Senior Designer, Illustrated - Union Square & Co.
About The Position
The Senior Designer, Illustrated supports the design and production of 40 to 50 projects annually for Union Square & Co.’s Adult Illustrated publishing program. Projects include two- to four-color nonfiction titles that are heavily illustrated and photo-driven. The role works with top-tier author and illustrator talent in a rapidly growing area of Union Square & Co. Publishing and reports to the Senior Art Director of Illustrated Publishing. The designer develops cover and interior designs from initial mood boards and concepts through final file delivery, collaborating with design colleagues, editorial staff, publishers, production, marketing, publicity, and external creative partners. The role also oversees freelance illustrators and designers, contributes to photo shoot planning, manages schedules and project tracking, and prepares and reviews print production materials and proofs to ensure quality and consistency.
Requirements
- At least 5–7 years of design experience, primarily focused on book publishing.
- 5–7 years of experience in illustrated and/or trade four-color publishing design.
- A strong portfolio demonstrating design, typography, and color skills, conceptual thinking, and visual storytelling.
- A four-year college degree or equivalent work experience.
- A proven track record working with high-profile authors and illustrators and producing high-end, design-forward work.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple titles in a fast-paced environment, and meet creative and production deadlines.
- Expertise in Adobe Design Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat, and related technologies.
- Detailed knowledge of print prepress requirements, manufacturing processes, and proofing.
- Excellent communication skills with internal and external partners, collaborators, and outside talent.
- Flexibility and creative problem-solving skills, including thoughtfully incorporating feedback from partners and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Responsibilities
- Develop cover and interior designs from mood boards and design concepts through final file delivery.
- Collaborate with design colleagues, editorial staff, and the publisher to manage multiple book projects from start to finish.
- Research, commission, and oversee freelance illustrators and designers.
- Support photo shoot planning by researching photographers, developing mood boards and shot lists, and coordinating with external photo teams.
- Route cover and interior passes on time to meet seasonal deadlines, and plan and track projects.
- Prepare cover mechanicals from initial layout through final production, working with production managers on materials and setup, prepress, color correction, file setup, proof review and correction, and final files for print.
- Prepare files for four-color printing using a PDF workflow.
- Work with the Union Square & Co. production manager on quality control and title-by-title consistency, including reviewing printer proofs.
- Collaborate with the marketing and publicity team on exclusive edition content and creative assets for advertising and marketing materials.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment coverage
- Critical illness coverage
- Hospital indemnity coverage
- Long-term care coverage
- Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- Commuter benefit plan
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Travel assistance
- 401(k)
- Discretionary bonus program
- Paid time off, including 15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays, and sick leave
- Group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
