Art Director, Travel + Leisure

Job Summary

The Art Director will be responsible for working with the Creative Director, Photo Director and editorial team to create fresh and engaging content across print and digital for Travel + Leisure (T+L).

• This individual will have exceptional creativity, typography, design ability, and storytelling skills to create compelling and innovative magazine layouts and digital design content.

• They must possess an ability to conceptualize the visual components of a story and execute them from start to finish, including formulating pitches, planning photography and illustration, creating story layouts, and communicating ideas with management, freelance teams, and story editors.

• The position will be responsible for working with the editorial team (print and digital) to develop photo orders and oversee photoshoots—on location and in the Meredith studios. The ability to create visually dynamic solutions for onset and location photography is a must.

• Responsible for researching beautiful and inspiring images for several sections of the magazine and digital tentpoles. The job will have a strong research component of finding existing photos of locations around the world – both scenic shots and service such as hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. for print and digital. The position involves intense multi-tasking and working on projects both short and long term simultaneously. Will also produce smaller photo shoots around the world.

• The individual must have experience identifying and hiring appropriate freelance illustrators, stylists, and photographers while adhering to a strict calendar and budget.

• The position assists with production duties such as schedule tracking and process development, and preparing files for pre-press and press production.

• Being a self-starter, ambitious, energetic, and organized are all must-have qualities, along with a strong eye for detail and the ability to work efficiently while juggling multiple projects.

• A desire to work as part of a team is a must.

Essential Job Functions

Weight % Accountabilities, Actions and Expected Measurable Results

• 25% Assist in maintaining the high standards and visual integrity of T+L magazine including photo planning and research with editors to create inspiring location photography by utilizing strong and decisive art direction skills.

• 25% Managing, coordinating, organizing and researching photos. Helping to manage photo and art budgets. Seeking out new local and regional talent.

• 25% Strong design, typographical sensibilities and graphic/creative problem solving abilities for magazine layouts and digital projects..

• 15% Able to multitask, meet deadlines and be a strong communicator with photographers, editors, art directors, illustrators, photography sources and imaging center.

• 10% Executes all additional duties as requested by the Creative and Photo Director.

Minimum Qualifications and Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field or equivalent training and/or experience.

• Minimum 10+ years national magazine design experience preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and K4 or Woodwing content management systems, Word and Excel

• Strong typography and layout design skills.

• Ability to communicate with photo teams, photographers and stylists.

• Ability to create innovative photo plans for photo shoots.

• Ability to adhere to art team guidelines and departmental processes

• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment

• Lover of magazines and versed in current magazine design trends.

• Attention to detail