📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Graphic Designer – Blizzard Hearthstone Marketing (Contract)
🔹 Company: Activision Blizzard
🔹 Location: Irvine - Blizzard - Blizzard Way, Irvine, CA, United States
🔹 Job Type: Contract
🔹 Category: Design
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-29
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Albany, NY or Irvine, CA)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Designing static and motion-based marketing assets for digital campaigns and community engagement
- Collaborating with various teams to create engaging visual concepts
- Maintaining organized files for long-term asset management
- Supporting light video editing needs when bandwidth allows
- Ensuring all creative aligns with Hearthstone’s visual identity, tone, and Blizzard brand guidelines
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of visual storytelling, layout, typography, and branding. Familiarity with gaming and Hearthstone is a plus but not required.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Design static and motion-based marketing assets including social media graphics, key visuals, community toolkits, logos, and web banners
✅ Collaborate with brand, creative, and content teams to pitch and execute engaging visual concepts for campaigns, patch launches, esports, and community moments
✅ Create thumbnails and motion graphics for video content; support video editors with light editing needs when bandwidth allows
✅ Maintain organized files and templates for cross-functional use and long-term asset management
✅ Ensure all creative aligns with Hearthstone’s visual identity, tone, and Blizzard brand guidelines
ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines, especially around major game launches or events.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field
Experience: 2+ years of experience in graphic design, preferably in marketing, entertainment, or games
Required Skills:
- Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects
- Strong layout, typography, and branding instincts with a sharp eye for visual storytelling
- Experience working across multiple aspect ratios and platforms (mobile, web, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
- Familiarity with basic video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro (or similar)
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with a flexible, proactive mindset
- Passion for gaming, and bonus if you're a Hearthstone fan or player
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in motion design, especially for social content and game trailers
- Familiarity with Hearthstone’s art style and in-game assets
- Experience working on global IPs or with multicultural marketing teams
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it's assumed that candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of static and motion design work to be considered for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $29.81 - $55.14 hourly. This range reflects the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process.
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance
- 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching
- Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave
- Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others
- If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with some work on-site and some work-from-home
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the information given in the job listing. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, performance, and work location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Activision Blizzard is a leading global interactive entertainment company, with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. They are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises, including Call of Duty®, Skylanders®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™, and Bubble Witch™.
Company Size: Activision Blizzard has 5,001-10,000 employees, making it a large company with extensive resources and opportunities for growth.
Founded: The company was founded in 2008, following the merger of Activision and Vivendi Games.
Company Description:
- Activision Blizzard is a global leader in interactive entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic franchises and a track record of innovation and success
- The company is committed to creating engaging and immersive entertainment experiences for a diverse audience of hundreds of millions of monthly active users worldwide
- Activision Blizzard is known for its inclusive and collaborative work environment, which has earned it a spot on FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies To Work For®” list for four consecutive years
Company Specialties:
- Video Games
- Entertainment
- Consumer Products
- Media
- Film and TV
- Gaming
- and Production
Company Website: http://www.activisionblizzard.com/
ASSUMPTION: As a large, established company, Activision Blizzard offers a stable and supportive work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for a mid-level graphic designer with 2-5 years of experience in the industry.
Reporting Structure: The graphic designer will report directly to the Hearthstone Marketing Team.
Work Arrangement: This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The potential home studio for this role is Albany, NY or Irvine, CA. However, the company understands that each person’s circumstances may be unique and will work with you to explore other possible options, including remote work arrangements.
Growth Opportunities:
- As a large company with numerous franchises, Activision Blizzard offers opportunities for designers to work on various projects and brands
- The company's focus on innovation and creativity provides opportunities for designers to grow and develop their skills
- Activision Blizzard's commitment to employee development and training offers opportunities for career advancement
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the company, as well as the chance to work on high-profile projects and brands.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): Irvine - Blizzard - Blizzard Way, Irvine, CA, United States
Geographic Context:
- Irvine, CA is located in Southern California, approximately 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and outdoor activities
- The cost of living in Irvine is generally higher than the national average, with median home prices and rental costs reflecting this
Work Schedule: The work schedule is anticipated to be a hybrid arrangement, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The specific work schedule will be determined based on the needs of the team and the project.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility and the opportunity to balance work and personal life, while also providing the opportunity to collaborate and connect with team members in person.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- Creative challenge or portfolio review with the design team
- Final interview with the hiring manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio and creative skills
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Understanding of Hearthstone’s visual identity and brand guidelines
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Ensure your portfolio showcases a variety of static and motion design work, including social content, banners, ads, and other relevant pieces
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your understanding of Hearthstone’s visual identity and brand guidelines
ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Video Editing, Visual Storytelling, Layout, Typography, Branding, Collaboration, Communication, Motion Graphics, Social Media, Gaming, Hearthstone, Blizzard
ASSUMPTION: As a large company with a significant applicant pool, Activision Blizzard uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage and streamline the application process. Including relevant keywords in your resume and application materials can help ensure that your application is seen by the right people.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)
- Adobe Premiere Pro (or similar)
- Basic video editing software
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it's assumed that candidates should be proficient in using Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design and video editing tools to be considered for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Quality
- Fun
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and quality-focused
- Flexible and adaptable
- Passionate about gaming and entertainment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of static and motion design work?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Do you have a passion for gaming and a strong understanding of visual storytelling?
ASSUMPTION: Activision Blizzard values candidates who are creative, innovative, and passionate about gaming and entertainment. A strong portfolio and a collaborative work style are essential for success in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The fast-paced nature of the gaming industry may require occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration with remote team members
- The competitive nature of the gaming industry may require designers to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies
- The cost of living in Irvine, CA may be higher than in other areas, which could impact the overall compensation package
ASSUMPTION: While these challenges exist, Activision Blizzard offers a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and professional development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on the marketing and community engagement aspects of graphic design for a specific game franchise
- Compared to other graphic design roles in the gaming industry, this role may offer more exposure to marketing and community engagement aspects, as well as opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and events
- Career paths for graphic designers in the gaming industry may vary depending on the specific role and company, but generally offer opportunities for growth and development within the industry
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work on the marketing and community engagement aspects of graphic design for a specific game franchise, with opportunities for growth and development within the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Designing social media graphics and toolkits for a major game launch or update
- Creating key visuals and promotional banners for a marketing campaign or event
- Supporting video editors with light editing needs for platform-specific cuts, static-to-motion transitions, and light motion graphics
- Maintaining organized files and templates for cross-functional use and long-term asset management
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to provide a sense of the types of tasks and responsibilities that may be required for this role. The specific projects and tasks may vary based on the needs of the team and the project.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow and collaboration process for the graphic design team?
- How does the team approach and incorporate feedback from stakeholders and community members?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within the company and the industry?
- How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being, especially for hybrid and remote workers?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working on a game franchise like Hearthstone, and how does the team approach these challenges?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and relevant questions during the interview process can help applicants better understand the role, the team, and the company, and demonstrate their interest and engagement with the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing a variety of static and motion design work, including social content, banners, ads, and other relevant pieces
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your understanding of Hearthstone’s visual identity and brand guidelines
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
