Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Fanatics Collectibles

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: 5-8 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the execution of high-quality, innovative design solutions for trading cards, branding, and marketing assets, ensuring alignment with brand identity and product strategy.

• Take full ownership of design projects from concept through to final production, managing tasks independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Facilitate the transition of design assets to pre-production partners, vendors, and print production teams, ensuring technical precision and quality.

• Collaborate closely with Art Directors, Creative Directors, Product Development, and Marketing teams to achieve business objectives and maintain brand consistency.

• Explore and implement new design approaches, materials, and production methods to elevate the final product and enhance the fan experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Fanatics Collectibles, a division of Fanatics, focusing on the rapidly growing collectibles market, particularly trading cards. The Senior Graphic Designer will be instrumental in shaping the visual identity of these products and their associated marketing. The emphasis on "ownership," "process facilitation," and "pre-production support" indicates a need for a designer who is not only creatively skilled but also possesses strong project management capabilities and a keen understanding of manufacturing and print processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Creative Execution & Project Ownership:

  • Develop compelling and innovative designs for trading cards, branding, packaging, and marketing collateral, strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and licensing requirements.
  • Generate multiple original concepts and visual directions from open-ended creative briefs, effectively presenting diverse solutions.
  • Ensure all final assets are production-ready, with a meticulous understanding of print specifications, color separations, resolution, and technical formatting for various manufacturing processes.
  • Manage assigned projects autonomously from initial concept to final delivery, balancing creative exploration with precise execution.

• Process Facilitation & Pre-Production Support:

  • Streamline the handoff of design assets to external print vendors, specialty production partners, and contract artists, ensuring clear technical specifications.
  • Proactively identify and troubleshoot potential design or print issues before they impact production, mitigating risks and ensuring quality.
  • Explore and propose new design approaches, materials, print techniques, finishes, and production methods that can significantly elevate the perceived value and aesthetic of collectible products.
  • Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to optimize workflows, improve efficiency, and ensure seamless asset integration into production pipelines.

• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Engagement:

  • Partner effectively with Art Directors, Creative Directors, Product Development, Marketing, and Licensing teams to ensure design solutions are aligned with overarching business goals and partner requirements.
  • Clearly articulate design rationale, project status updates, and technical requirements to diverse stakeholders, including both creative and non-creative audiences.
  • Act as a technical resource for junior designers, sharing best practices in design execution, print production, and workflow optimization.

• Multi-Tasking & Problem-Solving:

  • Efficiently manage multiple high-priority design projects simultaneously, adapting to shifting deadlines and evolving project scopes while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
  • Quickly and effectively implement feedback and revisions, ensuring design integrity and brand consistency are preserved throughout the iteration process.
  • Proactively identify workflow bottlenecks within the design and production process and propose actionable solutions for improvement.

• Quality Control & Brand Consistency:

  • Conduct rigorous pre-production reviews of all designs to guarantee accurate translation across different formats, materials, and manufacturing methods.

  • Maintain a highly organized digital asset management system, ensuring clear file naming conventions, version control, and easy accessibility for revisions and future reference.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative excellence and production-level execution. The emphasis on "print specifications," "color separations," and "file setup" indicates a need for a designer with a deep understanding of the physical production process, not just digital design. The role also requires proactive problem-solving and a consultative approach with external vendors and internal teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a closely related field. Equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Experience: 5-8 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a demonstrable track record of successful project completion in a professional setting.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for both digital and print applications.

• Strong portfolio showcasing extensive experience in branding, typography, layout design, and visual storytelling across various media.

• Deep understanding of print production processes, including file preparation, pre-press procedures, color theory, and material limitations.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and technical requirements clearly to diverse audiences.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving design and production challenges.

• Demonstrated experience with asset handoff to production partners and understanding of manufacturing requirements. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in the sports branding, trading card design, or licensed product development sectors.

• Familiarity with packaging design principles, specialty printing techniques (e.g., foil stamping, spot UV, embossing), and various material applications.

• Knowledge of digital asset creation for web, social media, and other online platforms.

