Phoenix International Publications, Inc. is searching for a full-time Art Director. In this role, the experienced and creative thinker will be immersed in the world of children’s media, especially licensed publishing and will work in our Chicago office; which is located conveniently to the Blueline and minutes from O’Hare Airport.

 

We are one of the leading licensed international children’s publishers in the world, we continue to create the highest quality of products for children, and are dedicated to bringing excellence to children’s publishing. While we have offices worldwide, our headquarters are based in Chicago, Illinois.

 

All qualified candidates must submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to be considered.

 

The Art Director will be responsible for the following:

· Design 30+ book projects per year, plus custom publishing projects across two imprints

· Able to work independently as well as collaboratively within the larger group, often moving seamlessly between the two

· Excellent design skills including the ability to identify improvements and flaws and offer feedback for colleagues to ensure the best result

· Confident user of InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and other Creative Suite programs, as well as Office programs such as email, Excel, Word, Powerpoint etc.

· Participate in format development with senior staff, creating specs and reviewing for assigned formats, providing manufacturing with complete, accurate information

· Works with editorial and design staff to help develop content direction for formats

· Hire and oversee vendors, such as designers, artists, illustrators, photo researchers, paper engineers to complete work as needed

· Prepare all materials needed by sales department or outside customers and routes to all relevant reviewers

· Ensure mechanical files meet production standards to appropriately preflight final files and prepare press-ready PDFs for printing

· Problem solves any issues regarding work as it occurs or anticipate and correct

· Uses a variety of resources to help inform their designs, keeping on top of design trends, pop culture, and branding styles

· Confident and effective communicator at different levels, including with senior and executive staff and external parties

· Manages schedule and time management effectively to ensure their projects are on time as well as on budget

· Designs to and within line looks to maintain consistency whether taking the lead or following it

· Takes analytical approach to new brands and competitor’s product for a thorough knowledge of market needs

· Attends licensor calls, meetings, and events as needed and maintains confidentiality

 

Skills

– 3+ years’ experience working in licensed publishing is essential

– Experience within toy or other children’s media an advantage

– Ability to design across multiple age ranges and within a variety of formats from simple bath and novelty board books to complex multi book and electronic packs and giftsets

– Knowledge of e-book and app development an advantage

– Contract experience an advantage

– Knowledge of Biblio an advantage

– This role is based in our Chicago offices

 

Other duties may include:

· Illustration

· Paper engineering

· Photograph color correction/manipulation

· Comp images

· Creation of materials for sales

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS Degree
• Long term experience and advanced skill sets
• Excellent computer skills, Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.

To be considered for this position, qualified candidates must submit a cover letter, resume and salary expectations.