Graphic Designer (12-month Fixed Term Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (12-month Fixed Term Contract)

Company: The Pokémon Company International

Location: Bellevue, Washington, United States

Job Type: Temporary (12-month Fixed Term Contract)

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical creative contributor within the Merchandise Development team, focusing on developing original graphic assets for physical Pokémon products.

• The Graphic Designer will translate creative concepts into production-ready artwork, ensuring brand integrity across a wide range of merchandise and packaging.

• This position requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes for physical goods and the ability to adapt designs accordingly.

• The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional partners to support product line briefs, seasonal collections, and overall product storytelling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and contract duration indicate a project-based need, likely supporting specific product launches or seasonal campaigns for The Pokémon Company International. The hybrid work environment suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Creative Concept Development: Collaborate with the Merchandise Development team and cross-functional partners to understand project briefs, target audiences, and intended messages.

• Visual Asset Creation: Design original illustrations, graphics, patterns, and layouts that support compelling and unified product stories for physical goods.

• Product Design Adaptation: Primarily create graphic concepts for physical goods (apparel, decor, packaging, etc.), leveraging existing assets and creating new graphics while respecting production limitations.

• Manufacturing Process Integration: Adapt artwork for various manufacturing processes such as screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer, sublimation, embossing, and specialty inks.

• Brand and Licensing Compliance: Uphold strict brand standards and licensing requirements, ensuring character accuracy and consistency across all merchandise and packaging.

• Production File Preparation: Translate 2D artwork into production-ready files that maintain integrity across various substrates, textures, and sizes for both flat and 3D forms.

• Artwork Review and Routing: Route all stages of art concepts for cross-departmental sign-offs, ensuring work meets brand standards, briefs, and production expectations.

• Feedback and Revision: Prepare drafts and prototypes for review, revising based on collaborative feedback to reach final approval.

• Vendor Collaboration: Partner with development and vendor teams to review strike-offs, proofs, and samples, providing clear and actionable feedback to ensure quality and fidelity.

• Trend Research: Research and create diversified, brand-appropriate graphics and illustrations, and identify new colors, fabrics, and silhouettes for conceptual development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "physical goods" and adapting artwork for "manufacturing processes" indicates a need for a designer who understands the technical constraints and requirements of producing tangible products, not just digital assets. The responsibility for "routing all stages of art concepts" highlights the need for strong organizational skills and process adherence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for roles with 3-5 years of experience in this industry.

Experience: 3-5 years of experience in graphic design specifically for soft and/or hard goods (consumer products such as apparel, decor, packaging).

Required Skills:

• Conceptual and practical knowledge of print technology for physical goods (screen print, embroidery, heat setting, sublimation, etc.).

• Proficiency in preparing production-ready files and working within manufacturing constraints and templates.

• Proven ability to create design work aligned with brand and licensing requirements.

• Basic illustration and strong vector skills.

• Expert proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite on macOS.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and similar design tools.

• High degree of originality and creativity, providing valuable design insights.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present designs to stakeholders.

• Ability to proactively communicate risks and schedule impacts.

• Strong initiative, organization, and attention to detail.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic knowledge of related areas: marketing, merchandising, licensing.

• Experience with character accuracy and consistency across merchandise.

• Familiarity with creating designs for 3D forms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Expert proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite on macOS" is a critical technical skill. The emphasis on "brand integrity" and "licensing requirements" suggests that candidates with experience in established IP or franchise brands will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 years of design experience, with a strong emphasis on graphic design for physical consumer products (apparel, accessories, packaging, home decor).

• Demonstrations of original graphic concepts, illustrations, and patterns relevant to a brand like Pokémon.

• Case studies or examples illustrating the adaptation of 2D artwork for various manufacturing processes (e.g., screen print, embroidery, sublimation), highlighting technical considerations.

• Examples of work that successfully upholds brand standards and licensing requirements, ensuring character accuracy and consistency.

• Visuals of production-ready files, potentially showcasing how complex artwork was translated for manufacturing.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly requested for the portfolio, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including:

  • Workflow from brief to final production file delivery.

  • Methods for collaborating with cross-functional teams (Merchandise Development, Licensing, Production).

  • Strategies for managing feedback and revisions from multiple stakeholders.

  • How they ensure brand consistency and adherence to licensing guidelines throughout their process.

  • Techniques for problem-solving design challenges related to product constraints or manufacturing limitations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating qualifications. It must clearly showcase the candidate's ability to design for physical products and understand manufacturing realities, alongside their creative talent and brand stewardship.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $84,800 - $125,800 per year. The base salary for new hires is expected to be between $84,800.00 and $100,035.00 per year, with the final salary determined by candidate qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

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

• Generous paid family leave.

