Marketing Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marketing Designer

Company: The Upper Deck Company

Location: Carlsbad, CA, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: 3+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of exceptional marketing and business-related designs, focusing on supporting and enhancing trading cards and collectible products.

• Collaborate closely with the Marketing Team to conceptualize and execute unique promotional designs for events, announcements, and product launches.

• Develop comprehensive campaign assets across a diverse range of media, including print collateral, digital platforms, social media, broadcast, connected TV, and out-of-home advertising.

• Ensure all design outputs adhere to established company design tenets and brand guidelines, maintaining consistency and quality across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a small design team, suggesting a high degree of individual contribution and cross-functional collaboration. The focus on trading cards and collectibles indicates a niche market requiring a specific aesthetic understanding and the ability to translate product features into compelling visual narratives. As a Marketing Designer, the role bridges creative execution with strategic marketing objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute marketing campaign designs, ensuring alignment with specific strategies, messaging, and visual content objectives.

• Create compelling design solutions for marketing activities, trading cards, collectibles, and solicitation materials, adhering to established company design tenets.

• Present well-reasoned design recommendations based on category insights, consumer understanding, and manufacturing considerations.

• Produce print-ready files for various collateral, including handouts, giveaways, and trade show banners, with meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and quality.

• Design and adapt campaign assets for diverse placements such as mobile, desktop, and billboards, ensuring responsive and platform-appropriate visual communication.

• Manage project timelines effectively, demonstrating strong time management skills to ensure all design deliverables are met.

• Communicate proactively with managers to maintain project schedules and provide timely updates on design progress.

• Participate actively in departmental and cross-functional meetings, effectively presenting new design concepts and solutions.

• Stay abreast of contemporary design trends and advancements in print and digital production technology to inform creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility in design execution, from conceptualization to final production. The emphasis on print-ready files and adapting designs for various placements (mobile vs. desktop vs. billboard) indicates a requirement for technical proficiency in pre-press and digital asset optimization. The role also requires strong communication and project management skills to ensure smooth collaboration and timely delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related field is preferred.

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to deliver professional design solutions and recommendations from concept through production.

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator capabilities.

• Demonstrated experience in designing responsive layouts that adapt effectively for different placements (e.g., mobile, desktop, billboard).

• Ability to produce print-ready files with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Strong organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration and flexibility in adapting to changing schedules and diverse viewpoints.

• Effective oral and written communication skills for clear articulation of design concepts and project updates.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing for trading cards and collectible products.

• Familiarity with contemporary design trends and emerging print/digital production technologies.

• Experience in developing campaign assets for broadcast, connected TV, and out-of-home advertising.

• Ability to interface with internal department employees at all levels, showcasing strong teamwork.

• Capacity to perform duties under minimal supervision, exercising discretion and independent judgment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of creative talent and practical execution skills. Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is critical. The role also demands strong project management, communication, and adaptability, suggesting that candidates should be prepared to showcase examples of managing multiple projects and collaborating effectively with various stakeholders in their portfolio.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of marketing and business-related design projects, highlighting conceptual thinking and execution.

• Include examples of designs specifically for trading cards, collectibles, or similar niche products, demonstrating an understanding of the target audience and market.

• Present case studies of marketing campaigns where your design contributions led to measurable outcomes or supported strategic objectives.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating assets for both print and digital platforms, with clear examples of responsive design applications.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of your design process, from initial brief and concept development to final production-ready files.

• Illustrate how you adapt designs for different media and placements, detailing your approach to responsive design.

• Showcase your workflow for managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and communicating progress with stakeholders.

• Include examples of how you incorporate feedback from marketing teams and other stakeholders into your design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will serve as the primary evidence of a candidate's design capabilities and process. Emphasis should be placed on showcasing versatility across different media and the ability to translate marketing objectives into compelling visual solutions. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the design process, from concept to execution and production, will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The hourly rate for this position is estimated to be between $26.00 and $29.00 USD.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status typically includes a comprehensive benefits package.

• Potential benefits may include health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k)) may be offered.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent attendance at the Carlsbad, CA office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is hourly, typical for some full-time positions, and falls within a moderate to upper-moderate range for a Marketing Designer role in a high cost-of-living area like Carlsbad, CA. Benefits are inferred based on standard full-time employment practices in the US. Applicants should confirm the exact benefits package and any specific stipulations regarding working hours and flexibility directly with The Upper Deck Company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Upper Deck Company operates within the Sports and Entertainment collectibles industry, specifically focusing on trading cards and related memorabilia. This industry demands a keen understanding of fan bases, athlete legacies, and the aesthetic appeal that resonates with collectors.

