Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: The Pokémon Company International

Location: Bellevue, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: September 14, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in developing and executing visually compelling graphic design concepts across both digital and print mediums, ensuring brand consistency and integrity for The Pokémon Company International.

• The Graphic Designer II will manage the end-to-end design process, from initial concept ideation through to final file delivery, requiring strong conceptual and practical knowledge in design applications.

• A key aspect involves solving complex design challenges, balancing brand cohesion with business strategies, and bringing innovative perspectives to existing solutions.

• This position demands the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintain strict attention to detail in design and technical organization, and stay abreast of evolving design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw listing specifies "Graphic Designer II," this enhancement positions it within the broader "Creative & Media / Art & Design" category for better searchability and understanding of its function within a Go-To-Market (GTM) context, which often involves significant creative output for campaigns and brand initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of visual assets, including logos, promotional materials, branding collateral, and communication media for both print and digital platforms.

• Execute all graphic development and production steps, ensuring seamless file delivery for various applications, maintaining brand appropriateness and diversity in creative output.

• Research and integrate current design trends, new media techniques, and application developments to continuously innovate and enhance the visual appeal of brand assets.

• Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, participating actively in meetings, discussions, and presentations to contribute to the holistic development process.

• Solve intricate design problems that involve safeguarding brand integrity, ensuring cohesive visual identity, and aligning creative solutions with overarching business strategies.

• Maintain meticulous attention to detail throughout the design process, from conceptualization to final file preparation and technical organization, ensuring accuracy and quality.

• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and adherence to project schedules and deadlines.

• Work autonomously on assigned brand categories, independently creating and executing design solutions that meet or exceed business requirements.

• Uphold all department and corporate business mandates, including maintaining appropriate work hours, professional conduct, and fostering a collaborative teamwork environment.

• Develop and maintain robust working relationships with both internal teams and external partners, facilitating smooth project execution and effective communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to emphasize the end-to-end nature of design ownership, stakeholder collaboration, and the strategic thinking required to solve complex design problems, aligning with expectations for a mid-level designer role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a related field, or an equivalent demonstrated level of applicable experience. Experience:

• Three (3) to four (4) years of relevant professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record of creating impactful visual assets.

• Demonstrated expertise in producing design work that is consistently aligned with established brand requirements and guidelines. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or comparable industry-standard design software.

• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, presentations, and general office tasks.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, crucial for articulating design concepts and collaborating with diverse teams.

• Proven ability to work effectively both independently on assignments and collaboratively as an integral member of a team.

• Exceptional organizational skills with a keen, meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design and production.

• Deep conceptual and practical knowledge in both digital and print design methodologies. Preferred Skills:

• Basic knowledge of related areas such as digital media production, localization processes for creative assets, and event creative development.

• Experience with concept development and layout design for promotional and branding materials.

• Understanding of visual identity systems and the ability to maintain brand integrity across various applications.

• Familiarity with project management principles to manage multiple design tasks effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement has been slightly broadened to "2-5 years" to align with the "Mid-Level" AI assessment, while retaining the specific "3-4 years" from the job description. Added specific software examples within Adobe Creative Suite and emphasized the importance of communication for cross-functional GTM initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on branding, promotional materials, and both digital and print applications.

• Demonstrations of concept development and the ability to translate abstract ideas into tangible visual designs.

• Examples of work that highlight a deep understanding of brand integrity and cohesive visual identity across multiple touchpoints.

• Case studies or project examples that illustrate the design process from initial brief to final execution, including problem-solving approaches. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing the complete design lifecycle, from initial concept ideation and research through to final file preparation and delivery.

• Examples of how design solutions were developed to meet specific business requirements and strategic objectives.

• Documentation or presentation of how designs were tested or iterated upon to ensure effectiveness and stakeholder satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for a Graphic Designer role. The requirements emphasize showcasing the entire design process, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to deliver on business objectives, which are key elements that hiring managers look for in a design portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided base salary range for this position is $86,200 to $150,850 per year. New hires typically start between $86,200 and $102,300 annually.

• This range is competitive for a Graphic Designer II role in the Bellevue, Washington, United States labor market, reflecting the experience level and the company's industry.

• The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's unique qualifications, professional experience, and alignment with the specific requirements of the role. Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for the employee.

• Generous paid family leave policies.

• Employer-paid life insurance coverage.

• Employer-paid long-term and short-term income protection insurance.

• For US Employees: 401k with employer matching contributions.

• For UK/IRE/MX Employees: Pension employer contributions.

• Fitness reimbursement program to support employee well-being.

• Commuter benefits to assist with transportation costs.

• Access to LinkedIn Learning for continuous professional development.

• Comprehensive relocation package may be available for eligible candidates. Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role operates within a hybrid work environment, indicating a blend of in-office and remote work, offering flexibility while ensuring collaborative engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range has been explicitly stated and contextualized for the location and role level. The benefits listed are directly pulled from the provided text and are presented clearly. The working hours and remote status are also clarified based on the available information.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entertainment & Gaming (specifically, the Pokémon franchise). The Pokémon Company International manages the brand outside of Asia, covering licensing, marketing, TCG, animation, and digital platforms. This industry context implies a dynamic, creative, and fan-centric environment.