• Employer-paid life insurance.

• Employer-paid long-term income protection insurance.

• Employer-paid short-term income protection insurance.

• US Employees: 401k Employer Matching.

• UK/IRE/MX Employees: Pension Employer Contributions.

• Fitness reimbursement.

• Commuter benefit.

• LinkedIn Learning subscription for professional development.

• Comprehensive relocation package for certain roles.

• Hybrid work environment.

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a graphic design role with specialized experience in consumer products and a major entertainment brand. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums, is a significant perk. The "temporary" nature of the contract should be considered alongside the benefits offered.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entertainment, Consumer Products, Licensing, Gaming. The Pokémon Company International operates in a dynamic and globally recognized entertainment sector, known for its strong brand loyalty and continuous innovation.

Company Size: The Pokémon Company International is a large organization. While specific employee numbers for this division aren't provided, its global reach suggests a significant operational footprint. This size implies well-established processes, opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, and potential for exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996. The Pokémon Company was established in 1998. The International division manages operations outside of Asia. This long history indicates a stable company with a deep understanding of its brand and market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Merchandise Development team.

• This team likely collaborates closely with other departments such as Marketing, Licensing, Product Development, and Legal.

• The role reports to a manager or director within Merchandise Development.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is likely applied, informed by market trends, consumer insights, and brand performance metrics.

• Emphasis on adhering to established brand guidelines and licensing agreements to maintain franchise integrity.

• A focus on structured workflows for creative concept development, design adaptation, and production file delivery to ensure efficiency and quality.

• Collaborative brainstorming and feedback sessions are integral to the creative process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's established brand and global presence offer a unique environment for a designer. The emphasis on brand integrity and licensing suggests a structured, compliance-focused creative process alongside the creative freedom.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an individual contributor position at an intermediate to senior level, requiring 3-5 years of specialized experience. It is a fixed-term contract, which may offer focused project experience rather than a long-term career path within the company, but can be a valuable stepping stone.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a manager or director within the Merchandise Development team. They will collaborate extensively with peers and stakeholders across various departments.

Operations Impact: While this role is primarily creative, its impact on "operations" is through ensuring that product designs are manufacturable, adhere to brand standards, and contribute to the overall commercial success of Pokémon merchandise. High-quality, brand-aligned designs directly influence consumer appeal and sales performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in graphic design for physical goods, specific manufacturing techniques, and character illustration for licensed properties.

• Project Diversity: Gain experience working on a wide variety of Pokémon products and potentially contribute to different product categories.

• Brand Immersion: Develop a profound understanding of a globally recognized brand's visual language and marketing strategies.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Enhance collaboration skills by working with diverse teams in product development, marketing, and licensing.

• Networking: Build professional relationships within The Pokémon Company International and potentially with external vendors.

• Portfolio Enhancement: The contract provides an excellent opportunity to add high-profile, globally recognized work to a designer's portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a fixed-term contract, the growth opportunities are primarily focused on skill development and portfolio building rather than a traditional linear career progression within the company. However, successful performance could lead to future contract extensions or opportunities within the broader organization or its network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a modern work environment that values flexibility while ensuring opportunities for in-person collaboration.

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

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work remotely and collaborative sessions, brainstorming, and team meetings in the office.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially company-specific asset libraries or brand guides will be provided or expected.

• The environment likely fosters creativity, with an appreciation for the Pokémon brand's fun and engaging nature, balanced with the professional demands of product development.

• Opportunities for spontaneous collaboration and idea-sharing with colleagues are probable during in-office days.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, likely with some flexibility, especially given the hybrid arrangement. The role requires managing deadlines for design concepts, revisions, and production file deliveries, necessitating efficient time management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect. Candidates should be comfortable managing their time effectively across both remote and in-office settings, and be prepared for in-person meetings and collaborative sessions as required by the team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with role requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: A more in-depth discussion, likely featuring a presentation of the candidate's portfolio. This stage will focus on design choices, creative process, technical skills, and understanding of brand/manufacturing constraints.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Potential interviews with key stakeholders from Merchandise Development, Marketing, or Product Management to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Final Interview: May involve a senior leader or hiring manager to discuss overall fit, company culture, and expectations for the fixed-term contract.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that most closely align with designing for physical goods, consumer products, and ideally, licensed properties. Showcase apparel graphics, packaging designs, or hard goods concepts.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain your role, the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced (especially manufacturing or brand constraints), and the final outcome.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Include examples that clearly show your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, vector illustration, and adaptation for different production methods.

• Brand Integrity Examples: If possible, show work that demonstrates adherence to strict brand guidelines or character accuracy.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult for design, if a project led to a successful product launch or positive consumer reception, mention it.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio digitally, articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge, possibly involving adapting a Pokémon asset for a specific product type or manufacturing process.

