Assistant Designer (NYC Hybrid)

HarperCollins Publishers is seeking an Assistant Designer with a passion for manga, manhwa, and manhua to join their graphic novel imprint, HarperAlley. The role involves creating and executing book designs, collaborating with creators and freelancers, and managing production processes to ensure high-quality graphic novels.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute arresting jacket and interior designs under general supervision
• Follow design workflow and adhere to tight deadlines
• Assist all phases of design process and production process. Prepare mechanical files and production-ready layouts for print, coordinate with the production team to create files for proofs and assist with color-reviews
• Participate in group creative discussions
• Collaborate and effectively work with freelancers and creators
• Communicate with in-house departments to keep workflows moving smoothly
• Archives files into DAM
• Create dummies/mockups as well as other sales materials for sales presentations
• Work closely with Art Director to keep them informed on project and production status
• Provide general administrative support, including coding and processing invoices, archiving files and contracts, updating and maintaining Biblio, etc

Skills

• 1+ years of relevant work experience required
• A proven ability to envision and execute outstanding design
• Keen eye for detail and experience working with the production teams to ensure high quality end products
• Strong typographic skills; Hand-lettering skills a plus
• Understanding of manga, manhwa, and manhua book techniques, marketplace, and knowledge of current trends
• Strong organization, time management, and communication skills
• Thorough knowledge and experience with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, ClipStudio and related applications
• Passion for graphic novels a must
• Preferred candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively in both Japanese and English
• Knowledge of children's and young adult publishing field a plus

Benefits

• Comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package
• Variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits
• Elective benefits employees may select to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce

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