Jr Designer, Little Simon/Simon Spotlight

Junior Designer, Little Simon / Simon Spotlight

Position Summary

The Junior Designer supports the Executive Art Director and design team while developing the creative, technical, and project-management skills needed to grow within children’s book design. The role combines hands-on design ownership with collaboration and mentorship in a fast-paced, highly creative environment.

The Junior Designer is responsible for designing up to 30 unique titles per year across a wide range of formats, including novelty and board books, early readers, chapter books, and graphic novels.

Key Responsibilities

• Design book covers and interiors from initial concept through final production.
• Develop thoughtful, age-appropriate design concepts that support each book’s content, audience, and position in the marketplace.
• Conceptualize cover directions and prepare presentations for internal review.
• Collaborate closely with editors, licensors, artists, and fellow designers throughout the creative process.
• Research, identify, and commission illustrators and other creative talent, as appropriate.
• Art direct illustrators and review sketches and final artwork to ensure the work fulfills the creative vision, publishing needs, and production requirements of each project.
• Prepare layouts, mechanicals, and production-ready files while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
• Partner with the Production team throughout proofing, prepress, and color-correction stages to ensure the quality of the finished book.
• Incorporate feedback from creative, editorial, licensors, production, and other stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining strong organization and attention to detail.
• Provide design and administrative support to the Executive Art Director and other members of the design team as needed.
• Stay informed about trends in children’s publishing, illustration, typography, and design.

Qualifications

• A portfolio demonstrating strong design, typography, composition, and conceptual-thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in varying stages of development.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• A genuine interest in children’s books and visual storytelling.
• Previous publishing, internship, or related design experience is preferred.