Graphic Designer - Trading Card Game

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Trading Card Game

Company: Fanatics Collectibles

Location: Seattle, WA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-19

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute and maintain a cohesive visual identity for Fanatics Trading Card Game (TCG) products and marketing initiatives, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.

• Develop and refine design systems, including card templates, iconography, and packaging layouts, to support the TCG's product lines and long-term franchise development.

• Collaborate closely with the Art Director and Creative team to translate creative briefs into polished, production-ready graphic assets for print and digital platforms.

• Manage the end-to-end design process for marketing collateral, packaging, and other product-related materials, ensuring alignment with launch timelines and go-to-market strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for establishing and maintaining the visual language of a new trading card game studio within a large, established brand ecosystem. The focus on design systems and production-readiness suggests a need for a designer who can not only be creative but also highly organized and process-oriented, capable of building scalable visual assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and maintain robust card layout templates, set iconography, and other production-ready design systems that form the visual foundation of the TCG product line.

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing materials, including social media graphics, advertisements, and promotional content, ensuring adherence to Fanatics TCG's established visual identity and brand guidelines.

• Develop compelling packaging designs for TCG products, from individual booster packs to larger set boxes, ensuring shelf appeal and brand recognition.

• Partner effectively with the Art Director and Creative team to interpret and execute on creative briefs, demonstrating agility in iterating designs based on constructive feedback.

• Collaborate closely with the Production team to ensure all design assets are optimized for print and digital manufacturing, meeting technical specifications and launch timelines.

• Maintain meticulous organization of design files and assets within shared team libraries, facilitating efficient collaboration and version control.

• Contribute to the overall visual strategy of the TCG, offering creative input and solutions that enhance the fan experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and systematic design work. The need to "build and maintain design systems" and "prepare files to print specifications" indicates a requirement for a designer with strong production skills and an understanding of scalable design solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is often preferred or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for experience within the gaming, entertainment, or consumer products industries.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in typography, layout design, and composition, with a keen eye for visual consistency and aesthetic appeal.

• High proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Figma.

• Proven ability to design for print production, including preparing files with correct bleeds, color modes, and resolution for commercial printing.

• Strong understanding of brand identity development and the ability to apply and maintain brand guidelines across diverse applications.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to receive and act on feedback effectively and work cross-functionally.

• Detail-oriented approach with a strong focus on accuracy and quality in all design outputs.

• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in packaging design, including understanding of dielines, structural considerations, and retail presentation.

• Familiarity with template-based production design workflows for efficient asset creation.

• A genuine passion for or background in trading card games, tabletop gaming, or the collectibles space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Figma suggests a modern design workflow, possibly involving collaborative design or UI/UX elements for digital aspects of the TCG. The preference for TCG/gaming experience highlights the importance of understanding the specific aesthetic and functional needs of this market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 years of professional design work, with a strong emphasis on projects demonstrating exceptional typography, layout, and brand execution.

• Examples of print design projects, including packaging, marketing collateral, or product materials, that illustrate an understanding of print production requirements.

• Digital design examples that highlight proficiency in creating assets for social media, web, or other digital platforms.

• Work that demonstrates the ability to create and maintain design systems, such as card templates, icon sets, or style guides.

• Case studies or project descriptions that articulate the design process, challenges faced, and the rationale behind design decisions, particularly those related to brand alignment and production. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and documenting design workflows, from initial concept and creative brief interpretation to final asset delivery.

• Showcase examples of how design processes were optimized for efficiency, particularly in template-based production or managing multiple design variations.

• Present evidence of collaboration with production teams or printers to ensure successful implementation of designs, highlighting problem-solving in the production phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on design systems and production, the portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's process for creating scalable and maintainable design assets, as well as their ability to collaborate effectively with production teams to ensure flawless execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $64,400 - $78,200 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Access to Fanatics' extensive benefits portal, including information on health and wellness programs.

• Opportunities for professional development and training, potentially including workshops or courses related to graphic design and the TCG industry.

• Employee discounts on Fanatics merchandise and collectibles.

• Potential for participation in company-wide incentive programs (details not specified but common in large organizations).

Working Hours: The role is expected to require 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time employment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to Seattle. Compensation decisions will consider factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training. The benefits information is general; candidates are encouraged to visit benefitsatfanatics.com for specifics. The 40-hour work week is standard, but given the early-stage studio environment, occasional flexibility might be expected.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fanatics operates across multiple facets of the sports industry, including e-commerce, collectibles, and betting & gaming. Fanatics Collectibles, specifically, is positioned at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology, leveraging the broader Fanatics ecosystem. The TCG studio is part of this, focusing on building enduring franchises within the trading card game space.

