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Candlewick Press

Senior Designer, Proprietary projects

Candlewick Press, Somerville, Massachusetts, us, 02145


Description:

Candlewick Press, a leading publisher of books for children, seeks a Senior Designer to join our award-winning children’s book art department. As a member of the in-house design team, the senior designer is responsible for all aspects of the design and production of children’s trade books, across all genres. The senior designer works closely with creative directors, art directors, editors, production controllers, and artists to produce high-quality children’s books, focusing on Non-fiction, fiction, graphic novels, and customized versions of Candlewick books for retail customers.

Considering making an application for this job Check all the details in this job description, and then click on Apply.Responsibilities:Conceptualize and execute the design of book interiors, jackets, and covers across all genres (including customized versions of Candlewick books, covers and jackets, and box sets for retail customers, often with custom logos, text, and bookplates) under the supervision of the Executive Creative Director (ECD) and/or the Executive Art Director (EAD).Follow Candlewick’s aesthetic, design standards, and house styles.Contribute to the illustrator and photography selection process through active awareness and interest in photographers, artists, art styles, as well as contemporary picture book design and fiction cover design.Work closely with art directors, illustrators, editors, and production controllers throughout the bookmaking process from development to printed books.Manage all schedules and be the main contact for all projects under development and in-process.Provide color mock-ups of projects in process for presentation at weekly covers meetings.Proactively circulate all stages of projects in process following customized schedules.Collaborate with the production department to identify potential art reproduction issues and approve color proofs of projects in process with attention to the reproduction quality of the original art.Coordinate with Proprietary Sales, Editorial, Production, and Graphic Production departments to establish and adhere to schedules from design concept through completion of projects on deadline.Maintain a current sense of design trends and familiarity with target audiences to understand consumer needs and preferences.Advocate for the illustrator in regards to how their art is represented and reproduced, as well as being responsible for the proper treatment and handling of the art.Mentor junior design staff when applicable.Attend all relevant meetings related to the design and production of assigned projects, including bi-monthly proprietary projects meetings, as well as individual project planning meetings.Follow workflow systems, bookmaking processes, and department protocols.Attend pub meetings and report on the status of projects.Follow the PDF factory/image workflow guidelines for creating PDFs to be accessed at key stages by the sales, marketing, and foreign rights departments.Provide other tasks as needed.

Requirements:Expert MacIntosh Operating System user. Expert in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Adobe Acrobat.Complete mastery of InDesign text design tools and typography for complex in-house page composition.Deadline oriented, ability to multitask, and work under pressure.Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.Expert knowledge of book production processes from conception to publication.Expert knowledge of typography and typesetting.Proficient art direction skills.Solid problem-solving skills.Ability to work collaboratively and accept constructive criticism.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.Proficient knowledge of four-color and black & white printing processes.

Qualifications:Comprehensive design portfolio is required.Book publishing or related experience a plus.Knowledge of and appreciation for book design, typography, and children’s book illustration.Possess a positive, team player attitude.Bachelor of Arts degree, design degree, or equivalent preferred but not required.

This is a full-time position which can be located in Somerville, MA or New York, NY with the option for hybrid work. A comprehensive benefits package is offered including medical, dental, life and disability insurance coverage; flex spending and 401k plans, voluntary benefits, generous paid time off, and much more! Starting salary is 62-70k. Salary may vary based on a variety of factors including skills and experience.

How To Apply For This Job:

If you wish to be considered for this opportunity, please forward a cover letter, resume, and design portfolio to careers@candlewick.com referencing “Senior Designer, Proprietary.”

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