Freelance Book Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Union Square & Co. is looking for a talented, creative, and driven Associate Art Director to help shape the visual identity of our distinctive publishing program.
In this highly visible role, you'll bring books to life from concept to completion, leading the creative development of compelling cover designs that capture readers' attention and elevate our authors' voices. Working across a diverse range of genres, you'll oversee projects through every stage of the design process, from initial creative vision and execution to approvals and final production files.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced book designer who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is passionate about creating beautiful, market-driven designs. You'll have the chance to work on the books and products that have made Union Square & Co. a standout in publishing, including our beloved gilded classics, bestselling tarot decks, and an eclectic mix of nonfiction and fiction titles.
As a key member of the creative team, you'll also mentor and manage three talented designers, helping to cultivate exceptional work while fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and collaboration. The Associate Art Director reports directly to the Art Director, Adult Books, and plays an integral role in shaping the creative direction of the list.
If you're a creative leader with a strong portfolio of book cover design, a keen eye for emerging trends, and a passion for crafting books readers can't resist picking up, we'd love to hear from you.
Mission Statement
Union Square & Co. publishes books and gift products with a point of view. What distinguishes us is our independent, entrepreneurial spirit. We collaborate with bestselling, award-winning, and debut authors and creatives to publish at the highest quality across categories. We strive to bring you entertainment, discovery, and fun through objects you can cherish. To learn more about our mission, check out our website.
Duties include:

• Conceptualizes and generates creative and innovative cover designs for UNSQ's Adult list, including Classics, and select Gift titles
• Works closely with the Art Director to maintain the highest quality of design and production standards while keeping on track with deadlines
• Manages and advises small group of Senior and Junior level designers
• Collaborates closely with editorial team to develop thoughtful, market-appropriate designs
• Oversees all stages of preparation including prepress, color correction, setting print-ready files up for special effects, and proof review.
• Maintains ongoing communications and schedules with the Editorial and Production departments to ensure timely execution and follow through from manuscript to bound book for all projects
• Researches and oversees freelance illustrators and designers when required
• Ensures that designs fulfill UNSQ's high standards, represent the brand in the market, and push the envelope in both concept and execution
• Attends weekly status and design meetings
• Stays abreast of changes in publishing industry, design trends, and new techniques that will improve the efficiency and creativity

Minimum requirements:

• Minimum 5-7 years design experience in book publishing
• Extensive experience designing book covers specifically, nonfiction, fiction, and other gift related products such as tarot cards or stationary
• Detailed knowledge of pre-press requirements for print: manufacturing process, proofing, and color correction
• Experience hiring and overseeing illustrators, negotiating rates, and rights usage
• Experience managing designers and senior designers
• Proficient in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat
• 4-year college degree preferably in Graphic Design, or equivalent work experience
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
• Strong time management skills to manage deadlines and delegate work
• Experience working with freelancers

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio to be considered for this position.
This role is based in our New York office. Employees are expected to work on-site three days per week in accordance with our hybrid work model. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the office.
The compensation for this position is $75,000-$85,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location - talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.
As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.
Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.