Associate Art Director

Description:

We are seeking a talented and driven Associate Art Director to join our creative team. Under the guidance of the Creative Directors, this role will be responsible for concepting and designing multiple titles annually across children’s and adult categories. The Associate Art Director should demonstrate strong storytelling through art, thoughtful illustrator management, and the production expertise required to bring projects from initial concept to print-ready execution. This role is responsible for high-quality design implementation from concept through final art, managing illustrator relationships and ensuring production readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Design assigned titles (covers and interiors) from concept to final files
• Research illustrators and new artists
• Manage illustrators through pencils, revisions, and final art
• Prepare mechanicals for routing and prepress
• Execute revisions and ensure print-ready accuracy
• Manage a rolling schedule of 6–8 titles annually
• Review title routes from other designers and provide feedback
• Create digital sales materials
• Research competitive trends and assist with sales pitch product concepts
• Attend production meetings and project one-on-ones
• Manage projects with in house system (ClickUp)

Requirements:

• 4-8 years design experience (publishing preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or equivalent fine art program
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat)
• Experience in Google Workspace and Microsoft Suite a plus
• Strong conceptual thinking and visual storytelling
• Extensive typography and layout expertise
• Solid understanding of 4-color and 1-color process printing
• Ability to take direction and implement feedback
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills