Associate Marketing Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Marketing Designer

Company: The Upper Deck Company

Location: Carlsbad, CA, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing Operations & Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-01T22:37:00

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting the Marketing Design team in creating and adapting visual assets for diverse marketing initiatives.

• It involves the meticulous resizing and preparation of graphics for both print and digital platforms, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to legal standards.

• The position demands efficient workflow management and proactive communication to meet project timelines and facilitate reviews.

• A key aspect is the ability to transition designs effectively from physical collateral to digital implementation, maintaining aesthetic integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Associate Marketing Designer," this role has significant operational implications within the marketing department, focusing on asset production, workflow efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration for marketing campaigns. It bridges creative execution with operational delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the conceptualization and creation of visual assets for integrated print and digital marketing campaigns.

• Resize and adapt existing graphics for various digital ad platforms, maintaining layout integrity and brand aesthetics.

• Prepare print-ready files for a range of marketing collateral, including handouts, giveaways, and trade show banners, with a strong emphasis on accuracy and quality.

• Manage project timelines effectively, ensuring timely delivery of assets for marketing initiatives.

• Communicate proactively with managers and stakeholders to provide project status updates and address potential roadblocks.

• Modify designs as required to meet the specifications and requirements of Legal and Brand review processes.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with the Marketing Department to understand campaign objectives and design needs.

• Ensure all design outputs adhere to brand guidelines and legal compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for efficient asset production and adaptation, which are core to marketing operations. The emphasis on "fast-paced marketing campaign support" and "timely delivery" points to a need for process-oriented thinking and execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related field is preferred.

Experience:

• 1+ year of experience in Graphic Design or a related field is a plus but not strictly required.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

• Ability to design responsively for various platforms, transitioning effectively between physical and digital applications.

• Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail, crucial for high-priority projects.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and diverse viewpoints.

• Proven ability to manage multiple, high-priority projects simultaneously.

• Effective oral and written communication skills for clear stakeholder interaction.

• Self-starter mentality with a hands-on, energetic, and motivated approach.

• Ability to work independently, exercising discretion and sound judgment with minimal supervision.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in preparing print-ready files and understanding print production processes.

• Familiarity with digital ad campaign asset requirements and best practices.

• Exposure to legal and brand review processes for marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator, is standard for design roles. The inclusion of "strong organizational skills," "attention to detail," and "managing multiple high-priority projects" points towards an operational mindset required for efficient asset delivery within a marketing context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design work, demonstrating proficiency in both print and digital mediums.

• Examples of graphic adaptation and resizing for different platforms, highlighting efficiency and creativity.

• Visuals of completed marketing collateral (e.g., handouts, banners) that demonstrate attention to detail and quality.

• Case studies or examples of projects that required collaboration with marketing or legal teams.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation might not be a primary output for this associate level, understanding and adhering to established design workflows is critical.

• Candidates should be able to articulate their personal process for taking a design brief from inception to final delivery, including steps for feedback and revisions.

• Familiarity with version control and file management best practices for design assets is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate Designer role, the focus is less on formal process documentation and more on demonstrating a structured personal approach to design execution and asset management within a team environment. The portfolio is key to showcasing this.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $26.00 - $29.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.

• Opportunities for professional development and training in design software and marketing trends.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• The role is on-site, requiring regular attendance during business hours.

• Flexibility may be available for specific project deadlines, but core hours are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and hourly, suggesting this is a non-exempt position. Benefits are standard for full-time employees in the US. The on-site requirement is a critical factor for work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Collectibles, Sports Memorabilia, and Trading Cards. The Upper Deck Company is a prominent brand in this sector, known for its high-quality licensed products.

Company Size: Large (likely 1000+ employees based on typical corporate structures for established brands). This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for cross-departmental interaction.

Founded: 1988. With a long history, the company likely has a well-established brand identity and corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• The Associate Marketing Designer will be part of the Marketing Design team, reporting to a Marketing Design Manager or Senior Designer.

• This team likely collaborates closely with other members of the Marketing Department (e.g., campaign managers, content creators, digital marketers).

Methodology:

• The Marketing Design team likely follows a workflow that includes creative brief intake, concept development, design execution, internal reviews (marketing, legal, brand), revisions, and final asset delivery.

• Emphasis will be placed on brand consistency, adherence to guidelines, and meeting campaign objectives through visual communication.

• The "fast-paced" nature suggests an agile approach to asset creation and adaptation.

Company Website: https://www.upperdeck.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's industry (collectibles/sports) is key to appreciating the visual style and brand considerations for marketing materials. The company's age implies a stable, established operational framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to early-career role (Associate level) within the creative and marketing operations spectrum. It's designed for individuals who are developing their foundational design skills and understanding of marketing workflows.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Marketing Designer will report to a manager or senior member within the Marketing Design team, who will provide guidance, feedback, and project assignments.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue streams, this role's operational efficiency in producing high-quality marketing assets directly supports the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, which in turn drives brand awareness, customer engagement, and ultimately, sales. Accurate and timely asset delivery is critical for campaign execution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Marketing Designer role, with increased responsibility for campaign concepting and execution.

• Specialization within design areas, such as digital advertising, print collateral, or brand identity.

• Development of project management skills within the design workflow.

• Opportunities to learn more advanced design techniques and software.

