Graphic Designer - Creative Marketing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Creative Marketing

Company: Fanatics Collectibles

Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States / New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: April 16, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute high-impact visual assets for marketing campaigns across digital, social, and e-commerce channels, driving brand engagement and product visibility.

• Develop and maintain brand-right creative that honors the iconic Topps identity while pushing visual innovation for a new generation of collectors.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Product, and Packaging to deliver cohesive, campaign-driven creative solutions.

• Create a variety of digital assets such as landing pages, emails, banner ads, and social content to support major product drops, events, and releases.

• Contribute to the design of physical collectibles, including packaging, insert cards, and print collateral, ensuring a consistent brand experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Fanatics Collectibles, specifically focusing on the legendary Topps brand, indicating a need for designers who can blend heritage with modern aesthetics. The emphasis on "visual storytelling" and "pushing visual innovation" suggests a requirement for creative thinkers who can translate complex brand narratives into compelling visuals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design engaging marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and product visuals for digital platforms, social media, and e-commerce storefronts.

• Develop visually compelling creative assets that align with the Topps brand voice and aesthetic, while also exploring innovative design approaches.

• Work collaboratively with Marketing, Product Management, and Packaging teams to ensure seamless integration of creative assets across all touchpoints.

• Produce a wide range of digital assets, including but not limited to, landing pages, email templates, banner advertisements, and social media content for key product launches and events.

• Contribute to the design and development of physical products, including packaging, insert cards, and other print collateral, ensuring high standards of visual appeal and brand consistency.

• Maintain and evolve the Topps visual identity system, including design templates, style guides, and brand assets, to ensure uniformity across all company communications and products.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, demonstrating strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Provide creative direction and mentorship to junior designers or team members, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented design environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility, requiring the designer to adeptly handle both digital and print design tasks. The emphasis on "campaign-driven creative" and "cohesive" delivery indicates a strong need for project management and cross-functional collaboration skills, typical of operations-adjacent creative roles within large organizations.

🎓 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 of this nature.

Experience: 3–5+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant portion ideally focused on consumer products, sports, entertainment, or lifestyle brands.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in graphic design principles, including layout, composition, typography, and color theory, with a keen eye for detail and craft.

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

• Proven experience designing for a variety of digital channels, including email marketing, web design, paid media advertising, and social media content creation.

• Experience in designing for physical products, such as packaging, insert cards, and print collateral.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, or similar digital design and prototyping tools.

• Familiarity with the collectibles market, sports properties (MLB, NFL, NBA), or pop culture trends.

• A genuine passion for the Topps brand and an understanding of its historical significance in the collectibles space.

• Experience providing creative direction and mentoring other designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "merging creativity with brand consistency" and experience across "digital and physical media" strongly suggests the ideal candidate will have a background in integrated marketing or brand design, capable of maintaining a unified brand message across diverse platforms. The "passion for the Topps brand" is a key cultural fit indicator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 years of professional graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on consumer products, sports, entertainment, or lifestyle brands.

• Demonstrations of ability to create cohesive brand experiences across both digital and physical touchpoints, including campaign assets, packaging, and print collateral.

• Examples of visual storytelling that effectively communicate brand narratives and resonate with target audiences.

• Evidence of strong design execution, including exceptional typography, layout, composition, and color application.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow processes used to manage multiple design projects, from concept initiation through to final asset delivery.

• Documentation or case studies illustrating how design decisions were made to ensure brand consistency and achieve specific marketing objectives.

• Demonstrations of collaboration processes with cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, Product) to gather requirements and integrate feedback.

• Evidence of how design templates or visual identity systems were developed, maintained, or evolved to ensure brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "merging creativity with brand consistency" and showcasing work across "digital and physical media" implies a need for a portfolio that not only displays aesthetic talent but also strategic thinking and execution across diverse platforms. Case studies demonstrating process and collaboration will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Los Angeles, CA: $64,400 - $78,200 USD per year.

• New York City, NY: $70,000 - $85,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Information regarding benefits can be found at: https://benefitsatfanatics.com/

• Potential for incentive compensation (short-term and long-term) not included in the base salary range.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are specific to Los Angeles and New York City, acknowledging regional cost of living and market rates. The disclaimer that these ranges represent "base pay only" and do not include incentive compensation suggests that the total compensation package could be significantly higher, especially for a role with demonstrated impact. The provided URL for benefits offers a valuable resource for candidates to assess the full compensation package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Recreation, E-commerce, Digital Platforms, Collectibles, Gaming & Betting. Fanatics is building a global digital sports platform, with Fanatics Collectibles focusing on trading cards and memorabilia, and Topps being a foundational brand within this division.