Company Size: With a presence indicated by ADP recruitment, The Upper Deck Company is likely a medium to large enterprise, suggesting a structured corporate environment with established marketing and design departments. This implies opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and potential for career growth within a larger organization.

Founded: Founded in 1988, The Upper Deck Company has a long-standing history in the collectibles market. This longevity indicates a stable company with deep roots in its industry, likely possessing a strong brand identity and established operational processes.

Team Structure:

• The design team is described as "small," suggesting a close-knit unit where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

• Collaboration with the Marketing Team is a key aspect, indicating a need for strong communication and alignment between creative and strategic functions.

Methodology:

• Design solutions are expected to be based on category, consumer, and manufacturing insights, pointing to a data-informed and strategic approach to creative work.

• The process involves developing and executing marketing campaigns, requiring an understanding of campaign objectives and visual storytelling.

• Emphasis is placed on delivering print-ready files with accuracy, indicating a rigorous quality control process for all outputs.

Company Website: https://www.upperdeck.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on sports and entertainment collectibles suggests a dynamic and potentially passionate work environment. The "small design team" context implies a need for adaptability and a willingness to contribute across various design tasks. Understanding the company's history and market position will be beneficial for candidates to align their design approach with the brand's established identity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Marketing Designer role is mid-level, requiring 3+ years of experience. It signifies a professional capable of independent execution and contributing to campaign strategy through design. The role is crucial in translating marketing objectives into tangible visual assets that drive engagement and sales within a specialized collectibles market.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a manager within the design or marketing department. Close collaboration with the Marketing Team is a key aspect, suggesting that the designer will work closely with marketing professionals to understand campaign goals and consumer insights.

Operations Impact: The Marketing Designer's impact is direct and measurable through the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. High-quality, strategically aligned designs contribute to brand perception, product appeal, and ultimately, sales performance for trading cards and collectibles. The designer's work influences how products are presented to consumers across all marketing channels.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas of marketing design, such as digital campaign asset creation, print production for collectibles, or branding for niche markets.

• Team Leadership: As a member of a small team, there's potential for increased responsibility, project lead roles, or even mentorship of junior designers as the team evolves.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Opportunities to move into broader marketing roles or product development, leveraging design expertise to inform strategy and product conceptualization within the collectibles industry.

• Industry Expertise: Gaining specialized knowledge in the sports and entertainment collectibles market can lead to unique career paths within the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is focused on design execution, its integration with marketing campaigns and product development offers pathways for growth. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their design skills can contribute to business objectives and how they envision their career evolving within a company like The Upper Deck Company, which operates in a specialized market.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Carlsbad, CA, suggesting a traditional office environment. As part of a small design team, the workspace likely fosters close collaboration and communication among team members.

Office Location(s): Carlsbad, CA, offers a vibrant Southern California location known for its business environment and lifestyle. Proximity to major transportation routes and local amenities would be typical for a corporate office in this region.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace is implied, facilitating seamless interaction with the marketing team and other internal departments.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware (Adobe Creative Suite, workstations) is expected.

• The environment is likely fast-paced, given the nature of marketing campaigns and product launches within the collectibles industry.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected.

• The on-site requirement necessitates a predictable daily presence in the office, allowing for immediate collaboration and participation in team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in Carlsbad, CA, suggests a traditional work setting. Candidates should consider the benefits of a collaborative office environment for creative roles, including direct interaction with colleagues and immediate access to resources. The fast-paced nature of marketing campaigns means flexibility and dedication to meeting deadlines will be important aspects of the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or video call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest in the role and company.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: This is a critical stage where candidates will present their portfolio, showcasing relevant design projects. Expect detailed questions about design choices, process, problem-solving, and technical skills (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite proficiency).

• Cross-functional/Manager Interview: An interview with the hiring manager and potentially key marketing team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of marketing objectives.

• Final Interview (Potentially): A final discussion to confirm fit and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best align with the requirements: marketing campaigns, print-ready collateral, digital assets, and ideally, work related to collectibles or sports/entertainment.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you were solving, your design process (concept, ideation, execution), the tools used, and the final outcome. Use visual aids for each step.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "Design contributed to a 15% increase in engagement on social media"). If direct metrics are unavailable, explain the strategic rationale behind your design choices and how they were intended to achieve marketing goals.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and how you approach print production and responsive design.

• Tailor to Upper Deck: Research The Upper Deck Company's current marketing and product offerings. If possible, include a speculative piece or discuss how your skills would apply to their specific market.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge, which might involve creating a concept for a trading card promotion or a social media ad.

• Practice explaining your design thinking concisely and clearly, focusing on how your solution meets marketing objectives.

