At a Glance
- Tasks: Create original apparel graphics and conduct trend research to drive design direction.
- Company: Join Fanatics Commerce, a leader in licensed sports merchandise with a passion for fans.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on collaboration and continuous development.
- Why this job: Make an impact by designing for sports fans and collaborating with creative teams.
- Qualifications: Intermediate to advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills and a strong portfolio required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Fanatics Commerce, we’re more than just a leader in licensed sports merchandise – we’re a team united by a relentless passion for our fans and a commitment to innovation. We live by our BOLD Leadership principles: We Build Championship Teams, we’re Obsessed with Fans, we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, and we approach every challenge with a Determined and Relentless Mindset. If you’re ready to contribute to a dynamic, fast-paced environment that thrives on collaboration and growth, we want you to be part of our team.
ROLE OVERVIEW: The Graphic Designer II plays a key role in the creative development of apparel graphics, with a strong focus on concept ideation, trend and market research, and consumer insights to drive design direction. This position goes beyond template replication to include original design creation that aligns with brand identity, resonates with target audiences, and supports the strategic vision of sports-licensed product lines. In this role, the designer will research trends, analyze consumer behavior, and translate insights into compelling graphics that balance innovation with brand consistency. A high level of proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is required to execute and refine designs across multiple styles and formats. The Graphic Designer II collaborates closely with cross-functional teams—including Product Design, Merchandising, Product Development, Production Art, the Imaging Team, and Operations—to ensure designs are both aesthetically impactful and production-ready. This position offers the opportunity to elevate creative output while continuing to refine technical skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment fueled by a passion for quality and fan engagement.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
- Lead creative ideation and original graphic concept development for apparel.
- Conduct trend and market research to inform design direction and ensure relevance.
- Apply a consumer-focused approach to ensure designs resonate with target audiences.
- Translate concepts into production-ready graphics across apparel, headwear, and jersey categories.
- Roll-out designs across Fanatics’ license partners and create overviews for partner & buyer presentations, handing these over to the Production Art team when needed.
- Manage the graphics adopted for the international market from the US market – including requesting art from the US team, adapting graphics, finalising license submit sheets and setting up artwork.
- Build out licensing sheets and related work in collaboration with the Licensing Team to submit for partner approvals.
- Execute decoration changes involving any size or technique change, which may require the revision and reposting of updated vendor files.
- Support and partner with Design Managers/Leads to replicate apparel design templates in line with league or branded needs, with low level supervision.
- Responsible for creating computer generated and/or full colour graphics output that can be processed or layer separated through internal technology for apparel, jersey, and headwear products.
- Turn concepts into print – buy ready deliverables while understanding the full production process.
- Gain technical knowledge of graphic setups, application type graphic preparation, typography, colour matching, application processes that are industry known is necessary for success.
- Build out technical graphics to support innovative machines and changes to processes, that detail specific template attributes necessary for replication.
- Maintain the aesthetic integrity of replicated fonts and detailed graphics for our licensed partners.
- Be responsible for colour matching product across multiple product categories.
- Assist Design Managers/Leads with flex assignments as needed.
- Work on a variety of assignments on an as-needed basis.
- Maintain records, documents, and other files.
- Maintain archive of images, photos and previous work products.
- Assist Designers on art setup of vendor/supplier art files working to AI, PDF, PSD & PNG formats.
- Able to accurately call-out any conflicting data on art files & systems such as items ID (graphic codes), decoration types & colours.
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:
- Must have intermediate to advanced level experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
- Functional computer skills and familiarity with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Familiarity with Pantone Matching System.
- Understanding fonts, typefaces, and ability to cross reference, match, and replicate.
- Graphic and font replication experience needed to maintain aesthetic for licensed business groups.
- Demonstrate some apparel embellishment knowledge.
- Ability to thrive and deliver results in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
- Works well collaboratively with a team as well as individually.
- Sports fan, a plus.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Associates degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts or related field, or the equivalent combination of education, training, or work experience that equals 3 to 5 years of experience in Apparel, Licensing or Sports related experience.
- Can provide a strong professional portfolio showcasing a wide range of skills/abilities.
At Fanatics, we value transparency and honesty. If you don’t meet every single requirement, that’s okay – we still want to hear from you! We believe in the power of diverse experiences and talents. If you’re excited about the role and confident that you can contribute, don’t hesitate to apply. We’re genuinely interested in how your unique skills and perspective can help us build something amazing together.
Culture: Join a team where you're surrounded by top-tier talent, driven by a shared passion to relentlessly enhance the fan experience. With a focus on collaboration, support, and continuous development, you’ll be empowered to help shape our culture that celebrates both individual and team successes.
Benefits: At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life; as such we offer a range of competitive benefits tailored to each country in which we operate. Specific details regarding the benefits package applicable to your location will be shared and discussed during the interview process.
Graphic Designer II in Manchester employer: Fanatics
At Fanatics Commerce, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture driven by collaboration and innovation. As a Graphic Designer II, you will have the opportunity to work alongside top-tier talent in a fast-paced environment that values creativity and personal growth, while enjoying competitive benefits tailored to your needs. Join us in our mission to enhance the fan experience and contribute to a team that celebrates both individual and collective achievements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graphic Designer II in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow designers, attend industry events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your design process and how you tackle challenges creatively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and target audience so you can tailor your responses and show how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Graphic Designer II in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creativity:When you're putting together your application, make sure to showcase your unique design style. Include a portfolio that highlights your best work and demonstrates your ability to create original graphics that resonate with audiences.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send the same application everywhere! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your skills align with the role at Fanatics. Mention specific experiences that relate to apparel graphics and consumer insights.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. This helps us quickly see how you fit into our team and culture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fanatics
✨Know Your Design Tools
Make sure you're well-versed in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as these are crucial for the Graphic Designer II role. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools effectively.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring a strong portfolio that highlights a variety of your design work, especially any apparel graphics you've created. Be prepared to explain your thought process behind each piece and how it aligns with brand identity and consumer insights.
✨Research Trends and Consumer Insights
Before the interview, dive into current trends in sports merchandise and apparel design. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these insights to create compelling graphics that resonate with target audiences.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, highlight your experience in collaborative projects. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with others to bring a design from concept to production-ready status.
