Graphic Designer I

About the Role

Fanatics Commerce is the global leader in licensed sports merchandise, operating a vertically integrated platform that designs, manufactures, and delivers officially licensed apparel, jerseys, headwear, and collectibles for major leagues, teams, and events worldwide. The Graphic Designer, Licensed Sports Apparel is a creative, passionate, and results-oriented designer who leverages a strong command of brand identity, color theory, and production art techniques to develop professional apparel designs and seasonal sports assortments across our licensed sports portfolio.

Partnering with in-house design teams, this role maintains Corporate Branding and seasonal creative direction that elevates individual Leagues through compelling visual storytelling. The Graphic Designer delivers business and fan impact through BOLD leadership and execution excellence, leveraging data, automation, and AI-enabled insights.

Responsibilities

• Partner cross-functionally with in-house design and brand teams to maintain consistency in Corporate Branding and seasonal creative direction across licensed league assortments.
• Communicate fresh perspectives and new ideas clearly to internal partners through written and verbal channels, contributing to a collaborative and creatively charged team environment.
• Manage projects independently or as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability across concurrent workstreams.
• Design apparel graphics that authentically connect with sports fans, reflecting a deep understanding of sports culture, pop culture, and consumer insights.
• Apply trend research, local shopping, and reference development to inform embellishment techniques — including screen print, heat transfers, appliqués, and embroidery — that resonate with target fan audiences.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of presentation decks and collection boards that bring league-specific brand stories to life for internal stakeholders.
• Create compelling non-calendared special art request graphic concepts that meet fan and partner needs on an agile timeline.
• Actively monitor trends in sports apparel and sports and pop culture, translating insights into mood boards, trend boards, and ideation boards that influence design strategy.
• Research and develop typography solutions — including font selection, development, and implementation — that push creative boundaries while adhering to brand and league guidelines.
• Identify new embellishment techniques and decoration opportunities to expand the expressive range of licensed apparel graphics.
• Bring a solutions-focused mindset to design challenges, consistently delivering creative outcomes in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Own the full build-out of master art files, inclusive of licensing sheets with spec-based sizing, decoration callouts, BOM details, appropriate branding, and required copyright annotations.
• Meet deadlines with strong organizational discipline, prioritizing workload effectively and maintaining composure under pressure across multiple simultaneous projects.
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude toward teammates, vendors, and clients, reinforcing a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Travel occasionally for partner meetings, events, and other business-related activities as needed.
• Apply AI and technology to improve efficiency, quality, and outcomes.
• Use data and digital tools to inform decisions and enhance performance.
• Demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in adopting new technologies and ways of working.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in retail, licensing, or a sports-related design environment; a strong professional portfolio showcasing a wide range of design skills and abilities is required for consideration.
• Intermediate-level proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, with working knowledge of color theory, composition, and concept development.
• Intermediate typography skills, including font research, selection, and implementation in apparel graphic contexts.
• Entry-level production art knowledge, including familiarity with licensing sheet construction, BOM callouts, and decoration specifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas and decisions professionally to internal cross-functional partners.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, adapt to shifting priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with project management systems and intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Arts or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.

Schedule

Hybrid: This role currently requires in-office presence Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at the Company's office located in Tampa, FL.

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.

Fanatics Commerce is a leading designer, manufacturer, and seller of licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods. It operates a vertically-integrated platform of digital and physical capabilities for leading sports leagues, teams, colleges, and associations globally.