Product Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Graphic Designer Company: Rawlings Sporting Goods Company Inc Location: Thousand Oaks, CA, US (with potential for St. Louis, MO) Job Type: Full Time Category: Product Design & Development Operations Date Posted: 2026-05-12 Experience Level: 3+ Years (Mid-Level) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Holistic Product Execution: This role emphasizes a comprehensive approach to product design, integrating graphic elements, colorways, and branding systems directly into physical product development.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners closely with Design, Product, Development, and Marketing teams to translate innovative concepts into tangible, market-ready products.
• Visual Storytelling & Rendering: Leverages advanced rendering software (KeyShot) and design tools (Adobe Creative Suite) to create high-fidelity product visuals and compelling marketing assets.
• Process Optimization: Contributes to the continuous improvement of graphic and product creation processes within a fast-paced, stage-gate development environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Product Graphic Designer," the description clearly indicates a focus on product execution beyond traditional graphic design. This role is deeply embedded in the product development lifecycle, requiring an understanding of materials, manufacturing, and how design translates to physical goods. The "Operations" aspect comes from managing the process of bringing these designs to life efficiently and effectively.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Graphic & Colorway Development: Design and execute compelling graphics, colorways, and branding systems for a diverse range of sporting goods, including bats, gloves, bags, apparel, protective equipment, and accessories, aligning with brand direction and marketing briefs.
• Product Rendering & Visualization: Produce high-quality, photorealistic renderings using KeyShot and Adobe Creative Suite to support product presentations, sales materials, catalogs, and digital platforms, effectively communicating product intent.
• Technical Documentation: Create detailed tech packs, production-ready files, and other necessary documentation to ensure design integrity from concept through manufacturing.
• Packaging & Marketing Asset Creation: Develop innovative packaging design solutions and contribute to the creation of marketing assets that enhance product launch strategies and brand presence.
• Trend Research & Integration: Conduct thorough research on current and emerging trends in graphics, color, materials, and culture within and outside the sporting goods industry to inform product innovation and design direction.
• Cross-functional Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously within a stage-gate development process, ensuring timely delivery, clear communication, and adherence to cost targets.
• Manufacturing & Material Liaison: Collaborate with Development and external vendors to ensure the feasibility and quality of graphic and color execution, considering materials and manufacturing processes.
• Process Improvement: Actively participate in refining and enhancing graphic and product creation workflows, aiming for greater efficiency and design excellence.
• Product Validation Support: Contribute to product validation processes by supporting mockups and prototype reviews, ensuring design integrity is maintained through production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and pragmatic execution, emphasizing the designer's role in the operational flow of product development. The focus on "feasibility and execution excellence" and "product-first mindset" underscores the need for candidates to understand manufacturing constraints and cost implications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: 3+ years of relevant professional experience in product graphic design or a similar role.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Expertise: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for graphic creation, manipulation, and layout.
• Color Theory & Application: A strong understanding of color theory, sophisticated color application techniques, and the ability to develop compelling colorways for diverse product lines.
• Product Rendering Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to create high-quality, photorealistic product renderings, with strong experience in KeyShot or similar rendering software being highly preferred.
• Technical Documentation Skills: Ability to create clear, detailed, and production-ready tech packs and other design documentation essential for manufacturing.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet strict deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
• Cross-functional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to present ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Detail Orientation: High attention to detail with a critical eye for product execution, quality, and brand consistency.
• Understanding of Manufacturing: Strong comprehension of product development processes, materials, and manufacturing considerations relevant to sporting goods.
• Trend Awareness: Ability to research and integrate current trends in graphics, color, materials, and broader cultural influences into product designs.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D/CAD Software Experience: Familiarity with 3D/CAD software such as SolidWorks is considered a plus.
• Packaging Design Experience: Experience specifically in developing innovative and functional packaging solutions.
• Marketing Asset Creation: Experience in creating visual assets for marketing campaigns and product launches.
• Sports Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the sporting goods industry and its specific design aesthetics and product categories.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both creative software proficiency and an understanding of manufacturing processes indicates a need for a designer who can bridge the gap between concept and production. The "preferred skills" suggest a path for candidates to differentiate themselves by bringing additional technical or industry-specific expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Execution Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 projects demonstrating the full lifecycle of graphic integration onto physical products, from initial concept to final execution.
• Rendering Quality: Include examples of high-fidelity KeyShot renderings that accurately represent product details, materials, and finishes.
• Technical Documentation Samples: Provide examples of clear and comprehensive tech packs or design specification documents created for manufacturing.
• Colorway & Graphic Application: Present diverse examples of graphic designs and color palettes applied across various product categories (e.g., apparel, hard goods, accessories).
• Packaging Design Concepts: If applicable, include examples of innovative packaging solutions that enhance product presentation and functionality.
• Brand System Integration: Demonstrate how graphic elements and colorways align with and strengthen existing brand guidelines.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Visualization: Be prepared to discuss and potentially visualize your personal design process, from brief interpretation to final deliverable, highlighting how you manage stages and feedback.
• Problem-Solving Narratives: For each portfolio piece, articulate specific challenges encountered (e.g., material limitations, manufacturing constraints, tight deadlines) and how you systematically resolved them through design and process adjustments.
• Collaboration Protocols: Be ready to explain how you involve stakeholders (Product, Development, Marketing) throughout your design process to ensure alignment and gather necessary input.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, not just for showcasing creative output but for demonstrating an understanding of the operational aspects of product development. The emphasis on "execution excellence" and "production-ready files" means candidates need to show they can deliver designs that are manufacturable and meet quality standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 USD per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with potential company match.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Employee Discount: Potential for discounts on Rawlings and Easton products.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning and skill enhancement.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard coverage options.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided as specified. Benefits are inferred based on standard offerings for full-time roles at companies of this size and industry, emphasizing those that would be attractive to a design professional. The 40-hour work week is standard, but the "fast-paced" environment suggests flexibility may be required.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods Manufacturing and Retail. Rawlings Sporting Goods Company Inc is a well-established brand with a long history in baseball and softball, known for its high-quality equipment. The company also operates the Easton brand, expanding its reach across various sports.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (The ADP system likely indicates a company with over 1,000 employees). This suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also potential for specialized roles and opportunities for impact.

