Interim Product Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interim Product Graphic Designer Company: Callaway Golf Location: Carlsbad, CG - PC, United States of America Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-25T00:00:00 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for defining the aesthetic and brand identity of Callaway Golf's product line through expert graphic design and logo development.
• It requires a deep understanding of translating conceptual designs into tangible, production-ready graphics that align with technical and aesthetic requirements.
• The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Industrial Design and engineering, to ensure seamless integration of graphics throughout the product lifecycle.
• Success in this role hinges on meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently within a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Graphic Designer," the responsibilities lean heavily into the operational execution of design assets for physical products, specifically golf equipment. This suggests a focus on the "operations" of design, ensuring brand consistency and production readiness, rather than pure conceptual or marketing-focused graphic design. The "Interim" nature of the role implies a temporary need, potentially for a specific project or to cover a leave of absence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive logo and graphic packages for Callaway Golf's complete product range, including woods, hybrids, irons, and putters, ensuring brand consistency and aesthetic appeal.
• Collaborate closely with development engineers to meticulously translate design intent from initial concepts to final product graphics, ensuring technical feasibility and production quality.
• Manage the final output of graphic files for production, working in tandem with Industrial Design team members and senior management for approvals and quality assurance.
• Partner with Concept Designers to ensure their creative visions effectively accommodate appropriate logo and graphic treatments, facilitating a cohesive product design process.
• Proactively explore and propose innovative golf club logo design concepts and graphic application methods as an integral part of assigned project teams, contributing to the continuous improvement of product aesthetics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical operational function within the product development lifecycle: the precise execution and management of graphic assets that directly impact product appearance and brand representation. This involves a blend of creative application and rigorous process adherence to ensure manufacturability and quality.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Alternatively, a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience or equivalent training in graphic design, particularly within product development, will be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on product application and branding.
• Previous experience in creating graphics for golf equipment or similar hard goods products is highly preferred, demonstrating an understanding of the industry's aesthetic and technical demands.
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating strong initiative and multitasking capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience in building robust working relationships and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product development, and senior management.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a specific emphasis on Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating and manipulating vector and raster graphics.
• Strong understanding of graphic design principles as applied to both aesthetic appeal and technical production requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, enabling clear articulation of design concepts and collaborative discussions.
• Proven ability to work independently and as a productive member of a high-performing team, contributing to shared goals and project success.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage file assets, project timelines, and approval processes effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in logo design and graphic application specifically within the golf industry.
• Ability to actively participate in design team discussions, offering clear, concise, and constructive recommendations.
• Capacity to creatively modify designs based on both subjective feedback (e.g., aesthetic preferences) and objective feedback (e.g., technical constraints).
• Experience with file preparation for various production methods, including stamping, etching, and printing on diverse materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop, is standard for graphic design roles. However, the requirement to work with "development engineers" and ensure "logo/graphic design intent is carried through into the finished product" points to a need for practical, production-oriented design skills and an understanding of manufacturing processes, which is a key differentiator for product design operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on product-specific applications and branding.
• Demonstrable experience in creating logo and graphic packages for physical products, highlighting the process from concept to final execution.
• Examples illustrating the ability to work with technical specifications and incorporate feedback from engineering or product development teams.
• Case studies or project examples that highlight the integration of graphics into manufacturing processes or final product output.
• Visualizations of how graphic elements were applied across a product line to ensure brand consistency and aesthetic coherence.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow management for design projects, from initial brief to final file delivery for production.
• Documentation or visual representation of how design concepts were iterated and refined based on cross-functional team input.
• Demonstration of file organization and management practices for design assets, ensuring version control and accessibility for production teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a product graphic design role, the portfolio isn't just about visual appeal; it's about demonstrating an understanding of the design-to-production pipeline. The ability to show how graphics are integrated into physical products and how the design process ensures manufacturability is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range is $70,700 - $106,100 USD annually. This range reflects the mid-level experience expected for this role, considering the specialized skills in graphic design applied to product development within the golf industry.
• The specific placement within this range will likely be determined by the candidate's years of relevant experience, portfolio quality, and specific technical proficiency in required software and design applications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan, likely a 401(k) with potential company match.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.
• Employee discounts on Callaway Golf and Topgolf Callaway Brands products and services.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning in design and product innovation.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives, depending on company policy and individual contribution.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week.
• While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and project needs.
• Occasional overtime may be required during peak project periods or to meet critical deadlines for product launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided indicates a mid-level position. The benefits listed are standard for a full-time role at a company of Callaway Golf's size and industry standing. The "Interim" nature might affect benefits eligibility or structure, which should be clarified during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods / Golf Equipment Manufacturing. Callaway Golf is a leader in the premium golf equipment market, known for innovation and performance-driven products. As part of Topgolf Callaway Brands, it operates within a broader "Modern Golf" ecosystem that includes entertainment and lifestyle brands. Company Size: Callaway Golf is part of Topgolf Callaway Brands, a significant player in the golf and active lifestyle industry. The parent company employs thousands worldwide, indicating a large, established organization with robust operational structures. Founded: Callaway Golf was founded in 1982. The company has a long history of innovation and market leadership in golf equipment.

