Sr. Art Director

ASSOULINE; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury book publisher is looking for a Senior Art Director to lead the design and creative development of luxury illustrated titles. The position requires extensive expertise in book publishing and typography. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of professional experience, a strong portfolio, and exceptional skills in production processes. This is a full-time role based in NYC with a salary range of $120,000–$150,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in book publishing and print design.
• Demonstrated portfolio of completed printed books.
• Exceptional aesthetic judgment and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead creative direction and design of luxury illustrated books.
• Develop sophisticated typographic systems and layouts.
• Maintain exceptional attention to detail across typography.
• Participate in client meetings and articulate design concepts.

Skills

Typography expertise

Print production knowledge

Design leadership

Client communication

Project management

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)

Mac OS

Job description

Senior Art Director – Book Publishing & Typography

The luxury book publisher founded by Prosper and Martine Assouline has published over 1,500 titles worldwide across architecture, art, design, fashion, gastronomy, lifestyle, photography, and travel.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Art Director with deep expertise in book publishing, typography, and print production to lead the design and creative development of our luxury illustrated titles. This role is ideal for a designer who understands books as objects of culture—where typography, pacing, materials, and imagery work together to create timeless, collectible works.

This is a full-time, in-office position (5 days per week) based in our NYC office. The ideal candidate must present a portfolio demonstrating significant book publishing experience, including completed titles and strong typographic systems.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Creative Director, the Senior Art Director will oversee approximately 15–20 luxury book projects annually from concept through final print production. This role requires mastery of typographic design, visual storytelling, and physical book construction, as well as the ability to collaborate with editors, publishers, production teams, and external clients.

In addition to leading internal creative development, this individual will participate in client meetings, pitches, and presentations, confidently articulating design direction and creative rationale.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creative direction and design of high-end illustrated books from concept to print
• Develop sophisticated typographic systems, grids, and layouts that elevate storytelling and reinforce brand identity
• Establish visual narratives that balance imagery, pacing, white space, and hierarchy
• Create and oversee templates, cover concepts, and interior architecture
• Maintain exceptional attention to detail across typography, kerning, tracking, leading, and print finishes
• Instruct and mentor designers in executing creative direction

Client & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Creative Director, Editors, and Publishers from initial vision through publication
• Participate in client meetings, pitches, and creative presentations
• Clearly articulate design concepts and defend creative decisions with strategic rationale
• Liaise closely with Editorial, Communications, Production, and external partners

Production & Technical Excellence

• Prepare and oversee print-ready mechanicals for offset production
• Collaborate with printers on materials, finishes, and color accuracy
• Direct in-house photo and video shoots when required
• Conduct image research and oversee photo selection
• Manage file routing, archiving, and reprint updates
• Ensure projects meet deadlines without compromising design integrity

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in book publishing and print design
• Demonstrated portfolio of completed, printed books (luxury, art, fashion, architecture, or similar highly visual categories preferred)
• Advanced mastery of typography, layout systems, and visual hierarchy
• Deep understanding of offset printing, materials, binding, and production processes
• Exceptional aesthetic judgment and attention to detail
• Strong communication and presentation skills, particularly in client-facing settings
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment
• Advanced proficiency in Mac OS and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)

Portfolio submission is required. Applications without substantial book publishing and typography samples will not be considered.

You Will Thrive in This Role If You Are:

Conceptually Rigorous – You approach book design as both narrative and object, considering structure, typography, materials, and experience holistically.

Typographically Obsessed – You care deeply about letterforms, spacing, rhythm, and refinement.

Client-Confident – You are comfortable presenting creative ideas and engaging directly with partners.

Detail-Oriented – You uphold the highest standards in production accuracy and finishing.

Collaborative Yet Autonomous – You lead decisively while fostering strong studio relationships.

Motivated & Inquisitive – You continuously refine your craft and remain curious about culture, design, and publishing.

The appointed candidate will be offered a salary within the range of $120,000–$150,000 annually, pursuant to the New York City Salary Transparency Law. This range represents a good‑faith estimate for this role.

Assouline is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.