Graphic Designer III

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer III

Company: The Pokémon Company International

Location: Bellevue, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: September 14, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on transforming complex information into clear, engaging, and visually compelling experiences across print and digital formats, requiring a strong command of long-format document design and visual systems.

• You will be responsible for developing cohesive design systems that maintain consistency across large-scale projects, from 200-page publications to logo refinements.

• The position demands expert proficiency in Adobe InDesign, a deep understanding of editorial and book design principles, and the ability to craft logos that capture brand essence.

• This is a hands-on design role, ideal for an individual who thrives in a collaborative environment while also demonstrating the capacity to work independently on assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job title is "Graphic Designer III," the detailed responsibilities and required experience suggest a role with a significant focus on operational efficiency within the design process, particularly in managing large-scale documentation and design systems. The emphasis on collaboration, brand consistency, and deadline management aligns with operational excellence in a creative context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including brand strategists, editorial staff, and project managers, to thoroughly understand project objectives, target audiences, and key messaging.

• Research, conceptualize, and create original graphics, illustrations, and visual media that effectively communicate desired feelings or messages in a unified and brand-appropriate manner.

• Develop and refine typography choices for written copy, producing sample layouts for review and approval by stakeholders.

• Prepare and present draft designs to editorial or other relevant departments, incorporating feedback and making necessary revisions to ensure project success.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, meticulously tracking progress and ensuring adherence to established timelines and delivery schedules.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in design applications, print technology, and media techniques to continuously innovate and elevate design outputs.

• Contribute to team meetings, discussions, and presentations, actively participating in the design development and decision-making processes.

• Maintain and champion brand consistency across all design outputs, ensuring alignment with The Pokémon Company International's established visual identity and guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Stay up to date with ongoing developments in design applications and new print/media trends and techniques to bring consistent innovation to designs" implies a need for continuous learning and adaptation, a key operational attribute for maintaining efficiency and relevance in a fast-paced creative field.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating a comparable level of expertise.

Experience: Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record in long-format document design, typography, and visual systems.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite on Mac OS, specifically Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop, for creating and manipulating complex visual assets.

• Demonstrated expertise in long-format document design, editorial layouts, and book design principles, ensuring clarity and aesthetic appeal.

• Strong understanding and application of typography, including font selection, hierarchy, and readability across various mediums.

• Ability to develop and maintain cohesive visual systems and design guidelines for consistent brand representation.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for creating presentations, reports, and collaborating on documents.

• Knowledge of print technology, pre-press processes, and the technical requirements for preparing files for high-quality output.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for collaborating with diverse teams and presenting design concepts effectively.

• Proven ability to work independently on assigned projects, demonstrating strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Capacity to collaborate effectively as a team member, contributing to a positive and productive work environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with logo design and brand identity development.

• Familiarity with digital design principles and web-based design applications.

• Understanding of project management methodologies for tracking design workflows and deadlines.

• Experience in a global brand environment, understanding diverse market needs and cultural sensitivities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Expert proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite on Mac OS, specifically: InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop" is critical. For operations roles, this translates to the ability to efficiently produce high-quality assets, manage complex files, and troubleshoot technical issues within these core tools, directly impacting project timelines and output quality.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• An online portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on long-format document design (e.g., reports, publications, manuals) and sophisticated typography.

• Specific examples demonstrating the ability to develop and implement cohesive visual systems and design guidelines for brand consistency.

• A dedicated section highlighting logo design capabilities, showcasing the process from concept to final execution.

• Evidence of transforming complex information into clear, engaging, and visually compelling layouts across both print and digital formats. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of design process documentation, illustrating workflow stages from initial brief to final deliverable, including revision cycles.

• Include case studies that detail how design solutions were developed to meet specific project objectives and audience needs.

• Demonstrate an understanding of pre-press requirements and how design choices account for print production constraints and quality standards.

• Highlight the ability to manage multiple projects, detailing time management strategies and how deadlines were met through efficient process execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing long-format and system design, the portfolio should not just display final assets but also the process behind them. This includes demonstrating how design systems were architected, how complex information was structured, and how feedback was integrated. This operational insight into the design workflow is crucial for assessing efficiency and strategic thinking.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $95,600 - $127,250 per year. The full range is $95,600 - $172,260 per year. This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. The final base salary is directly related to the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience uniquely.

