Jr Designer, Little Simon/Simon Spotlight
Simon & Schuster, LLC
The Junior Designer is responsible for designing up to 30 children's book titles annually, including covers and interiors, from concept through final production. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, providing fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages in printed, digital, and audio formats.
- Location
- New York, New York
- Arrangement
- Onsite
- Level
- Entry-level
- Employment
- Full time
- Date added
- 2026-10-13
- Last checked
- 2026-10-16
Overview
Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com. 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.
About Simon & Schuster, LLC
Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats.
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