📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Creative Director, Licensed Consumer Promotional Products
🔹 Company: DPI Merchandising Inc
🔹 Location: Denver, Colorado (Remote)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Remote OK
🔹 Category: Manufacturing, Creative
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-23
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (open to candidates in specific states)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Overseeing the creative pipeline from concept to product launch
- Leading a creative team and managing licensor relations
- Ensuring on-brand products that excite fans and meet studio partner expectations
- Collaborating with production to achieve quality, timeline, and price point targets
- Analyzing product performance data to inform decision-making
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, leadership, and project management skills. It also demands a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and compliance requirements.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Concept & Design Leadership: Track studio release calendars, live-service events, and fan chatter to spot product opportunities. Lead brainstorms, keep the Product Assortment List up to date, and turn rough ideas into clear creative briefs. Guide artists to build compelling mock-ups that respect each studio’s IP.
✅ Licensor Relations: Run monthly check-ins with each studio’s creative contact. Package concepts for approval, manage feedback, and ensure every revision stays on track across all systems.
✅ Production & Compliance: Work with the production team to help lock in timelines, hit minimum order quantities, and assist in sample reviews to ensure quality is being met. Be familiar with product compliance requirements and assist in products intended to be sold globally. Verify material quality, color accuracy, legal lines, and packaging requirements.
✅ Commercial Performance: Be nimble based on product performance data. Review weekly sales and inventory reports and share with the teams for consideration. Identify rising trends or under-performing categories and consider per IP.
✅ Team & Process Management: Run creative stand-ups and creative-focused meetings with licensors. Maintain an organized Dropbox of licensor-approved assets, fonts, and legal copy, and other digital goods.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong communication and leadership skills to manage multiple stakeholders and tight timelines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Art, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: Proven track record in licensed consumer products for entertainment, pop-culture, or gaming brands. Sustained record launching multi-SKU lines that hit revenue goals and delight licensors.
Required Skills:
- Fluency in Adobe Creative Cloud, familiarity with Pantone+, and basic 3D mock-up tools
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, MOQs, and packaging compliance for apparel and hard goods
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with the poise to present to studio executives and the empathy to coach designers
- Professional business skills, such as negotiation, project management, and leadership
- Ability to juggle shifting priorities, tight timelines, and multiple stakeholders without dropping the ball
Preferred Skills:
- Direct experience with AAA game studios or genre-defining pop-culture franchises
- Knowledge of e-commerce merchandising, paid media, and lifecycle email campaigns
- A deep personal passion for gaming, the culture, collectibles, or other consumer products
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing their creative direction and leadership skills will be highly competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Creative Director in the manufacturing sector with 5-10 years of experience)
Benefits:
- Medical Insurance available after 60 days of employment
- 100% company-paid Employee Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, STD/LTD Insurances available on the 1st of the month after start date
- 401k plan available the 1st of the quarter after 90 days of employment
- Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Manufacturing, specializing in custom design and manufacturing of collector editions in the video game industry
Company Size: Small (11-50 employees), which offers a close-knit work environment with opportunities for growth and impact
Founded: 2003, with over two decades of experience in the industry
Company Description:
- DPI Merchandising specializes exclusively in custom design and manufacturing of collector editions in the video game industry
- With offices in the United States and Hong Kong, DPI creates products from concept, develops renderings via CAD and samples, engineers manufacturing processes, performs quality control at the factory, product testing when required, and complete packaging and shipping logistics worldwide
- DPI works with AAA game studios to create official gear stores and premium white-label products and collectors' editions
Company Specialties:
- Custom Promotional Products
- Manufacturing
- Consultant
- Branding
- Custom Design
- Product Launch
- Video Game Collectors Edition
- Official Gear Stores
- Gaming and video games
Company Website: dpipromo.com
ASSUMPTION: DPI Merchandising's focus on the video game industry and commitment to quality and customization make it an attractive employer for gaming enthusiasts and creative professionals.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with opportunities for growth and leadership within the creative department
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the President of DPI Merchandising Inc.