• Potential to move into related marketing roles that leverage design skills and operational understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate" title clearly indicates an entry-level or early-career path, with growth potential focused on deepening design expertise and operational workflow understanding within marketing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Carlsbad, CA. This implies a traditional office setting where team members collaborate in person.

Office Location(s): Carlsbad, California. This location is known for its business-friendly environment and access to talent.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely to be collaborative, fostering interaction with the Marketing Design team and other marketing department members.

• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware is expected.

• The environment will require individuals to be comfortable with a degree of direct supervision and feedback, typical for an associate-level position.

• Opportunities for observing and learning from more experienced designers will be abundant.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with potential for some flexibility based on project needs, but core on-site presence is required. This structure supports consistent team collaboration and workflow continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is significant, emphasizing in-person collaboration and direct mentorship opportunities, which are valuable for early-career professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, specific project choices, and how they handled challenges. This is a critical step for design roles.

• Technical Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a small design task or a review of existing work to assess proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and ability to follow brand guidelines.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion about experience, skills, career aspirations, and how the candidate fits with the team and company culture.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional team members or department heads.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best work that aligns with the job description (print, digital ads, resizing).

• Tell a Story: For each piece, explain the brief, your design process, challenges faced, and the outcome.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss your use of Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Include examples of how you've adapted designs for different platforms or requirements.

• Showcase Brand Awareness: If possible, include work that shows an understanding of brand guidelines.

• Prepare for Resizing/Adaptation: Be ready to discuss how you'd approach resizing existing assets.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Prioritize clarity, brand consistency, and the specific requirements of the task.

• Manage your time effectively to deliver a polished output.

• Be prepared to verbally explain your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates should focus on showcasing relevant skills and demonstrating their design process clearly. The mention of "Legal and Brand reviews" suggests a need for attention to detail and adherence to guidelines.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential, with specific strong capabilities required in:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and raster-based graphics.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, typography, and layout design.

• Adobe InDesign: Likely used for print collateral (handouts, brochures), though not explicitly mentioned, it's a standard for print production.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design tasks of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Photoshop and Illustrator is a key technical skill. Mentioning InDesign as a likely tool is a reasonable inference for print production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Accuracy: Upholding high standards in all design outputs, especially for print-ready files and brand/legal compliance.

• Efficiency: Delivering work promptly in a fast-paced environment, managing time wisely to meet project deadlines.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with marketing colleagues, managers, and other departments (Legal, Brand).

• Adaptability: Being flexible with changing schedules, project requirements, and incorporating feedback.

• Brand Stewardship: Protecting and promoting the Upper Deck brand through consistent and appropriate visual representation.

Collaboration Style:

• A team-oriented approach is expected, with open communication and a willingness to support colleagues.

• Designers will likely engage in constructive feedback sessions to refine creative work.

• Cross-functional collaboration will require clear communication and understanding of diverse stakeholder needs (e.g., marketing campaign goals, legal constraints).

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a balance between creative output and the operational demands of a marketing department focused on brand integrity and timely campaign execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of Work: Managing a high volume of design requests and quick turnarounds in a fast-paced marketing environment.

• Balancing Creative and Operational Demands: Fulfilling creative vision while adhering strictly to brand guidelines, legal requirements, and production specifications.

• Adapting to Feedback: Effectively incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders, including potentially conflicting points of view.

• File Management & Organization: Ensuring all design assets are properly organized, versioned, and delivered correctly for various platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, potentially exploring other Adobe Creative Suite applications.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about the collectibles and sports memorabilia market from a design and marketing perspective.

• Workflow Optimization: Understanding and contributing to efficient design production workflows within the marketing department.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Gaining insight into how design supports broader marketing, legal, and brand initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges emphasize the operational aspects of the role – speed, adherence to process, and stakeholder management – alongside creative demands.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to resize a graphic for multiple platforms. What was your process?" Prepare to walk through your steps, software used, and how you ensured brand consistency.

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from a legal or brand review?" Focus on your ability to receive constructive criticism, make necessary revisions, and maintain the integrity of the design.

• "Describe your experience with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. What are your strongest capabilities?" Be ready to provide specific examples of projects where you utilized these tools effectively.

• "How do you prioritize your workload when faced with multiple urgent design requests?" Demonstrate your organizational skills and ability to manage deadlines.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Upper Deck Company and the collectibles industry?" Research the company's products, history, and recent news.

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our Marketing Design team?" Connect your skills and aspirations to the team's needs.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (print, digital) or by demonstrating your process.

• Highlight Key Pieces: Focus on 3-5 strong examples that directly address the job requirements (resizing, print readiness, digital ads).

• Explain Your "Why": For each piece, articulate the objective, your creative decisions, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency and design choices.

• Showcase Process: Emphasize how you move from brief to final asset, including any revision stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating the blend of creative talent and operational diligence required for this role, emphasizing efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations and design position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and clearly showcases your relevant design skills, particularly in graphic resizing, print-ready file preparation, and digital asset creation. Tailor it to highlight examples that align with the responsibilities outlined.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), any relevant design experience (even academic projects), organizational skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, your experience with the required tools, and how you handle feedback and deadlines. Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your design choices concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Upper Deck Company's products, brand identity, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their position in the collectibles industry.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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