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Design Assistant - Graphic Novels, Random House Children's Books

Penguin Random House, New York, NY

Home of the world’s best books.

Duration: Full-Time


Random House Graphic, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, is seeking a Design Assistant to join our team. We are a quickly growing children’s graphic novel imprint committed to creating graphic novels that kids love and can see themselves in. Our list includes bestselling graphic novel adaptations of beloved middle grade and chapter books series like Sweet Valley Twins and Magic Tree House, popular and award-winning original series like Hilo, Katie the Catsitter and Pizza and Taco, as well as critically acclaimed standalones like The Magic Fish and The Moth Keeper.

We are seeking a Design Assistant to assist in the execution of all phases of design for graphic novel interiors and covers. This includes the design of hardcover and trade paperbacks for titles for a variety of age levels, from early reader through YA. We would like to see that you have a strong interest and knowledge of graphic novels, while also highly motivated and creative, with a desire to learn and grow. 

Responsibilities:
* Assists the Random House Graphic Art Director and creative team with various design projects using InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator skills; assist with graphic novel lettering and illustrator research.
* Learn to manage all stages of interior and cover design from initial sketch review to releasing files to printer.
* Prepares press ready files and review digital and printed proofs, all while maintaining production schedules and printer deadlines
* Communicates and collaborates in an effective, professional, and courteous manner with supervisor, internal team, artists, and agents.
* Participate in production meetings, cover meetings, sales meetings, and team meetings, consistently keeping all members of the internal bookmaking team informed on project status
* Learn and maintain office systems for billing, contracts, and vendor set up
* Review artwork and provide design related assistance to artists when needed.
* Provide support for ancillary design requests from marketing, sales, and the RHG team.
* Participate in DEI training and the implementation of equitable practices within the Art Department 


Qualifications:
* Minimum 0-1 years of design experience within publishing or the comics industry, or equivalent exposure to the publishing process 
* Passion for comics and graphic novels, that includes staying up-to-date on current trends and familiarity with different comic formats; including manga and webtoon
* A portfolio that highlights strong typography skills, hand-lettering and illustration skills a plus
* Some knowledge of pre-press, 1-color and 4-color printing process, and PDF workflow
* Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) Knowledgeable about Procreate and Clip Studio Pro a plus
* Highly organized, able to handle multiple tasks, to prioritize and manage time efficiently.
* Strong attention to detail, quality, and process.
* Willingness to take on responsibilities and demonstrates an ability to ask for support or help.


*The role of Design Assistant at Random House Children’s Books is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities, which include but are not limited to color correction, the reviewing and mailing of sample proofs, and in-person meetings involving the design and production of our graphic novels.

Please apply by September 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm EDT for consideration, and include a link to your portfolio with your resume. Our anticipated interview process will start the week commencing September 5th.

The salary for this position is $48,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.

About Penguin Random House

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children’s publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution.

Penguin Random House

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