SEASONAL - Graphic Designer & Illustrator

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SEASONAL - Graphic Designer & Illustrator

Company: Unrivaled Basketball

Location: Miami, FL - Remote

Job Type: Seasonal/Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Sports Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-09-04

Experience Level: 3-7+ years professional experience

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating high-volume, high-quality graphics and original illustrations for a professional women's 3v3 basketball league, Unrivaled Basketball, across social media platforms and other marketing channels.

• The Graphic Designer & Illustrator will be instrumental in defining and executing the league's visual identity, from real-time game-day graphics to campaign-level artwork and physical installations.

• The position requires a blend of rapid execution for live events and original creative development, translating sports culture and player personalities into compelling visual narratives.

• This is a seasonal, remote position expected to run from late September 2026 through mid-March 2027, demanding flexibility and adaptability within a fast-paced sports and entertainment environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a seasonal engagement, which is crucial for candidates to understand. The focus on "real-time sports graphics" and "working quickly during live events" indicates a need for agility and experience in fast-paced creative environments, common in sports marketing operations. The emphasis on both executing within an established brand and creating original work suggests a need for versatility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute high-volume, high-quality graphics for Unrivaled's social media platforms, including game-day assets, player statistics, standings, and breaking news.

• Develop original illustrations of players, teams, and league stories, translating personalities and basketball culture into distinctive visual concepts.

• Create key art and visual assets for major league campaigns, including player announcements, schedules, ticketing, tune-in promotions, playoffs, and special events.

• Collaborate with Marketing, Content, and Brand Partnerships teams to translate strategic ideas into strong visual concepts and integrate sponsor brands creatively.

• Design graphics for arena environments, including video boards, LED displays, signage, and fan experiences, ensuring artwork translates effectively into physical spaces.

• Build adaptable graphic templates and design systems that allow for rapid execution while maintaining brand consistency across various platforms and touchpoints.

• Support the evolution of Unrivaled's visual identity, ensuring consistency across all organizational outputs.

• Create player-focused artwork that resonates with athletes and encourages sharing on their personal platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: rapid, template-driven graphics for real-time social media engagement and original, campaign-driven illustration work. The mention of "design systems and templates that can scale across a fast-growing organization" points to an operations-minded approach to creative production, aiming for efficiency and consistency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is highly recommended.

Experience: 3-7+ years of professional experience in graphic design and illustration, with a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality creative work.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in graphic design and illustration, as evidenced by a strong professional portfolio.

• Significant experience creating visually relevant creative for sports, entertainment, fashion, music, gaming, or culturally significant content.

• Mastery of typography, composition, color theory, photography principles, and visual hierarchy.

• Demonstrated ability to create original illustrations, not solely manipulate existing assets or photography.

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Strong understanding of social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube) and their evolving formats.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to creative craft. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion design software, such as After Effects, is a significant plus.

• Familiarity with 3D design or animation software.

• Experience with AI-assisted creative tools, particularly for accelerating ideation and production, is a plus.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure during live sports events.

• Comfort and skill in receiving creative direction while also contributing original ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "3-7+ years" suggests this role is mid-level, requiring a solid foundation and independent execution capabilities. The preference for motion design and AI tools indicates the company is looking for designers who are forward-thinking and adaptable to new technologies in the creative production workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive professional portfolio showcasing exceptional graphic design and illustration skills is mandatory.

• Portfolio should include examples of work created for sports, entertainment, fashion, music, gaming, or culturally relevant content.

• Demonstrate proficiency in typography, composition, and visual hierarchy through diverse project examples.

• Include original illustration work that highlights artistic point of view and conceptual thinking.

• Showcase experience with rapid, real-time graphic creation for social media and live events. Process Documentation:

• Examples demonstrating the ability to build adaptable templates and design systems for scalable creative production.

• Case studies or project examples illustrating how the candidate has translated strategic ideas into strong visual concepts for campaigns or marketing initiatives.

