Contract Graphic Design Projects for Graphic Designers & Web Designers

DESCRIPTION Responsible for conveying the visual concept for magazine, website, and the company’s overall visual branding. The Art Director must continually create/improve the look and feel of the magazine, web site, support materials, related products, and/or promotions. Ultimately, the Art Director is expected to strategize, design, and produce high-end results. RESPONSIBILITIES Oversee direction of magazine layout and design, as well as overall look and feel of website Manage and coach art department staff in the visual direction of the brand. Assign illustrations and design and freelance artists. Art Direction for photo shoots. Design covers and main features. Collaborate with Editor-in-Chief and local Managing Editors on art for sections and brainstorm ideas and concepts. Oversee design and production of special supplements. Attend press checks. RELATIONSHIPS Internal: Art and Editorial staff, Printer, Production, Publisher. External: Photographers, Illustrators, Stylists, Agents. POSITION AUTHORITY / ACCOUNTABILITY This position is directly accountable to the Editor in Chief This position will have supervisory accountabilities and will therefore be required to review and evaluate performance of designers. WORKING CONDITIONS May be required to work overtime. Travel required to shoot locations. QUALIFICATIONS Solid portfolio of work. Post-secondary degree or diploma in art or graphic design. 2 years of experience in a design/art director role in the magazine or newspaper publishing industry, as well as web design experience. Team player with excellent interpersonal skills. Experience managing and directing staff. Advanced knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator. Ability to work under pressure and rise to creative challenges under tight deadlines. NOTES Ideal candidate must be a forward thinking, self-starter who can work well in a close team environment under tight deadlines. Also must be able to take constructive criticism well, separate personal-attachment from the creative process, and work flexibly with the design director and editor to make sure designs and editorial meld. A strong understanding of current trends in publication design, typography, photography, and web design is required.