Art Director/Graphic Designer

Designer Jobs; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; Part time

Job summary

Head Magazine seeks an Art Director to lead the visual identity and layout for the 50th Anniversary print issue. This project-based contract role is hybrid in Encino, CA, with a $5,000 project fee.

You will work closely with the publisher/editor to shape the look and carry it through to professional print production. The role focuses on editorial design leadership, turning archival material, photography, illustration, and type into a cohesive magazine experience.

Qualifications

• Strong graphic design and typography skills.
• Proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Portfolio demonstrating magazine layout and editorial design experience.
• Understanding of print production processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop the overall visual concept and creative direction for the issue.
• Design and lay out articles, departments, and feature pages.
• Create a cohesive visual language across the magazine.

Skills

Typography

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Print production

Portfolio

Independent work

Communication

Job description

Head Magazine is hiring an Art Director to shape the visual identity and layout for the 50th Anniversary print issue. This project-based contract role is hybrid in Encino, CA, with compensation set at a $5,000 project fee. You will work closely with the publisher/editor to develop the overall look and carry it through to professional print production.

The project focuses on editorial design leadership: turning archival material, photography, illustration, and type into a cohesive magazine experience. This is an opportunity to have your work associated with a historic publication while contributing substantial creative input into how its anniversary story is presented to a new generation.

Responsibilities

• Develop the overall visual concept and creative direction for the issue
• Design and lay out articles and departments
• Create a cohesive visual language across the magazine
• Work with typography, photography, illustration, and archival material
• Design section openers, feature pages, and other special elements
• Support fresh, compelling presentation of historic material
• Prepare layouts and files for professional print production
• Implement revisions and refinements through the final production stage
• Contribute creative ideas beyond placing text and images on a page

Requirements

• Strong graphic design and typography skills
• Experience with Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator
• Portfolio demonstrating excellent layout and design
• Understanding of print production
• Strong sense of composition, type, image selection, and visual storytelling
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Genuine interest in creative collaboration
• Magazine, editorial, publishing, or print experience is a major plus
• Creative, enthusiastic, and excited by the opportunity to make something distinctive

The Role and Project

The Art Director will take the creative lead on the visual presentation of the anniversary issue. You will collaborate directly with the publisher/editor to define the look and feel, then carry that direction through the publication.

Compensation: $5,000 project fee (production schedule to be discussed with the selected candidate). Work location: Hybrid remote in Encino, CA 91316. Pay: $5,000.00 per hour.

Los Angeles area preferred but not necessary. Head Magazine is especially interested in seeing how you think visually, not just a list of software skills.