Junior Graphic Designer

Aquent; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent seeks a highly motivated designer to join our publishing team, shaping the visual identity of children’s books from picture books to graphic novels. You will collaborate with Creative Directors, editors, and illustrators to create compelling interior page layouts and cover concepts.

Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, strong typography, layout and color theory, and the ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines are essential. 1-3 years of experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong typography, layout, and color theory understanding.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Creative Directors, Design Managers, and other designers on book design and production.
• Develop interior page designs and cover mechanics for manufacturing.
• Design layouts and typography for jackets and interiors; guide illustrators and colorists.
• Communicate with editors throughout manuscript-to-finished-product workflow.
• Review color proofs to ensure print quality.
• Attend art department and cover concept meetings; provide critique.
• Identify and research new talent for covers, graphic novels, and picture books.

Skills

Creative design

Typography

Layout

Color theory

Education

BFA or equivalent

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

As a partner with Aquent, you’ll join a globally recognized leader in creative content and storytelling, shaping the imaginations of audiences worldwide. This organization is dedicated to producing high-quality, engaging experiences across various platforms, with a strong focus on inspiring young minds through captivating narratives and visuals. You will be part of a team that crafts the visual identity of beloved stories, making a significant impact on how these tales come to life for millions of readers.

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative designer to join our dynamic team, where you will play a pivotal role in bringing enchanting children’s books to life. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your artistic vision to a leading publisher, working on a diverse range of projects from vibrant picture books to compelling graphic novels and young adult fiction. Your designs will directly influence the visual appeal and market success of new titles, inspiring young readers and shaping their literary journeys.

What You Will Do

• Collaborate closely with Creative Directors, Design Managers, and other designers to support all aspects of book design and production.
• Develop compelling interior page designs and prepare cover mechanicals using Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator for manufacturing.
• Design captivating layouts and typography for book jackets and interiors, providing art direction to illustrators, colorists, photographers, and hand letterers.
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with editors throughout the entire book production process, from manuscript to finished product.
• Manage contract negotiations with illustrators, colorists, photographers, and hand letterers.
• Organize and prioritize your workload across multiple concurrent projects and publishing seasons in coordination with the Creative Director and Managing Editor.
• Participate in biweekly Production Meetings to discuss schedules and key deadlines.
• Create specialized design projects, including logos for presentations, decks, or acquisition/offer letters.
• Review color proofs to ensure print quality.
• Attend weekly art department and cover concept meetings, offering constructive critique and feedback.
• Identify and research new talent, including illustrators, hand letterers, and photographers, for book covers, graphic novels, and picture books, developing compelling pitch presentations.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven design talent in creating innovative print designs, with a strong understanding of typography, layout, and color theory.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with editors.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• 1-3 years of professional graphic design experience.
• A strong interest in children’s books.