Graphic Designer II, Fanatics Collectibles

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II, Fanatics Collectibles

Company: Fanatics

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Graphic Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop new product concepts for Fanatics Collectibles' extensive portfolio of licensed trading cards and memorabilia.

• Execute creative graphical assets utilizing industry-standard design software to enhance brand identity and consumer engagement.

• Translate creative direction from art directors and senior designers into polished, production-ready design work.

• Ensure all creative outputs align with project briefs, brand style guides, and delivery timelines for optimal project execution.

• Leverage a strong understanding of layout, typography, and color theory to produce visually compelling and effective designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is focused on the creation of physical and digital collectible assets, specifically trading cards. While not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, it requires a strong understanding of design processes, project management, and brand adherence, which are critical operational components within a creative department. The emphasis on "operations" here pertains to the efficient and effective execution of the design workflow.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute original trading card designs and other collectible artwork, aligning with specific product lines and brand initiatives.

• Utilize Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to generate, manipulate, and refine graphics for print and digital applications.

• Interpret and incorporate feedback from art directors and senior designers to iterate on design concepts and ensure final deliverables meet quality standards.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and ensuring timely completion in accordance with project schedules and deadlines.

• Maintain strict adherence to established brand style guides, ensuring consistency in visual elements, typography, and color palettes across all design outputs.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, and production, to ensure design concepts are feasible and aligned with overall business objectives.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and workflows, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for process adherence and project management, common in operations roles. The mention of "international projects" and language skills suggests potential for managing localized design assets, requiring a structured approach to content adaptation and compliance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Creative, enthusiastic, and eager to learn new design techniques and industry trends.

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

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

• Familiarity with print design best practices and prepress workflows to ensure successful production.

• Proven ability to multitask effectively, manage multiple priorities, and drive results through efficient project management.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear collaboration and feedback exchange.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Spanish, Italian, German, or French languages for international project collaboration.

• Experience in the collectibles or trading card industry.

• Familiarity with digital design tools and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "at least 3 years’ professional/commercial/brand experience" combined with a degree positions this as an intermediate-level role. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud, print design, and project management indicates a need for operational efficiency within the design function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects demonstrating proficiency in creating engaging trading card and collectible artwork.

• Examples showcasing a strong grasp of layout, typography, and color theory applied to product design.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight the process from concept to final production-ready artwork, emphasizing problem-solving and creative execution.

• Visual documentation of how brand style guides were incorporated into design solutions, demonstrating adherence and strategic application.

Process Documentation:

• The ability to articulate the design process from brief to final delivery, including stages of concept development, iteration, and finalization.

• Documentation of how project briefs and art director feedback were integrated into the design workflow.

• Evidence of managing project timelines and delivering creative assets on schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio is implicitly a requirement for any design role. For this position, the portfolio should emphasize work relevant to collectibles and trading cards, showcasing the operational execution of design principles and adherence to brand guidelines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status with potential for career advancement within Fanatics.

• Opportunity to work with a leading brand in the collectibles and sports memorabilia industry.

• Access to industry-standard design software and technology.

• Collaborative work environment with experienced art directors and designers.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week, with the expectation of being in the designated office 5 days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on London market rates for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience. Benefits are inferred based on standard offerings for full-time roles in established companies. The explicit mention of "5 days per week" in the office confirms the on-site work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Recreation, Collectibles, E-commerce, Media. Fanatics is a dominant player in the licensed sports merchandise and collectibles market, known for its rapid growth, data-driven approach, and broad reach across various sports leagues and consumer segments.

Company Size: Large (likely over 5,000 employees globally, based on industry knowledge of Fanatics). This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes and potential for specialization.

Founded: 1995. Fanatics has a long history in sports retail and has significantly expanded its offerings into fan engagement, collectibles, and media.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design team likely operates within the broader Fanatics Collectibles division, potentially reporting to an Art Director or Head of Creative.

• Designers will collaborate closely with product managers, marketing specialists, and potentially licensing teams to bring new products to market.

Methodology:

• Data-driven design decisions, leveraging consumer insights and market trends to inform creative output.

• Emphasis on efficient workflows and project management to meet fast-paced production schedules common in the collectibles industry.

• Adherence to brand guidelines and quality control processes to maintain consistency and brand integrity.

• Continuous learning and adaptation to new design tools, technologies, and market demands.

Company Website: www.fanaticsinc.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics is known for its fast-paced, performance-oriented culture. For a design role, this translates to a need for efficiency, adaptability, and a focus on delivering high-quality assets that drive sales and consumer engagement. The company's scale implies established operational frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Intermediate Graphic Designer (Graphic Designer II). This level suggests a candidate who has moved beyond entry-level tasks and can independently manage core design responsibilities, contributing to projects with less direct supervision.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to an Art Director or a Senior Graphic Designer, who provides guidance and oversees project execution.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the appeal and marketability of Fanatics Collectibles' products. High-quality, on-brand designs are crucial for driving consumer interest, sales conversions, and reinforcing brand loyalty. Efficient design processes ensure timely product launches, which is critical in the fast-moving collectibles market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or specialized roles within Fanatics' creative departments.

• Opportunities to lead design projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to strategic creative planning.

• Development in specialized areas such as digital illustration, 3D rendering, or motion graphics, depending on company needs and individual development.

