Other
06.21.10posted by
Kim Keener
JOB SUMMARY:
We are actively recruiting for a top-notch art director to join the collaborative team responsible for 'Taste of Home.' As the #1 food magazine in the world, over 3.2 million subscribers look to us to provide family-favorite and reliable recipes. Under the direction of the Executive Editor and Creative Director, the Art Director will lead creative efforts to enrich our consumer experience.
Responsible for the graphic look and execution of Taste of Home magazine, from conception to completion, the art director ensures that every page of the product maintains a consistent, reader-friendly look. The art director is ultimately responsible to deliver all materials to prepress department, and ultimately the printer, on time and on deadline.
***IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL CANDIDATES*** We can not consider candidates who fail to upload the required samples: a minimum of three editorial layout samples with a summary of the role you played in each OR a link to an online portfolio clearly demonstrating this experience. Food art direction preferred; retail magazine covers a plus. Our system supports files extensions: doc, docx, gif, htm, html, jpg, pdf, rtf, txt, xls. Firefox browser performs best. If you experience technical issues call Openhire help desk direct at 866-927-2472; this is not a Reader's Digest office.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Uses Macintosh-based software to design art and copy layouts for the magazine. Maintains current knowledge of new versions of software.
• In conjunction with editors, conceptualizes each issue, from planning the look to choosing fonts and colors for covers and inside pages. Proposes direction, gets approval for that direction, and ensures the design transitions smoothly to the Layout Design Team, laying out pages if necessary.
• Designs products with creativity and a cooperative attitude toward constructive criticism from the Creative Director, Editor in Chief, Executive Editor and other team members and marketers.
• Works with photographers and Photo Studio Team to set up specialty photos for covers, features, recipes, and added-value shots and spot art.
• Directs the Photo Studio's work on cover and interior shoots to match the look and vision established at the Editorial planning meetings.
• Works with the Photo Studio to select props for photos. Makes vendor recommendations for finding materials to complete special projects.
• Directs the selection of stock photos and visuals to embellish stories. Scans photos when necessary.
• Participates in overall planning of the product. Follows product through the prepress process. Assists with proofing scatters.
• Places house and outside advertisements to suit the established roadmap or as specified by the Sales Team. Ensures that ads augment, not detract from edit pages.
• Manages the workflow and traffic between departments for each project, communicating regularly with the editor, the photo studio and the prepress department and updating each accordingly.
• Provides training to new employees and interns as requested.
• Travels as necessary to direct location shoots.
• Performs other duties as assigned, such as helping other departments and creating illustrations, house ads, company graphics or other corporate projects.
Required Skills
• Strong working knowledge of InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Ability and knowledge necessary to direct a photo shoot, especially food shoots.
• Good eye for color, page design and photo composition.
• A knowledge and appreciation of the food and home cook lifestyle and/or other food related topics in order to understand the target audience.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to faithfully meet project deadlines.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently.
Required Experience
• College degree in Graphic Arts, Fine Arts or related field or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• 3 to 5 years experience in graphic art and design, preferably at a national newsstand publication.