Graphic Designer II- Nike

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: Fanatics

Location: Tampa, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing visually compelling apparel graphics and seasonal collections that align with Fanatics' brand identity and the dynamic sports apparel market.

• The Graphic Designer will leverage advanced design software and a deep understanding of typography, color theory, and composition to create impactful visual assets for licensed sports merchandise.

• A key aspect of this position involves conducting thorough trend research and translating insights into actionable design strategies that enhance the appeal of sports apparel assortments.

• This role requires strong collaboration skills to partner with internal design teams, ensuring brand consistency and contributing to the overall creative direction across leagues and sports properties.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Graphic Designer II" title and the 4+ years of experience requirement, this role is positioned as a mid-level individual contributor with the expectation of independent work and the ability to contribute significantly to seasonal creative direction. The emphasis on "developing seasonal sports apparel assortments" and "visual storytelling" suggests a role that goes beyond basic graphic creation into product line development from a design perspective.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of apparel graphics for Fanatics' licensed sports business, focusing on designing against defined seasonal creative stories and themes.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive presentation decks and collection boards to effectively communicate design concepts and seasonal assortments to internal stakeholders and partners.

• Generate creative concepts and presentations for non-calendared special art requests, responding to unique business opportunities or partner needs.

• Conduct local trend shopping, reference gathering, and research into various apparel embellishment techniques, including screen printing, heat transfers, appliques, and embroidery, to inform design execution.

• Apply intermediate to advanced typography skills for font research, custom development, and seamless implementation within apparel graphics, ensuring aesthetic appeal and brand appropriateness.

• Maintain a proactive understanding of emerging trends in sports apparel, sports culture, and pop culture, leveraging consumer insights and competitor analysis to influence design aesthetic and strategy through mood, trend, and ideation boards.

• Confidently contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the design team, enhancing overall creativity and promoting new concepts through clear written and verbal communication with internal partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution, strategic trend analysis, and communication. The expectation to "lead efforts in designing against seasonal creative stories" and "confidently influence the design team" indicates a need for proactive contribution and design leadership within the team's projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Arts or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.

Experience: 4+ years of professional graphic design experience. Experience in licensing or sports-related design is a plus.

Required Skills:

• (REQUIRED) Must provide a strong professional portfolio showcasing a wide range of design skills and abilities, with a focus on apparel graphics and brand application.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is essential for creating and manipulating design assets.

• Demonstrate advanced-level knowledge of color theory, composition, and concept development, with a consistent ability to adhere to brand guidelines and seasonal creative stories.

• Intermediate to advanced skills in typography, including font research, development, and application in apparel graphics.

• Proficiency in production art processes, including understanding of printing and production methods for both import and domestic manufacturing.

• Familiarity with working within project management systems to track and manage design workflows.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to meet deadlines, prioritize workload, adapt to change, and maintain composure under pressure.

Preferred Skills:

• Licensing or sports-related design experience.

• Experience with various apparel embellishment techniques (screen print, heat transfers, appliques, embroidery).

• Intermediate level use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for daily tasks and reporting.

• A passion for sports and an active understanding of sports/pop culture trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory portfolio requirement underscores the visual nature of this role. The distinction between "advanced" and "intermediate" skills in software and typography suggests a tiered expectation within the candidate pool, with advanced proficiency being key for core responsibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a diverse range of design projects with a clear emphasis on apparel graphics, sports-related designs, and brand application.

• Include case studies demonstrating the design process from concept ideation through final execution, highlighting how you translated project briefs into effective visual solutions.

• Showcase examples of applying brand guidelines and seasonal creative direction to create cohesive collections or product lines.

Process Documentation:

• When describing portfolio projects, articulate your process for trend research, ideation, and concept development, detailing how you gathered inspiration and translated it into design concepts.

• Explain your workflow for collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., merchandising, product development) and how you incorporated feedback to refine designs.

• Demonstrate how you managed your workload and met deadlines for multiple projects, showcasing your ability to prioritize and adapt within a fast-paced environment.

• Highlight any experience with production art processes or understanding of printing and embellishment techniques, explaining how this informed your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of process. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies, decision-making, and collaborative approach within their portfolio presentations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level Graphic Designer with 4+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Tampa, FL, the estimated salary range is $65,000 - $85,000 per year. This range accounts for the required advanced software skills, specialized apparel design knowledge, and the dynamic sports industry context.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance plans.

• Financial assistance programs.

• Legal assistance services.

• Professional development and training assistance.

• Wellness programs, including partnerships with fitness and weight management providers.

• Paid parental leave (maternity, paternity, and infertility treatment support).

• Flexible time off to promote work-life balance and recharge.