• Passion for sports, collectibles, and an understanding of current design trends within these industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" emphasize a robust foundation in design software and principles, with a significant leaning towards print production expertise. The "Preferred Skills" suggest that candidates with industry-specific experience (sports, collectibles) and specialized print knowledge will have a distinct advantage. The mention of "licensing guidelines" implies a need for understanding and adhering to external partner requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of 5-7 diverse projects that demonstrate a strong command of branding, typography, layout, and visual storytelling.

• Clear case studies for at least two projects that highlight the design process, from initial concept and brief interpretation to final execution and production considerations.

• Specific examples of work involving print production, including details on technical specifications, print methods used, and challenges overcome.

• Demonstrations of how design solutions addressed specific business objectives or solved creative challenges, showcasing strategic thinking.

• Evidence of experience with file preparation for print, including examples of dielines, color separations, or specific technical formatting requirements. Process Documentation:

• Showcase an understanding of workflow optimization in design projects, potentially through examples of how you streamlined asset handoff or improved production efficiency.

• Illustrate experience in collaborating with production partners or vendors, highlighting communication strategies and problem-solving approaches related to manufacturing.

• Include examples where you explored or implemented new printing techniques, materials, or finishes to enhance a final product, demonstrating innovation.

• Provide examples of how you ensured brand consistency and adherence to licensing guidelines across multiple design assets or product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role, particularly one focused on physical products like trading cards, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond aesthetics to demonstrate a deep understanding of the production lifecycle. The emphasis on "process documentation" within the portfolio suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for project management, vendor collaboration, and quality assurance in production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $78,000 - $95,000 USD per year.

This range is specific to New York City and may not apply to other locations. The final compensation will be determined based on factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company match.

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

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Employee discounts on Fanatics merchandise and collectibles.

• Access to the broader Fanatics ecosystem and its benefits.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, flexibility may be available based on project needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to New York City, reflecting the higher cost of living and competitive market for design talent in that region. The benefits package is standard for a large corporation like Fanatics, with specific perks related to employee discounts on their vast product catalog being a notable advantage for employees. The mention of "flexibility" in working hours, despite being an on-site role, suggests a professional environment that values work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Collectibles, E-commerce, Digital Platform Development. Fanatics Collectibles operates at the cutting edge of the sports collectibles market, leveraging technology and a vast fan base to redefine the industry. The company is part of the larger Fanatics Inc. ecosystem, a global leader in licensed sports merchandise and digital sports platform development. This context means a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a strong emphasis on fan engagement and innovation.

Company Size: Fanatics Collectibles is part of Fanatics Inc., which has over 2,000 employees globally. The Collectibles division is likely a growing, agile unit within this larger organization, offering the resources of a major company with the dynamism of a startup. This size implies opportunities for impact and visibility, alongside a structured approach to operations and compliance.

Founded: Fanatics Inc. was founded in 1995. Fanatics Collectibles is a newer venture, established to capitalize on the burgeoning market for physical and digital collectibles, leveraging the existing fan data and partnerships of its parent company. This history suggests a company built on established business principles but with a forward-looking vision for innovation in new markets.

Team Structure: The design team likely operates within a broader Creative or Product Development department. The Senior Graphic Designer will report to an Art Director or Creative Director. This structure necessitates close collaboration with Product Development teams responsible for the physical attributes of collectibles, Marketing teams driving promotional efforts, and Licensing teams ensuring compliance with rights holders. Cross-functional collaboration is key to successfully bringing products to market.

Methodology: Fanatics Collectibles likely employs a blend of agile methodologies for product development and design iteration, combined with more structured processes for production and vendor management. Data-driven insights from the broader Fanatics platform will inform design choices, while a strong emphasis will be placed on quality control, brand consistency, and efficient workflow management to meet market demands.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Fanatics' scale and ambition is crucial. Fanatics Collectibles is not a standalone startup but a strategic division leveraging existing infrastructure and market dominance. This means a focus on scalability, brand integrity across a vast network, and potentially faster go-to-market cycles due to established processes and partnerships. The "culture" will likely blend the entrepreneurial spirit of a new venture with the operational rigor of a large enterprise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior," indicating a level of expertise and autonomy beyond an entry-level or mid-level position. A Senior Graphic Designer is expected to lead projects, mentor junior staff, and contribute significantly to creative strategy and process improvement. They are seen as a key individual contributor with the potential to influence creative direction.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to an Art Director or Creative Director within the Fanatics Collectibles division. This structure offers exposure to senior creative leadership and strategic decision-making within the design function. Collaboration will extend to Product Development, Marketing, and potentially Sales teams, providing a holistic view of the product lifecycle.