Team Structure:

• The Product Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Industrial Design or Product Development team, which typically comprises Industrial Designers, Graphic Designers, and potentially CAD specialists.
• This team reports up through a Design Manager or Director, likely within Product Development or Marketing.
• Expect close, daily collaboration with Industrial Designers, Product Managers, Engineers, and Marketing teams involved in product creation and launch.

Methodology:

• Callaway Golf emphasizes a data-driven approach to product development, integrating market research, player feedback, and performance testing into their design processes.
• Workflow planning likely involves agile or stage-gate methodologies for product development, ensuring structured progression from concept to production.
• Automation might be utilized in areas like CAD, rendering, and file management, but the core graphic design process relies heavily on creative software and human expertise.

Company Website: https://www.callawaygolf.com/ Topgolf Callaway Brands: https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Callaway's position as a leader and part of a larger lifestyle brand group provides context for the emphasis on innovation, performance, and brand consistency. The "Interim" nature might mean integration into a specific, project-focused team rather than the broader, long-term departmental structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring specialized skills in graphic design applied to product. It bridges the gap between creative conceptualization and the operational execution of design for manufacturing. Reporting Structure: The Product Graphic Designer will likely report to a Senior Manager or Director within the Industrial Design or Product Development department. They will collaborate with peers in Industrial Design and work closely with engineers and product managers. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on product marketability and brand perception. High-quality, consistent graphics are essential for Callaway's premium brand image, influencing customer purchasing decisions and brand loyalty. Efficiently managing graphic assets ensures timely product launches and adherence to production schedules.

Growth Opportunities:

• For an interim role, direct career progression within Callaway might be limited unless the role converts to permanent. However, gaining experience with a leading golf brand and working on high-profile product lines provides significant resume enhancement.
• Skill development opportunities include deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite for hard goods, understanding golf product manufacturing processes, and refining skills in cross-functional collaboration and project management within a product development context.
• Potential for continued freelance or contract work with Callaway or other companies in the sporting goods sector, leveraging the specialized experience gained.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an "Interim Product Graphic Designer," the focus is on delivering specific project outcomes. While long-term career growth within Callaway isn't the primary trajectory, the experience gained is highly valuable for future roles in product design, branding, or operations within the sporting goods or consumer product industries.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Carlsbad, California, a known hub for golf industry companies. The work environment is likely a corporate office setting that may include design studios and collaboration spaces. Office Location(s): Carlsbad, California, USA. Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative design studio environment where designers share ideas and provide feedback.
• Access to necessary design software and hardware (e.g., high-performance workstations, Adobe Creative Suite licenses) will be provided.
• Opportunities for interaction with product development teams, engineers, and marketing professionals, fostering a cross-functional and integrated work experience.
• The environment likely encourages creativity, attention to detail, and a shared passion for golf and product innovation.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours, typically Monday to Friday.
• The "Interim" status might mean a defined contract period, potentially with a set number of hours per week if not a full-time interim role, though the listing specifies "FULL_TIME."

