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Art Director Books Jobs (NOW HIRING)

W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.

Art Director, Children's

$85K/yr

Come join a growing and energized team where you can work on prizewinning books by industry leading authors and illustrators. The Art Director will be responsible for managing, art directing, and ...

W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.

Art Director, Children's

$85K/yr

Come join a growing and energized team where you can work on prizewinning books by industry leading authors and illustrators. The Art Director will be responsible for managing, art directing, and ...

New

Apple

Art Director, Design

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $136K/yr

... Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple Maps, iCloud, Creator Studio and more. Whether we're launching the ... Description The Art Director crafts identities and identity-led campaigns for Apple's services ...

Apple

Art Director, Design

Los Angeles, CA

$142K - $215K/yr

... Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple Maps, iCloud, Creator Studio and more. Whether we're launching the ... Description The Art Director crafts identities and identity-led campaigns for Apple's services ...

Apple Inc.

Art Director, Design

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$142.60 - $215/hr

... Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple Maps, iCloud, Creator Studio and more. Whether we're launching the ... Description The Art Director crafts identities and identity‑led campaigns for Apple's services ...

Macmillan

Associate Director, Art (MCPG)

$90K - $100K/yr

Manage, mentor, and art direct designers and freelancers. * Coordinate multiple projects ... S. publishers include Celadon Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Flatiron Books, Henry Holt ...

Macmillan

Associate Director, Art (MCPG)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Manage, mentor, and art direct designers and freelancers. * Coordinate multiple projects ... S. publishers include Celadon Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Flatiron Books, Henry Holt ...

Bertelsmann

Senior Director, Art - (Hybrid)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality ... Experience supervising and art directing a design teams with 6+ staff. * Proficiency in design ...

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Art Director Books information

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$44.5K

$121.8K

$146.5K

How much do art director books jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for art director books in the United States is $121,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Art Director Books vs Art Director Films?

AspectArt Director BooksArt Director Films
CredentialsDesign or Fine Arts degree, portfolioDesign, Fine Arts, or Film-related degree, portfolio
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, book publishers, freelanceFilm studios, production companies, post-production
Industry UsageBook publishing, editorial, illustrationMovie production, set design, visual effects

Art Director Books and Art Director Films share similar credentials and creative skills but differ mainly in their work environment and industry focus. Art Director Books specializes in book design and publishing, while Art Director Films focuses on visual elements for movies and TV. Both roles require a strong portfolio and design expertise, but their daily tasks and industry settings vary significantly.

How does an art director for books typically collaborate with authors and publishers during the book design process?

As an Art Director for books, you'll work closely with authors, editors, and publishers to bring the visual concept of a book to life. This collaboration often involves interpreting the author's vision, discussing visual themes, and creating design mockups for approval. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are common to ensure that the cover and interior layouts align with both the story and the publisher's branding. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as you'll need to balance creative ideas with market considerations and production timelines.

What does an art director for books do?

An Art Director for books oversees the visual design and artistic direction of book projects. They collaborate with authors, editors, illustrators, and graphic designers to create appealing book covers and layouts that align with the book’s content and target audience. Their responsibilities include selecting typefaces, colors, imagery, and ensuring the final product meets both aesthetic standards and publishing requirements. Art Directors play a key role in shaping the visual identity and market appeal of a book.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an art director for books?

To thrive as an Art Director for Books, you need a strong background in graphic design, visual storytelling, and publishing, often supported by a degree in design or a related field. Mastery of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with print production processes are typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and creative collaboration skills help you manage teams and convey a cohesive visual vision. These skills ensure visually compelling book designs that effectively engage readers and align with publishing goals.
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Art Director Books jobs near you
Infographic showing various Art Director Books job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,757 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Art Director, Children's

W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.

Remote

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description


W.W. Norton & Company has an opening for an Art Director in their award-winning Children's Art Department. Come join a growing and energized team where you can work on prizewinning books by industry leading authors and illustrators. The Art Director will be responsible for managing, art directing, and designing approximately 8-10 titles per season in our range of children's books. They will also provide support for the team in all areas of the publishing process. Candidates must have an excellent portfolio which include book covers and interiors as well as illustrated books (picture books and graphic novels) and have an understanding and passion for the book publishing process. Candidates must exhibit attention to detail, a critical eye for design, and have excellent communication and organization skills. We're looking to bring in a passionate individual who is aware of the children's book landscape, excited to help grow a division and enthusiastic about children's books for all ages. This position is a full-time remote position with a requirement to come into the New York office at least once per publishing season for a week of meetings and interdepartmental collaboration. This position reports directly to the Associate Creative Director of the Children's Department.
Essential Job Responsibilities Include:
  • Manage the full design process from acquisition to release to print for their own list of approximately 8-10 titles per list (24-30 per year) across the Norton Children's Division spanning picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, young adult and fiction and non-fiction.
  • Pursue, nurture, develop, manage and hire freelance illustrators (and their agents) and design beautiful and thoughtful original book packages.
  • Hire, manage, and art direct freelance designers while keeping in mind all needs: budgetary, art and font licensing, timelines.
  • Meet weekly, seasonal and book production deadlines and manage across multiple stages of production while maintaining organized and accurate files and ensuring good practices with font and art clearances.
  • Liase with production department throughout all stages of production from concept and design through file set up and review, to mechanical release to printer and proofing stages.
  • Provide support and collaboration to design and art direction staff when needed or as designated by the Creative Director.
  • Maintain clear communication with editorial and production staff on a regular basis including complications and offer solutions for successful project completion.
  • Represent projects and team in a professional and skilled manner in art presentation and status meetings.

Please note- this job description is not designed to cover all activities required of the employee.
Experience and Skills
Required Qualifications:
  • Must have a strong portfolio that shows versatility of style and proficiency across multiple genres, topics, ages, and formats in Children's Publishing.
  • Exceptional typographic sensibility and understanding of age based design as well as respect for the reader.
  • Portfolio must exhibit original ideas and original design executions that feel unique and interesting while understanding the relevant markets.
  • At least 7-8 years of work experience required. Experience at a publisher or working with publishers in a freelance capacity for most of those years is preferred.
  • Must be comfortable, efficient, and an effective communicator while working in a remote environment.
  • Must have awareness of prepress, four color, 2 color, and specialty printing processes pertaining to all stages of children's book production from concepts to corrections, to proof review and release to print.
  • Employment eligibility to work with W.W. Norton & Company in the US is required.
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Must be able to work full business hours on East Coast time.

Compensation and Benefits*
Currently available benefits include:
  • Annual compensation for this position is $85,000. All salaries and salary ranges posted by Norton may vary depending on experience, skills, location, and like considerations.
  • Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and summer Friday afternoons beginning in July
  • Generous health benefits, including PPO, EPO, and High Deductible (with HSA) medical insurance options, vision insurance, dental insurance, flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care and commuter, gym membership reimbursement, and more. Coverage for spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children is available.
  • Profit-Sharing and 401(k) benefit plan with discretionary contribution matching by employer
  • Disability and life insurances
  • FMLA, parental and other leave
  • Employee Assistance Program (for mental health, financial planning, and other needs)
  • Company-provided laptop
  • Employee discounts on Norton books
  • Limited matching of employee donations to select non-profit organizations

*All policies and benefits described are subject to change at any time.

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