Designer, Dreamtivity

Description

Printers Row Publishing Group, a division of Reader Link Distribution Services, seeks a Designer to support their imprint, Dreamtivity. The ideal candidate is a professional self-starter with a passion for all things children’s publishing to help our small team with its growing workload. Forward-thinking designers with strong design aptitude, a keen eye for detail, excellent typography and communication skills, impeccable files, and an optimistic attitude will grab our attention.

The opportunity is a hybrid role, based out of our Franklin, Tennessee office.

• Design:
  Proficient on a Mac with the latest Adobe – InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat. Experience with the Microsoft suit and print processes a bonus. No web or illustration experience necessary.
• Create:
  Create compelling cover and interior designs aligning with project goals and brand standards.
• Mockups:
  Create physical and/or digital mockups to support concept development and presentations.
• Brainstorming:
  Collaborate closely with editorial, production and design teams through all stages of development.
• Pre-Production:
  Help with preparing artwork to be ready for press.
• Design and develop children’s books and products.
• Create compelling cover and interior designs aligned with project goals and brand standards.
• Create physical and/or digital mock-ups to support concept development and presentations.
• Oversee illustrators and communicate effectively with agents to source and manage artwork.
• Collaborate closely with editorial, production, and design teams throughout all stages of development.
• Participate in brainstorming and format development, contributing creative ideas and solutions.
• Identify design challenges and proactively implement improvements independently or through collaboration.
• Maintain ownership of multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and schedules are met.
• Follow established processes for book development, including schedule adherence, routing passes, and reviewing key project information with a high degree of organization.
• Be comfortable presenting titles, concepts, and updates clearly in meetings.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate within a larger creative team while also working independently.
• Prepare detailed design specifications and communicate clearly with production teams, illustrators, freelancers, and agents.
• Track schedules and maintain awareness of budgets across assigned projects.
• Research and source illustrators and visual references for both branded and non-branded titles.
• Stay current on market trends, illustration styles, and children’s publishing formats.
• Prepare press-ready files, including preflighting and final production deliverables.
• Route materials through appropriate review channels and incorporate feedback efficiently.
• Anticipate, troubleshoot, and resolve design or production issues as they arise.
• Support additional projects and tasks as assigned.
• Monitor market trends, competitor products, and emerging brands.
• Continue developing knowledge of book production and materials.
• Other duties may be assigned, directed, or requested.

• Bachelor’s degree in Design or a related field is required.
• Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in advertising, children’s book publishing or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with licensed publishing is preferred.
• Proficient knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat) is required.
• Strong to advanced experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.
• Strong understanding of book design and publishing processes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a very fast-paced environment.
• Passion for children’s books and awareness of current market…