Jr Designer, Little Simon/Simon Spotlight

Simon & Schuster, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Simon & Schuster, Inc. is seeking a Junior Designer for the Little Simon / Simon Spotlight imprint in New York. You will design covers and interiors, collaborate with a fast-paced team, and grow within children’s book design.

You’ll contribute to a variety of formats and formats while developing your skills in production and art direction, under mentorship from senior designers.

Qualifications

• Portfolio demonstrates design, typography, and conceptual thinking.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• A genuine interest in children's books and storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Design book covers and interiors from concept to production.
• Develop age-appropriate design concepts aligned with content and audience.
• Conceptualize cover directions and prepare internal reviews.
• Collaborate with editors, licensors, and designers throughout the process.
• Research and commission illustrators as appropriate.
• Art direct illustrators and review artwork to meet vision and production needs.
• Prepare layouts, mechanicals, and production-ready files.
• Partner with Production on proofing, prepress, and color-correction.
• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders across teams.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines with strong organization.
• Provide design and administrative support to the Executive Art Director.
• Stay informed about trends in children's publishing and design.

Skills

Portfolio design

Typography

Conceptual thinking

Time management

Communication

Children's publishing interest

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

Junior Designer, Little Simon / Simon Spotlight

The Junior Designer supports the Executive Art Director and design team while developing the creative, technical, and project-management skills needed to grow within children's book design. The role combines hands‑on design ownership with collaboration and mentorship in a fast‑paced, highly creative environment.

The Junior Designer is responsible for designing up to 30 unique titles per year across a wide range of formats, including novelty and board books, early readers, chapter books, and graphic novels.

Key Responsibilities

• Design book covers and interiors from initial concept through final production.
• Develop thoughtful, age-appropriate design concepts that support each book's content, audience, and position in the marketplace.
• Conceptualize cover directions and prepare presentations for internal review.
• Collaborate closely with editors, licensors, artists, and fellow designers throughout the creative process.
• Research, identify, and commission illustrators and other creative talent, as appropriate.
• Art direct illustrators and review sketches and final artwork to ensure the work fulfills the creative vision, publishing needs, and production requirements of each project.
• Prepare layouts, mechanicals, and production-ready files while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
• Partner with the Production team throughout proofing, prepress, and color-correction stages to ensure the quality of the finished book.
• Incorporate feedback from creative, editorial, licensors, production, and other stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining strong organization and attention to detail.
• Provide design and administrative support to the Executive Art Director and other members of the design team as needed.
• Stay informed about trends in children's publishing, illustration, typography, and design.

Qualifications

• A portfolio demonstrating strong design, typography, composition, and conceptual-thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in varying stages of development.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• A genuine interest in children's books and visual storytelling.
• Previous publishing, internship, or related design experience is preferred.