Bloomsbury USA

Senior Designer, Children's Trade

Bloomsbury USA

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: New York City • New York • United States

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Salary

💰 $72,800 - $85,000 per year

Job Level

Senior

About the role

  • Design and format cover, jacket, and interior files, spanning picture book, middle grade, and YA titles on the Children’s list
  • Act as lead designer, managing all phases of design and production for a list of approximately 20-25 titles per year across age categories, with administrative and design support from the Design Assistant
  • Conduct photo/art/illustrator research
  • Hire and direct freelance artists and designers. Manage associated feedback, schedules, budgets, and supporting paperwork
  • Prepare live picture book artwork for scanning overseas with repro house.
  • Ensure artwork provided from freelance artists complies with industry standards for press-ready files
  • Color-correct picture book artwork against proofs received from repro house
  • Collaborate closely with editors to develop cover concepts for novel covers
  • Co-art direct picture book and illustrated novel artists alongside Associate Art Director and Editorial
  • Actively participate in team meetings, production meetings, and cover meetings
  • Help to support, train, and mentor junior design staff
  • Stay current and aware of visual trends in children’s publishing
  • Keep files clearly organized and manage scheduling of own projects
  • Update entries in Bloomsbury tracking and archiving systems promptly and consistently
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously within tight deadlines
  • Work with Associate Art Director on other art department needs

Requirements

  • 5–8+ years of design experience in children’s publishing or related industry
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in children’s book design (covers and interiors)
  • Advanced Proficiency in Macintosh operating systems and Adobe software (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat Pro)
  • Strong typographic skills and a strong eye for color and composition. Ability to pick up stylistic cues from market
  • Deep knowledge of print and production processes for both mono and color projects. Strong enthusiasm for color print work especially.
  • Flexibility to adapt design approaches swiftly in response to feedback. Ability to balance creative ambition with commercial awareness.
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills (verbal and written).
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time well.
Benefits
  • Flexible work arrangements
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
design experiencechildren's book designtypographic skillscolor correctionprint production processesproject managementartwork preparationphoto researchfreelance artist managementportfolio development
Soft Skills
communication skillspresentation skillsorganizational skillsmulti-taskingtime managementflexibilitycreativityteam collaborationmentoringadaptability