Benefits:

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

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid family leave.

• Insurance: Employer-paid life insurance and employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance.

• Retirement: 401k Employer Matching (US Employees). Pension Employer Contributions (UK/IRE/MX Employees).

• Wellness & Commuting: Fitness reimbursement and commuter benefits.

• Professional Development: LinkedIn Learning access for continuous skill enhancement.

• Relocation: Comprehensive relocation package available for eligible candidates and roles.

Working Hours: This is a hybrid role, suggesting a standard full-time work week, likely around 40 hours. The specific schedule will be finalized upon hiring, with flexibility expected to accommodate project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($95,600 - $172,260 annually) is based on US market data for experienced Graphic Designers in hybrid roles in the Bellevue, Washington area. This range reflects the "III" level designation, indicating significant experience and specialized skills. The provided benefits are comprehensive and align with industry standards for tech and media companies, offering substantial value beyond base compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entertainment / Gaming / Consumer Products. The Pokémon Company International operates within the highly popular and globally recognized Pokémon franchise, managing its brand, licensing, marketing, and related media outside of Asia. This context demands a high level of brand stewardship and creative excellence.

Company Size: The Pokémon Company International is a significant entity within the entertainment landscape, employing a substantial workforce to manage its multifaceted operations across various media and product lines. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within specialized teams.

Founded: The Pokémon franchise originated in Japan in 1996. The Pokémon Company International, as the entity managing operations outside Asia, has a history rooted in this successful brand launch, fostering a culture built on innovation, fan engagement, and quality.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely operates within a larger marketing or creative department, comprising specialized roles such as Graphic Designers, Art Directors, and potentially specialists in areas like motion graphics or UI/UX.

• Reporting structures are expected to be hierarchical, with designers reporting to a Design Manager or Art Director, who in turn reports to higher levels of creative leadership.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with designers frequently working alongside brand managers, editorial teams, marketing specialists, and product development teams to ensure cohesive brand representation across all touchpoints. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While primarily a creative role, design decisions will likely be informed by market research, fan engagement data, and brand performance metrics to ensure designs resonate with the target audience and support business objectives.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role emphasizes efficient project management, requiring designers to plan their workflows, manage multiple assignments, and optimize processes for timely delivery of high-quality assets, particularly for large-scale projects.

• Automation & Efficiency: Designers are expected to leverage advanced software features and potentially explore tools or techniques that automate repetitive tasks, thereby increasing efficiency and allowing more focus on creative strategy and execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on a beloved global brand like Pokémon implies a culture that values creativity, fan dedication, and quality. For a designer, this means understanding the brand's unique aesthetic and emotional appeal, and translating that into effective visual communication that respects a massive, engaged fanbase.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Graphic Designer III" position signifies a mid-to-senior level role. It indicates a designer who has moved beyond foundational skills to possess specialized expertise, particularly in complex areas like long-format document design, visual systems, and brand consistency. This level typically involves taking ownership of significant projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to strategic design discussions. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a deep understanding of design's operational impact.

Reporting Structure: The role is listed as "People Manager: No," confirming it is an individual contributor position. The designer will report to a manager, likely an Art Director or Creative Lead, within the design or marketing department. This structure allows for focused creative work while benefiting from managerial guidance and strategic direction.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role extends beyond aesthetics. By creating clear, engaging, and consistent visual communication, the Graphic Designer III directly influences brand perception, fan engagement, and the effectiveness of marketing and editorial content. Efficiently managing large-scale design projects (like publications) ensures that critical information is disseminated accurately and on time, supporting operational objectives and business goals. The development of cohesive design systems ensures brand integrity across a vast array of products and platforms, which is a critical operational function for a global brand.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as editorial design, information design, or brand system architecture, potentially leading to senior specialist or lead designer roles.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience by collaborating on diverse projects across different Pokémon media (TCG, animation, digital platforms) can broaden skill sets and understanding of broader business operations.

• Leadership Potential: While not a people management role, successful performance and demonstrated strategic thinking can open doors to project leadership, design mentorship, or Art Director positions within the company.

