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Freelance Magazine Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Magazine Designer / Art Director

Colorado Springs, CO

$119K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Magazine Designer / Art Director I position exists to direct the graphic design activities of ... Familiarity with contract negotiations for freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and ...

Magazine Designer / Art Director

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$119K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Magazine Designer / Art Director I position exists to direct the graphic design activities of ... Familiarity with contract negotiations for freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and ...

Editorial/publication experience (print or digital magazines) * Motion or illustration * You ... Freelance/contract, part-time to start, with room to grow * Fully remote, anywhere. No travel ...

Freelance Fashion Editors/Writers

New York, NY

$23.25 - $29.75/hr

The Dapifer is a top independent fashion magazine based in NYC and distributed internationally ... Familiarity with emerging and established designers and product Additional Information As a member ...

Freelance Fashion Editors/Writers

New York, NY · On-site

$23.25 - $29.75/hr

The Dapifer is a top independent fashion magazine based in NYC and distributed internationally ... Familiarity with emerging and established designers and product Additional Information As a member ...

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$112K - $119K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Assists Creative Director with design creation and magazine production & branding. * Communicates ... Process and approve vendor & freelance invoices as needed. * Branding of visual communications is ...

This position designs two major publications, the Forward magazine (spring issue) and the Forward ... recommend freelance assignments. * Create and produce, in collaboration with the Senior Graphic ...

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$112K - $119K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Designer

New York, NY

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ... classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest ...

Designer

New York, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ... classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest ...

Who We Are The magazine is a global media vehicle currently headquartered in the "New York and New ... with staff writers, freelancers, photographers, graphic designers, interns and cooperative ...

New

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$112K - $119K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Senior Designer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$111K - $119K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$112K - $119K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$112K - $119K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$112K - $119K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

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Showing results 1-20

Freelance Magazine Designer information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance magazine designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance magazine designer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance magazine designer?

A Freelance Magazine Designer is a creative professional who works independently to design the visual layout of magazines. They are responsible for creating appealing page layouts, selecting fonts and colors, and integrating images and graphics to enhance the reader's experience. Freelance magazine designers often collaborate with editors, writers, and photographers, ensuring the magazine’s visual style aligns with its content and target audience. They typically work on a project-by-project basis for various clients rather than being employed by a single magazine publisher.

How does a freelance magazine designer typically collaborate with editors and writers during the design process?

Freelance magazine designers often work closely with editors and writers to ensure that the visual layout complements the content and aligns with the publication’s vision. Communication usually happens via email, project management platforms, or video meetings, where designers receive briefs, discuss story angles, and provide mockups for feedback. Designers may need to adjust layouts based on editorial changes, image availability, or updated content, requiring flexibility and strong collaboration skills. This teamwork helps maintain consistency and high-quality standards across the magazine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance magazine designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Magazine Designer, you need a solid grasp of graphic design principles, layout composition, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, often supported by a degree in graphic design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard design software like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator is essential, as well as experience with digital publishing platforms. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills help you stand out when collaborating with editors and clients. These skills ensure visually compelling, on-brand magazine layouts delivered on deadline, which is crucial for client satisfaction and repeat business.

What is the difference between Freelance Magazine Designer vs Freelance Graphic Designer?

AspectFreelance Magazine DesignerFreelance Graphic Designer
Primary FocusMagazine layouts, editorial design, visual storytellingVarious design projects including branding, marketing materials, digital graphics
Skills & ToolsInDesign, Photoshop, layout compositionPhotoshop, Illustrator, branding principles
Work EnvironmentFreelance, client-based, publishing industryFreelance, diverse industries, digital and print projects
Industry UsageMagazines, publishing houses, editorial teamsAdvertising agencies, corporate clients, small businesses

While both roles involve graphic design skills, a Freelance Magazine Designer specializes in creating magazine layouts and editorial visuals, often working within the publishing industry. A Freelance Graphic Designer has a broader scope, handling various visual projects across multiple industries. The key difference lies in the focus on magazine-specific design versus general graphic design services.

More about Freelance Magazine Designer jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Magazine Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Magazine Designer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Magazine Designer jobs?

