Graphic Designer I
The Graphic Designer I at Confidential Client is responsible for creating licensed sports apparel graphics that authentically connect with fans by leveraging strong brand identity, color theory, and production art techniques. This role partners cross-functionally to maintain consistent corporate branding and seasonal creative direction, driving business impact through innovative design solutions, trend research, and the application of AI and digital tools in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Creative & Design.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
The Confidential Client is seeking a creative, detail-oriented Graphic Designer I to develop licensed sports apparel graphics and seasonal assortments. You will work with in-house design and brand partners to maintain corporate branding, deliver production-ready artwork, and support fast-turnaround special requests.
- Partner cross-functionally with design and brand teams to keep seasonal creative direction consistent across licensed league assortments.
- Produce apparel graphics that connect with sports fans using strong brand, trend, and pop-culture insight.
- Build master art files with licensing sheets, spec-based sizing, decoration callouts, BOM details, and copyright annotations.
- Create mood boards, trend boards, and ideation decks to inform collection direction.
- Design and refine typography solutions and push creative boundaries while adhering to brand and league guidelines.
- Specify embellishment and decoration methods (screen print, heat transfer, appliqué, embroidery) and adjust art for production constraints.
- Support presentation decks and collection boards for internal stakeholders.
- Deliver non-calendared special art requests on agile timelines.
- Use data, automation, and AI-enabled tools to increase design efficiency and decision quality.
- Travel occasionally for partner meetings and events as required.
What We’re Looking For
Required qualifications — candidates must demonstrate:
- 2+ years of design experience in retail, licensing, or sports-focused apparel/consumer-products environments.
- A strong professional portfolio that demonstrates apparel graphics, typography, and production art.
- Intermediate proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
- Solid typography skills (font research, selection, implementation for apparel).
- Entry-level production art knowledge: licensing sheets, BOM callouts, decoration specs.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to cross-functional partners.
- Excellent organizational skills; able to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
- Familiarity with project management systems and intermediate Microsoft Office skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Bachelor’s degree in Arts or related field, or equivalent education/training/experience.
Skills & Tools
- Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign (intermediate)
- Typography and font research
- Production art and licensing documentation
- Embellishment knowledge: screen print, heat transfer, appliqué, embroidery
- Presentation and collection board creation
- Familiarity with data and AI design tools (curiosity to adopt new tech)
Location & Work Model
Hybrid role based in Tampa, FL. The primary place of performance is the Confidential Client’s office in Tampa. This position currently requires in-office presence Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Compensation
- Estimated base salary: $72,752 per year (estimated).
Why Join
- Work on licensed sports apparel for major leagues and iconic sports properties.
- Join a collaborative creative team that values bold ideas and fan obsession.
- Opportunity to grow by applying AI and data tools to creative workflows.
- Contribute directly to product and fan experience across digital and retail channels.
Note on Employment
Careertakes is facilitating this recruitment as a third-party platform. If selected, you will be employed directly by the Confidential Client. This listing is intended for candidates authorized to work in the United States; please ensure you meet any local employment eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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