INFO
I have cross-trained with the Graphics department at IKEA Canton alongside working in my role as a Sales Co-worker in Kitchens over a 6-month period from July 2025 through March 2026. Over that time period, I learned the Graphics Co-worker role from creating designs to implementation of small to large-scale graphics within the Canton store. In 2025, I assisted with a $1.5 million remodel of the Kitchens department in the Graphics role; In 2026 I was part of the successful global review with implementation as well as production of graphics for two new small format stores opening in 2026. Over my journey, I grew from implementing to producing graphics for the team using Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop.
Implementation
Application of graphics to various surfaces inside the IKEA Canton retail store.
Assisted in applying graphics and producing signs for a large-scale display along with the Communication and Interior Design team (Com-In).
Large scale wall graphics near the Restaurant stand out in a crowd
Weeding frosted window graphics for Kitchens Remodel was rewarding
Final application on the glass walls of planning rooms
It’s beautiful!
Piles and piles of graphics yet to be implemented – Our job is never done.
Spoons, spatulas, and knives- oh my!
Clever way of showing customer’s how to use our kitchen drawer liner
Cutlery tray graphics in the Kitchen Accessory Shop help customer choose which size(s) they need
Satisfying my need for instant gratification by peeling back the paper from the masking tape to adhere the vinyl
Implemented Kitchen How-To Planning Steps in multiple areas
Applied large scale graphics in Bath department detailing the 10 year warranty
Collection of the days pictures, signs, and stickers that were prepared on our large cutting table
Applied updated map signage throughout the store
Applied graphics to a chalkboard for engagement with children visiting the Kitchen Planning area – What’s your favorite food to eat? Mine’s pasta!
Warranty information and QR code applied directly to a PAX wardrobe door
Large scale graphics implementation with two pieces of vinyl in the Swedish Restaurant that had to be pieced together to look seamless
Creating a High Price Sign for a dresser in the Bedroom department
Reverse applied vinyl graphics in the Launch area (the area in front of the escalator on the second floor)
Replaced floor graphics in multiple locations
IKEA implores creative ways to attach graphics – These are on flat boards with magnets that attach to the metal shelving behind
In-process of applying wall graphics: Sometimes it’s level on the first try
After noticing a need; I found and applied a graphic to our UTRUSTA pull-out work surface in Kitchens
Applied graphics to wall above closet system in Home Organization with the help of a ladder and someone with longer arms than me (the reach was over 3 feet)
Graphic applied to dresser drawer fronts – very clever, IKEA
Figuring out how to fish a small electrical cord into a wall
The sign is now mounted and lit up!
Completed Low Price wall display
Production
Creating custom graphics based on specific needs for each graphic request.
Breath-Taking Item & Low Price Signs
INFO
IKEA highlights Breath-Taking Items with their own special graphic requirements (called a tactical box); These are created by printing the yellow box, cutting, and laminating it- The price is printed and applied later, which enables easy changes.
Low Price is either on the product itself or on a clear plexiglass sign to draw attention to “a great product at a great price”. There are requirements for product name, description, and price in the graphic which can be printed in black or white and applied to the product, a wall, or a sign. I created many of these throughout the store in my cross-training from January to February 2026.
“How-To” For Buying Integrated Kitchen Lighting
INFO
Our Com-In partner needed signage for both countertop and drawer lighting next to the displays that described all the parts needed to complete the product. Referencing the Integrated kitchen lighting buying guide and “How To Build” steps, I condensed them for clarity and simplicity based on my knowledge of the buying process in my sales role. They were printed and laminated on vinyl sized to fit on the display shelves.
Full Doorway Vinyl
Graphic for Roomset
INFO
Sometimes a kitchen display is too small to display a door, and rather a doorway into another room is needed – That’s where the Graphics team comes in. The current vinyl has suffered some damage and needed to be removed and replaced; But I wanted to create a more engaging image and use IKEA furniture instead of the stock Adobe image that was there previously. Using Photoshop I elongated the perfect image from the IKEA asset database to fit into the 36" x 80" opening, What an improvement!
Product communication
A7 Size Tags
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I created A7 Size tags about product information for various articles from a template that I modified to fit the picture and description based on the request- This is an example for the IKEA PS 1995 Clock.
“Best Friends” Product
Add-On A4 Signs
For this request, I created six separate A4 signs for different product lines to showcase add-on products that work well with each product. Going on an example in Spanish, I translated and created a title, product illustrations, and article descriptions for each line.
Some of the articles given were outdated and discontinued, so modifications had to be made with updated article names. An illustration for the BUMERANG hanger did not exist in IKEA’s catalog and had to be created using Illustrator.
Local Market Relevance Product Sign
INFO
At IKEA, each store has Local Market Relevance including signage and other visual communication such as references to local sports teams or culture. In IKEA's concept commitment and mandatories, it states "It’s mandatory to present and communicate the IKEA product range and home furnishing solutions relevant to the many people’s life at home in the local market in all IKEA customer meeting points."
For this request, a sign highlighting the KOMPLEMENT multi-use hanger for storing scarves and hijabs was perfect for our local muslim community. I created the title based off of the IKEA voice (curious, humble, honest, clear, playful, confident, & optimistic) and sourced an image of colorful scarves from Adobe Stock because the colors reminded me of water- and Michigan is the Great Lake State.
Unique Swedish Food Market Graphics
INFO
It's part of IKEA's Swedish heritage and identity to carry unique foods normally found in Sweden for customers to take home and enjoy. In the Swedish Food Market, there is something to suit everyone's tastes – From our famous meatballs to fresh baked cinnamon buns, salmon, candy, chocolate, coffee, waffles, and more.
For this request, I created a series of three signs showcasing some of the most popular Swedish delicacies – KAFFEREP cinnamon buns, VÅFFLOR waffles, and SJÖRAPPORT salmon. I included information about each item in the IKEA tone of voice, of course. Images sourced from IKEA assets and created in Illustrator.
IKEA Food custom graphic signs highlighting the Swedishness of IKEA
Famous for its salmon, IKEA showcases sustainable methods