Production Designer - Digital & Print Trading Cards

Production Designer - Digital & Print Trading Cards

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Fanatics

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create stunning digital and print trading cards for sports fans.
  • Company: Join Fanatics, a leader in the global sports platform.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, creative environment, and opportunities for growth.
  • Other info: Fast-paced role with a supportive team and exciting projects.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team reimagining collectibles for millions of fans.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in Adobe CC and a passion for sports design.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

About Us

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform.

Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.

About The Team

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world‑class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next‑generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

Role Summary

Topps Digital, part of Fanatics Collectibles, headquartered in New York, NY with offices around the world is looking for a Production Designer to join a collaborative and growing Apps team. This role will be part of the Topps Total Football Content Team to develop digital and physical trading cards across our football licenses. This is a fast‑paced Design role where flexibility and multi‑tasking is key to support weekly releases, in‑app design and consumer messaging. We are looking for someone who has knowledge of mass production design, using scripts and actions to automate workflows with enthusiasm for innovative ideas, who takes pride in their work and wants to contribute their skills in a truly supportive team environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop original designs for trading cards that incorporate design direction from the wider Topps Total Football team and adhere to Licensor guidelines.
  • Create trading card templates that are organized, easy to use, and optimized for fast, easy production.
  • Champion the use of automation to speed up production design for both initial design files and then print files.
  • Prepare finalized assets for both digital and print, utilizing the techniques needed for both and ensuring both assets are as closely matched as possible.
  • Create ancillary assets such as product images, news headers, in‑app cosmetics etc., as needed.

Required Skills, Experience And Competencies

  • Expert in Adobe CC; Photoshop, Illustrator, & Acrobat.
  • Proficiency with how physical print files are prepared and produced.
  • Photo retouching and silhouetting.
  • Strong understanding of Layout and Typography foundational skills and trends.
  • Strong understanding non‑destructive designing / working with Smart Objects.
  • Ability to work under pressure, meeting tight deadlines across multiple projects.
  • Organized and attentive to detail. Accuracy is paramount.
  • 2+ years design experience or equivalent competency.
  • Passion for and/or knowledge of brands in the Topps portfolio a PLUS.
  • Passion for and/or deep knowledge of Sports and Entertainment culture a PLUS.

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Subject to applicable laws, Fanatics Collectibles may choose to run a background check.

Production Designer - Digital & Print Trading Cards employer: Fanatics

Fanatics is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment where creativity thrives. As part of the Topps Digital team in New York, you'll collaborate with passionate professionals in a supportive culture that values flexibility and growth, while contributing to exciting projects in the collectibles space. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to enhancing the fan experience, Fanatics is the perfect place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the sports industry.

Fanatics

Contact Details:

Fanatics Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Production Designer - Digital & Print Trading Cards

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those connected to Fanatics or trading cards. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.

Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date with your best work, especially anything related to sports or collectibles. When you apply through our website, include a link to your portfolio so we can see your creativity in action.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Fanatics and its products, especially the Topps brand. Being able to discuss how your design skills can enhance our trading cards will definitely impress us.

Tip Number 4

Follow up after your application! A quick email thanking us for the opportunity shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on our radar. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Production Designer - Digital & Print Trading Cards

Adobe CC
Photoshop
Illustrator
Acrobat
Mass Production Design
Automation of Workflows
Photo Retouching

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:When you're applying for the Production Designer role, make sure to showcase your best design work. Include a portfolio that highlights your experience with trading cards or similar projects. We want to see your creativity and how you can bring ideas to life!

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who understand what we’re looking for and can demonstrate their fit for the role.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to highlight your key achievements and skills. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great addition to our team!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our awesome team at Fanatics Collectibles!

How to prepare for a job interview at Fanatics

Know Your Design Tools Inside Out

Make sure you're well-versed in Adobe CC, especially Photoshop and Illustrator. Brush up on your skills with photo retouching and working with Smart Objects, as these will be crucial for the Production Designer role.

Showcase Your Portfolio

Bring along a portfolio that highlights your best work, particularly any projects related to trading cards or sports design. Be ready to discuss your design process and how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects.

Understand the Brand and Its Culture

Familiarise yourself with the Topps portfolio and the sports culture surrounding it. Showing genuine passion and knowledge about the brands will set you apart and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.

Prepare for Fast-Paced Questions

Since this role involves tight deadlines and multitasking, be prepared to answer questions about how you handle pressure and manage multiple projects. Think of specific examples from your experience that showcase your organisational skills and attention to detail.