Junior Graphic Designer

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.