Company Size: The provided "Company Size" data is missing. However, The Pokémon Company International is a global entity. For context, its parent, The Pokémon Company, is a major global brand. This suggests a large, well-resourced organization with established processes and a significant employee base, likely in the thousands worldwide.

Founded: Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996. The Pokémon Company International operates as a distinct entity responsible for specific territories. This long-standing history indicates a stable company with a deeply ingrained brand identity and a strong connection to its audience.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II role is not a people-management position ("People Manager: No").

• The designer will likely be part of a larger marketing, creative, or brand team, collaborating closely with copywriters, project managers, and brand strategists.

• Reporting structure is implied to be within a creative department, overseen by a Creative Director or Art Director. Methodology:

• Designs are expected to be "brand appropriate" and maintain "brand integrity," suggesting a strong adherence to established brand guidelines and a focus on visual consistency.

• The role involves "conceptual and practical knowledge" and solving "complex design problems," indicating a strategic approach to design challenges beyond mere execution.

• Emphasis on "innovation" and staying "up to date with ongoing developments in design applications and new print/media trends" points to a forward-thinking creative process.

Company Website: https://corporate.pokemon.com/en-us/ and https://www.pokemon.com/us

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferred company size and team structure based on the prominence of the Pokémon brand and typical organizational setups for such large entities. The "Methodology" section extrapolates from the responsibilities and culture statements to describe how design work is approached within the company.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Graphic Designer II," typically considered a mid-level position. It signifies a designer with a solid foundation of professional experience (3-4 years) who can work independently on assigned projects, solve complex design problems, and contribute strategically to brand initiatives. They are beyond entry-level but not yet at a senior or lead capacity.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II is not a people manager. They will likely report to a Creative Director, Art Director, or a Senior Graphic Designer within the marketing or creative department. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while expecting independent contribution.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, graphic design plays a crucial GTM (Go-To-Market) function. The impact is significant:

• Brand Perception: High-quality visuals directly influence how fans and partners perceive the Pokémon brand, affecting engagement and loyalty.

• Campaign Effectiveness: Effective design is critical for the success of marketing campaigns, product launches, and promotional materials, directly contributing to revenue and market penetration.

• Communication Clarity: Clear, engaging visuals ensure that brand messages, product information, and promotional offers are effectively communicated to target audiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer / Art Director: Progression to a senior role would involve taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and having a greater strategic input into creative direction.

• Specialization: Opportunities to specialize in areas like digital design, motion graphics, UI/UX design, or brand identity development, depending on individual interests and company needs.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects of major campaigns or product lines, gaining experience in project management and cross-functional team leadership within creative projects.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities through LinkedIn Learning, industry trends, and exposure to diverse projects will foster ongoing skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section reinterprets the "Graphic Designer" role through an operations lens, focusing on its GTM impact and how design contributes to business objectives. Growth paths are outlined based on typical career progression in creative fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid." This means employees are expected to work from the company's office location in Bellevue, Washington, for a portion of the week, with the remainder of the time eligible for remote work. This setup aims to balance in-person collaboration and flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Bellevue, Washington, United States. This area is a major technology and business hub in the Pacific Northwest, offering a vibrant professional environment.

• Accessibility: As a major metropolitan area, Bellevue offers various transportation options, including public transit, ride-sharing, and commuter routes.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-person collaboration during office days, facilitating spontaneous brainstorming, team meetings, and direct interaction with colleagues across departments.

• Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to the necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office) and potentially other internal tools and platforms required for project management and file sharing.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with the broader creative team, marketing professionals, and other stakeholders involved in brand initiatives. This fosters a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is approximately 40 hours.

• The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in balancing work responsibilities with personal life, while ensuring consistent contribution to team goals and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expanded on the "Hybrid" work arrangement to detail the implications for collaboration, workspace, and team interaction, contextualizing it within the Bellevue location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output against job requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of their work. Be prepared to articulate your creative decisions and rationale.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A potential design challenge or exercise to evaluate practical skills, conceptual thinking, and ability to work within brand guidelines under timed conditions.

• Behavioral & Team Fit Interview: Questions focused on collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and how you handle challenges, assessing cultural fit with The Pokémon Company International's values.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or key stakeholders to discuss strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills and experience required for this specific role (branding, digital/print, concept development).

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your design process, and the final outcome. Visuals of sketches, mood boards, or iterations are highly valuable.

• Highlight Impact: Wherever possible, quantify the success of your designs. Did they increase engagement, improve brand recognition, or contribute to campaign goals?

• Tailor to Pokémon: If possible, include a project that demonstrates understanding of the Pokémon brand or a similar franchise, showing your ability to adapt to unique brand aesthetics.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Brand Guidelines: Thoroughly review The Pokémon Company International's brand guidelines (if publicly available) or analyze their existing visual assets to grasp their aesthetic and tone.

• Think Strategically: For any design challenge, consider the target audience, the objective of the design, and how it aligns with the brand's overall strategy.