• Visuals that show the ability to adapt creative across different mediums, from social media to physical installations (e.g., apparel, posters, arena signage).

• Demonstrations of how creative solutions were developed to integrate partner brands without compromising brand authenticity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "professional portfolio demonstrating exceptional graphic design and illustration skills" is paramount. Candidates must curate their portfolio to specifically address the varied responsibilities outlined, including real-time social graphics, original illustrations, campaign artwork, and experience with sports/entertainment branding. The mention of "design systems and templates" implies a need to showcase an understanding of scalable creative operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the seasonal nature, remote work, and experience level (3-7+ years), a competitive hourly rate or project-based compensation is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for freelance/seasonal graphic design and illustration roles in major US markets with a strong sports/entertainment focus, the estimated range is $40 - $70 per hour, depending on demonstrated skills, experience, and specific project scope.

Benefits:

• As a seasonal/temporary role, standard full-time benefits may not apply.

• Potential for contract extension or future seasonal engagements based on performance and league needs.

• Opportunity to gain significant experience and build a strong portfolio within the professional sports industry.

• Remote work flexibility, allowing for work from any location.

• Exposure to high-profile professional sports league branding and marketing initiatives.

Working Hours: The role is expected to require 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak periods, especially during live events and major campaign launches. The exact schedule may vary and require flexibility to accommodate real-time sporting events and global player interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on the provided experience level, location (Miami, FL, with remote flexibility), and the nature of the role as seasonal/temporary within the sports industry. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, portfolio strength, and negotiation. Benefits are typically limited for seasonal roles, so the focus is on other aspects like experience and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Sports (Basketball), Entertainment, Digital Media. Unrivaled Basketball operates at the intersection of elite athletic competition and modern media engagement, aiming to elevate women's basketball to new heights.

Company Size: While specific numbers are not provided, the description implies a lean, dynamic organization focused on launching and growing a professional league, likely with a core team and a network of specialized contractors or seasonal hires.

Founded: The league is positioned as a premier professional women's 3v3 basketball league, suggesting a relatively new or recently established entity focused on innovation and growth.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer & Illustrator will likely report to a Creative Director or Marketing Manager, working closely with the Marketing and Content teams.

• Collaboration will be cross-functional, involving partnerships with Brand Partnerships, Social Media teams, and potentially league operations for event-specific creative needs.

• The team is likely composed of individuals passionate about sports, creativity, and building a groundbreaking league, fostering a fast-paced and collaborative environment. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven creative, where social media performance and campaign engagement inform future design decisions.

• Agile and iterative approach to creative development, especially for real-time graphics and adapting to emerging storylines.

• Focus on scalable design systems and templates to ensure brand consistency and efficiency across a growing organization.

• Strong emphasis on translating strategic objectives into visually compelling creative assets that resonate with target audiences.

Company Website: http://unrivaled.basketball/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests a startup-like environment within the established professional sports industry. This means candidates should expect a fast-paced, potentially less structured, but highly impactful role where their contributions directly shape the brand's visual identity and fan experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer & Illustrator. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and creative experience (3-7+ years) and the ability to work independently on defined projects while also contributing original ideas. The focus is on execution and creative problem-solving within established brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer & Illustrator will likely report to a senior member of the Creative or Marketing team (e.g., Creative Director, Art Director, or Marketing Manager). They will collaborate closely with content creators, social media managers, and partnership managers.

Operations Impact: The visual output of this role directly impacts Unrivaled Basketball's brand perception, fan engagement, sponsorship value, and overall market presence. High-quality, consistent, and innovative creative assets are crucial for attracting audiences, players, and partners, thus influencing revenue generation and league growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in sports graphics, live event design, and potentially motion graphics or 3D if preferred.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Significant opportunity to build a robust portfolio with high-profile work in professional sports, which can be a valuable asset for future career opportunities.

• Networking: Exposure to professionals in sports marketing, content creation, and league operations, offering networking potential.

