Art jobs in Ottawa, ON

SIGN DESIGNER / LAYOUT ARTIST

DEPARTMENT: Production
REPORTS TO: Print Supervisor

Join Our Team

Miller McConnell Signs (MMS), a leading custom sign manufacturer in Ottawa for over 33 years, is looking for an experienced Sign Designer / Layout Artist to join our growing team in Ottawa.

If you enjoy combining creativity with technical problem-solving and take pride in producing accurate, high-quality designs, this is an exciting opportunity to work on a wide variety of custom signage projects. You'll collaborate with a talented team and see your designs come to life through in-house manufacturing and installation.

Why Join MMS?

• Work on a wide variety of custom signage projects that challenge both your creativity and technical expertise.
• See your designs come to life through our in-house manufacturing and installation teams.
• Join a collaborative team that values quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
• Enjoy full-time employment with a well-established Ottawa company.
• Opportunities to expand your technical knowledge and grow within the sign industry.

Position Overview

As our Sign Designer / Layout Artist, you'll create client proofs, sign layouts, and production-ready artwork for a wide variety of signage projects. This role requires more than graphic design skills; it requires an understanding of how signs are designed, manufactured, fabricated, and installed.

You'll work closely with our Sales & Estimating, Project Management, Production, and Installation teams to develop clear, accurate, and production-ready artwork that meet client expectations while supporting efficient production.

What You'll Do

• Create accurate client proofs, sign layouts, and production-ready artwork for a wide variety of custom signage projects.
• Interpret customer requests, architectural drawings, site photos, brand standards, and project specifications.
• Prepare artwork for large-format printing, vinyl cutting, CNC routing, laser cutting, and fabrication.
• Ensure layouts are accurate, practical, and ready for production and installation.
• Verify dimensions, scaling, colours, typography, materials, and production specifications before releasing artwork to production.
• Revise artwork based on client and internal feedback.
• Review artwork carefully to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with project requirements before release to production.
• Collaborate with Sales & Estimating, Project Management, Production, and Installation throughout each project.
• Maintain organized project files and follow established workflow procedures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design standards, workflows, and departmental processes.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience designing custom signage or preparing sign layouts.
• Practical understanding of how design decisions impact fabrication, installation, and final appearance.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop.
• Ability to prepare clean, accurate, production-ready artwork.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a custom sign shop or large-format graphics environment.
• Familiarity with architectural drawings, elevations, site surveys, and brand standards.
• Experience preparing files for large-format printing, CNC routing, vinyl cutting, or fabrication.
• Knowledge of sign materials, fabrication methods, and installation requirements.
• Experience with CorelDRAW is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of accessibility signage and municipal sign requirements is an asset.

Compensation and Benefits

MMS offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Starting from $28/hour, based on experience
• Paid vacation
• Critical illness insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Group life insurance
• Dental care coverage
• Major medical insurance
• Prescription drug coverage

Training and Development

MMS encourages and funds team members to pursue skill development, including attending training courses, taking college or university classes, participating in industry or association conferences and webinars, and attending vendor training events.

Location and Hours of Work

• This position is based out of our shop at 1624 Michael Street in Ottawa.
• Full-time positions are 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexible start times between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m.

For more information about MMS, please visit our website: millermcconnell.com.

NOTE: We thank all applicants for their interest in the position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: From $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Application question(s):

• Do you have experience creating production-ready artwork for signage?
• Do you have a cover letter? If so, please attach a copy.

Experience:

• Graphic design: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person