Junior Graphic Designer [AQ-23380]

Aquent; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent, a globally recognized leader in creative content, is seeking a dynamic designer to shape the visual identity of children’s books in New York.

You will collaborate with editors, art directors and illustrators to craft innovative interiors and covers, manage timelines, review proofs, and mentor junior designers while maintaining print-ready standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Fine Arts or equivalent practical experience demonstrating a strong foundation in design principles.
• Strong typography, layout and color theory.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Strong communication skills, enabling collaboration with editors and creative teams.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Creative Directors, Design Managers, and fellow designers to support all facets of book design and production.
• Develop interior page designs and prepare cover mechanicals for manufacturing using industry-standard tools.
• Design layouts and typography for jackets and interiors, guiding illustrators, colorists, photographers, and hand letterers.
• Communicate with editors throughout the book production process from manuscript to publication.
• Manage contracts with external talent including illustrators and photographers.
• Prioritize workload across multiple projects and publishing seasons with the Creative Director and Managing Editor.
• Participate in biweekly Production Meetings to discuss schedules and deadlines.
• Create specialized design projects such as logos for presentations, decks, or offer letters.
• Review color proofs for print quality and color accuracy.
• Attend weekly art department and cover concept meetings to provide feedback.
• Identify and research new talent for various book projects and pitches.

Skills

Creative design

Typography

Layout design

Color theory

Art direction

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

As a partner with Aquent, you have the extraordinary opportunity to join a globally recognized leader in creative content and storytelling. This organization is dedicated to shaping imaginations and inspiring young minds worldwide, producing high-quality, engaging experiences across various platforms with a strong focus on captivating narratives and visuals that bring beloved stories to life for millions of readers. This is your chance to directly influence the visual appeal and market success of new titles, inspiring young readers and shaping their literary journeys.

Are you a highly motivated and creative designer passionate about bringing enchanting stories to life? We are seeking a dynamic individual to contribute their artistic vision to a leading publisher. In this pivotal role, you will craft the visual identity of children’s books, working on a diverse range of projects from vibrant picture books to compelling graphic novels and young adult fiction. Your work will directly impact how stories are seen and experienced, making a tangible difference in the literary world.

What You Will Do

• Collaborate closely with Creative Directors, Design Managers, and fellow designers to support all facets of book design and production, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality final product.
• 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.
• Manage contract negotiations with external creative talent, including illustrators, colorists, photographers, and hand letterers.
• Organize and strategically prioritize your workload across multiple concurrent projects and publishing seasons, in close coordination with the Creative Director and Managing Editor.
• Actively participate in biweekly Production Meetings to discuss schedules, track progress, and ensure key deadlines are met.
• Create specialized design projects, such as impactful logos for presentations, decks, or acquisition/offer letters.
• Review color proofs meticulously to ensure the highest print quality and color accuracy.
• Attend weekly art department and cover concept meetings, offering constructive critique and valuable feedback to enhance creative outcomes.
• Identify and research new talent, including illustrators, hand letterers, and photographers, for various book projects, developing compelling pitch presentations to expand our creative roster.

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.