D Custom: Graphic Designer/Art Director

Graphic Designer / Art Director

A vital member of the D Custom team, the graphic designer / art director lives to bring magazine stories to life. The ideal candidate is proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and understands typography, color, composition, photography, and illustration. This person also knows how to advocate for the reader and defend great design while never losing sight of the client’s business objectives. This position reports to the design director.

As the custom publishing division of D Magazine Partners, D Custom evangelizes magazines because we believe in the persuasive power of this medium. However, we also produce digital content and more traditional marketing assets. For this reason, the graphic designer / art director must be fluent in design of all kinds, in all formats, for all channels, with the ability to adapt the message to the medium.

The team is small but mighty, which means we are highly collaborative and hold each other accountable. The ideal candidate is self-motivated and detail-oriented, and he or she must develop strong relationships with the design director and fellow designers, as well as editors, strategists, and account managers.

D Custom is growing rapidly, and we believe that client acquisition isn’t solely the domain of our new business team. Ideal candidates for this position thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where we all work toward a common set of goals and celebrate wins together.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with editorial and strategy to ensure creative serves the reader and meets the client’s business objectives
• Develop and design custom magazines, in partnership with the design director
• Design digital experiences that complement print, usually in an existing online template
• Assign original photography, illustration, or other creative assets to freelancers
• Work with photographers and stylists on photo shoots, often on location
• Design print and digital collateral, such as email or social assets, for client marketing campaigns and D Custom’s marketing and new business efforts
• Press-ready production work and file output

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic or fine arts or related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience at a magazine or agency
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas, especially design rationale
• Ability to storyboard or translate ideas to editors and other creatives
• Strong print and digital design skills reflected in portfolio or website
• Keen eye for typography, layout, color, photography, and illustration
• Ability to multitask and think on your feet in a deadline-driven environment
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud
• Working knowledge of other design tools such as Figma and content management systems such as WordPress
• Comfortable working in Microsoft 365 product suite
• Willingness to learn new technologies and skills
• Appreciation for operational efficiency and producing excellent work on time and on budget

Work/life:

• Competitive compensation plan
• D Magazine Partners benefits include medical, dental insurance, disability and retirement savings.
• D Magazine Partners observes 22 official holidays each year, in addition to your vacation and personal time. We’re a flexible, family-first culture that values performance.

Note: This job description outlines essential responsibilities and qualifications. It is not an exhaustive list and may evolve with the needs of the company.

How to Apply

Please email your resume, including work samples or a portfolio link, to david.radabaugh@dcustom.com. Include “graphic designer / art director” in the subject line.