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Children Book Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kidsbooks Publishing

Children's Book Designer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$60K - $70K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Children's Book Designer to help create engaging, innovative, and market-driven products for kids across multiple retail channels.

Macmillan

Sr Designer, MCPG

$70K - $85K/yr

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group is looking for a resourceful and imaginative book designer for Balzer + Bray, Feiwel & Friends, FSG BYR, Henry Holt BYR, Roaring Brook Press, and Odd Dot. The ...

Macmillan Learning

Sr Designer, MCPG

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$70K - $85K/yr

Description Macmillan Children's Publishing Group is looking for a resourceful and imaginative book designer for Balzer + Bray, Feiwel & Friends, FSG BYR, Henry Holt BYR, Roaring Brook Press, and Odd ...

Scholastic

Senior Designer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$111K - $119K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY We need a dedicated senior designer for the Harry Potter publishing program to ... As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ...

Scholastic Corporation

Senior Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY We need a dedicated senior designer for the Harry Potter publishing program to ... As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ...

Mattel

Designer - Publishing

El Segundo, CA · On-site

A thorough understanding of the entire publishing process and of the children's book market. * A strong portfolio of print work and outstanding book cover designs. * Proficient in InDesign, Photoshop ...

Mattel

Designer - Publishing

El Segundo, CA

A thorough understanding of the entire publishing process and of the children's book market. * A strong portfolio of print work and outstanding book cover designs. * Proficient in InDesign, Photoshop ...

Mattel

Designer - Publishing

El Segundo, CA

A thorough understanding of the entire publishing process and of the children's book market. * A strong portfolio of print work and outstanding book cover designs. * Proficient in InDesign, Photoshop ...

Scholastic

Designer

New York, NY

As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ... Experience designing for print and building files for print production * Work within budgets

Scholastic Corporation

Designer

New York, NY · On-site

As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ... Experience designing for print and building files for print production * Work within budgets

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Children Book Designer information

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$44K

$79.7K

$124K

How much do children book designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for children book designer in the United States is $79,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $88,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Children Book Designer vs Children's Book Illustrator?

Children Book DesignerChildren's Book Illustrator
Focuses on overall book layout, typography, and visual conceptSpecializes in creating original artwork and illustrations for the book
Requires skills in graphic design, layout software, and visual storytellingRequires artistic skills, drawing, and painting abilities
Works closely with authors, publishers, and graphic designersWorks primarily with authors and publishers to produce illustrations
Common in publishing, design agencies, and freelance workCommon in publishing, freelance, and illustration studios

Children Book Designers focus on the overall visual layout and design of the book, ensuring readability and aesthetic appeal. In contrast, Children's Book Illustrators create the artwork that brings the story to life visually. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Children Book Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Children Book Designer, you need strong illustration skills, a keen understanding of visual storytelling, and proficiency in graphic design, typically supported by a degree in design or a related field. Mastery of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, along with familiarity with print production processes, is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with authors and editors are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure engaging, age-appropriate, and visually appealing books that effectively connect with young readers.

How do Children Book Designers typically collaborate with authors and illustrators during the book development process?

Children Book Designers work closely with authors and illustrators to ensure the visual elements align with the story and intended age group. They often participate in brainstorming sessions, provide feedback on illustration drafts, and make layout suggestions to enhance readability and engagement. Effective communication is key, as designers must balance creative input with the publisher’s requirements, ensuring that the final product is visually appealing and market-ready. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and often leads to long-term professional relationships.

What does a Children Book Designer do?

A Children Book Designer is responsible for creating the visual layout and design of children's books, including illustrations, typography, and page composition. They collaborate closely with authors, illustrators, and publishers to ensure the book is visually engaging and age-appropriate. Their work helps bring stories to life, making them more appealing and accessible to young readers. Good design can enhance a child's reading experience and contribute to the educational value of the book.
More about Children Book Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Children Book Designer jobs? Cities with the most Children Book Designer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Children Book Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Children Book Designer jobs are:
Children Book Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Children Book Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,711 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Children's Book Designer

Kidsbooks Publishing

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$60K - $70K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

About the Role


We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Children’s Book Designer to help create engaging, innovative, and market-driven products for kids across multiple retail channels.

This role is ideal for a designer with strong experience in children’s publishing and novelty formats who thrives at the intersection of creativity, storytelling, product development, and consumer insight. The successful candidate will bring both artistic excellence and practical understanding of manufacturing, retail performance, and market trends.

You will collaborate closely with editorial, production, sales, and manufacturing teams to develop high-quality products that resonate with children, parents, educators, and retailers.



What You’ll Do

  • Conceptualize, design, and execute children’s books and novelty products from initial idea through final production
  • Develop compelling covers, interiors, packaging, and interactive product features
  • Create design solutions that balance creativity, functionality, manufacturability, and cost efficiency
  • Partner cross-functionally with editorial, production, sales, and external vendors to bring products to market
  • Contribute to visual brand consistency across series and product lines
  • Iterate quickly based on feedback, trend analysis, consumer insights, and sales performance
  • Stay informed on trends in children’s publishing, novelty formats, toy design, and retail merchandising
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment



Products & Channels

This role supports product development across a variety of retail and distribution channels, including:

  • Clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s)
  • Mass market retail
  • Value publishing
  • Amazon and e-commerce channels
  • School book fairs and educational distribution



QualificationsRequired

  • 5+ years of professional design experience in children’s publishing
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating children’s books, novelty formats, and product design
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
  • Strong understanding of print production, die-lines, and manufacturing processes
  • Experience collaborating cross-functionally in a fast-paced publishing or consumer products environment
  • Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills
  • Ability to balance creative vision with commercial objectives

Preferred

  • Experience working with overseas printers and manufacturing partners
  • Experience developing products for Amazon or e-commerce-first channels
  • Experience building visual systems across series or product lines
  • Understanding of consumer trends within children’s publishing and retail



What Success Looks Like

In this role, success includes:

  • Delivering innovative and commercially successful products
  • Maintaining strong visual quality and brand consistency
  • Supporting efficient production and manufacturing processes
  • Contributing creative ideas that drive growth across channels
  • Building strong collaborative relationships across teams



Work Environment

  • Hybrid work model with required onsite collaboration three days per week
  • Collaborative, team-oriented culture
  • Dynamic environment with multiple concurrent projects and evolving priorities



Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to help shape engaging products that inspire curiosity, imagination, and learning for children across North America. You’ll join a creative and collaborative team focused on building meaningful, commercially successful products for today’s evolving marketplace.


Compensation: $60,000–$70,000 annually, based on experience, skills, and overall fit for the role.

Apply