Junior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Product Designer

Company: WSLicensing, Inc.

Location: Pico Rivera, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Creative & Media

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: Junior (2-3 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the creative development and technical execution of character-based consumer products, primarily plush toys, within the Anirollz & Hakongee brand portfolio.

• The Junior Product Designer will be instrumental in bringing fresh product ideas from conceptualization through to production-ready artwork, requiring a blend of artistic vision and practical design skills.

• Responsibilities span concept ideation, 2D artwork creation, production file preparation, market trend research, and cross-functional collaboration with product development and manufacturing teams.

• The position offers a unique opportunity to grow within the toy and consumer products industry, emphasizing hands-on design work and a deep dive into character brand development and manufacturing considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a "Junior Product Designer," indicating an entry to mid-level position requiring 2-3 years of professional experience. The focus on "plush toys and character-based consumer products" and the brands "Anirollz & Hakongee" provides critical context for tailoring applications. The emphasis on bringing "fresh product ideas" suggests a need for creativity beyond pure execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and creative concepts for new plush toys and character-based consumer products, aligning with brand identity and market trends.

• Generate detailed 2D artwork, concept sketches, color variations, and product mockups, translating creative briefs into tangible design assets.

• Prepare high-quality, vectorized artwork and production-ready files for factory use, ensuring accuracy in design specifications and visual references.

• Conduct thorough research on current trends in toys, plush, character merchandise, and collectibles, applying insights to inform product development while maintaining brand integrity.

• Collaborate closely with product development, marketing, and production teams to ensure designs are feasible for manufacturing and meet quality standards.

• Participate actively in prototype and sample reviews, providing constructive feedback and making necessary design revisions to align with approved concepts.

• Assist in the selection of appropriate materials, fabrics, colors, and finishes, considering both aesthetic appeal and production practicality.

• Manage assigned design tasks efficiently, adhering to project timelines and maintaining organized documentation of artwork, specifications, and project progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative ideation ("Develop creative concepts") and technical execution ("Create professional-quality vectorized product artwork and production files"). The need to "assist with material, fabric, color, and finish selection" and "help ensure designs are practical for production" points to a practical, hands-on approach to product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or BFA in Graphic Design, Product Design, Toy Design, Digital Media, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: 2–3 years of professional experience in Graphic Design, Product Design, Product Development, Toy Production, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating detailed artwork and mockups.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a robust design process, including concept sketches, product designs, mockups, final artwork, or production files.

• Solid understanding of graphic design principles and their application to physical products.

• Experience in product concept development and translating creative ideas into visual designs.

• Proficiency with Google Workspace for documentation, collaboration, and project management.

• Excellent attention to detail, crucial for ensuring accuracy in production files and sample reviews.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and potentially external partners.

• Strong time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.

• Ability to receive and implement feedback effectively, demonstrating adaptability and a collaborative spirit.

• Genuine interest in character brands, toys, plush items, collectibles, and consumer product trends. Preferred Skills:

• Drawing and concept development skills for rapid ideation and visualization.

• Familiarity with the construction and design nuances of plush toys or other soft goods.

• Prior experience communicating technical design details with overseas factories or product development teams.

• Understanding of preparing print-ready or production-ready artwork specifications.

• Experience with project management tools such as ClickUp or similar platforms.

• Basic knowledge of U.S. toy or consumer product safety requirements.

• A demonstrable passion for character design, toys, and collectibles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core design software proficiency (Adobe Suite) and a strong portfolio. The preference for specific industry experience (plush toys, soft goods) and knowledge of manufacturing/safety requirements indicates areas where candidates can stand out. The mention of "character brands, toys, plush, collectibles" is a key indicator of the company's focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a clear design process from initial concept to final artwork.

• Include examples of concept sketches, rough designs, and color variations to demonstrate ideation capabilities.

• Present final vectorized artwork and production-ready files, highlighting attention to detail and technical execution for manufacturing.

• Showcase mockups and product renderings that effectively communicate the final product's appearance and appeal.

• If applicable, include case studies or examples of how feedback and sample reviews influenced design revisions. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in preparing detailed design specifications and visual references for factory use.

• Show evidence of understanding and applying brand direction and creative concepts into product designs.

• Include examples of how market and trend research was integrated into product development strategies.

• Illustrate project coordination skills through organized file management and clear communication of design updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is central to this role. Applicants must clearly articulate their design process, demonstrating not just artistic talent but also the ability to translate that talent into production-ready assets and respond to feedback within a structured product development cycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000–$65,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with profit sharing, eligible after one year of employment, providing long-term financial security and company investment.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, plus life insurance coverage, all eligible after 90 days of employment, ensuring employee well-being.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off (PTO) to support rest and personal commitments.

• Holiday Recognition: Two paid year-end holidays, offering additional time off during the festive season.

