Exhibition Graphic Designer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Job Title: Exhibition Graphic Designer
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Monterey, CA
Salary: $73,600 – $91,000
Description
At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
Job Summary:
Under limited supervision, develop graphic design solutions for aquarium exhibitions and other public-facing spaces and experiences. Take lead 2D design role on projects small to large, guiding process and project timelines, and coordinating with key collaborators to achieve goals and deadlines. Generate iterative graphic design concepts, proposals and solutions for permanent and temporary exhibitions, and for educational and operational projects. As a key member of the Exhibition Design team and as part of a creative team that includes content and A/V media developers, production staff, and project managers, Exhibition Graphic Designer 3 plays a critical role and must contribute to a collaborative work environment and demonstrate a strong commitment to creating meaningful public experiences for diverse audiences. Perform other duties as required.
Core Activities:
- Research and advise on exhibition graphic design precedents, including colors, materials, typography, illustration techniques and styles related to new and existing exhibitions and operational projects.
- Define and develop exhibition graphic design goals, milestones, and work schedules in collaboration with peers in the exhibitions division (content, project management, media, and production) and across departments (animal care, facilities, guest experience) to meet exhibition and visitor experience goals.
- Produce detailed graphic design documents that represent design directions and solutions, including, but not limited to: look & feel boards, typographic and color palettes, sketches, diagrams, layouts, floor plans, elevations, perspective drawings, renderings, models, production details, and code-compliant design specifications.
- Develop and iterate multiple options in the exhibition graphic design process; plan design reviews; seek feedback and integrate edits and change requests into design documents; review changes to confirm approvals and to meet project milestones and deadlines.
- Design and produce prototypes to test with members of target audience and expert advisors; integrate findings into design solutions.
- Source and create imagery, maps, drawings, charts, etc. for use in exhibition and interpretive materials.
- Research and specify materials and graphic production processes; organize production reviews and materials testing.
- Participate in exhibition graphics production cost estimating.
- Work with in-house and external fabrication facilities to set production schedules and produce final exhibition graphics; deliver print-ready files and create installation drawings and guidelines to ensure smooth and clear instructions throughout mock-up and final installation phases.
- Coordinate work of internal team with that of outside designers, printers, fabricators, illustrators, and other consultants as needed; share relevant project information and drawings; communicate clearly with consultants throughout the duration of a project.
- Research best practices in ADA compliance, universal design, accessibility, equity, and inclusivity; integrate these throughout all phases of design, production, and installation.
- Engage in professional development activities to further the goals and capabilities of the design team, including expanding technical skills related to design, and to learn and share best practices in aquarium design and learning environments.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
- Bachelor’s or MFA degree in graphic design or related field or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
- Minimum 4-5 years of prior exhibition graphic design and art direction experience, with progressively increased design responsibilities
- Experience working with museums, aquaria, zoos, public gardens, and/or other publicly oriented cultural or science-based institutions highly desired
- Strong design and visual communication skills and ability, as demonstrated through a portfolio of work
- Intermediate to advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite
- Intermediate to advanced knowledge and understanding of typography, color, visual communication + design
- Intermediate to advanced facility representing design ideas through drawings, collage, and other graphic media
- In-depth understanding of graphic production processes, materials, and timelines
- Ability to read and add to architectural drawings
- Familiarity with ADA standards and guidelines for public spaces
- Experience incorporating accessible and universal design guidelines in environmental and exhibit graphics
- Experience developing designs that prioritize audience engagement and interactivity
- Demonstrated experience creating high-quality design solutions through an iterative and collaboration process
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate, communicate, and build positive relationships with others
- 3D exhibition design experience a plus
- Knowledge of Spanish a plus
- Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values and the core values of the Exhibitions Division
Annual Compensation Range Minimum:
$73,600-$91,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.
Requirements
Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:
- Typical office equipment
- Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
- Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
- Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, construction sites, fabrication and print shops, service areas and back-of-house support areas, animal holding areas, occasional offsite events