Company Size: Fanatics is a large, global organization with over 22,000 employees. The TCG studio, while new, benefits from the scale and resources of the parent company. This means a blend of startup agility within the studio and established corporate processes and infrastructure.

Founded: Fanatics was founded in 1995, and Fanatics Collectibles is a newer venture, emphasizing its growth and expansion into new market segments. The TCG studio is newly established, aiming to build its identity from the ground up.

Team Structure:

• The TCG studio is a new entity within Fanatics Collectibles, comprised of industry veterans and new talent. The Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative team, likely reporting to an Art Director.

• The reporting structure will be relatively flat within the studio, encouraging direct collaboration. The designer will work closely with Art Directors, Game Designers, Product Managers, and potentially Marketing.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, particularly with Art Directors for creative direction, Production for asset delivery, and Marketing for campaign execution. Methodology:

• Data analysis is core to Fanatics' broader strategy, informing product development and fan engagement. For the TCG, this likely translates to understanding market trends, player preferences, and sales data to guide design decisions.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key for a new studio aiming for efficiency and scalability. The Graphic Designer's role in establishing design systems supports this.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, especially in asset creation and production, to keep pace with aggressive launch schedules.

Company Website: www.fanaticsinc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely a dynamic mix of a fast-paced, innovative startup environment within the TCG studio, supported by the robust infrastructure and brand recognition of the larger Fanatics organization. This offers opportunities for significant impact and growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It requires independent execution of design tasks with some creative direction, a solid understanding of design principles and production, and the ability to contribute to design systems. It's a step beyond junior roles, demanding more autonomy and a proven track record.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to an Art Director within the TCG studio. This structure provides clear creative guidance and feedback, while allowing for independent work on assigned projects. Collaboration will extend to other creative team members, production, and potentially marketing.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Graphic Designer's work has a direct impact on the "operations" of the TCG business by:

• Establishing and maintaining the visual brand identity, which is crucial for market recognition and consumer trust.

• Creating production-ready assets that enable efficient manufacturing and timely product launches.

• Developing design systems that streamline future design efforts and ensure consistency across product lines.

• Designing marketing collateral that drives fan engagement and sales. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to grow into a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role within the TCG studio, leading specific design initiatives or product lines.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to expand skills into areas like UI/UX design for digital TCG components, motion graphics, or brand strategy, leveraging Fanatics' resources for training and development.

• Leadership: As the TCG studio grows, there may be opportunities to mentor junior designers or lead small creative project teams.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to move into related roles within Fanatics Collectibles or other Fanatics divisions, leveraging design expertise in areas like product development, marketing, or brand management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique opportunity to shape the visual identity of a new TCG from its inception, providing a strong foundation for career growth within the rapidly expanding Fanatics ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role explicitly states that all employees are expected to be "onsite in our Seattle office five days per week." This indicates a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington, United States. Specific details about the office building or amenities are not provided but can be assumed to be a modern professional workspace typical of a growing tech/gaming company.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as a "fast-moving, early-stage studio environment," suggesting a dynamic and potentially energetic workspace.

• Collaboration is emphasized, implying an open or semi-open office layout designed to facilitate interaction between team members.

• Access to industry-standard design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and potentially other creative technology will be available within the office.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the Art Director, Creative team, and other studio members will be frequent, fostering a collaborative design culture.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the expectation of being physically present in the Seattle office each day. Flexibility may be limited due to the on-site requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory 5-day on-site presence is a key characteristic of this role's work environment, signaling a preference for in-person collaboration and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical interview process for a Graphic Designer role at a company like Fanatics would likely include:

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

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their design process, key projects, and suitability for the role. This is often with the hiring manager (Art Director) and potentially other design team members.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: A practical exercise to evaluate design skills, problem-solving abilities, and how candidates approach a design brief under timed conditions. This could involve creating a small asset or providing feedback on existing designs.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with other members of the creative team, production, or marketing to assess collaboration style and broader team fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or department head to discuss overall fit and company alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in typography, layout, brand execution, and print/digital production, with a focus on relevant work (games, collectibles, packaging).

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain your role, the problem you were solving, your design process (sketches, iterations, rationale), and the final outcome. Highlight how you met the brief and achieved objectives.

• Highlight Systems Thinking: If you have examples of creating design systems, templates, or icon sets, present them clearly, explaining their purpose and benefits.

• Print Production Expertise: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your print designs – color modes, file preparation, and any challenges encountered with printers.

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio as a narrative of your design journey and capabilities, connecting your past successes to the needs of Fanatics TCG.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Research Fanatics TCG's existing (or projected) brand identity, target audience, and the competitive landscape of trading card games.

• Focus on Core Skills: Be ready to demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, particularly in areas relevant to TCG design (card layouts, iconography, packaging).

