Creative Designer

Be a part of the GROWING workforce at Oriental Trading Company, a Berkshire Hathaway Company!

MindWare is the creator, manufacturer, and distributor of Brainy Toys for Kids of all Ages. The diverse product line includes games, puzzles, brainteasers, arts and crafts activities, mysteries, mazes and more. MindWare’s goal is to place high quality toys that teach and entertain into the hands of children and adults. Over the years, MindWare games have won many prestigious awards, including Mensa Select, Parents’ Choice and the Spiel des Jahres in Germany. Founder Jeanne Voigt started MindWare in 1990 with a small retail store in the Uptown area of Minneapolis. From there, the company has evolved into the largest cataloger in its segment, mailing to consumers and educators throughout the United States. MindWare is also a web retailer and wholesale distributor, selling its MindWare line to 2,000 retailers in the US and to distributors in over 20 countries worldwide.

As a MindWare Creative Designer, you will be part of small team responsible for designing MindWare’s multiple versions of direct mail catalogs, the foundation of the company’s success. Working very closely with the Merchandising Department and other creative team members, you will brainstorm ideas to present products in new ways to increase sales, lay out pages to accommodate changing products, and present concepts for new cover designs, all based on company objectives and reflective of the MindWare brand. Additional responsibilities may include giving direction during off-site photoshoots, designing website promotions, special flyers, tradeshow displays and collateral materials, and assisting with packaging design and book layout for production.

 

Essential Functions:

• Layout catalog pages based on changes to product selection to insure maximum sales including determining size and composition of product photographs, position of copy, designing eye-catching callouts and developing product eye flow.
• Present options for catalog cover designs as needed.
• Ensure concepts and all design projects are in line with brand guidelines and company objectives.
• Work closely with all related departments within the company to ensure the brand standards are met.
• Write photo notes, selects and/or approve models and direct photo shoots for covers and features. Work with outside studio and freelance photographers and stylists to set overall photography standards for projects at hand. Approve final photography, providing timely and constructive feedback.
• Attend planning, strategy and product review meetings to create the most relevant customer solution.
• Pay close attention to detail to ensure utmost accuracy of copy, pricing and item details.
• Ensure all files created are technically sound and ready for print production.
• Work with and support teammates on specifications and processes relevant to each unique catalog.
• Meet all production deadlines.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Abide by all policies and procedures of Oriental Trading Company.
• As assigned, provide design and production work for e-mail campaigns, alternative media, direct mail campaigns, magazine ads, logos, packaging, tradeshow signage, collateral materials, website features, media kits, public relations projects, special projects and new initiatives across all pertinent channels ensuring overall campaigns maintain consistent elements including layout design, imagery, headline treatments, graphic elements and typefaces.
• Attend press checks as needed.

 

Here’s what you need to join the fun:

• A minimum of 5 years experience in design; catalog and/or direct mail design preferred. Experience in photography direction and approval and print production and web design experience preferred.
• Ability to work with a high level of independence and creativity within the pressure of deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Excellent organizational, communication and time management skills.
• Proficient in Macintosh environment using InDesign, PhotoShop, and Illustrator.
• A high level of artistic ability & design with good color perception and sensitivity to type is essential.
• Ability to multi task and adapt well to change and input from others.
• Ability to solve problems.
• Ability to work with a team of creative professionals.
• Knowledge of pre-press and print production.
• Flexibility and a willingness to work additional hours to maintain schedules.
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Advertising, related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.