Jr Designer, Little Simon/Simon Spotlight

Simons; New York; Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Simons, for Little Simon / Simon Spotlight, is seeking a Junior Designer to support the Executive Art Director and the design team in a fast-paced children's book environment.

You will design up to 30 titles annually across novelty, board books, early readers, chapter books and graphic novels, collaborating with editors, licensors, and artists to bring concepts to production.

Qualifications

• A portfolio demonstrating strong design, typography, composition, and conceptual thinking.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Strong design

Typography

Conceptual thinking

Composition

Time management

Communication skills

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

InDesign

Photoshop

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.