Founded: Rawlings was founded in 1887, indicating a deep heritage and a strong brand legacy. This implies a culture that respects tradition while also driving innovation to remain competitive.

Team Structure:

• R&D Department: The Product Graphic Designer sits within the R&D (Research & Development) department, working closely with product development and design teams.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Director of Design, indicating a clear line of leadership within the design function.
• Cross-functional Interaction: Works extensively with Product Management, Product Development, Marketing, and potentially external vendors, requiring strong collaboration skills.

Methodology:

• Stage-Gate Development: The role operates within a "fast-paced, stage-gate development environment," which implies a structured product development process with defined milestones and review points.
• Data-Informed Design: While not explicitly stated, a company of this caliber likely uses market data, consumer feedback, and performance analytics to inform design decisions.
• Collaboration & Iteration: The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and product validation suggests an iterative design approach.

Company Website: https://www.rawlings.com/ (and likely https://www.easton.com/ given the mention)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and dual brand presence (Rawlings and Easton) suggest a robust product portfolio and a significant market presence. The "large enterprise" size implies well-defined operational processes, which the Product Graphic Designer must navigate and contribute to improving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Designer (3+ years of experience). It's a contributor role focused on executing specific design tasks within the broader product development operations.

Reporting Structure: The designer reports to a Senior Director of Design, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the design department. Growth opportunities would likely involve advancing to Senior Product Graphic Designer or potentially into a lead design role within a specific product category.

