Graphic Designer II, London

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: Fanatics Collectibles

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-16

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design innovative and engaging new product visuals for a diverse portfolio of licensed trading cards and collectibles, directly impacting brand perception and consumer engagement.

• Leverage advanced proficiency in core design software (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) to generate and manipulate graphics, ensuring high-quality creative output.

• Apply expert knowledge of fundamental design principles, including layout, typography, and color theory, to create visually compelling and brand-aligned assets.

• Collaborate closely with Art Directors and Senior Designers, effectively incorporating feedback and direction to refine designs and meet project objectives within established timelines.

• Ensure all creative deliverables strictly adhere to brand style guides, licensing requirements, and project briefs, maintaining brand integrity and consistency across all platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Fanatics Collectibles, a rapidly expanding division focused on next-generation collectibles, indicating a high-potential environment for creative impact. The emphasis on "new product designs" and "reimagining every part of the collectibles experience" suggests a need for designers who can drive innovation and translate strategic vision into tangible creative assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop original graphic designs for Fanatics Collectibles' extensive range of licensed trading cards and physical/digital collectibles, aligning with market trends and fan engagement strategies.

• Produce high-fidelity graphic assets and manipulate existing imagery using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to meet project specifications and quality standards.

• Execute design solutions that demonstrate a deep understanding of layout principles, effective typography, and impactful color theory, tailored for collectible products.

• Integrate feedback from Art Directors and Senior Designers through iterative design processes, ensuring design concepts evolve effectively towards final deliverables.

• Meticulously manage assigned projects to ensure creative output is delivered on schedule, meeting all project brief requirements and stakeholder expectations.

• Uphold brand consistency by strictly adhering to established brand style guides, licensing agreements, and specific creative requirements for each product line.

• Contribute to international projects by potentially adapting designs for different markets, with a noted advantage for proficiency in Spanish, Italian, German, or French languages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to create "new product designs" and "generate and manipulate graphics" implies a hands-on role requiring both conceptual creativity and technical execution. The mention of "international projects" and language advantages suggests potential for global exposure and adaptation within the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related creative field is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional, commercial, or brand experience in graphic design.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated creativity, enthusiasm, and a proactive eagerness to learn and adapt within a fast-paced environment.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Solid understanding of print design principles and familiarization with prepress workflows to ensure print-ready outputs.

• Proven ability to multitask effectively, manage multiple competing priorities, and drive results through strong time and project management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, coupled with a collaborative approach to teamwork and cross-functional interaction.

• Strong grasp of fundamental design principles including layout, typography, and color theory.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the sports, collectibles, or trading card industries.

• Familiarity with digital asset creation and management for online platforms.

• Basic understanding of motion graphics or 3D rendering software.

• Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, Italian, German, or French, for international project adaptation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a degree and 3+ years of experience positions this role as a mid-level contributor, expected to be largely independent in execution while still benefiting from senior guidance. The emphasis on "creative, enthusiastic, and eager to learn" points towards a culture that values growth and adaptability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of high-impact graphic design projects showcasing expertise in digital and print media, with a focus on product design and branding.

• Demonstrations of creative problem-solving through case studies that illustrate the design process from brief to final execution, highlighting conceptual thinking.

• Examples of work that adhere to strict brand style guides and licensing requirements, proving an ability to work within established frameworks.

• Visual evidence of proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, showcasing complex manipulation and creation techniques.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process, from initial concept development and client brief interpretation to final asset delivery and revision cycles.

• Documentation of workflows for print production, including prepress considerations and file preparation for various printing methods.

• Examples of how feedback from art directors and stakeholders was incorporated into design iterations, demonstrating an agile design approach.

• Evidence of project management skills in managing design timelines and delivering creative assets on schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, especially within a collectibles company, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as direct evidence of their ability to translate concepts into market-ready assets. The emphasis on "brand style guides" and "licensing requirements" indicates a need for designers who understand commercial constraints.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer II role with 3+ years of experience in London, the estimated annual salary range is £35,000 - £50,000. This range accounts for the cost of living in London, the specific demands of the role within the collectibles and sports industry, and the requirement for proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, encompassing vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Pension scheme contribution, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Opportunities for professional development, including access to design workshops, industry conferences, and advanced training programs.

• Employee discounts on Fanatics Collectibles products and across the broader Fanatics ecosystem.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and annual salary reviews.

Working Hours: A standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday to Friday, with specific hours to be confirmed during the interview process. Flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team agreements, but the role is designated as on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for London are based on research from reputable UK job market data sources (e.g., Glassdoor UK, Reed.co.uk, Payscale UK) for similar roles and experience levels. Benefits are typical for full-time positions in the UK, with specific additions relevant to a company in the sports and collectibles sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Collectibles, Digital Platform Development, E-commerce. Fanatics Collectibles operates at the exciting nexus of sports, culture, and technology, aiming to be the global leader in next-generation collectibles. The company leverages a vast digital sports platform, engaging millions of fans and partnering with hundreds of sports properties. This industry context means a fast-paced, trend-driven environment where innovation and fan engagement are paramount.