Company Size: Over 22,000 employees globally (Fanatics Inc.). This indicates a large, well-resourced organization with significant operational infrastructure.

Founded: Fanatics was founded in 1995. Topps, a legendary brand, has a 70+ year heritage.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Topps creative team, which operates under Fanatics Collectibles.

• This team likely includes other designers, creative leads, and marketing professionals.

Methodology:

• Data-driven creative development, leveraging insights from Fanatics' extensive fan database (over 100 million global sports fans).

• Emphasis on innovation in digital platforms, direct-to-consumer experiences, and product design.

• A focus on building the "global leader in next-generation collectibles" through cutting-edge creative and storytelling.

• Collaborative environment, encouraging initiative and attention to detail.

Company Website: https://www.fanaticsinc.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by rapid growth and innovation within the sports digital platform space. For a designer, this means working in a dynamic environment where creativity is tied to tangible business objectives (fan engagement, product sales) and where leveraging data insights is key to success. The integration of Topps within Fanatics Collectibles signifies an opportunity to shape the future of iconic brands.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is entry-to-mid-level within the creative function, typically requiring 3-5+ years of experience. It's a hands-on design position with potential for growth into senior designer, art director, or creative lead roles within Fanatics Collectibles or the broader Fanatics organization.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Design Manager within the Topps/Fanatics Collectibles team.

Operations Impact: Designers at Fanatics Collectibles have a direct impact on brand perception, fan engagement, and ultimately, revenue through compelling marketing campaigns, product visuals, and packaging that drive consumer interest and purchasing decisions. Their creative output is instrumental in launching new products and reinforcing brand loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in digital design, motion graphics, UX/UI principles, and potentially emerging technologies like AR/VR as they pertain to collectibles.

• Brand Exposure: Work on high-profile brands (Topps, MLB, NFL, NBA) with massive fan bases, enhancing professional portfolio and marketability.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Gain exposure to various aspects of the business, including product development, marketing strategy, e-commerce operations, and digital platform development.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and initiative, opportunities for mentorship, leading smaller projects, or progressing into senior design or art direction roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a design role, understanding its "operations" context means recognizing how creative output directly fuels marketing and sales operations. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating not just creative talent but also an understanding of how design impacts business metrics and contributes to operational efficiency in campaign execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role in Los Angeles or New York City. This suggests a traditional office environment designed for collaboration and in-person creative ideation.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY. These are major metropolitan hubs offering access to talent, industry events, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office setting conducive to brainstorming sessions, team critiques, and cross-functional meetings.

• Access to industry-standard design software and potentially hardware.

• An environment that values both individual creative contribution and teamwork.

• Proximity to other creative, marketing, and product teams within Fanatics Collectibles.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule (40 hours/week), with the expectation of meeting deadlines which may occasionally require flexibility. The on-site nature implies a structured workday within the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement signifies a preference for in-person collaboration, ideation, and team cohesion, which is often crucial for creative roles. This environment allows for spontaneous creative exchanges and direct feedback loops with colleagues and stakeholders.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and their contributions. This is a critical stage to evaluate visual storytelling and strategic thinking.

• Skills Assessment: A potential design challenge or exercise to evaluate practical design skills, speed, and adherence to brand guidelines under timed conditions.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with marketing managers, product leads, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring manager or senior leadership to finalize assessment of qualifications and fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your strongest, most relevant work, focusing on campaigns and projects that demonstrate versatility across digital and physical media.

• For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight projects that showcase your ability to work within established brand guidelines (like Topps) while also demonstrating creative innovation.

• Be prepared to discuss your technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Sketch, and how you leverage these tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly understand the brief and constraints.

• Prioritize clear communication and rationale for your design choices.

• Focus on delivering a well-executed concept that addresses the core requirements, rather than over-polishing minor details.