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Carlsbad emphasizes the need for in-person collaboration and access to company resources, which are crucial for a hands-on design role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and relevant experience.
• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Likely an opportunity to present your portfolio, discuss your design process, and explain how your work aligns with Callaway's product aesthetics and technical requirements. Be prepared to walk through specific projects.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: May involve a design challenge or a discussion focused on your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of product graphic application.
• Behavioral/Team Fit Interviews: Discussions with hiring managers and potential team members to assess your collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the design and product development teams.
• Final Interview: Likely with senior management to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in product graphic design, logo development, and application to physical goods. Prioritize golf-related or similar consumer product examples if available.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the tools used, your role, the challenges faced, and the final outcome. Include early concepts, iterations, and how you incorporated feedback.
• Highlight Technical Execution: Demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop by showing how you created scalable vector graphics and prepared files for production. Mention any experience with file formats specific to manufacturing.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If your graphics contributed to product success, sales, or brand recognition, try to quantify this impact. For this role, demonstrating how your graphics met technical requirements and production standards is key.
• Tailor to Callaway: Research Callaway's current product lines and brand aesthetic. Be ready to explain how your design philosophy and skills align with their style and quality standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.
• Emphasize process, creativity, and adherence to any technical constraints provided.
• Be prepared to present your solution clearly and justify your design decisions, referencing Callaway's brand and product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical for this role. It's not just about creative flair but about demonstrating an understanding of how design translates into a physical, marketable product. The "Interim" nature might mean a more focused, skills-based assessment rather than a deep dive into long-term career aspirations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. Specifically, expert-level proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for vector logo creation, typography, and layout, and Adobe Photoshop for raster image editing, manipulation, and mock-ups.
• Adobe InDesign: Potentially used for creating graphic package documentation or style guides.
• 3D Rendering Software (e.g., SolidWorks Visualize, KeyShot, Alias): While not explicitly listed as a requirement for the graphic designer, understanding or having basic familiarity with how graphics are applied to 3D models can be advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• No specific analytics tools are mentioned for this role, as it's focused on creative execution rather than data analysis. However, understanding how graphic performance is measured (e.g., through product sales, customer feedback) can be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities of this graphic design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for design creation and production file output. Any additional familiarity with 3D visualization tools would be a bonus for understanding the product context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to pushing boundaries in product design and technology, as reflected in Callaway's product development.
• Performance: A focus on delivering high-performance products that enhance the golfer's experience.
• Quality: An unwavering standard for product excellence, from materials to aesthetics and functionality.
• Collaboration: An emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional cooperation to achieve shared goals.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical business practices and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with engineers, product managers, and marketing teams.
• Open communication and constructive feedback are likely encouraged to ensure all aspects of product development are aligned.
• Team members are expected to be proactive, share knowledge, and contribute to a positive and productive work atmosphere.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values underscore a dedication to excellence and a team-oriented approach, which is essential for bringing complex products like golf equipment to market successfully.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Ensuring graphic designs are visually appealing while also meeting strict technical specifications and production constraints for golf equipment.
• Brand Consistency Across Diverse Products: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity and graphic language across a wide range of products (woods, irons, putters, accessories) that have different form factors and materials.
• Managing Multiple Project Timelines: Effectively juggling responsibilities for various product lines and development cycles, often with tight deadlines.
• Adapting to New Technologies/Materials: Staying current with evolving manufacturing techniques and materials that might influence graphic application methods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in applying graphic design principles to hard goods and sporting equipment.
• Gain hands-on experience with the product development lifecycle of a leading golf brand.
• Enhance skills in cross-functional communication and collaboration within a corporate product development setting.
• Potentially learn about golf product manufacturing processes and their impact on design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for product design roles but are amplified in the specialized and demanding golf industry. The growth opportunities are more about practical experience and specialized skill development rather than formal internal career advancement for an interim position.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem Solving: "Walk me through a product graphic design project from concept to final production. How did you ensure the design met both aesthetic and technical requirements?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and attention to detail.)
• Collaboration & Teamwork: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with engineers or product managers on a design. How did you handle any disagreements or conflicting feedback?" (Highlight your communication and interpersonal skills.)
• Brand Alignment: "How would you approach designing graphics for a new line of Callaway products to ensure it aligns with our brand identity?" (Show your research and understanding of Callaway's aesthetic.)
• Software Proficiency: "Can you describe your experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for product graphics? What specific features do you rely on most?" (Be ready to discuss specific techniques and workflows.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Callaway Golf and its position in the market?" (Demonstrate your research.)
• "How do you stay updated on design trends, particularly in the sporting goods industry?" (Show your passion and commitment to continuous learning.)
• "What are your expectations for a collaborative design environment?" (Align your expectations with the company's likely culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, start with the objective, your role, the creative process, key design decisions, challenges, and the final outcome.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where you used Illustrator for vector work, Photoshop for refinement, and how you considered production constraints.
• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about file formats, color spaces, resolutions, and print vs. digital application considerations.
• Showcase Adaptability: If you have examples of adapting designs based on feedback or technical limitations, make sure to present them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the design-to-production pipeline, proficiency with core design tools, and the ability to collaborate effectively. For an interim role, showcasing immediate impact and problem-solving skills is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this interim Product Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link. Ensure your resume is up-to-date and highlights relevant design experience.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that clearly showcases your best work in product graphic design, logo development, and application to physical goods. Prioritize projects that demonstrate technical execution and brand consistency.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), product design application, cross-functional collaboration, and experience in fast-paced environments. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate. Prepare answers to common interview questions related to design, teamwork, and brand alignment.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Callaway Golf's current product lines, brand aesthetic, and recent marketing campaigns to demonstrate your understanding and interest.

⚠️ 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.