Company Size: Fanatics as a whole is a large organization (over 22,000 employees globally), with Fanatics Collectibles being a distinct, rapidly growing division. This offers the stability and resources of a major corporation combined with the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of a startup within the collectibles space. For a designer, this means opportunities to work on significant projects with broad reach while potentially experiencing a more dynamic team structure.

Founded: Fanatics was founded in 1995, with Fanatics Collectibles being a more recent, strategic expansion into the collectibles market. This history provides a foundation of industry knowledge and established fan relationships that the collectibles division can leverage.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely consists of a mix of Art Directors, Senior Designers, and Graphic Designers (like this role), potentially with specialized roles in illustration or 3D.

• Reporting structure will likely place this Graphic Designer II under an Art Director or Senior Designer, with clear lines of communication for project assignment and feedback.

Methodology:

• Data-driven design decisions, informed by fan engagement metrics, market trends, and performance of previous collectible releases.

• Agile and iterative design processes, allowing for rapid prototyping and incorporation of feedback from art directors and stakeholders.

• Emphasis on brand consistency and adherence to licensing agreements, ensuring all creative output meets legal and brand standards.

• Focus on innovation within the collectibles space, encouraging designers to explore new aesthetics and formats for trading cards and other collectibles.

Company Website: www.fanaticsinc.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Fanatics' broader mission of building a "global digital sports platform" is key. The Collectibles division is a critical component, suggesting that the design output for this role is not just about aesthetics but about building market share and driving fan interaction within a larger ecosystem.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Graphic Designer II, indicating a mid-level position. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and design principles, coupled with at least three years of professional experience. The individual is expected to be largely self-sufficient in executing design tasks and contributing to projects, while still benefiting from senior guidance and mentorship. This level is crucial for developing specialized expertise and demonstrating leadership potential within the design function.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II will likely report to an Art Director or a Senior Graphic Designer. This structure allows for clear direction on creative strategies and project priorities, as well as opportunities for learning through direct mentorship and feedback on design work. Collaboration will extend to product managers, marketing specialists, and licensing managers.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the appeal and marketability of Fanatics Collectibles' products. High-quality, on-brand graphic design for trading cards and collectibles is critical for attracting collectors, building brand loyalty, and driving sales. The designer's work contributes to the overall aesthetic and perception of the Fanatics Collectibles brand within a competitive market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in trading card design, digital collectibles, or specific sports licensing aesthetics, becoming a go-to expert within the team.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role, taking on more strategic design responsibilities, managing projects, and mentoring junior designers.

• Skill Expansion: Gain exposure to broader areas of the Fanatics ecosystem, potentially working on integrated campaigns or exploring new design technologies (e.g., AR/VR for digital collectibles).

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into roles like Brand Manager or Product Designer within Fanatics, leveraging design acumen in different capacities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in Graphic Designer II signifies a step beyond entry-level. Candidates should highlight their experience in handling multiple projects simultaneously and their ability to work independently on design tasks, while also emphasizing their collaborative spirit and willingness to learn from senior team members.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the Graphic Designer II to work from the designated London office 5 days per week. This setup is designed to foster in-person collaboration, spontaneous idea-sharing, and direct mentorship with art directors and peers.

Office Location(s): The position is based in London, England, United Kingdom. Specific details about the office location within London would typically be provided during the interview process but can be assumed to be in a well-connected area to facilitate commuting.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a collaborative environment where designers can interact freely, share work, and brainstorm ideas. This likely includes access to modern design studios and shared creative spaces.

• Essential design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations and access to the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, will be readily available.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with the broader design team, as well as with cross-functional departments such as marketing, product development, and licensing, will be integral to the daily workflow.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility depending on project deadlines and team agreements, but consistent in-office presence is expected to maximize collaboration and integration within the team structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for 5 days a week is a critical detail for candidates. It underscores the company's emphasis on in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct mentorship, which are often prioritized in creative roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A more in-depth session with an Art Director or Senior Designer. Candidates will present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, problem-solving approaches, and technical execution. Expect questions about their experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, print workflows, and brand adherence.

• On-site/Virtual Interview: This stage may involve meeting with additional team members or department heads. It could include a practical design exercise or a case study presentation tailored to the company's needs, focusing on how the candidate would approach a specific design challenge for trading cards or collectibles.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or department lead to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize any offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the skills required for this role (trading card design, branding, print, Adobe CC proficiency).

• Showcase Process: For each project, walk through your thought process: the brief, research, initial concepts, iterations, feedback incorporation, and final outcome. Highlight challenges and how you overcame them.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If your designs contributed to sales, engagement, or brand recognition, mention those results. Even qualitative feedback from clients or art directors is valuable.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss specific techniques used in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and demonstrate your understanding of print prepress.

• Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within strict brand guidelines or licensing restrictions.

• Tailor to Fanatics: If possible, include speculative designs for sports trading cards or collectibles that showcase your understanding of the industry and your creative vision.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Briefs: Be ready for a task that might involve designing a sample trading card, a series of cards, or marketing collateral for a new collectible.

