Sounds True | Art Director
Art Direction
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Description
Do you want to work with a group of people striving to create a wiser and kinder world? We value being of service, exceptional teamwork, authentic connection, being direct and kind, and honoring human dignity while having a commitment to growth and transformation. Sounds True, founded in 1985, is a multimedia publisher specializing in spirituality, holistic living, and transformational learning. We are seeking a full-time Art Director (AD) to join our team.
The AD will have a vision to bring to projects, and the expertise to make it reality. They will direct, design, and manage the entire project life cycle of a book for the B2B division of Sounds True. The AD is responsible for developing cover concepts that meet the demands of positioning the book competitively in the category, while also serving the content of the work. This vision gets translated to the book interior and to the entire package, and the AD executes this work personally or directs designers and production artists throughout the production process.
In this role, the AD works closely with other departments to ensure the book is positioned and packaged optimally. They will be familiar with best practices, industry standards and requirements, and be an expert on book printing and manufacture. The AD will stay current on design and publishing industry trends while understanding that books need to stand the test of time.
A member of the print art team, the AD should be highly self-motivated and able to collaborate and communicate across departments. This position reports to the Associate Creative Director of Design, who reports to the Creative Director.
Responsibilities:
Art Direction: The Art Director works with the editor to decide how best to represent a concept visually. They are responsible for developing and maintaining a clear vision, and delivering captivating visual messages that speak directly to the consumer and reader. ADs determine which photographs, art, fonts, or other design elements to use in order to develop the overall look of a title. They are specialists on complex technical and publishing requirements. They are experts in design and print publication. ADs partner with editors to support illustrator selection and support the sketch approval process. The AD has experience working with photographers and directing photo shoots. ADs partner with editors to position each book competitively in its category. The AD is responsible for managing the project as the art representative from creative direction through production, files out and vendor proofs. Ability to work independently with high self-motivation.
Mentorship & Growth: Direct junior designers and contractors to create original content for the company’s needs. Mentor junior production artists in learning the publishing process.
Communication: Present finished designs to clients and upper management.
Collaboration: Research, hire, and coordinate outside contractors such as illustrators and photographers necessary for a project or campaign. Negotiate terms with these outside artists and manage these relationships. Coordinate the work of other artistic or design staff. Work collaboratively across teams like editorial, production editorial, purchasing, and copy.
Brand Representation: Communicate with senior management to develop an aesthetic, brand, or campaign which communicates the content in a compelling way and which reflects the company’s core values. Maintain brand consistency across platforms and divisions.
Delegation: Partner with the ACD to delegate and supervise the work of junior designers and contract artists for AD’s projects.
Critique Work: Give direction to cover designers and book interior designers and production artists.
Recommended Skills/Qualifications/Job Requirements:
Education: Recommended BA or BS college degree in Visual Communications, Graphic Design, or other relevant degree. Other art direction backgrounds are acceptable as represented in a strong portfolio of work showcasing print and publication design.
Experience: Minimum 6+ years of relevant Art Direction experience.
Skills: Adobe creative suite, expert level. General skill in MSOffice. Extensive knowledge of print production and setting files up for print. Expert experience in designing covers, print ads, and book interiors. Familiarity with project management software such as Wrike.
Abilities: Work with copy, production, design, marketing, editorial, purchasing to maintain vision and scope of project and brand. Directing freelancers in design, production, and illustration if needed. Acts as creative lead and project manager with strong leadership skills on a collaborative, interdepartmental team.
Personal characteristics: Ability to receive feedback and learn from critique; being a team player; independence and self-discipline; willingness to actively participate in Sounds True’s unique culture; passion for design and a deep interest in printing and trade publications.
Specialized Knowledge: Personal experience of spiritual practice(s) is a plus. Interest and willingness to learn is helpful.
Sounds True is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We celebrate the diverse identities that bring richness and meaning to the world, and we are committed to creating a work environment where everyone can feel a sense of belonging, respect, and purpose. We offer an excellent working environment and great benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) plan with company matching, paid vacation and personal time off, 13 paid holidays, profit sharing, and many more benefits that can be found on our Sounds True Employee Benefits page! This role is open to fully remote candidates. The compensation range for this position is $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience.* To learn more about us, visit SoundsTrue.com.
