Leading publisher of special-interest books and magazines seeks a seasoned design professional to provide design and art direction for illustrated, how-to, homebuilding, woodworking and craft books and related multi-format print and digital products. The successful candidate will manage freelance designers and photographers as well as a small in-house staff. Requires a creative, hands-on individual with a proven track record, strong portfolio demonstrating print and digital content design experience, and effective organization, project management and communication skills. lnDesign and Adobe Creative Suite proficiency and knowledge of book production and manufacturing processes is essential.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
• Designs or oversees the cover and interior design of all books and related print and digital products.
• Works with the editorial, sales and marketing, design and production staff to ensure that each product we publish is appropriate to its market and editorial positioning.
• Develops preliminary (pre-proposal) concepts and thumbnails for individual titles, series, or ancillary products when requested by editorial or marketing.
• Writes design notes for all titles and projects.
• Designs, or manages freelancers to design, covers and interiors of titles on each list.
• Approves recommended designers, photographers and illustrators for each project, based on review of sample work, rates and timing.
• Works with Photo Editor to select and direct photographers and attend photo shoots to set direction, as necessary.
• Works with layout coordinators and production manager to ensure that layouts and illustrations are: following the intention and integrity of each product's design, making sense editorially, and are in service to the reader.
• Reviews all cover and interior designs with Creative and Editorial Director, getting input before final presentation is made to Publisher and Trade Sales Director.
• Partners with the Book Production Manager to implement and execute book development directives set forth in the book group strategic plan.
• Ensures that each product is conceived, photographed, designed and reviewed on schedule.
• Works with Creative, Editorial, and Tech to recommend improvements in workflow and test new technology advances.
• Tracks costs and manages budget for product development including design, photography and illustration for each title.