, you will support our design initiatives, mentor junior talent, and own design deliverables for our daily needs.

The senior graphic designer will strategize visual directions for auctions and collections, collaborate on new digital technology for our websites, and work with the creative director to uphold the brand standards across all collateral.

The design team collaborates closely with our photographers, editors and founders to tell the stories of the unique items we bring to market.

With much growth in the past four years locations across three time zones and colleagues across the country, the designer is tasked with ensuring an elevated design-centric user experience.

The design team also produces award-winning books and catalogs, and provides on-going support to all locations by way of proposals, social media creative, branded collateral, video promotion, email marketing, and advertising.

Our in-house creative team collaborates across departments, working closely to support the company leading up to and during exhibitions and auctions.

It is a fast-paced environment but most notably, design driven each step of the way. A core-value of Rago / Wright's approach to all projects thoughtful and compelling design informs the strategy built into our brand’s unique approach within the auction industry.

About you :

• You want to find a place where development and design intersect and creative presentation is valued alongside technology
• You have excellent typographic skills and experience designing for dynamic digital content
• You value collaboration, seek feedback, and actively work to better your creative strategy
• You like thinking like a developer : solving not just one creative brief, but thinking of adaptable long-term solutions that support design and development for posterity
• You'd like the chance to collaborate with photographers & videographers, and use your skills with motion / video in a creative in-house team environment
• You can work autonomously and juggle simultaneous projects while meeting the firm deadlines in the fast-paced auction industry
• You are open to constructive criticism and can make on-the-fly changes as directed
• You can strategize a design campaign across digital platforms and are an advocate for brand consistency
• You can mentor junior talent and foster an environment wherein creativity and experimentation thrive
• You're interested in contemporary art, design and vintage luxury

Qualifications :

• 5-10 years of experience in professional design studio or agency
• A minimum of an associates (2 year) degree in design or visual arts
• Solid experience with current digital technology, design for web, responsive and mobile design
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience using Figma
• Fluency with After Effects / Adobe XD / Final Cut pro or video / animation software
• Experience with Mailchimp templates / basic html
• Experience in translating design strategy to social media for organic content
• Bonus : experience working within Luxury E-commerce, Arts and Media Institutions or Technology brands

Check out what the team is doing : / commarts / graphic-design

Please include your resume, cover letter, and a link to your online portfolio when applying.

Working Conditions :

This is a hybrid position based in our West Town Chicago offices. Candidates must be willing to work in-office at Wright a minimum of two days a week.

Benefits :

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance
• Safe Harbor 401(k) with 3% company contribution
• Basic life insurance at no cost to the employee
• 12 weeks of 100% paid Parental Leave
• Personal Paid Time Off
• Approximately 10 paid company holidays each year, including company closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Commuter Benefits Program and free on-site parking
• Employee Assistance Program

This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for the role.

Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't meet all the criteria unlike majority candidates meeting significantly fewer requirements.

We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.