Hybrid Senior Designer, Children's Trade

at Bloomsbury USA

• Job title: Senior Designer, Children's Trade
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: $72,800 - $85,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, New York City, United States

About the role

• Senior Designer creating high-quality children's book designs for Bloomsbury USA. Leading design projects across various children's publishing segments in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

• 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