• Future Engagements: Strong performance could lead to opportunities for contract extensions or future seasonal roles within Unrivaled Basketball or its affiliated entities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a seasonal role, the "growth opportunities" focus on skill enhancement and portfolio building, which are crucial for career progression in the creative field, especially within the competitive sports and entertainment industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, offering significant flexibility in terms of work location.

Office Location(s): While the job is listed with "Miami, FL - Remote," the remote nature means candidates are not required to be based in Miami. However, candidates should be aware of the primary market and time zone (America/New York) for potential collaboration and live event scheduling.

Workspace Context:

• Candidates will need to provide their own suitable home office setup, including a reliable internet connection, computer, and necessary software.

• The work environment will be digitally collaborative, requiring strong communication skills via platforms like Slack, email, and video conferencing tools.

• Expect a fast-paced, dynamic environment where quick turnaround times and adaptability are key.

• The role involves working with a distributed team, necessitating proactive communication and self-management.

Work Schedule: The standard expectation is 40 hours per week. However, due to the nature of live sports, there will be a requirement for flexibility. This may include working evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during game days, major announcements, or special events. The ability to adapt to real-time needs is critical.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status and specific location mention ("Miami, FL - Remote") indicate that while the company is based in or associated with Miami, the role is not tied to a physical office. Candidates should be prepared for a fully digital collaboration environment and the demands of a sports league's schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess fundamental skills and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, potentially followed by a specific creative challenge designed to evaluate skills in real-time graphics, illustration, and brand interpretation relevant to Unrivaled Basketball.

• Interviews: One or more interviews with the hiring manager and potentially other team members to assess creative direction, collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates will be expected to discuss their portfolio and approach to specific design challenges.

• Final Decision: Offer extended to the selected candidate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select pieces that directly align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description – sports graphics, social media content, original illustrations, campaign key art, and adaptable templates.

• Showcase Versatility: Include a range of work demonstrating both rapid execution for live events and original, conceptual illustration.

• Highlight Impact: Where possible, include metrics or context on how your designs contributed to campaign success or audience engagement.

• Contextualize Work: Be prepared to discuss your design process, creative rationale, and how you translated client briefs or strategic goals into visual outcomes.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Show examples of how you've worked within or adapted to established brand systems, and how you can bring a unique point of view while maintaining brand integrity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Unrivaled Basketball's current visual identity, target audience, and brand messaging.

• Anticipate Needs: Consider the types of graphics and illustrations commonly seen in professional sports leagues, especially for social media and fan engagement.

• Practice Speed: If a live design challenge is expected, practice creating graphics quickly under timed conditions.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your approach to solving a design problem, from initial concept to final execution, focusing on efficiency and creativity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional graphic design and illustration skills" means the portfolio review is a critical gate. Candidates should prepare to present their work with context and discuss their creative process, especially how they handle speed and originality.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expertise in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is explicitly required. These are the core tools for graphic design and illustration production.

• Adobe After Effects: Experience with motion design software is a significant plus, indicating a need for candidates who can create animated graphics, social media video snippets, or dynamic visual elements.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct requirement for this design role, understanding how designs perform on social media is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics for social platforms (e.g., engagement rates, reach) can inform design choices.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this creative role, but understanding how marketing campaigns are managed and deployed could provide context for campaign artwork requests.

Other Potential Tools (Preferred):

• 3D Design Software: Familiarity with tools like Blender, Cinema 4D, or similar for creating 3D assets.

• AI-Assisted Creative Tools: Experience with tools like Midjourney, DALL-E, or Adobe Firefly, particularly in how they can enhance ideation and production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is non-negotiable. The "significant plus" for After Effects and the mention of AI tools suggest the company values modern, efficient, and potentially cutting-edge creative production capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to high-quality design and illustration, attention to detail, and a polished final product.

• Speed & Agility: The ability to work quickly and adapt to changing needs, especially in a live sports environment.