• Skill Development: Access to LinkedIn Learning and participation in ongoing design trends offer continuous opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement, crucial for career longevity in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "long-format document design, typography, and visual systems" suggests that growth in this role might involve becoming a subject matter expert in information architecture and complex content visualization, which are critical operational components for communicating detailed information effectively.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. This setup aims to balance the flexibility and focus of remote work with the collaborative benefits of an office environment.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Bellevue, Washington, United States. This area is a significant hub for technology and creative industries, offering a dynamic professional ecosystem. Specific details regarding office amenities and accessibility would be available upon further inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to foster collaboration. In-office days are likely opportunities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and direct interaction with colleagues from design, editorial, and brand teams.

• Tools and Technology: Employees can expect access to industry-standard design software and hardware (Mac OS, Adobe Creative Suite). The company's commitment to innovation suggests a well-equipped digital workspace.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with team members, managers, and stakeholders is anticipated, facilitated through both in-person meetings and digital communication tools, ensuring alignment and synergy across projects.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule is expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature allows for flexibility in structuring the work week, with specific in-office days potentially determined by team needs and project requirements. This structure supports a balance between focused individual work and collaborative team activities, crucial for efficient design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment requires strong self-management and communication skills, which are core operational competencies. Designers will need to proactively manage their time, clearly communicate progress, and ensure seamless collaboration regardless of physical location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and online portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative style against the role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: An interview where you will present your portfolio, focusing on specific projects that demonstrate expertise in long-format design, visual systems, typography, and logo design. Be prepared to discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you manage project timelines and revisions.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or case study may be administered to evaluate your technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, your ability to interpret a brief, and your speed/efficiency in producing design solutions.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussions to assess cultural fit, collaborative abilities, understanding of the Pokémon brand, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that directly align with the job description's emphasis on long-format documents, visual systems, and typography. Ensure a clear representation of your logo design skills.

• Showcase Process: For each project, include a brief overview of the challenge, your role, your design process (ideation, sketching, software application, revisions), and the final outcome. Visual aids like mood boards, wireframes, or style guides can be beneficial.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While challenging for design, try to articulate the impact of your work. For example, how a redesigned layout improved readability or how a consistent visual system strengthened brand recognition.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to speak to your technical skills within Adobe Creative Suite. If you used specific advanced features or workflows, be prepared to explain them.

• Brand Alignment: Demonstrate an understanding of The Pokémon Company International's brand and how your design philosophy aligns with its values and aesthetic.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and dissect any design brief provided for an exercise. Identify key objectives, target audience, and constraints.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within strict time limits, simulating the pressure of a real-world scenario. Prioritize core elements and ensure a polished presentation.

• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to clearly explain the design choices you made during the exercise, justifying them based on the brief and your design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical for this role. It's not just about showcasing pretty pictures, but about demonstrating a systematic, efficient, and brand-aligned approach to design challenges, especially those involving complex documentation and integrated visual systems.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Expert Proficiency):

  • InDesign: Essential for long-format document design, layout creation, and managing complex publications. Expect to demonstrate advanced skills in master pages, styles, pre-flighting, and interactive PDF creation.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector-based graphics, logo design, icons, and intricate illustrations. Proficiency in path manipulation, color management, and creating scalable assets is key.
  • Photoshop: Used for image editing, manipulation, compositing, and preparing assets for both print and digital use. Understanding of color spaces, resolution, and file optimization is vital.

• Microsoft Office Suite (Expert Proficiency):

  • Word: For creating and formatting text documents, collaborating on copy, and preparing content for layout.
  • PowerPoint: For developing presentations of design concepts, project proposals, and team updates.
  • Excel: Potentially used for organizing project assets, tracking revisions, or managing data related to design projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., website traffic, content consumption) would be beneficial. Familiarity with tools that track asset performance might be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this role, but understanding how design assets are managed and distributed within a larger content management or digital asset management (DAM) system could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Expert proficiency" in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop highlights these as core operational tools. The ability to use these tools efficiently and effectively is paramount for meeting project deadlines and maintaining the high quality expected by The Pokémon Company International.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Pokémon: A deep appreciation for the brand is paramount. This translates to understanding its diverse audience, its impact, and translating that passion into authentic and engaging design work that resonates with fans.

• Challenging the Expected: Embracing curiosity and creativity to find innovative solutions. This means being open to new design approaches, learning from challenges, and proactively seeking opportunities to push creative boundaries while maintaining brand integrity.