• Practice articulating your design rationale under time pressure.

• Understand how to balance creative vision with practical production limitations and brand requirements.

• Familiarize yourself with common manufacturing techniques for apparel and accessories.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prioritize showcasing work that directly addresses the "physical goods" and "manufacturing process" requirements. Being able to articulate the "why" behind design decisions and demonstrate an understanding of business and production constraints will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency is mandatory, specifically including:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, character illustration, and logo creation.
  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, texture creation, and mock-up generation.
  • InDesign: Potentially for layout and presentation of design concepts or style guides.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency is required for general business communication, presentations, and document management.

• Design Tools: Familiarity with similar design tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting: Not explicitly mentioned for this role, as it is design-focused. However, understanding how design impacts sales or brand perception could be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but understanding how marketing and product data inform design briefs would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop, for vector illustration and graphic creation. Familiarity with macOS is also specified.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: The Pokémon Company International outlines several core values:

• Passion for Pokémon: A deep understanding and appreciation for the brand, its impact, and its community.

• Challenging the Expected: Embracing curiosity, creativity, innovation, and learning from failures.

• Integrity and Respect: Leading with empathy, listening, seeking diverse perspectives, and taking responsibility.

• Dedicated to Quality: Maintaining high standards, continuous learning, seeking feedback, and embracing a growth mindset.

• Building Relationships: "Team first" mentality, collaborative problem-solving, and working towards shared goals.

• Delighting Customers: Understanding and acting on customer/stakeholder needs, making them feel heard, and delivering unique experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with internal cross-functional teams (Merchandise Development, Marketing, Licensing, Production).

• Emphasis on clear communication, proactive risk assessment, and transparent feedback loops.

• A "team first" mentality is encouraged, prioritizing shared goals and collective success.

• Openness to feedback and a willingness to iterate on designs based on stakeholder input.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate how their work ethic and collaboration style align with these values, particularly "Passion for Pokémon," "Dedicated to Quality," and "Building Relationships."

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative concepts into designs that strictly adhere to Pokémon's established brand guidelines and licensing requirements.

• Adapting to Manufacturing Limitations: Ensuring designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also technically feasible and cost-effective for various production methods and substrates.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Feedback: Navigating diverse opinions and feedback from different departments to reach a unified design approval.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Delivering high-quality design assets within the demanding timeline of a fixed-term contract and product development cycles.

• Maintaining Character Accuracy: Ensuring consistent and accurate representation of Pokémon characters across all design applications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Gaining in-depth experience designing for specific product types and manufacturing processes relevant to the consumer goods industry.

• Brand Management Acumen: Understanding the complexities of managing a globally recognized intellectual property through design.

• Cross-Functional Project Management: Enhancing skills in collaborating with diverse teams and managing projects with multiple dependencies.

• Portfolio Building: Adding significant, high-profile work to one's professional portfolio.

• Industry Networking: Building connections within the entertainment and consumer product sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working with a major IP and in product development. Candidates who can demonstrate problem-solving skills and adaptability in overcoming these challenges will be highly regarded.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating graphic assets for physical goods, from initial concept to final production file." (Focus on workflow, collaboration, and technical adaptation.)

• "How do you ensure brand integrity and character accuracy when working with established intellectual property like Pokémon?" (Highlight understanding of brand guidelines and attention to detail.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to adapt a design for a specific manufacturing process (e.g., screen printing, embroidery). What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders with potentially conflicting opinions?" (Demonstrate collaboration and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about working with the Pokémon brand?" (Express genuine passion and understanding of the brand's appeal.)

• "How do you embody our company values, such as 'Challenging the Expected' or 'Dedicated to Quality'?" (Provide specific examples from your experience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating key skills. Start with your strongest, most relevant work.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the challenge, your approach, your creative decisions, the technical considerations (especially manufacturing), and the outcome.

• Visuals: Ensure high-quality images and clear mock-ups. If showing production files, explain their purpose.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

• Engagement: Be ready to answer specific questions about your work and engage in a dialogue.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their design skills but also their understanding of the business context, manufacturing realities, and brand stewardship required for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features graphic design work for physical consumer products (apparel, packaging, hard goods), showcasing adaptation for manufacturing processes and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3-5 years of relevant experience, technical skills (Adobe Creative Suite, vector illustration), and any experience with licensed properties or similar brands. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, how you handle feedback, and your understanding of brand integrity. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss specific projects in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Pokémon Company International's brand, its target audience, and its commitment to quality and innovation. Understand how the Graphic Designer role contributes to the company's broader goals.

⚠️ 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.