Junior Graphic Designer

As a valued partner with Aquent, you have an exceptional opportunity to join a globally recognized leader that excels in creative content and storytelling. This organization is passionately dedicated to shaping imaginations and inspiring young minds worldwide, delivering high-quality, engaging experiences across diverse platforms. They are masters at crafting captivating narratives and stunning visuals, bringing beloved stories to life for millions and profoundly impacting literary journeys across the globe.

Are you a highly motivated and creative designer eager to bring enchanting stories to life? This is your chance to directly influence the visual appeal and market success of exciting new titles, inspiring young readers and shaping their literary journeys. We are seeking a dynamic individual to infuse their artistic vision into a leading publisher, where your work will directly impact how stories are perceived and experienced, making a tangible difference in the literary world. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in crafting the visual identity of children's books, contributing to a diverse array of projects from vibrant picture books to compelling graphic novels and engaging young adult fiction.

What You Will Do

• Collaborate closely with Creative Directors, Design Managers, and fellow designers to support every aspect of book design and production, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality final product that captivates audiences.
• Develop compelling interior page designs and meticulously prepare cover mechanicals using industry-standard tools like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, ready for manufacturing.
• Design captivating layouts and typography for both book jackets and interiors, providing expert art direction to a talented team of illustrators, colorists, photographers, and hand letterers.
• Communicate effectively and partner with editors throughout the entire book production process, from initial manuscript to the finished publication, ensuring a shared vision.
• Manage contract negotiations with external creative talent, including illustrators, colorists, photographers, and hand letterers, fostering strong creative partnerships.
• Organize and strategically prioritize your workload across multiple concurrent projects and publishing seasons, in close coordination with the Creative Director and Managing Editor, to meet ambitious goals.
• Actively participate in biweekly Production Meetings to discuss schedules, track progress, and ensure key deadlines are met with precision.
• Create specialized design projects, such as impactful logos for presentations, decks, or acquisition/offer letters, enhancing strategic communications.
• Review color proofs meticulously to ensure the highest print quality and color accuracy, delivering flawless visual experiences.
• Attend weekly art department and cover concept meetings, offering constructive critique and valuable feedback to enhance creative outcomes and foster innovation.
• Identify and research new talent, including illustrators, hand letterers, and photographers, for various book projects, developing compelling pitch presentations to expand our creative roster and bring fresh perspectives.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or equivalent practical experience demonstrating a strong foundation in design principles.
• Proven design talent in creating innovative print designs, coupled with a strong understanding of typography, layout, and color theory.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, enabling you to present ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with editors and creative teams.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• 1-3 years of professional graphic design experience, ideally within a publishing or related creative industry.
• A strong interest in children's books and a passion for visual storytelling for young audiences.