The most popular types of Magazine Designer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Magazine Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Magazine Designer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Freelance Magazine Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Magazine Designer / Art Director

fotf

Colorado Springs, CO

$119K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

The Magazine Designer / Art Director I position exists to direct the graphic design activities of the design team under the supervision of the Director.  This position is responsible for the development, direction, supervision, and presentation of the graphic design activities of print magazines as well as accompanying websites and digital publications as assigned; this involves direct design responsibilities as well as overseeing the work of the additional designers, illustrators, and photographers. Collaborates with editorial teams on project strategy while showing a superior understanding of the client goals and audience needs.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Creates and/or directs concept development, design, layout, and art production, requiring at times, independent, creative thinking
  • Actively participates and/or leads creative meetings, brainstorm sessions and team activities
  • Familiarity with contract negotiations for freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo house and working with AE’s
  • Assists in the guidance, training and mentoring of other designers
  • Interfaces and conducts contract negotiations with freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo houses
  • Coordinates, schedules, supervises, and directs photography and off-site photo shoots
  • Helps coordinate art direction activities of other designers, as well as freelancers
  • Take responsibility for the quality, completeness, and on-time delivery of projects
  • Work closely with print buyer to ensure quality of printed pieces; participates in press checks
  • Works closely with others to ensure quality and design integrity standards are met consistent with the magazine’s mission and Focus on the Family principles and standards
  • Monitors progress to schedule-from conceptualizing to final proofs
  • Makes efficient and effective use of computer systems, magazine production software and digital asset management system
  • Is responsible for design staffs’ use of digital asset management system and the archival of creative assets
  • Works closely with DMS, IT, Print Buyers, and Sr. Designers to ensure quality and timely delivery of print, web, and mobile publications
  • Stays abreast of developments within department
  • Participates in editorial planning sessions

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

  • May take photographs for various FOF events and assignments
  • Performs other duties, including but not limited to duties as assigned, some of which may include the development and creation of a variety of copyrightable works (e.g., print, photography, voice work, film, music, visual arts, etc.) for distribution in any and all media and formats (such as television, radio, internet, wireless, DVD, satellite and digital) on a world-wide basis, all of which shall be for the benefit of Focus on the Family

 

Managerial Breadth/Scope of Job:

  • None

 

 

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

  • Office environment
  • Travel may be necessary
  • This role may require occasional travel including nights and weekends

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Character/Spiritual

Exemplifies Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us...”


Pursues the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”


Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ; maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Focus; adheres to the Standard of Moral Conduct and Statement of Faith; upholds Focus on the Family's ministry in prayer


Prays personally for Focus on the Family’s staff and constituents and may occasionally lead in a public prayer


Engages in Christian ministry


Demonstrates behaviors aligned with FOF core values

Personal Characteristics:

 

  • Team Oriented
     
  • Detail Oriented
  • Teachable, flexible, and reliable
  • Positive, dependable and takes the initiative
  • Desire to expand and learn new skills and stay up on industry trends
  • Can graciously give and receive constructive criticism to creative work

 

Knowledge/Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Graphics Art or equivalent work experience
  • 5-7 years professional design experience with an agency, studio, publisher, or equivalent
  • In depth understanding of design fundamentals for a wide range of creative and conceptual challenges
  • Working knowledge of Focus on the Family mission, philosophy, values, and objectives

Skills, Abilities, and Special Talents/Gifts:

  • Advanced graphic and organizational skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to think creatively in artistic endeavors
  • Ability to accept criticism of creative work
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent listening skills
  • Ability to function effectively and efficiently in a team environment
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and meet strict deadlines
  • Ability to organize work effectively to meet time constraints
  • Ability to deal with stress due to deadline pressure
  • Ability to build and maintain solid team working for a common goal
  • Able to delegate responsibilities to the appropriate personnel
  • Demonstrates superior use of graphic design principles (knowledge of typography, photography, composition, white space, color, etc.)
  • Advanced skill in use of Macintosh equipment, including experience with QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator and PhotoShop and InDesign

 Pay Range: $60,324 to $72,258

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

*Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove any age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application Materials Instructions: Please identify the job specific minimum qualifications you possess in your cover letter and be sure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting. To apply, please submit the following application materials to this posting. 1. A current resume. 2. A cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications.

Focus on the Family puts a high value on our team members and offers a unique benefit package.


Employees scheduled for 20 hours or more per week are eligible for:

  • Norton LifeLock ID Theft Coverage
  • Legal Shield/ID Shield Coverage
  • AFLAC
  • 403B Retirement Plan
  • Vacation Time & Vacation Payout
  • Sick Time
  • Holidays
  • Service Awards
  • Community Service Days
  • Bookstore Discount
  • Fitness Center

Employees scheduled for 30 hours or more per week are eligible for all the above and:

  • Medical Plan
  • Dental Plan
  • Vision Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Warehouse Membership Reimbursement

Note: This is a summary and should not be construed as future promises to continue to provide benefits as outlined above. For complete and definitive language, refer to the governing plan documents. 

*Temporary employees are not eligible for benefits, except for:

  • Sick Time
  • Bookstore Discount
  • Fitness Center

Tentative Search Timeline:

  • Priority will be given to applications submitted by May 30, 2026 However, this posting will remain open until filled. 
  • The potential employee start date is June 8, 2026

Posting date:  April 30, 2026

Un-posting date: ongoing until filled

Posting contact email: job@fotf.org