• Focus on Speed and Quality: Design challenges often have time limits. Practice creating polished designs efficiently.

• Articulate Your Decisions: Be prepared to explain why you made specific design choices, linking them back to the brief, brand, and target audience.

• Understand the Licensing Context: Consider how intellectual property (team logos, player likenesses) impacts design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to not only show their work but to deeply explain their creative decisions, technical execution, and understanding of brand and licensing constraints relevant to Fanatics Collectibles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, compositing, and creating detailed graphics for trading cards. Expect to use advanced layering, masking, and retouching techniques.

• Adobe Illustrator: Critical for vector-based artwork, logos, typography, and creating scalable design elements for cards and branding. Proficiency in bezier curves and vector manipulation is key.

• Adobe InDesign: Used for layout and typesetting, particularly for assembling multi-page documents or complex card layouts where text and image integration is crucial.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this design role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital assets, sales data for physical products) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards used by marketing teams could be advantageous.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the core design responsibilities, but awareness of how marketing automation platforms are used to distribute creative assets could provide context.

Other Potential Tools:

• Print Production Software: Understanding of software used for color management, trapping, and final file output for commercial printing.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving design assets.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira may be used for task tracking and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign as key responsibilities means candidates must have demonstrated, hands-on experience with these tools. The ability to "generate and manipulate graphics" implies a need for advanced skill beyond basic usage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push boundaries in collectible design, creating visually stunning and unique products that capture fan imagination.

• Fan-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and delighting sports fans through compelling design that resonates with their passions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of collective effort, where designers work together and with other departments to achieve shared goals.

• Quality & Precision: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished work that adheres to brand standards and technical specifications, especially critical in licensed products.

• Adaptability: Embracing a fast-paced environment, staying current with design trends, and being open to feedback and iteration.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with marketing, product development, and licensing teams, understanding their needs and contributing design expertise to achieve project objectives.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture for constructive criticism and iteration, where feedback from art directors, senior designers, and stakeholders is actively sought and integrated.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design techniques, industry insights, and best practices within the design team to foster collective growth and elevate the quality of work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "new product designs" and "reimagining every part of the collectibles experience" suggests a culture that values bold creative thinking. However, this must be balanced with the "brand style guides and requirements" and "licensing," indicating a need for designers who can be both innovative and disciplined.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Brand/Licensing Constraints: The primary challenge will be to create fresh, exciting designs while strictly adhering to the established brand guidelines of Fanatics Collectibles and the requirements of numerous sports leagues and athlete licenses.

• Fast-Paced Production Cycles: The collectibles market is dynamic. Designers must be able to produce high-quality work efficiently under tight deadlines, often managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Evolving Digital Collectibles Landscape: As digital collectibles gain prominence, designers may face the challenge of adapting their skills to new formats, platforms, and interactive design requirements.

• Maintaining Visual Consistency Across a Broad Portfolio: With an "expansive portfolio," ensuring a cohesive visual identity across various trading cards and collectible lines requires strong organizational skills and a deep understanding of brand architecture.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud or explore new design software and plugins relevant to collectibles.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Access to industry events, workshops, and resources focused on sports marketing, collectibles trends, and digital design innovation.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about the business side of collectibles, including licensing negotiations, marketing strategies, and product development cycles, which can inform design decisions.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from senior designers and art directors to refine design skills, understand strategic thinking, and navigate career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a designer who is not only technically proficient but also strategically minded, capable of navigating complex requirements and thriving in a high-volume, creative environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines or client limitations. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, compromise, and final result.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating a new trading card design from concept to final asset. What software do you use, and what are your key considerations?" (Highlight your workflow, technical skills, and design principles.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Fanatics Collectibles and the future of sports collectibles?" (Demonstrate genuine interest in the company's mission.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with art directors and other team members, especially when receiving constructive criticism?" (Show your teamwork and receptiveness to feedback.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, don't just show the final product. Explain the problem, your solution, your role, and the impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your work demonstrates proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, layout, typography, and color theory.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: If a project involved strict guidelines, explain how you navigated them effectively.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to answer questions about specific techniques, file formats, and prepress considerations.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows well, stays within time limits, and clearly communicates your value.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their visual work but also to articulate the strategic thinking, technical execution, and collaborative approach behind it, linking it directly to the needs of Fanatics Collectibles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating proficiency in graphic design, particularly for licensed products, trading cards, or similar collectible items. Tailor your selection to highlight your experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as well as your understanding of layout, typography, and color theory.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly state your 3+ years of professional experience and your degree in graphic design. Use keywords from the job description such as "Adobe Creative Cloud," "print design," "prepress workflows," "layout," "typography," and "brand style guides." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "designed X number of trading card series," "contributed to Y% increase in product engagement").

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, decision-making, and technical execution for each project. Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and collaborate with team members. Prepare answers for common interview questions related to creativity, problem-solving, and industry trends.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Fanatics Collectibles, its parent company Fanatics, and the broader sports collectibles market. Understand their brand aesthetic, their mission, and recent product launches. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest during interviews.

⚠️ 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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