• Practice articulating your design decisions concisely and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the cornerstone of this application process. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their visual talent but also their strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate effectively. Expect to articulate the "why" behind your design choices and demonstrate how your work drives business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop (expert proficiency), Illustrator (expert proficiency), InDesign (expert proficiency). These are essential for all aspects of graphic design, from image manipulation to vector illustration and layout.

• Digital Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, or similar (proficiency required). Crucial for creating UI elements, digital assets, and potentially prototyping for web and mobile applications.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary tool for the designer, understanding how design assets perform is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards used by marketing teams (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) can provide context for design impact.

CRM & Automation: Not directly used by the designer, but understanding how marketing campaigns are deployed through CRM and automation platforms can inform asset creation for specific channels (e.g., email marketing).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The requirement for Figma/Sketch indicates a need for designers comfortable with modern digital design workflows and potentially contributing to UI/UX aspects of digital platforms or marketing pages.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push visual boundaries and develop fresh, engaging creative concepts that resonate with collectors.

• Brand Stewardship: Deep respect for the Topps heritage, with a commitment to maintaining and evolving its iconic visual identity consistently across all touchpoints.

• Collaboration: A team-oriented approach, valuing input and partnership with marketing, product, and other cross-functional departments.

• Detail-Oriented Execution: A focus on high-quality craft, precision, and meticulous attention to detail in all design outputs.

• Passion for the Product: An appreciation for sports, collectibles, and pop culture, bringing enthusiasm and insider knowledge to the design process.

Collaboration Style:

• Design work is integrated into broader marketing and product development cycles, requiring close collaboration with various stakeholders.

• Expect a dynamic environment with regular feedback loops, team critiques, and brainstorming sessions.

• Open communication and the ability to articulate design rationale effectively are key to successful collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of honoring a storied brand's legacy while embracing innovation. For a designer, this means being both a guardian of brand integrity and an architect of its future visual expression, all within a highly collaborative framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Heritage and Modernity: Effectively merging the rich history of the Topps brand with contemporary design trends to appeal to both legacy collectors and new audiences.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to a dynamic, deadline-driven workflow common in the sports and collectibles industry, requiring agility and efficient project management.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder needs and feedback from various departments (Marketing, Product, etc.) to produce cohesive creative solutions.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all creative outputs adhere strictly to brand guidelines while still allowing for creative expression.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like packaging design, digital campaign strategy, or even emerging areas like motion graphics or digital collectible design.

• Industry Exposure: Deep immersion in the sports, entertainment, and collectibles industries, providing unique market insights.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced creative leaders within Fanatics Collectibles and gain insights into large-scale brand management.

• Career Progression: A clear path to advance into senior design roles, art direction, or management positions within the growing Fanatics Collectibles division.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique challenge of working with an iconic brand undergoing significant digital transformation. The growth opportunities are substantial, stemming from Fanatics' aggressive expansion in the collectibles market and the inherent learning curve associated with dynamic industries.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's established brand identity with a need for creative innovation. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, stakeholder management, and outcome.)

• "Walk us through your process for designing a multi-channel marketing campaign. How do you ensure consistency across digital and physical assets?" (Highlight your workflow, asset management, and strategic thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about the Topps brand and the collectibles market? How do you see your design skills contributing to this space?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and industry awareness.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends, particularly within the sports and lifestyle branding sectors?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your solution, your role, and the results.

• Relevance: Select projects that best align with the responsibilities and preferred skills mentioned in the job description (digital, physical, campaign work).

• Clarity: Be concise and clear in your explanations. Highlight your specific contributions.

• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the tools and techniques you used.

• Passion: Convey your enthusiasm for design and the brands you've worked with.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate not just artistic talent but also strategic thinking and an understanding of how design supports business objectives. Be ready to articulate your process, defend your design choices, and show how you can contribute to the specific needs of Fanatics Collectibles and the Topps brand.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of digital marketing assets, packaging design, and campaign work relevant to consumer products or lifestyle brands. Tailor any case studies to highlight your process and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma/Sketch, and your proven ability to work across digital and physical design mediums. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed assets for campaigns that increased engagement by X%").

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication of your design process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of brand consistency. Prepare answers to common interview questions related to creativity, collaboration, and brand stewardship.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fanatics Collectibles, the Topps brand history, recent product drops, and the broader Fanatics digital sports platform strategy. Understand their current visual language and identify areas where your design aesthetic can contribute.

⚠️ 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.