Art Director - 12 month contract (Toronto Hybrid)

at  HarperCollins Publishers

Overview:
Employee: Multiple Incumbents
Job Title: Art Director
Department(s): North American Marketing and Digital
Reports to: Sr. Art Director
Status: 12 month contract
Location: 22 Adelaide Street West, Toronto (hybrid model)
To direct, create and be responsible for the development of packaging for Harper Collins Canada, Harlequin trade Program and Series Core Publishing initiatives from conceptualization of the visual strategies for assigned brands, the design to final proofs utilizing the skills of designers, illustrators, photographers, freelancers and production, to produce the most saleable packaging for assigned products. In addition, is responsible for the visual strategy, creative guidelines and to support execution of all Harlequin’s visual communications.

• Conceptualizes, presents and communicates cover image and graphic design for HCC, HTP, series, and backlist publications in accordance with line positioning and subject to agreement with Marketing and Editorial departments. Recommends which cover concept/image is most appropriate and creates the most impact.
• Contracts, directs and supervises the right illustrators, photographers, designers and lettering artists to produce art and design work to suit the specifications of Vision Team. Schedules and organizes the right illustrators, photographers, designers and lettering artists in order to meet production dates. Develops successful images and designs through critiquing and direction.
• Maintains costs within prescribed imprint packaging model budget through approval of invoices and through reviewing/tracking of monthly cost summaries. Provides input into forecasting annual budget. Determines the appropriate commission rate for the artist, balancing quality and value of work required.
• Attends HTP Vision Team, Series and Carina Press (if applicable) Publishing team meetings providing direction to Marketing and Editorial on appropriate images that support the brand/author franchise and shares current trends relevant to the design cover. Articulates advantages and disadvantages of image or design under discussion, presents full front cover designs for series brands
• Directs completion of packaging and aligns final approval from Editorial and Marketing Functions. Interacts with production controller and production assembly to achieve results for both print and digital.
• Makes hiring decisions; external contractors.
• Accountable for budget responsibility and achievement
• This position exchanges information, discusses, advises and informs employees within the functional area. Participation on the Vision Team involves interpreting, informing, discussing, presenting and agreeing with people outside the function. Contact with Heads of functions is needed to make presentations or recommendations. Furthermore, a significant amount of interaction occurs with external artists and agents in contracting and guiding art designs