Graphic Designer Position
✦ Graphic Designer Position
Company: ZITNALTA™ Studio
Location: Historic Monadnock Building, Suite 256, 53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60603
Program: Metropolitan Family Services Workforce Program - Illinois Youth Investment Program
Duration: 13 weeks
Compensation: $17/hour, 10-20 hours per week
Age Requirement: 16-24 years old
Job Type: Part-Time Job (THIS IS NOT AN INTERNSHIP)
About ZITNALTA™ Studio
ZITNALTA™ Studio is a Black-owned technology and design company that has achieved over $200,000 in business funding and grants since 2020. Operating from Chicago's historic Monadnock Building, we specialize in variable data printing, personalized direct mail catalogs, and innovative print production technology. Our company received prestigious funding to develop cutting-edge catalog automation and personalization systems.
We are more than just a design and printing company—we are a community wealth building enterprise dedicated to creating opportunities and economic empowerment within Chicago's underserved communities. When you succeed here, you're contributing to a movement that creates pathways to prosperity in our community.
Position Overview
This is an exciting opportunity for a young designer to learn cutting-edge variable data printing and personalized catalog production while working on real publishing projects. You'll be trained in three primary publication areas that represent the future of direct mail marketing, with AI tools as your design assistants.
Primary Responsibilities
1. ZITNALTA™ BUY BLACK Catalog Production
- Design 20-page direct-to-consumer catalog featuring Black-owned businesses
- Implement variable data personalization with custom QR codes
- Ensure USPS Catalog Insights promotion compliance
- Create multi-brand color adaptation and navigation systems
- Work with DesignMerge Pro plugin for Adobe InDesign
- Frequency: Monthly or bi-monthly depending on vendor participation
2. ZITNALTA™ BLACK BUYCOTT Catalog Development
- Design direct mail catalog for conscious consumer marketplace
- Develop template systems for scalable catalog production
- Implement personalization and targeted marketing strategies
- Create sustainable monthly publication workflow
- Focus on community wealth building through conscious purchasing
3. Chi Cannabis Week Magazine Conversion
- Convert tabloid newspaper format (11" x 17" folded to 8.5" x 11") to magazine
- Choose between standard (8.5" x 11") or digest (5.5" x 8.5") format
- Integrate Illinois Cannabis Guide directory (condensed print version)
- Support Illinois Cannabis Awards voting promotion through mobile app
- Create monthly magazine publication for cannabis industry
- Design awards ceremony materials for April 20th (2026) event at Monadnock Building
What You'll Learn
Technical Skills
- Variable Data Printing: Master DesignMerge Pro plugin for Adobe InDesign
- Personalization Technology: Custom QR codes, personalized URLs, database-driven design
- Print Production: Konica Minolta C3070L digital press operation and Fiery Command Workstation
- Data Management: CSV imports, Google Sheets integration, database setup
- AI-Assisted Design: Claude AI, Google AI Studio and other tools as design assistants
- USPS Compliance: Direct mail regulations, catalog requirements, postal automation
Professional Skills
- Working with real publication deadlines and print schedules
- Multi-brand template development and color management
- Professional client communication and project coordination
- Understanding of direct mail marketing and conscious consumer behavior
- Experience with diverse design projects and niche publications
Requirements
Essential Qualifications
- Age: Must be between 16-24 years old (ideally at least 21)
- Adobe InDesign Desktop Experience: Required (not negotiable)
- Macintosh Proficiency: Mac-only environment - must own and operate a Mac computer
- Google Sheets Knowledge: Data management and CSV file handling
- Learning Mindset: Willing to be "moldable" and master new technologies (Artificial Intelligence)
- Print Understanding: Basic knowledge of print production workflows
Preferred Additional Skills
- Adobe Express experience
- Previous catalog or magazine design work
- Variable data printing exposure
- AI tool utilization or willingness to learn
- Interest in supporting Black-Owned Businesses and social justice initiatives
Important Requirements
- Mac Computer Ownership: Must have reliable Mac computer access
- InDesign Experience Required: Cannot train from zero InDesign knowledge
- Multiple Project Capability: Must handle 3 simultaneous publications
- Commitment: Full 13-week program completion required
Program Structure
Foundation & Tools
- Adobe InDesign advanced techniques and DesignMerge Pro setup
- Artificial Intelligence Tools
- Variable data printing fundamentals
- Konica Minolta digital press orientation
- Database and CSV management training
BUY BLACK Catalog
- 20-page catalog production and USPS compliance
- Multi-vendor template development
- QR code generation and personalization implementation
- Brand color adaptation systems
Black BUYCOTT Catalog
- Conscious consumer marketplace catalog design
- Template standardization and scalability planning
- Monthly publication workflow development
Chi Cannabis Week Magazine
- Newspaper to magazine format conversion
- Illinois Cannabis Guide directory integration
- Awards ceremony promotional materials (voting closes March 15th, awards April 20th)
- Monthly magazine production setup
Portfolio Development
- Professional portfolio creation with published materials
- Project documentation and design system development
Work Environment
Professional Setting
- Location: Historic Monadnock Building - one of Chicago's most iconic business addresses
- Equipment: Mac workstations with Adobe Creative Suite and DesignMerge Pro licenses
- Print Production: In-house Konica Minolta C3070L digital press with finishing capabilities
- Mentorship: Direct training from founder with 45+ years of design and printing experience
Schedule Flexibility
- Hours: 10-20 hours per week (minimum 10 hours required)
- Schedule: Flexible hours to accommodate education or other commitments
- Duration: 13 weeks with potential for permanent hiring upon successful completion
Growth Opportunities
During the Program
- Hands-on experience with diverse publication projects
- Real-world print production and direct mail experience
- Portfolio development with published materials
- Mentorship in variable data printing and personalization technology
Post-Program Potential
- Portfolio Development: Professional projects for future career opportunities
- Specialized Skills: Expertise in variable data printing and catalog production
- Industry Experience: Knowledge of direct mail, cannabis industry, and conscious consumer marketing
- Professional Network: Connections within Chicago's design and printing community
Application Process
This position is available through ZITNALTA™ Studio via the Metropolitan Family Services Illinois Youth Investment Project (IYIP).
To Apply:
- Contact ZITNALTA™ Studio and if there is a fit we will refer you to our Metropolitan Family Services workforce program coordinator
- Submit portfolio demonstrating Adobe InDesign proficiency
- Express interest in the ZITNALTA™ Studio graphic designer position
- Be prepared to discuss your Mac computer access and InDesign experience over a 30-45 minute virtual Zoom call
Application Requirements:
- Portfolio showing Adobe InDesign work (catalogs, brochures, magazines preferred)
- Demonstration of Mac computer proficiency
- Examples of print design projects
- Brief statement of interest in variable data printing and Black business support
Contact Information
Company: ZITNALTA™ Studio
Founder: Edmund Danté Hamilton
Address: Suite 256, Historic Monadnock Building | 53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Job Site & Timesheets: ZITNALTA™ Studio will submit and sign your timesheets to MFS IYIP each week
Program Coordination & Payroll: Through Metropolitan Family Services IYIP coordinator
ZITNALTA™ Studio is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and community wealth building. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who meet the technical requirements and are excited about variable data printing and conscious business promotion.
This position is funded through the Metropolitan Family Services Illinois Youth Investment Project and provides paid work experience during the 13-week program.