Work Arrangement: Remote (open to candidates in specific states), with flexibility for on-site work at the company's headquarters in Novato, CA
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to lead and grow the creative team as the company expands its client base and product offerings
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects with AAA game studios and other licensors
- Possibility to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for creative professionals to apply their skills in a dynamic and growing industry, with potential for long-term career growth.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (remote with flexibility for on-site work at the company's headquarters)
Office Location(s): Novato, CA (headquarters), with remote work available for candidates in specific states
Geographic Context:
- Denver, Colorado: A vibrant, growing city with a strong tech industry and a high quality of life
- Novato, California: A suburban city north of San Francisco, known for its natural beauty and proximity to Silicon Valley
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The remote work option and flexibility for on-site work at the company's headquarters provide candidates with the best of both worlds, allowing for a healthy work-life balance while still offering opportunities for collaboration and growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the HR department
- Creative challenge or case study presentation
- Final interview with the President of DPI Merchandising Inc.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Candidates' understanding of the video game industry and its trends
- Candidates' creative direction and leadership skills
- Candidates' ability to manage multiple stakeholders and tight timelines
- Candidates' cultural fit with the company and its values
Application Tips:
- Highlight your relevant experience in licensed consumer products and creative direction
- Include a portfolio showcasing your creative direction and leadership skills
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experience for this role
- Prepare for the creative challenge or case study presentation by researching the company and its clients
ATS Keywords: Creative Direction, Product Development, Licensor Relations, Team Management, Project Management, Adobe Creative Cloud, Manufacturing Processes, Gaming Culture, Mock-ups, Compliance, Leadership, Sales Analysis
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing candidates' creative direction and leadership skills, as well as their understanding of the video game industry and its trends.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, etc.)
- Pantone+
- Basic 3D mock-up tools (e.g., Blender, Cinema 4D, etc.)
- Trello, Monday, and Dropbox (for project management and collaboration)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used daily for creative direction, project management, and collaboration.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity and innovation
- Quality and attention to detail
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Customer focus and excellence
- Integrity and respect
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on meeting tight deadlines
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional communication
- Results-driven, with a focus on delivering high-quality products that meet or exceed client expectations
- Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to take on new challenges and learn new skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a deep understanding of the video game industry and its trends?
- Are you able to manage multiple stakeholders and tight timelines effectively?
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment?
- Are you passionate about creating high-quality products that meet or exceed client expectations?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with DPI Merchandising's values and work style will be the best fit for this role and will contribute to the company's continued success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and tight timelines can be stressful and demanding
- Working remotely may present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration
- The video game industry is subject to rapid change and innovation, requiring candidates to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies
- The role may require occasional travel to the company's headquarters in Novato, CA
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of these potential challenges and be prepared to address them proactively in the interview process.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Creative Director, Licensed Consumer Promotional Products (DPI Merchandising Inc.) vs. Senior Art Director, Gaming (Electronic Arts)
- Both roles focus on creative direction within the gaming industry
- However, the DPI Merchandising Inc. role is more focused on licensed consumer products and merchandising, while the Electronic Arts role is more focused on in-game art and design
- The DPI Merchandising Inc. role may offer more opportunities for growth and leadership within the creative department
- Creative Director, Licensed Consumer Promotional Products (DPI Merchandising Inc.) vs. Creative Director, Branding Agency (Independent creative agency)
- Both roles involve creative direction and leadership, but the DPI Merchandising Inc. role is more focused on licensed consumer products and merchandising, while the branding agency role is more focused on brand identity and marketing
- The DPI Merchandising Inc. role may offer more opportunities for collaboration with AAA game studios and other licensors
- The branding agency role may offer more opportunities for working with a diverse range of clients and industries
- Creative Director, Licensed Consumer Promotional Products (DPI Merchandising Inc.) vs. Creative Director, In-house Creative Team (Tech company)
- Both roles involve creative direction and leadership, but the DPI Merchandising Inc. role is more focused on licensed consumer products and merchandising, while the in-house creative team role is more focused on digital and brand experiences
- The DPI Merchandising Inc. role may offer more opportunities for working with physical products and manufacturing processes
- The in-house creative team role may offer more opportunities for working with emerging technologies and digital platforms
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research these similar roles and consider how their skills and experience align with each position to determine the best fit for their career goals.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a line of official merchandise for an upcoming AAA game release, from concept to launch
- Collaborating with a licensor to create a limited-edition collectors' edition for a popular gaming franchise
- Working with a production team to ensure the quality and compliance of a line of promotional products for an esports event
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges that candidates may face in this role, from creative direction and licensor relations to production and compliance.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for the creative department and how this role fits into that vision?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its creative team members?
- Can you provide examples of how the company has adapted to changes in the video game industry and its trends?
- How does the company foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within its creative team?
- Can you describe the typical timeline for product development and launch, and how this role contributes to that process?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help candidates better understand the company's culture, values, and long-term vision for the creative department and this role.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through DPI Merchandising Inc.'s careers page
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative direction and leadership skills
- Prepare for the creative challenge or case study presentation by researching the company and its clients
- Follow up with the HR department one week after your initial application, if you have not heard back
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