• Competitive 401k plan with company contributions to support long-term financial planning.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While this is a full-time role, the company culture may offer some flexibility, particularly for a hybrid work arrangement, to balance project demands with personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar Graphic Designer II roles in the Tampa, Florida area, considering the specified experience level and the advanced technical skills required. Benefits are directly pulled from the provided input, emphasizing comprehensive support for employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the dynamic and fast-paced Sports & Recreation and Retail sectors, focusing on licensed fan gear and apparel. Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform, encompassing Commerce, Collectibles, and Betting & Gaming.

Company Size: Fanatics is a large organization with over 22,000 employees globally, indicating a significant operational scale and numerous opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career advancement within diverse business units.

Founded: Fanatics was founded in 1995. This long history in the sports merchandise space suggests a stable yet evolving company that understands market dynamics and fan engagement.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design team is likely part of a larger Creative or Marketing department, comprising designers with varying specializations (e.g., apparel, digital, branding).

• The reporting structure would typically involve a Design Manager or Director, with designers collaborating closely with Merchandising, Product Development, and Marketing teams.

Methodology:

• Data analysis is likely used to understand fan preferences, market trends, and sales performance to inform design decisions and optimize product assortments.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are employed to manage seasonal design cycles, special requests, and cross-team dependencies efficiently.

• Automation and efficiency practices may be integrated into design workflows where possible, such as template utilization or streamlined review processes, to enhance productivity.

Company Website: www.fanatics.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics' BOLD Leadership Principles (Build Championship Teams, Obsessed with Fans, Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, Determined and Relentless Mindset) are core to its culture and should be reflected in how candidates present themselves and their work. The scale of Fanatics implies a need for adaptability and strong communication across numerous stakeholders.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-level Graphic Designer (Graphic Designer II), indicating a position where the individual is expected to contribute independently, manage specific projects, and possess a solid foundation of technical and creative skills. They are beyond entry-level but not yet in a senior or leadership capacity.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II likely reports to a Senior Graphic Designer, Design Lead, or Design Manager. They will collaborate extensively with teams such as Merchandising, Product Development, Marketing, and potentially external licensors and sports properties.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of revenue or sales operations, this Graphic Designer's work has a direct impact on the commercial success of Fanatics' apparel lines. Their designs influence product appeal, brand perception, and ultimately, sales performance by creating desirable merchandise that resonates with sports fans.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific sports categories (e.g., NFL, NBA, MLB) or product types (e.g., streetwear, performance apparel).

• Advancement: Progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Lead Designer, or Art Director roles, managing larger projects or teams.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in apparel embellishment techniques, digital design for e-commerce, or brand strategy through internal training, workshops, or industry events.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Potential to move into related roles within Merchandising, Product Management, or Creative Direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Although the role is "Graphic Designer," understanding its impact on sales and brand strategy is key for operations-minded candidates. The growth paths highlight opportunities for specialization and leadership within the creative function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning employees are expected to work from the office for a portion of the week and remotely for the remainder. This setup balances the need for in-person collaboration and access to office resources with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is 5332 Avion Park Dr, Tampa, FL 33607. This location likely serves as a hub for creative teams and other business functions.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace in Tampa is designed to foster collaboration, likely featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated design studios equipped with the necessary hardware and software.

• Operations professionals in this role will have access to advanced design software and technology, as well as potential access to production samples and material libraries.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with design peers, managers, and cross-functional partners will be prevalent during in-office days, facilitating idea exchange and project alignment.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid arrangement suggests flexibility in scheduling which days are spent in the office versus remote, allowing for better management of personal commitments and work tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a significant factor for candidates seeking flexibility. The Tampa office is the designated physical workspace, and candidates should be prepared for a blend of in-person and remote collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios to assess qualifications and alignment with role requirements.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their professional portfolio, detailing their design process, creative decision-making, and the impact of their work. This is a critical stage to evaluate design skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Technical/Creative Assessment: A practical design exercise or case study may be assigned to evaluate specific skills, such as creating an apparel graphic concept or developing a mini-collection based on a prompt.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Candidates will likely meet with members of the design team, creative leads, and potentially cross-functional partners (e.g., merchandising) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication effectiveness.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership or the hiring manager to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills relevant to apparel design, sports branding, and the specific requirements of this role. Include a mix of conceptual work and executed projects.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you were solving, your design process (research, ideation, execution), and the outcome or impact. Use visuals to guide the narrative.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, as well as strong typography and color theory application.

• Tailor to Fanatics: Research Fanatics' current product lines, brand aesthetic, and target audience. Consider how your work aligns with their BOLD Leadership Principles and their mission to "relentlessly enhance the fan experience."