Operations Impact: The visual design executed by this role directly impacts the perceived value, desirability, and marketability of Fanatics Collectibles' products. High-quality design, accurate production, and strong brand representation are critical for driving sales, fostering collector engagement, and maintaining the integrity of licensed partnerships. The designer's work contributes directly to revenue generation and brand equity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific areas of collectibles design, such as trading cards, packaging, or digital assets.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into Art Director or Creative Director roles, managing teams and overseeing larger creative initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Possibility to transition into Product Development, Brand Management, or Marketing roles, leveraging design expertise within broader business functions.

• Skill Enhancement: Continuous learning opportunities through industry workshops, conferences, and exposure to new design and production technologies within a large, innovative company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a mentorship component and a strategic contribution beyond just execution. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have improved processes or guided junior designers in previous roles. The growth opportunities highlight a career path within Fanatics that values specialized design skills and offers a clear trajectory for advancement within the company's extensive structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, suggesting a collaborative office environment. Fanatics typically provides modern office spaces designed to foster creativity and teamwork. The work environment will likely be dynamic and fast-paced, reflecting the nature of the collectibles and sports industries.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. This location places the role in a major hub for design, media, and sports industries, offering access to a vibrant professional network and cultural experiences.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect access to meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and potentially shared workspaces that encourage interaction with cross-functional teams (Product Development, Marketing, Art Directors).

• Tools & Technology: A well-equipped workstation with industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware will be provided. Access to advanced printing technologies or prototyping resources may also be available through vendor partnerships.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for in-person collaboration, design critiques, and team meetings, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose within the design team.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. While on-site, there may be a degree of flexibility depending on project demands and team needs, but a consistent presence is expected for effective collaboration and project oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature of this role is a key differentiator. It emphasizes the value placed on in-person collaboration, spontaneous idea generation, and hands-on involvement with physical product development processes. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their preferences and effectiveness in a collaborative office setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A brief phone or video call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

2. Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A dedicated session with the hiring manager (likely an Art Director or Creative Director) and potentially other senior designers. This will involve a deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency, particularly in print production.

3. Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with stakeholders from Product Development or Marketing to assess collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and understanding of business objectives.

4. Final Interview: Potentially a meeting with a higher-level creative leader or department head to discuss overall vision, strategic thinking, and long-term fit within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in branding, typography, layout, print production, and ideally, sports or collectibles. Quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the final outcome. Highlight your role and decision-making.

• Showcase Print Expertise: Include detailed examples of print-ready files, explain your understanding of dielines, color separations, bleeds, and specific printing techniques used.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you handled revisions, unexpected technical issues, or feedback from stakeholders.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, pre-press best practices, and troubleshooting print-related design challenges.

• Tailor to Fanatics: Research Fanatics Collectibles' existing products and branding. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and aesthetic align with their brand and market.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be given a hypothetical design brief (e.g., design a concept for a new trading card series, a marketing campaign asset) to complete within a set timeframe. Focus on understanding the brief, developing a clear concept, executing it to a high standard, and being ready to present your rationale.

• Process/Workflow Question: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific production challenge or improve a design workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio review" and potential "design challenge" is standard for creative roles. For this specific position, the review will heavily weigh print production knowledge and experience with physical product design. Candidates should be ready to walk through their files and explain technical specifications as thoroughly as their creative concepts.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. These are the core tools for all design and production work.

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For general document creation, presentations, and collaboration (Word/Docs, PowerPoint/Slides).