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate design challenges related to creating scalable assets, maintaining brand consistency, or working within production constraints. Think about how you would approach these.

• Communication: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale and how your solutions align with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates should be prepared to not only show their work but also to articulate the "why" behind their design choices and their understanding of production realities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency is expected in Photoshop (image manipulation, mockups), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, icons), and InDesign (layout, print production, template creation).

• Figma: Increasingly important for collaborative design, prototyping, and potentially creating design systems for digital assets or even print templates.

• Other Design Software: Familiarity with other relevant design tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a data analysis role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media engagement, conversion rates on marketing assets) is valuable. Experience with analytics platforms might be a plus for understanding performance. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design tasks, but understanding how marketing collateral integrates with CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a benefit.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline requirement. The explicit mention of Figma indicates a modern design workflow that embraces collaboration and potentially digital prototyping, making it a key tool to highlight if experienced.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Collectibles & Gaming: A genuine interest in trading cards, tabletop games, and the culture surrounding them is highly valued, as it drives authentic design.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The studio environment emphasizes working together, sharing ideas, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished, and production-ready design work is expected.

• Innovation & Creativity: While adhering to brand guidelines, there's an expectation to bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to the table.

• Efficiency & Agility: The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, early-stage environment, adapting quickly to new information and iterating designs efficiently.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The designer will work closely with Art Directors, Game Designers, Product Managers, and Marketing teams, requiring strong communication and the ability to understand diverse perspectives.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture of constructive feedback is implied, where designers are expected to give and receive input to improve designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design best practices, new techniques, and insights within the creative team to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on being "early-stage" and "fast-moving" suggests a culture that values proactivity, adaptability, and a strong sense of ownership over one's work and contributions to the team's success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a New Brand Identity: The primary challenge will be contributing to the creation and consistent application of a visual identity for a brand-new TCG, balancing innovation with brand recognition.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Production Constraints: Ensuring that creative designs are feasible for print production and meet strict timelines requires careful planning and technical understanding.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Working in an "early-stage studio environment" means adapting to rapid changes, managing multiple priorities, and potentially dealing with ambiguity.

• Scalability of Design Systems: Developing design systems that can effectively scale across numerous card sets, expansions, and marketing campaigns will be a significant ongoing task.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Immersion: Deepen understanding of the trading card game market, its aesthetics, player expectations, and the broader collectibles industry through direct involvement.

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like packaging structural design, advanced typography, or potentially motion graphics for marketing assets.

• Brand Building Experience: Gain invaluable experience in building the visual identity of a new franchise from the ground up, a significant career asset.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learn about game design, product development, and marketing strategies within the context of the TCG and the larger Fanatics ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a new venture but also offer substantial opportunities for professional growth and impact, particularly for a designer eager to build something from the ground up.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a new card template or design system for a trading card game. What factors are most important?" (Focus on systematic approach, scalability, and TCG-specific needs.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across print and digital marketing collateral when working with established brand guidelines?" (Highlight your understanding of brand stewardship and application across mediums.)

• "Walk us through a challenging packaging design project. What were the constraints, and how did you overcome them to deliver a successful product?" (Emphasize problem-solving, print production knowledge, and client/stakeholder management.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, especially when it differs from your initial vision?" (Demonstrate flexibility, collaboration, and a focus on project goals over personal preference.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Fanatics Collectibles and the opportunity to build a new TCG?" (Show genuine interest in the company's mission and the TCG space.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic?" (Align your answer with the studio's fast-paced, collaborative culture.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends, particularly within the gaming and collectibles industries?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your core skills (typography, layout, brand, print).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the challenges, and the successful outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "designed packaging that met all production deadlines," "created templates that reduced design time by X%").

• Showcase Systems: Dedicate time to explaining any design systems or templates you've created, highlighting their structure, purpose, and how they ensure consistency.

• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your print designs (color profiles, bleeds, resolution) and your familiarity with production workflows.

• Enthusiasm for TCGs: Weave in your passion for trading cards and gaming where appropriate, demonstrating an understanding of the target audience and market.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their design process in detail, showcase their technical proficiency in industry-standard tools, and demonstrate an understanding of the unique demands of designing for the trading card game market.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and highlights projects relevant to trading card games, packaging design, and brand identity execution. Tailor your presentation to showcase your strongest typography, layout, and print production skills.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any experience within the gaming, entertainment, or collectibles industries. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale for key portfolio pieces. Be ready to discuss your approach to brand consistency, production readiness, and collaboration in a fast-paced studio environment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fanatics Collectibles' mission, the broader Fanatics ecosystem, and the trading card game market. Understand the value of design in building a new franchise.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview. All details, including specific responsibilities and requirements, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the application process.