Designer & Senior Designer - RHCB - (Open to remote)

Penguin Random House US•New York, NY

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Random House Children’s Books young adult covers team is seeking two highly motivated, skilled individuals with a desire to learn and contribute to the team in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. They will work on YA covers across all RHCB’s imprints, executing all phases of cover and jacket making from concept through final art, mechanicals, and prepress. They will also have the opportunity to work on some interiors and/or middle-grade covers.

Requirements

4+ years in a publishing or editorial design role
Strong knowledge of Adobe Suite’s current InDesign and Photoshop programs and at least basic understanding of Adobe Suite’s Illustrator and Acrobat programs
Portfolio showcasing inventive book cover design and typography
Highly organized, able to handle multiple tasks, to prioritize and manage time efficiently
Strong attention to detail, quality, and process
Willingness to take on responsibilities and an ability to ask for support or help
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desire to learn and work collaboratively
Deep interest in YA books

Nice To Haves

Experience with pre-press, 1-color and 4-color printing processes, and PDF workflow
Advanced retouching and/or photo composite skills
Hand lettering skills
Illustration skills
Experience designing Young Adult covers
Experience designing MG covers and/or interiors

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with art directors, publishers, and editors to develop covers and support the publishing programs overall
Responsible for effective, high-quality design of and sales materials for assigned titles from concept to final art to print-ready PDFs using creativity, resourcefulness, and understanding of goals
Research illustrators, designers, photographers, stock, and/or type. Present appropriate samples and pitch vision in meetings
Art direct illustrators, photographers, and/or freelance designers from initial concept and sketch development through revisions to final art for covers of assigned titles
Prepare jacket and cover mechanicals for routing, approvals, and release to production per printing standards, with attention to detail, and in a timely manner to maintain schedules and meet deadlines
Problem-solve with sensitivity and self-awareness
Track cover design trends in YA space with an eye toward setting new trends
Develop and maintain cultural competence to ensure stories about people from marginalized backgrounds are represented sensitively and authentically
Communicate clearly, professionally, and courteously with all internal and external contacts
Attend and participate in production, cover, team, and title-specific meetings
Participate in DEI initiatives
Support the art directors and other designers with all aspects of cover design as needed
Perform other related duties as assigned