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (8.5 hours per day, including a 30-minute break), totaling 40 hours per week, providing a standard professional schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the role and location. The benefits package is detailed, with eligibility periods noted, which is important for candidates to consider. The working hours are clearly defined as a standard 9-to-5:30 schedule, indicating an on-site, structured work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the Consumer Products and Licensing industry, specifically focusing on character-driven merchandise and toys, under brands like Anirollz & Hakongee. This sector requires a strong understanding of consumer trends, brand identity, and market dynamics.

Company Size: WSLicensing, Inc. is likely a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), given the context of a "Junior" role and the direct application process via email. SMEs often offer more direct exposure to various aspects of the business and faster learning curves.

Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, the company's focus on established brands like Anirollz & Hakongee suggests a history in product development and licensing.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Product Designer will join the Anirollz & Hakongee Brand Team, indicating a specialized unit focused on these particular brands.

• This role will report to senior members of the product development and design teams, with close collaboration expected across departments such as marketing, production, and quality assurance.

• The team likely fosters a collaborative environment where designers work closely with product developers to bridge creative concepts and manufacturing realities. Methodology:

• The company's approach to product development appears to be a blend of creative ideation, market-driven research, and practical production considerations.

• Emphasis is placed on translating brand identity into tangible products and ensuring these products meet both consumer expectations and manufacturing feasibility.

• Data-driven insights from trend research and competitor analysis are likely used to inform design decisions, balanced with creative intuition.

Company Website: WSLicensing, Inc. (implied by the domain wslicensing.com, though the application link points to beecrazee.bamboohr.com, suggesting a platform for job postings).

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided by the brands "Anirollz & Hakongee" is crucial. These are character-focused, likely appealing to younger demographics or collectors, and the design work will heavily involve translating these characters into physical forms. The company's operational focus is on bringing licensed or original characters to market through physical products.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior Product Designer role, suitable for individuals with 2-3 years of foundational professional experience. It signifies an entry point into specialized product development within the character merchandise and toy industry. The role involves learning and contributing under guidance, with opportunities to develop core design and production skills.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Product Designer will report to senior members of the product development and design teams within the Anirollz & Hakongee Brand Team. This structure provides mentorship and oversight, allowing for skill development and adherence to established brand and production guidelines.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue operations role, the designer's work directly impacts product viability, market appeal, and ultimately, sales. Successful product designs translate into market-ready items that drive revenue and brand recognition. The ability to create attractive, production-feasible products is critical to the company's commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in plush toy design, soft goods construction, character illustration, and production file preparation. Potential to become a Senior Product Designer or specialize in a particular product category.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain comprehensive understanding of the toy and consumer products industry, including market trends, safety regulations, and manufacturing processes.

• Brand Development: Contribute to the growth and evolution of the Anirollz & Hakongee brands, potentially taking on more creative leadership for specific product lines over time.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Learn about marketing, sales, quality assurance, and international production, broadening professional skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is clearly within product design and brand development for character-based goods. The "operations" aspect is about the process of product creation and bringing it to market, rather than financial or sales operations. The emphasis on "learning and grow within the toy and consumer products industry" points to structured development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an "In-office position" located in Pico Rivera, CA, indicating a traditional, on-site work environment. This setting is typical for roles requiring hands-on collaboration, use of specific software, and interaction with physical product samples.

Office Location(s): Pico Rivera, California. This location in the greater Los Angeles area is a hub for various industries, potentially offering good accessibility for local candidates.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities to interact directly with other designers, product developers, and brand team members. This fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and feedback.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other project management tools will be provided. The environment supports hands-on work with digital design tools.

• The team structure suggests a culture of shared learning and problem-solving, where junior members can observe and participate in discussions regarding design challenges and production issues.

Work Schedule: The schedule is fixed at Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. This provides a predictable work routine, essential for managing design projects and coordinating with global production schedules, while offering a standard professional work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "In-office position" is a critical detail for candidates. The structured schedule and collaborative environment are key aspects of the work setting, designed to facilitate the product development process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume and portfolio to hr@wslicensing.com, Attn: HIRING.

• Portfolio Review: The hiring team will thoroughly review portfolios to assess design skills, creativity, technical proficiency (Adobe Suite), and understanding of the design process. Expect evaluation of concept development, artwork quality, and production file readiness.

• First Interview: Likely a screening call or video interview with HR or a hiring manager to discuss experience, qualifications, interest in character design, and cultural fit.

• Design Challenge/Task: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from their portfolio that demonstrates their approach to a specific design problem relevant to plush toys or character products.

• Second/Final Interview: This may involve meeting with the broader product development and design team, discussing specific projects, and evaluating collaborative potential. Questions will likely delve into problem-solving, trend application, and understanding of manufacturing constraints.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 2-3 strong projects that best represent your skills in concept development, 2D artwork, and production file preparation for physical products.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly outline your thought process, research, ideation stages (sketches, iterations), and how you arrived at the final design.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Ensure examples clearly show proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Include production-ready artwork and specification examples if possible.

• Brand Relevance: If possible, include projects that show an understanding of character design, brand identity, or consumer products akin to toys and collectibles.

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio as a narrative of problem-solving and creative execution. Explain the challenges, your approach, and the outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Allocate time for brainstorming, sketching, and refining your concept before moving to digital execution.

• Be prepared to articulate your design choices, justify your material/color selections, and explain how your design addresses production considerations.

• Practice presenting your work concisely, highlighting key design elements and your process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process clearly emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also explain their methodology and how they've handled feedback and production realities in past projects. The "Attn: HIRING" instruction is specific and should be followed.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector artwork, logos, and production-ready files for printing and manufacturing. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for concept sketching, mood boards, color studies, photo manipulation, and mockups.

• Google Workspace: Includes applications like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, used for documentation, specification writing, project tracking, and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a core analytics role, understanding how design choices impact market reception and sales would be beneficial. Familiarity with tools that track product performance or consumer feedback could be an advantage, though not explicitly required.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role. However, experience with project management tools is preferred.

Project Management (Preferred):

• ClickUp (or similar): Experience with project management platforms is preferred for task management, deadline tracking, and collaborative workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the Adobe Creative Suite. Proficiency here is non-negotiable. Google Workspace is standard for business operations, and familiarity with project management tools like ClickUp is a plus for efficient workflow management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to bring fresh ideas and unique product concepts to the table, pushing creative boundaries within the brand's identity.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with cross-functional teams (product development, marketing, production) to achieve shared goals. Openness to feedback and shared problem-solving.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in design execution, artwork preparation, and sample review to ensure high-quality, accurate products.

• Brand Stewardship: A commitment to understanding and upholding the Anirollz & Hakongee brand identity in all design outputs.

• Growth & Learning: An eagerness to learn about the toy and consumer products industry, manufacturing processes, and new design trends.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a blended approach: structured processes for production readiness and creative brainstorming sessions for ideation.

• Expect a culture where feedback is regularly exchanged, and designers are encouraged to contribute ideas and solutions.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, meaning communication will extend beyond the immediate design team to ensure alignment with business objectives and manufacturing constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align with a creative, collaborative, and detail-oriented environment typical of design-focused teams in the consumer product sector. The emphasis on "fresh product ideas" alongside "brand identity" suggests a balance between innovation and brand consistency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Developing designs that are both innovative and feasible for mass production within cost and material limitations.

• Translating 2D Characters to 3D Products: Effectively capturing the essence and appeal of 2D characters in physical plush toys and other merchandise.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously researching and integrating current market trends in toys and collectibles while maintaining brand uniqueness.

• Managing Feedback Loops: Effectively incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders (design leads, product developers, marketing) into revisions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Immersion: Deep dive into the toy and consumer products industry, understanding manufacturing processes, safety standards, and market dynamics.

• Specialized Design Skills: Hone expertise in soft goods design, character illustration, and technical artwork preparation for factories.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Learn about product development pipelines, marketing strategies, and quality assurance processes.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced product designers and brand managers within the Anirollz & Hakongee team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to product design roles in the toy industry, requiring adaptability and problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are focused on deepening industry-specific knowledge and design expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach developing new product concepts for character-based merchandise?" (Prepare to discuss your ideation process, inspiration sources, and how you translate brand elements into product ideas.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive feedback on a design and how you incorporated it into your final work." (Focus on your ability to accept criticism, iterate, and improve your designs.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are practical for manufacturing, especially for plush toys or soft goods?" (Discuss your understanding of materials, construction, and collaboration with production teams.)

• "What are your favorite current trends in the toy or collectible market, and how might they apply to the Anirollz & Hakongee brands?" (Showcase your market awareness and creative application of trends.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with character brands like Anirollz & Hakongee specifically?" (Express enthusiasm for the specific brands and the type of products they represent.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with teams outside of design, such as product development or marketing?" (Highlight your communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.)

• "What do you see as the key responsibilities of a Junior Product Designer in our industry?" (Demonstrate you understand the role's blend of creativity and technical execution.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically. Clearly label each project with its title, your role, and the duration.

• Narrative: For each selected project, tell a story: the problem/brief, your creative process (sketches, research, iterations), the tools used, the final solution, and any outcomes or lessons learned.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images and clear layouts. Ensure your production artwork examples are sharp and well-organized.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a given timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills, and how you handle challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily feature showcasing the portfolio and discussing the design process. Be ready to talk about specific brands, trends, and the practicalities of toy manufacturing.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Product Designer position:

• Submit Resume and Portfolio: Send your resume and a curated portfolio to hr@wslicensing.com with the subject line "Attn: HIRING."

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio specifically highlights projects demonstrating concept development, 2D artwork creation, proficiency in Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, and ideally, experience with character-based products or soft goods.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 2-3 years of relevant professional experience, core design skills, and any experience related to toys, plush, or character merchandise. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio projects, and answering questions about market trends and production feasibility. Prepare to discuss your interest in WSLicensing, Inc. and the Anirollz & Hakongee brands.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with WSLicensing, Inc., the Anirollz & Hakongee brands, and the general landscape of the character merchandise and toy industry. Understand their product aesthetic and target audience.

⚠️ 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.