Pros
Creative & Fun Products: Designing pop culture merch (Disney, anime, etc.) is inherently exciting for fans. Work feels more playful than corporate gigs. Good for: Designers who love pop culture, want a flashy portfolio, and thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments. Collaborative Teams: Talented, passionate coworkers who “get” the niche. Cross-functional work with designers, product dev, and licensors. Brand Recognition: Strong portfolio piece—recognizable name in pop culture/collectibles. Potential to work with major IPs (Marvel, Star Wars, etc.). Perks & Culture: Free/discounted products (if you love collectibles, this is huge). Casual, creative environment (no stuffy corporate dress code). Fast-Paced Growth: Opportunity to work on quick-turn projects and trend-driven designs.
Cons
Unstable Industry: Collectibles market fluctuates—layoffs happen. Licensing deals can make or break projects. Bureaucratic Challenges: Parent company (Funko) has had financial ups/downs, trickling down to teams. Approval chains with licensors (Disney, etc.) can slow creativity. Workload Balance: Tight deadlines due to trend-driven releases. Potential for “too many cooks” with licensor feedback. Limited Career Growth: Niche industry = fewer advancement opportunities unless you pivot laterally. Salaries may lag behind broader design markets. Remote Work Limits: The mandatory in-office days went from 2 days, to 3 days, to 4 days. Why even have remote work at that point? Not ideal for: Those seeking stability, remote flexibility, or high salaries.