• Integrity and Respect: Approaching all interactions with empathy, actively listening to diverse perspectives, and taking ownership of decisions and outcomes. This fosters a collaborative and trustworthy environment.

• Dedicated to Quality: Maintaining high standards in all design work and seeking continuous improvement. This involves embracing feedback, learning new techniques, and applying a growth mindset to consistently elevate the quality of design output.

• Building Relationships: Fostering a "team first" mentality, working collaboratively with colleagues across departments to solve problems and achieve shared goals. Strong interpersonal skills are key for effective cross-functional work.

• Delighting Customers: Understanding and prioritizing the needs and interests of fans and stakeholders. This customer-centric approach ensures designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also effective in delivering a unique Pokémon experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with brand managers, editorial teams, and marketing specialists, ensuring design efforts are aligned with broader campaign objectives and brand strategies.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture of open feedback and constructive critique is likely encouraged, allowing for iterative improvement of designs and workflows.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that promotes sharing design insights, best practices, and new techniques among team members to foster collective growth and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Dedicated to Quality" and "Challenging the Expected" speaks to an operational mindset within the creative team, where continuous improvement and innovation are not just encouraged but expected as part of the design process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Brand Consistency at Scale: Maintaining a cohesive visual identity across a vast and diverse franchise like Pokémon, especially in long-format documents and across numerous platforms, presents a significant challenge requiring meticulous attention to detail and strong system design.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Effectively innovating and expressing creative ideas while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and project briefs requires a nuanced approach.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Feedback: Navigating feedback from various teams (editorial, brand, marketing) and synthesizing it into cohesive design revisions can be complex and requires strong communication and diplomacy skills.

• Rapidly Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with design trends and technologies while ensuring designs remain timeless and aligned with the Pokémon brand requires continuous learning and strategic application.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in design operations, project management for creatives, and advanced techniques within Adobe Creative Suite.

• Industry Exposure: Potential for attending design conferences, workshops, or webinars focused on editorial design, brand systems, and digital media trends.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Engaging with senior designers and art directors can provide mentorship, guiding career progression towards specialized design leadership or Art Director roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of "Brand Consistency at Scale" is a prime example of an operational challenge in a creative field. Successfully managing this requires robust processes, clear documentation, and efficient execution of design systems.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to manage extensive feedback from multiple stakeholders. How did you synthesize this feedback to achieve a cohesive design outcome?" (Focus on process, communication, and problem-solving)

• "Walk us through your process for designing a large-format publication or a complex document. What are the key considerations for ensuring clarity and visual appeal?" (Highlight organizational skills, system thinking, and technical proficiency)

• "How do you approach developing or maintaining a visual system for a brand, especially one with a strong established identity like Pokémon?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand stewardship, consistency, and strategic design) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about The Pokémon Company International and its brand? How do you see your design skills contributing to its mission?" (Showcase genuine interest and brand alignment)

• "Describe a time you had to challenge the status quo or propose an innovative design solution. What was the outcome?" (Assess creativity, initiative, and willingness to innovate)

• "How do you ensure the quality and integrity of your work, especially under tight deadlines?" (Evaluate dedication to quality and time management skills) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your approach, the solution, and the result. Emphasize your role and the specific skills you applied.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Use high-quality mockups and clear descriptions.

• Process Emphasis: For relevant projects, include behind-the-scenes looks at your process – sketches, mood boards, style guides, or wireframes – to demonstrate your strategic thinking and workflow.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful projects and key takeaways relevant to the role. Practice your talking points to stay within time limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe not just your design talent but also your operational capabilities: your ability to manage projects, adhere to brand standards, collaborate effectively, and deliver high-quality work efficiently.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused creative position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in long-format document design, visual systems, typography, and logo design. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe InDesign," "brand consistency," and "project management." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed design for 10+ publications annually").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio prominently features your strongest work relevant to this role, with a clear emphasis on long-format documents and visual systems. Be ready to articulate your design process and problem-solving approach for each project.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Practice executing design tasks under timed conditions, focusing on efficiency and adherence to briefs. Be ready to articulate your strategic rationale for design decisions.

• Research The Pokémon Company International: Understand their brand, recent campaigns, and overall mission. Prepare thoughtful questions about their design culture, brand evolution, and how this role contributes to their overall operational success.

⚠️ 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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