• Time Management: Practice designing under a time constraint to simulate a potential challenge scenario. Focus on delivering a clear, well-reasoned concept rather than an overly polished final product if time is limited.

• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to explain your design choices clearly and concisely, justifying your decisions based on strategy and brand alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for preparing a portfolio and interviewing, specifically tailored to a graphic design role within a major brand like Pokémon, emphasizing brand alignment and strategic thinking in design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design tasks. Proficiency is expected in:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout, brochures, presentations, and print collateral.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Word: For creating documents, proposals, and design briefs.
  • PowerPoint: For presentations, concept pitches, and internal reporting.
  • Excel: For tracking project details, budgets, or simple data organization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a graphic designer, an understanding of how design impacts metrics (e.g., engagement rates, click-through rates for digital assets) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards that display creative performance might be encountered. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but understanding how design assets are managed within marketing automation platforms or content management systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Explicitly lists the core software required, aligning with the job description's mention of "Adobe Creative Suite or other similar design software" and "Microsoft Office Suite."

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Pokémon: A deep appreciation for the Pokémon brand, its impact on culture, fans, and communities, and the ability to channel this passion into creative work.

• Challenging the Expected: A curious and creative mindset, willingness to experiment, learn from failures, and develop innovative solutions to complex design problems.

• Integrity and Respect: Demonstrating empathy, active listening, seeking diverse perspectives, and taking ownership of design decisions and outcomes.

• Dedicated to Quality: A commitment to high standards in design execution, continuous learning, and embracing feedback for self-improvement.

• Building Relationships: A "team first" mentality, fostering collaboration, and working effectively with colleagues across different functions to achieve shared goals.

• Delighting Customers: Understanding and responding to the needs of fans and stakeholders, using insights to create engaging and memorable Pokémon experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with marketing, brand management, localization, and potentially product development teams to ensure design aligns with broader business objectives and campaign strategies.

• Process Review & Feedback: Openness to constructive criticism and a proactive approach to seeking and incorporating feedback during the design process.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights on design trends, new techniques, and best practices with team members to elevate the overall creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Values" section directly uses the language provided in the job description's "How you'll be successful" section, recontextualizing them as core values relevant to the design team's operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Brand Consistency at Scale: Maintaining the iconic Pokémon brand identity across a vast array of products, campaigns, and media, while also introducing fresh creative concepts.

• Balancing Innovation with Tradition: Developing new visual approaches that resonate with modern audiences without alienating the established fan base or compromising brand heritage.

• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Juggling multiple projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements, deadlines, and stakeholders, in a fast-paced global environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Media: Staying current with rapidly changing digital platforms, design technologies, and consumer trends to ensure creative output remains relevant and impactful.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software, explore new creative techniques (e.g., motion graphics, 3D rendering), or learn about emerging design trends.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences, workshops, or webinars focused on graphic design, branding, and digital media.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior designers and creative leaders within The Pokémon Company International, gaining insights into strategic design thinking and career development.

• Cross-functional Understanding: Gaining exposure to marketing strategies, localization processes, and other business functions to better inform design decisions and enhance overall GTM impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Outlines potential challenges specific to a large, iconic brand and identifies growth opportunities that align with a mid-level creative role, emphasizing continuous learning and strategic development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design problem you solved for a brand, and walk us through your process and the outcome." (Focus on your problem-solving methodology, strategic thinking, and quantifiable results.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various media and platforms, especially for a globally recognized brand like Pokémon?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines, attention to detail, and experience with brand integrity.)

• "Imagine you're tasked with creating a new promotional campaign asset. What steps would you take from concept to final delivery, and how would you collaborate with other teams?" (Demonstrate your workflow, project management skills, and ability to work cross-functionally.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about The Pokémon Company International and the Pokémon brand specifically?" (Show genuine passion and connect it to your creative aspirations.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially when it comes from stakeholders with different perspectives?" (Emphasize your growth mindset, collaborative spirit, and ability to integrate feedback.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance creativity with business objectives or tight deadlines. How did you manage it?" (Illustrate your ability to deliver impactful designs within practical constraints.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your approach, the creative solution, and the results.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that showcase skills directly applicable to this role (e.g., branding, digital assets, promotional materials).

• Demonstrate Process: Show your thinking – sketches, mood boards, iterations – to highlight your problem-solving journey.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Be Enthusiastic: Convey your passion for design and the Pokémon brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Provides specific examples of interview questions relevant to a graphic designer role, focusing on strategy, problem-solving, brand alignment, and cultural fit, along with tailored advice for portfolio presentation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the 3-4 years of relevant experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, and specific achievements in graphic design, branding, and digital/print production. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your skills in concept development, brand integrity, digital and print design, and problem-solving. Prepare to articulate your process and impact for each piece.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research The Pokémon Company International's brand and recent campaigns. Practice articulating your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, and why you are a good fit for their culture and the Pokémon brand. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Understand the Hybrid Model: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of and comfort with a hybrid work environment and how you ensure productivity and collaboration in such a setup.

⚠️ 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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