Art Director - Topps Trading Cards, Japan
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
As an Art Director, Quick Strike at Fanatics Collectibles, you will play a key role in managing a team that develops high-quality visual designs for a portfolio of trading card brands across Sports and Entertainment with a specific focus on speed-to-market and new IP. This is a fast-paced creative role where flexibility, multi-tasking, and team management is key. You will report directly to the Director of Product and work closely with Designers, Product Managers and cross-functional teams to elevate the creative output while contributing to design direction, problem-solving, and workflow improvements.
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the creative development of visually compelling trading card products across multiple product lines and initiatives, with an emphasis on speed to market
- Guide and mentor Designers, providing clear creative direction, constructive feedback, and support for professional growth
- Develop expedited process for the creation of production-ready files with a deep understanding of print and digital specifications
- Partner closely with Product Development, Project Management, Production, and Marketing teams to deliver innovative and commercially successful products
- Collaborate with international and cross-regional design partners to align workflows, share creative best practices, and ensure consistency across global product releases
- Drive creative consistency and cohesion across global design teams, fostering strong cross-functional collaboration and alignment on brand and product vision
- Lead concept development and creative reviews, presenting strategic design rationale and incorporating stakeholder feedback effectively
- Balance hands-on creative contribution with team leadership, ensuring projects are executed efficiently while maintaining a high standard of design integrity
- Manage multiple creative priorities simultaneously, helping teams navigate tight deadlines, shifting priorities, and fast-paced production schedules
- Support and improve creative processes, workflows, and asset management systems to enhance collaboration, scalability, and operational efficiency
- Champion innovation by identifying emerging design, sports, pop culture, and collectibles trends to inform creative strategy and product differentiation
Ideal Candidate:
- Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- 7+ years of experience in graphic design, branding, or product design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating creative leadership and visual storytelling
- Proven success leading or mentoring creative teams in a fast-paced environment
- Exceptional portfolio showcasing expertise in layout, typography, color theory, packaging, and visual systems
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Deep understanding of print production, manufacturing processes, digital design principles, and brand identity development
- Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage creative processes, priorities, and team workflows effectively
- Experience collaborating cross-functionally with global teams, including Design, Product Development, Marketing, and Production partners
- Excellent presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to clearly articulate creative vision and strategy
- Passion for sports, collectibles, entertainment, and design, with a strong understanding of collector culture and visual trends
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.
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