Operations Impact: The Product Graphic Designer's work directly impacts product appeal, marketability, and ultimately sales performance. By ensuring high-quality graphic execution, appropriate colorways, and effective branding, they contribute to the perceived value and consumer desirability of Rawlings and Easton products. Their role in creating marketing assets also directly supports Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific product categories (e.g., performance gloves, batting helmets, specialized apparel) or design disciplines (e.g., advanced rendering, brand system development).
• Process Improvement Leadership: Take on projects to refine and optimize graphic design workflows, tech pack creation, or rendering processes.
• Senior Designer Role: Advance to a Senior Product Graphic Designer position, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and having a greater influence on design strategy.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Potentially transition into related roles within Product Development or Marketing, leveraging a strong understanding of product and brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role leans towards deepening expertise within product design operations rather than a direct management track, at least initially. The emphasis on process improvement and specialized skills offers clear avenues for career advancement within the operations of product creation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, with potential for some domestic and international travel. This suggests a collaborative office environment where designers work alongside product development and marketing teams.

Office Location(s): Thousand Oaks, CA, or St. Louis, MO. Candidates should be prepared to work from one of these locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect an environment that facilitates team collaboration, including design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional meetings.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, KeyShot) and potentially CAD software and 3D printing facilities for prototyping and visualization.
• Product Proximity: Being in an R&D department means designers are likely close to product samples, prototypes, and the teams responsible for their development, fostering a hands-on approach.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the "fast-paced" nature of product development, especially within a "stage-gate development environment," may require flexibility and occasional work beyond standard hours to meet critical deadlines for product launches or marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key here. The environment is likely structured to foster direct collaboration and rapid iteration, essential for physical product design and development operations. Travel is expected, indicating exposure to global markets or manufacturing partners.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, detailing your design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work on product execution. Be prepared to discuss specific projects in depth.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a short design exercise or technical challenge, possibly involving rendering, graphic creation, or problem-solving related to product execution.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with members of the Design, Product Development, and Marketing teams to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Likely with the Senior Director of Design or a higher-level manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your ability to execute graphics and colorways on physical products. Prioritize projects with clear problem statements, detailed process descriptions, and measurable results.
• Highlight Process & Problem-Solving: For each project, walk interviewers through your thought process, the tools you used, the challenges you faced (e.g., manufacturing constraints, material limitations), and how you overcame them.
• Showcase Rendering & Tech Pack Quality: Ensure your renderings are high-resolution and accurately represent materials and finishes. Your tech packs should be clear, concise, and demonstrate an understanding of production requirements.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, articulate the impact of your design work. This could be in terms of improved product appeal, successful product launches, or contribution to sales figures.
• Tailor to Rawlings/Easton: Research Rawlings and Easton's product lines, aesthetic, and brand positioning. Be ready to discuss how your design approach aligns with their brands and target markets.

Challenge Preparation:

• Rendering Speed & Quality: Practice creating realistic renderings under time constraints.
• Graphic Application Scenarios: Be prepared to brainstorm graphic applications for hypothetical product briefs.
• Process Explanation: Clearly articulate your design and development process, emphasizing efficiency and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is heavily weighted towards portfolio review and practical application. Candidates must be ready to demonstrate not just creative talent but also a deep understanding of product development operations and the ability to translate creative vision into manufacturable realities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency is mandatory for Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• KeyShot: Strong experience or expert proficiency is highly preferred for creating photorealistic product renderings.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard proficiency expected for general business communication and documentation (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly for the designer, understanding how their work feeds into sales and marketing analytics (e.g., product appeal, conversion rates for specific graphics/colorways) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core function, but familiarity with project management tools used within the company's operations would be advantageous.