• Prepare to articulate how you manage time, prioritize tasks, and incorporate feedback, especially within a small team setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review will be paramount. Candidates should meticulously prepare to walk through their work, emphasizing not just aesthetic quality but also strategic thinking, process, and technical execution relevant to marketing and production. Understanding The Upper Deck Company's brand and target audience will be crucial for tailoring the portfolio and interview responses.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential, with specific emphasis on:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For raster image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, illustration, and layout creation.

• Adobe InDesign: Likely used for layout and print production of collateral (handouts, banners, etc.).

• Adobe Acrobat Pro: For managing and preparing print-ready files, including pre-flight checks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, understanding how design impacts marketing metrics may involve familiarity with:
  • Web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user behavior on web assets.

CRM & Automation:

• Generally not directly used by designers, but awareness of how marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) utilize design assets may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator, is non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their mastery of these tools and discuss their workflow for creating both print and digital assets. Familiarity with InDesign for layout purposes would also be highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce visually compelling and original designs that capture attention in the collectibles market.

• Accuracy & Quality: A commitment to meticulous detail in all design outputs, especially for print production, ensuring brand consistency and professionalism.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with marketing teams and other stakeholders, actively contributing ideas and incorporating feedback.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: An ability to manage workload effectively, meet deadlines, and adapt to fast-paced campaign cycles.

• Brand Adherence: Respect for and ability to work within established company design tenets and brand guidelines.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close working relationships with the Marketing Team to understand campaign objectives and translate them into design solutions.

• Feedback-Oriented: An open approach to receiving and incorporating constructive criticism from managers and peers to refine designs.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating stakeholders on project status, potential challenges, and design progress.

• Shared Vision: Contributing to a collective understanding of marketing goals and how design supports them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values creativity that is grounded in strategic marketing objectives. A collaborative spirit and a commitment to quality and timeliness are essential for success in a fast-paced marketing environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss instances where they have successfully collaborated with non-design teams and incorporated feedback into their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating unique design ideas within the established brand guidelines and marketing objectives of The Upper Deck Company.

• Adapting to Diverse Media Demands: Creating assets that are optimized and effective across a wide range of platforms, from print banners to social media ads and potentially video.

• Managing Multiple Projects Under Tight Deadlines: Juggling various design requests for different marketing initiatives, ensuring timely delivery without compromising quality.

• Staying Current with Design Trends: Continuously evolving design skills and aesthetic sensibilities to remain relevant in a dynamic market, while catering to the specific tastes of trading card and collectible enthusiasts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design tools and technologies.

• Industry-Specific Design Workshops: Learning about design best practices within the collectibles, sports, or entertainment industries.

• Marketing Strategy Exposure: Gaining a deeper understanding of marketing campaign planning and how design contributes to overall success.

• Portfolio Enhancement Projects: Opportunities to work on high-impact projects that can significantly bolster a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach challenges related to balancing creative freedom with brand requirements and tight deadlines. The growth opportunities suggest a company that supports professional development, which is a positive aspect for ambitious designers looking to advance their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing marketing campaign visuals, from brief to final asset." (Focus on your workflow, ideation, and how you incorporate marketing objectives.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are effective across different platforms, such as print, web, and social media?" (Discuss responsive design principles, asset optimization, and understanding platform nuances.)

• "Walk us through a challenging project where you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines." (Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to compromise effectively.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Upper Deck Company and our specific market of trading cards and collectibles?" (Demonstrate research into the company and its products.)

• "How would you describe your ideal collaborative environment, especially within a small design team?" (Align your expectations with the described team structure.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your most relevant work first.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the client/objective, your role, the problem, your solution (design process), and the outcome/impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and clear visuals. For print pieces, show them in context (e.g., a banner at a trade show).

• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the software used, file formats, and any specific production considerations.

• Conciseness: Practice presenting your work efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time while conveying all essential information.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of marketing design principles, technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, and an ability to collaborate effectively. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process and the strategic thinking behind their creative choices, tailored to The Upper Deck Company's specific market.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Marketing Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP recruitment link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your design portfolio to prominently feature marketing campaign examples, print production readiness, and digital asset creation. Prioritize work that demonstrates versatility across different media and, if possible, any experience related to collectibles or sports/entertainment.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 3+ years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and any relevant achievements in marketing campaign support or print production. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you collaborate with marketing teams. Prepare to present your portfolio with a clear narrative for each project, focusing on strategy, execution, and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Upper Deck Company, their product lines (trading cards, collectibles), and their current marketing efforts. Understand their brand aesthetic and target audience to better tailor your responses and showcase your suitability for their specific market.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Upper Deck Company hiring organization before making application decisions.