Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: Fanatics Collectibles

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop high-quality visual designs for trading card products, branding, and marketing campaigns.

• Contribute to creative direction and design strategy for Fanatics Collectibles.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Art Directors, Marketing, and Product Development teams.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Ensure brand consistency and high standards of quality across all visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Graphic Designer II," the responsibilities and required experience (3-5 years) suggest a mid-level position with a focus on execution and contributing to creative strategy, rather than purely entry-level design tasks. The emphasis on trading cards and collectibles places this role within a specialized niche of the design industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop visually compelling graphics and assets for trading card products, ensuring aesthetic appeal and collector engagement.

• Create high-quality visual assets for marketing campaigns, including digital ads, social media content, and promotional materials.

• Refine typography, color palettes, and layouts to enhance storytelling and product differentiation within the collectibles space.

• Produce production-ready files, demonstrating a strong understanding of both print and digital specifications for seamless execution.

• Offer innovative design insights and strategic input to elevate the brand aesthetics and product positioning of Fanatics Collectibles.

• Participate actively in brainstorming sessions, contributing forward-thinking design concepts informed by sports and pop culture trends.

• Collaborate closely with Art Directors, Senior Designers, Marketing, Product Development, and Licensing teams to ensure cohesive and excellent design output.

• Present design ideas and rationale to stakeholders, effectively incorporating feedback and driving consensus.

• Provide creative mentorship and guidance to junior designers, fostering skill development and elevating team-wide creative quality.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks and meeting tight deadlines without compromising design integrity.

• Adapt quickly to evolving project requirements, feedback, and fast-paced workflows inherent in the collectibles and sports industry.

• Ensure all design assets adhere to high standards of quality, accuracy, and brand consistency across all touchpoints.

• Implement and maintain best practices in file organization, asset management, and workflow efficiency for optimal team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and collaborative input. The role requires not only strong design skills but also the ability to contribute strategically, mentor junior staff, and manage a dynamic project load within the specific context of sports collectibles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 3-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record in branding, typography, layout, and visual storytelling.

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio showcasing creativity, typography, color theory, layout, and branding expertise.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Basic understanding of print production processes and digital design principles.

• Demonstrated ability in brand identity development and application.

• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the capacity to address design challenges effectively.

• Strong time management and multi-tasking capabilities, essential for a fast-paced environment.

• High attention to detail, with a commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering effective collaboration within a team. Preferred Skills:

• Passion for sports, pop culture, and collectibles, providing industry-specific insight.

• Experience designing for trading cards or similar collectible products.

• Familiarity with motion graphics or animation principles.

• Understanding of user experience (UX) principles in digital design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" is critical for design roles. Candidates should curate their portfolios to specifically showcase relevant work in branding, typography, and layout, ideally including examples related to product packaging or marketing campaigns that demonstrate storytelling and visual appeal. The "passion for sports, collectibles, and design" is a strong indicator of cultural fit and industry relevance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing 3-5 distinct projects that highlight branding, typography, and layout skills.

• Projects should demonstrate the ability to develop and execute visual designs from concept to final production-ready files.

• Include examples of how design solutions solved specific creative challenges or enhanced product appeal.

• Showcase a range of design applications, from product-specific assets (like trading cards) to broader marketing campaigns.

• Evidence of understanding print and digital specifications for asset delivery. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly required for submission, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including:

  • Workflow for conceptualizing and developing new design ideas.

  • Methods for iterating on designs based on feedback.

  • Strategies for ensuring brand consistency and quality control.

  • Approaches to file management and organization for complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer II role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary demonstration of their technical skills, creative thinking, and ability to execute. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process and the rationale behind their creative decisions during portfolio reviews.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $69,000 - $80,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

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

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Employee discounts on Fanatics merchandise.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typical business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to New York City. The company emphasizes that salary is determined by factors including location, experience, qualifications, and training. A link to their benefits portal is provided, indicating a standard package for a mid-level professional role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Sports & Entertainment, Digital Sports Platform, Collectibles.

Company Size: Large (over 2,000 employees globally for Fanatics Inc., with Fanatics Collectibles being a newer, growing entity within it).

Founded: Fanatics Inc. was founded in 1995, with Fanatics Collectibles being a more recent strategic expansion.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will be part of the Fanatics Collectibles creative team, likely reporting to an Art Director or Senior Designer.

• This team collaborates closely with other departments within Fanatics Collectibles, such as Marketing, Product Development, and Licensing.

• As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, there will be opportunities for cross-functional collaboration with teams across Fanatics Commerce and Fanatics Betting & Gaming. Methodology:

• Data-driven insights from Fanatics' extensive fan base (over 80 million fans) likely inform creative strategies.

• Emphasis on leveraging technology to reimagine the collectibles experience.

• A focus on speed, innovation, and agility, characteristic of a rapidly growing company in the digital sports space.

• Strong emphasis on brand consistency and storytelling across all platforms.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics is a major player in the sports merchandise and digital platform space. Fanatics Collectibles represents a significant expansion into the high-growth area of sports memorabilia and digital assets. The culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and driven by a passion for sports and fan engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer (Graphic Designer II). This role is positioned for individuals with foundational experience looking to deepen their expertise and take on more complex projects.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II will report to an Art Director or Senior Designer, working within a specialized creative team.