3D/CAD Software (Preferred):

• SolidWorks: Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D modeling software is a plus, indicating a deeper technical understanding of product design and manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design and visualization tools. The emphasis on KeyShot and Adobe Creative Suite, combined with the preference for 3D/CAD, highlights the need for a technically proficient designer who can create high-fidelity visuals and understand product form.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Product Excellence: A commitment to delivering the highest quality products, with a keen eye for detail in every aspect of design execution.
• Innovation: Driving new ideas and approaches in product graphics, color, and overall product experience.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where cross-functional partners work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.
• Efficiency: Streamlining processes and workflows to ensure timely and cost-effective product development.
• Brand Integrity: Upholding and enhancing the strong legacy and brand identity of Rawlings and Easton.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: The role requires close collaboration with Design, Product Development, and Marketing teams, suggesting a proactive and communicative approach to working with internal stakeholders.
• Feedback Integration: A willingness to receive and incorporate feedback from various departments and potentially athletes/consumers to refine designs.
• Process-Driven: Working within a stage-gate system requires adherence to established processes while also contributing to their continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values both creative innovation and rigorous execution. A candidate who can balance artistic vision with practical manufacturing considerations and collaborative teamwork will thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Juggling innovative design ideas with the practical limitations of materials, manufacturing processes, and cost targets.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Inputs: Effectively synthesizing feedback and requirements from diverse teams (Design, Product, Marketing) to create cohesive designs.
• Rapid Development Cycles: Adapting to fast-paced project timelines and the demands of a stage-gate development environment, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Translating 2D Designs to 3D Products: Ensuring graphic and color executions look as intended on physical products, considering form, material, and application methods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Rendering Techniques: Deepening skills in KeyShot or exploring new rendering technologies.
• Material & Manufacturing Insights: Gaining a more profound understanding of the materials and manufacturing processes used in sporting goods.
• Brand System Development: Contributing to or leading the evolution of branding systems across product lines.
• Product Strategy Exposure: Understanding how design decisions influence broader product strategy and market positioning.
• Cross-functional Skill Development: Enhancing collaboration and communication skills through interaction with various departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to product development operations. The growth opportunities focus on deepening technical skills, expanding knowledge of the product lifecycle, and enhancing strategic design thinking.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process Walkthrough: "Describe your typical process for taking a product from a marketing brief to a production-ready graphic design, including how you handle feedback and approvals." (Be prepared to use a portfolio example.)
• Problem-Solving Scenario: "Imagine a new bat graphic you designed cannot be applied to the material due to manufacturing limitations. How would you approach this challenge?" (Focus on iterative solutions, material alternatives, and collaboration.)
• Trend Integration: "How do you stay current with graphic and color trends, and how have you successfully incorporated them into product designs?" (Provide specific examples from your portfolio.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Alignment: "What appeals to you about the Rawlings and Easton brands, and how do you see your design aesthetic fitting within them?" (Research their current product lines and marketing.)
• Collaboration Experience: "Describe a time you had to work closely with a product development or marketing team to bring a design to life. What were the key challenges and how did you ensure success?"
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design work? What metrics do you consider important for product graphics and colorways?" (Think about market reception, sales data, and consumer feedback.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative – the problem, your solution, the process, and the outcome.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation slides are clean, professional, and visually highlight the key aspects of each project.
• Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss the specific software commands, rendering settings, or technical specifications used.
• Conciseness: Stick to the most impactful points. Be mindful of time allocated for your presentation.
• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions thoughtfully and engage in a discussion about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative skill, technical proficiency, and an understanding of the operational aspects of product development. The ability to articulate your process, solve problems, and collaborate effectively will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Follow the link provided to submit your resume and portfolio through the ADP portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and strategically curated to highlight your most relevant product graphic design and rendering work. Tailor your presentation to showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of physical product execution.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, KeyShot, tech pack creation, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description, such as "holistic product execution," "product rendering," and "stage-gate development."
• Interview Preparation: Practice your portfolio presentation, focusing on explaining your design process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss specific projects and how they align with Rawlings and Easton's brand and product offerings.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Rawlings and Easton's product lines, recent marketing campaigns, and company values. Understand their position in the sporting goods market.

⚠️ 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.

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