• Project Management Software: Likely exposure to tools like Asana, Jira, or Trello for task tracking and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, awareness of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital assets) is beneficial. Experience with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Senior Graphic Designer role, but understanding how marketing assets are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack is standard for a graphic design role, with a strong emphasis on the Adobe Creative Suite. The "operations" aspect here lies in the efficient use and management of these tools to produce high-quality, production-ready assets within established workflows and timelines. Familiarity with project management tools is also key for managing multiple concurrent projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing visually stunning and technically flawless designs that represent the Fanatics brand at the highest level.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a positive and productive team environment.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging the exploration of new ideas, design techniques, and production methods to push creative boundaries and elevate the collectibles experience.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for projects from start to finish, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.

• Customer Focus: Designing with the end consumer (the sports fan and collector) in mind, ensuring designs resonate with the target audience and enhance their passion.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly engaging with Art Directors, Product Development, Marketing, and external vendors to ensure alignment and address any issues promptly.

• Constructive Feedback: Participating actively in design critiques, providing and receiving feedback constructively to improve overall project quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to mentor junior designers and share expertise in design techniques, software, and production processes.

• Solution-Oriented: Approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset, working collaboratively to find the best creative and practical solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a professional creative environment within a large, brand-conscious organization. The emphasis on "Accountability & Ownership" aligns with the "Senior" level, while "Innovation & Creativity" combined with "Customer Focus" speaks to the dynamic nature of the collectibles market and the need to constantly engage fans.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Production Constraints: The primary challenge will be translating innovative creative concepts into feasible, cost-effective, and high-quality physical products that meet stringent licensing and manufacturing requirements.

• Managing Multiple High-Priority Projects: Juggling diverse projects with competing deadlines and stakeholder demands in a fast-paced environment requires exceptional organizational and time management skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends and Technologies: Staying current with design trends, printing technologies, and digital asset creation techniques within the rapidly evolving collectibles and sports industries.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively communicating technical design specifications and creative rationale to non-design stakeholders and managing expectations across different departments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Print Techniques: Gaining hands-on experience with specialized printing methods, finishes, and materials relevant to high-end collectibles.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, trade shows, and workshops related to design, print production, and the collectibles market.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Art Directors and Creative Directors, as well as potentially mentoring junior designers.

• Broadening Skillset: Developing expertise in areas such as packaging design, digital asset creation, or even contributing to brand strategy for new product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are typical for a senior role in product-focused design, requiring a blend of creativity, technical acumen, and interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for significant professional development within Fanatics, particularly in specialized areas of design and production.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a complex project from your portfolio where you had to balance creative vision with strict production limitations. What were the challenges, and how did you resolve them?" (Focus on your process, technical understanding, and problem-solving approach.)

• Collaboration & Communication: "Describe a time you had to explain a complex design or production requirement to a non-creative stakeholder. How did you ensure they understood and agreed?" (Highlight your communication skills and ability to translate technical details.)

• Brand & Industry Understanding: "What are your thoughts on the current trends in sports collectibles design? How do you see your design approach contributing to Fanatics Collectibles' brand identity?" (Showcase your research and passion for the industry.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about working for Fanatics Collectibles specifically, beyond the design aspect?" (Connect your passion for sports/collectibles with the company's mission.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a team, especially when working with departments like Product Development or Marketing?" (Emphasize your teamwork and cross-functional experience.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new printing technologies?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

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

• Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, challenges, solutions, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss file setup, print specifications, color profiles, and any vendor interactions. Show, don't just tell, your print production knowledge.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to be thorough yet efficient.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and engage in a discussion about design possibilities for Fanatics Collectibles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also a deep understanding of the production lifecycle, strong communication skills, and a genuine passion for the sports and collectibles industry. Be ready to defend your design choices and explain the technical aspects of your work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Fanatics Collectibles careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant work, particularly in branding, typography, layout, and print production. Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to meet technical specifications and collaborate with vendors.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5-8 years of experience, expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience in sports branding, collectibles, or licensed product development. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with print production. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio to answer potential interview questions, especially those related to collaboration and technical execution.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Fanatics Collectibles, its parent company Fanatics Inc., their products, and their market position. Understand their brand aesthetic and target audience to better align your responses and portfolio with their needs.

⚠️ 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.