Operations Impact: The visual design produced by this role directly impacts product appeal, brand perception, and marketing effectiveness. High-quality visuals are crucial for engaging collectors, driving sales of trading cards, and reinforcing the Fanatics Collectibles brand identity in a competitive market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in designing for trading cards and the collectibles market.

• Advancement: Potential to progress to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Lead Designer roles within Fanatics Collectibles.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new design techniques, explore emerging technologies (like digital collectibles), and gain experience in broader marketing initiatives.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain insights into product development, licensing, and marketing strategy within the sports industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a burgeoning segment of the sports industry. The "II" designation implies a stepping stone to more senior roles, with opportunities to gain specialized knowledge in a niche, high-demand area.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role in New York City, suggesting a traditional office environment conducive to collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): New York, NY, United States. This central location offers access to a vibrant professional network and creative talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with Art Directors, Senior Designers, and cross-functional teams.

• Access to industry-standard design software and technology will be provided.

• The fast-paced nature of the company suggests a dynamic and potentially high-energy workspace.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week is anticipated, with the possibility of occasional overtime to meet project deadlines, especially during product launches or major marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in New York City indicates a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for creative teams requiring spontaneous brainstorming and direct feedback.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their work, discuss their design process, and explain the rationale behind their creative decisions.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to evaluate practical design skills and problem-solving abilities under timed conditions.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Marketing, Product Development, or Licensing to assess collaboration and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership or hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Focus on quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your role, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in branding, typography, layout, and color theory, specifically in contexts relevant to collectibles or marketing.

• Show Process: Be prepared to discuss your design process, including research, ideation, iteration, and final execution.

• Tailor to Fanatics: If possible, include a project that shows understanding of sports, collectibles, or a similar fast-paced consumer brand.

• Technical Proficiency: Clearly state the software used and be ready to discuss print/digital specifications.

Challenge Preparation:

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

• Prioritize clear communication and a logical design process, even under time constraints.

• Be prepared to present your solution and justify your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this role. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing a compelling presentation that not only showcases their aesthetic talent but also their strategic thinking and process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, digital asset creation, and detailed visual editing.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logo design, typography, and creating scalable assets for trading cards and branding.
  • InDesign: Used for layout design, combining text and graphics for marketing materials and potentially card templates.

• File Management: Proficiency with cloud storage and organization tools (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) for asset management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for this role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates, conversion rates) is beneficial. Experience with basic analytics dashboards could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design tasks, but understanding how marketing assets are deployed through CRM or automation platforms can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Familiarity with file organization and version control is also important for team collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Sports & Collectibles: A genuine interest in the products and the fan community is highly valued.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and forward-thinking design solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

• Quality & Attention to Detail: Upholding high standards in all visual outputs.

• Agility & Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced, evolving industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged.

• Cross-functional teamwork is essential for aligning design with marketing, product, and licensing objectives.

• Designers are expected to present their work clearly and professionally, engaging in productive dialogue with stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be energetic and driven by a shared enthusiasm for sports and collectibles. A collaborative mindset and the ability to communicate design intent effectively are key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of the Industry: The sports and collectibles market is dynamic, requiring designers to stay ahead of trends and adapt quickly.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining the core brand identity while introducing fresh, exciting designs for new product lines.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Aligning design visions with input from various departments (Marketing, Product, Licensing).

• Technical Demands of Collectibles: Designing for specific print runs, digital formats, and potentially intricate details on trading cards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Trend Immersion: Staying abreast of the latest in sports culture, design trends, and the evolving collectibles market.

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like trading card design, packaging, or digital asset creation.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Art Directors and Senior Designers within the team.

• Exposure to Broader Fanatics Ecosystem: Understanding how collectibles fit into the larger digital sports platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the chance to work at the forefront of the sports collectibles industry, facing unique creative challenges and opportunities for professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you achieve both?"

• "Walk us through your process for designing a new trading card. What are the key considerations?"

• "How do you stay current with design trends, particularly within the sports or collectibles industry?"

• "Tell us about a project where you received critical feedback. How did you incorporate it into your final design?"

• "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Fanatics Collectibles and the collectibles market?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-design teams (e.g., marketing, product)?"

• "What role does data or fan insights play in your design process?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an introduction to yourself and your approach. Then, present 3-5 key projects, dedicating sufficient time to each. Conclude with a summary and Q&A.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and clear visuals. Annotate your work to highlight specific design decisions.

• Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your process, and the results. Quantify impact where possible.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Discuss software, print/digital specs, and file management.

• Enthusiasm: Show your passion for design, sports, and collectibles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of technical design skill, creative problem-solving, collaborative aptitude, and a genuine interest in the company's mission. The portfolio presentation is your primary opportunity to demonstrate these qualities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the provided job portal link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work in branding, typography, and layout, and ideally includes relevant examples from the sports or collectibles industry.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and skills directly matching the job description, using keywords like "graphic design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "typography," "branding," "trading cards," and "marketing campaigns."

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design process, rationale behind your portfolio pieces, and your passion for the role and industry during interviews.

• Research Fanatics Collectibles: Understand their mission, current product offerings, and the broader Fanatics ecosystem to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.