• Creativity & Originality: Valuing unique visual concepts and artistic expression that translate into compelling storytelling.

• Collaboration & Communication: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, receiving feedback constructively, and contributing ideas openly.

• Brand Stewardship: Upholding and evolving the Unrivaled Basketball brand identity with consistency and integrity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with marketing, content, and partnerships teams to ensure creative aligns with strategic goals and partnership requirements.

• Feedback Loops: Openness to receiving and incorporating creative direction and feedback from stakeholders.

• Agile Workflow: Embracing a dynamic workflow that allows for rapid iteration and quick turnaround times, especially during live events.

• Shared Vision: Contributing to a unified brand vision through consistent and impactful visual communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely mirrors that of a growing sports media organization: fast-paced, creative, and collaborative. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in such an environment and value both individual creative contribution and team-oriented execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume, Fast Turnaround: The primary challenge will be producing a large quantity of high-quality graphics on tight deadlines, especially during live events.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Originality: Effectively executing within an established brand system while also creating fresh, original illustrations and campaign concepts.

• Translating Complex Ideas into Visuals: Developing clear and impactful visual narratives for diverse content, from player stories to partnership activations.

• Adapting to Evolving Social Media Trends: Staying current with the latest social media formats and visual trends to ensure content remains engaging and relevant.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining seamless communication and workflow with a distributed team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sports Marketing Immersion: Gaining hands-on experience within the professional sports industry, understanding its unique creative demands.

• Portfolio Expansion: Adding impactful work for a professional sports league to one's portfolio, potentially including motion graphics or AI-assisted design.

• Brand Development: Contributing to the visual identity of a new and growing professional sports league.

• Skill Refinement: Honing skills in rapid design execution, live event graphics, and versatile illustration styles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the dynamic nature of sports media and live events. The growth opportunities emphasize practical, portfolio-building experience within a specific, high-visibility industry niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating real-time graphics during a live sports event. How do you balance speed with quality?" (Focus on workflow, template usage, and decision-making under pressure).

• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio where you had to create original illustrations to tell a story or convey a specific message. What was your concept and execution?" (Highlight creative process, artistic rationale, and storytelling ability).

• "How would you approach designing a visual identity for a new player announcement campaign that needs to feel both unique to the player and consistent with the Unrivaled Basketball brand?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand extension and player personality translation). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about the opportunity to work with Unrivaled Basketball and the sport of women's basketball?" (Show genuine interest and passion for the league and sport).

• "Describe your experience working remotely. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with a distributed team?" (Address remote work best practices and communication strategies).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends, social media formats, and AI tools in the creative industry?" (Show proactive learning and industry awareness). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each piece, explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, and the outcome.

• Highlight Versatility: Showcase examples of both rapid, template-based work and more complex, original illustration or campaign art.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used.

• Contextualize for Unrivaled: Frame your work in terms of how it aligns with Unrivaled Basketball's needs and brand. For example, "This template system I developed could be adapted for your game-day stats," or "This illustration style could be used for player features."

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving approach, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and operational efficiency. Candidates need to articulate their design process, showcase their ability to adapt to a fast-paced sports environment, and clearly communicate how their skills meet the specific needs of Unrivaled Basketball.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this seasonal Graphic Designer & Illustrator position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on unrivaled.basketball/careers.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight experience in sports, entertainment, fashion, or culturally relevant creative work, and emphasize proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and relevant illustration/design skills. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link) and prominently features work relevant to social media graphics, live event design, original illustration, and brand campaigns. Organize it logically and be prepared to walk through key pieces during an interview.

• Prepare for a Creative Challenge: Be ready for a design exercise that may test your ability to create graphics quickly under pressure or develop original concepts based on a brief. Practice creating sample graphics for a hypothetical basketball league.

• Research Unrivaled Basketball: Understand the league's mission, target audience, current branding, and recent news to better tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.