• Exposure to different product categories and international markets within the Fanatics ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Graphic Designer II" title indicates a mid-level position. Growth opportunities would involve taking on more complex projects, increased leadership responsibilities, and potential specialization within the broader Fanatics creative operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at "The Office Group (TOG)" in London, which typically offers modern, co-working, and flexible office spaces designed for collaboration and productivity. This suggests a dynamic and potentially amenity-rich workspace.

Office Location(s): Topps Europe Limited, c/o The Office Group (TOG), London, NW1 2DA, United Kingdom. This is a central London location, implying good accessibility via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative studio environment where designers work alongside peers and interact with art directors.

• Access to contemporary design tools, software, and potentially specialized hardware for creative work.

• Opportunities for informal knowledge sharing and problem-solving within the design team and with other departments.

Work Schedule:

• On-site, full-time (likely 40 hours per week), 5 days a week. While the core hours are fixed, there might be some flexibility expected around project deadlines, typical in creative industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "The Office Group (TOG)" suggests a modern, potentially flexible, and collaborative workspace environment. The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for creative operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative style.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on design process, problem-solving, and technical skills (e.g., software proficiency, understanding of print). Candidates may be asked to walk through specific projects and explain their rationale.

• Creative Challenge: A practical design exercise to assess on-the-spot creativity, speed, and ability to interpret a brief. This might involve designing a sample trading card or a series of graphics.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about team fit, collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Fanatics' culture and values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, focusing on career aspirations and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Showcase work most relevant to collectibles, trading cards, and brand-focused design.

• Demonstrate Process: Include behind-the-scenes of your design journey for key projects – sketches, mood boards, iterations, and final outcomes.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly indicates proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and any other relevant tools.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Provide examples where you successfully worked within or adapted to brand style guides.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a design contributed to specific business outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, successful product launch), mention it.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure the portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice designing under time constraints.

• Be prepared to articulate your creative choices and the strategic thinking behind them.

• Understand Fanatics' brand aesthetic and recent product releases in collectibles.

• Be ready to explain your understanding of print production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and a potential creative challenge is standard for design roles. For this position, it's crucial to highlight projects that demonstrate an understanding of the collectibles market and the operational aspects of design execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image manipulation, compositing, and detailed pixel-based artwork.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and scalable illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout, typography, and creating multi-page documents or card templates.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or internal Fanatics systems for task tracking, workflow management, and deadline adherence.

• File Sharing & Collaboration Platforms: Such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or internal company solutions for sharing assets and design files.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Primarily for communication and project management, not direct CRM use by the designer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is a non-negotiable requirement. Familiarity with project management tools is essential for the operational aspect of managing design workflows and deadlines efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce novel and exciting designs that captivate consumers.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, art directors, and cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to producing high-quality, polished creative work that meets brand standards.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Adherence to deadlines and efficient workflow management to support product launch schedules.

• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new tools, techniques, and adapt to evolving market trends and brand requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Designers are expected to contribute to a collective creative output, sharing ideas and providing constructive feedback.

• Responsive: Ability to incorporate feedback from art directors and stakeholders efficiently and effectively.

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with marketing, product development, and production teams to ensure design aligns with broader business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of creative freedom and operational discipline, typical of successful consumer product companies. Designers are expected to be both imaginative and highly organized in their execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Meeting tight deadlines for new product releases in the dynamic collectibles market.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining brand integrity across a diverse range of products and potential international variations.

• Creative Block: Overcoming creative hurdles to consistently generate fresh and innovative designs.

• Technical Skill Evolution: Keeping pace with new design software features and emerging digital design trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications or explore new design software.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about the business operations of a major collectibles company, from product development to marketing and sales.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Art Directors and Senior Designers within the team.

• Specialization: Potential to develop expertise in specific areas such as sports memorabilia design, digital collectibles, or advanced illustration techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for creative roles in fast-moving industries, highlighting the need for strong operational skills in time management and adaptability. Growth opportunities are tied to both technical proficiency and understanding the business context of design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a new trading card design from concept to final artwork." (Focus on workflow, tools, and iteration.)

• "How do you ensure your designs adhere to brand style guides while still being creative?" (Highlight balance between compliance and innovation.)

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to incorporate significant feedback. What was your approach?" (Demonstrate collaboration and adaptability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Fanatics and the collectibles industry?" (Show genuine enthusiasm and research.)

• "How do you stay up-to-date with design trends, particularly in the collectibles or sports market?" (Demonstrate proactivity and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Selectivity: Choose 3-5 strong projects that best represent your skills for this role.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the brief/problem, your creative process, the tools used, challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate how you arrived at the final design. This is crucial for demonstrating your operational thinking.

• Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss specific software techniques or print production considerations.

• Brand Context: Explain how your designs aligned with or contributed to the brand's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also the operational discipline required to execute design effectively within a corporate environment. Highlighting process and problem-solving is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant work, such as trading card designs, collectible artwork, and projects demonstrating strong layout, typography, and brand adherence.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, print design, project management, and any relevant language skills. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle feedback. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fanatics, their collectibles offerings, and recent product launches. Understand their brand aesthetic and market position.

⚠️ 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.