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand the objectives, target audience, and any constraints. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your problem-solving approach, not just the final deliverable. Explain your rationale for design choices.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a given timeframe, prioritizing key elements and ensuring a polished final output.

• Presentation Skills: Prepare to present your work concisely and professionally, highlighting key features and demonstrating your communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio and potential design challenges indicates that practical skills and the ability to articulate design thinking are paramount. Candidates should prepare to "show, not just tell" their capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logo creation, and intricate apparel artwork. Expect to use its advanced features for complex illustrations and typography.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image manipulation, mock-up creation, texture application, and preparing artwork for various print methods.
  • Adobe InDesign: Used for developing presentation decks, collection boards, and potentially layout for marketing collateral.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with systems used for task tracking, workflow management, and collaboration (e.g., Asana, Jira, Monday.com, or internal Fanatics systems).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but awareness of how designs are integrated into e-commerce platforms or marketing campaigns is helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is explicitly required and will be a primary focus during the assessment of technical skills.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Build Championship Teams: Emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and a drive for collective success within the design team and across departments.

• Obsessed with Fans: A core value that translates into creating designs that genuinely resonate with sports enthusiasts, focusing on authenticity and passion.

• Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encourages innovation, proactive problem-solving, and taking initiative to explore new creative ideas and approaches.

• Determined and Relentless Mindset: Reflects a commitment to overcoming challenges, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The design team actively collaborates with merchandising, product development, and marketing to ensure designs meet commercial and brand objectives. Open communication and feedback loops are vital.

• Process Review Culture: Expect a culture where design processes, creative concepts, and feedback are openly discussed to refine work and foster continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Team members are encouraged to share insights on trends, techniques, and best practices, contributing to a collective growth environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate how their work ethic and collaborative approach align with Fanatics' BOLD Leadership Principles, particularly the emphasis on teamwork, fan focus, and relentless pursuit of goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand/Partner Constraints: A common challenge is translating unique creative concepts into designs that strictly adhere to diverse league, team, and brand guidelines, while also meeting commercial viability.

• Managing Fast-Paced Seasonal Cycles: The sports apparel industry operates on tight seasonal deadlines. Effectively managing multiple projects, revisions, and deadlines simultaneously will be a continuous challenge.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously researching and integrating emerging trends in sports, fashion, and pop culture into designs while maintaining brand integrity requires constant vigilance and adaptability.

• Translating Trends into Commercial Products: The challenge lies in not just identifying trends but effectively translating them into marketable apparel graphics that appeal to a broad fan base.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in apparel embellishment techniques, digital design workflows, and understanding of production processes.

• Industry Events: Potential to attend industry conferences, trade shows, or workshops focused on sports apparel design, graphic design trends, and emerging technologies.

• Mentorship: Access to senior designers and creative leaders for guidance on career development, skill enhancement, and navigating the creative industry.

• Cross-functional Training: Exposure to other departments like merchandising or product development to gain a broader understanding of the business and how design contributes to overall strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have overcome similar challenges in past roles and how they approach continuous learning to stay relevant in the dynamic sports and design industries.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a seasonal apparel collection from concept to final artwork, including how you incorporate trend research and brand guidelines." (Focus on process, research, and adherence to constraints.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are both creatively innovative and commercially viable for a brand like Fanatics, which serves diverse sports properties?" (Focus on balance, market awareness, and fan focus.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with Fanatics' BOLD Leadership Principles, particularly 'Obsessed with Fans' and 'Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit'?" (Research the principles and prepare examples.)

• "What interests you most about working in the sports apparel industry and specifically for Fanatics?" (Show genuine interest and research the company's mission.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the challenge, your approach, your role, the solution, and the impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is clean, well-organized, and visually appealing, reflecting your design skills. Use high-quality mock-ups.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects effectively within a limited timeframe, focusing on the most relevant aspects.

• Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, especially for apparel graphics and embellishments.

• Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for design and sports through your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your design process, understanding of the sports market, ability to collaborate, and alignment with Fanatics’ core values. Your portfolio presentation is your primary opportunity to showcase these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the Fanatics career portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in apparel graphics, sports branding, and advanced use of Adobe Creative Suite. Select portfolio pieces that demonstrate success in similar projects or showcase your ability to adapt to different brand aesthetics.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 4+ years of professional graphic design experience, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities relevant to this role. Use keywords such as "apparel graphics," "licensed sports merchandise," "Adobe Illustrator," "Photoshop," "InDesign," "typography," and "trend research."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss how you embody Fanatics' BOLD Leadership Principles and your passion for sports.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Fanatics, its various business units, its BOLD Leadership Principles, and its current product offerings. Understand their position in the global sports digital platform and their commitment to enhancing the fan experience.

⚠️ 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.