Duties:
- To conceptualise and execute a new look and feel for across print and digital
- To conceptualise and direct a strong, cohesive and reader-friendly ‘look’ (print and digital) and all related supplements and special projects in order to reinforce the brand values on every page.
- To redesign the magazine/website/mobi site/newsletter from time to time, updating the look and creating new sections where necessary.
- To ensure the group art hub is suitably briefed and trained and to manage and oversee all design requirements and the picture editing process to reinforce the brand.
- To assist with creative pitches to advertisers and with advertorial and promotional ideas to ensure that these are always in keeping with the brand values.
- Work closely with the respective editors and writers by attending shoots and ensuring that local shoots are in keeping with the brand values and that pages are cohesive and of a consistent high standard.
- To work closely with the art, editorial and promotions department, overseeing all concepts for local shoots and assisting where necessary so that ALL images reflect the audience and brand values and photo opportunities maximized.
- Liaising closely with the Editor to ensure that all visuals and text work together to communicate the key ideas and brand values in features.
- Being able to suggest changes to the magazine from time to time with regards to fonts, flags and other design elements such as pull quotes, colours etc.
- Regularly assessing the design, look and feel of the magazine, and suggesting to the editor any ideas for strengthening the magazine/brand in this area.
- To do layouts and, when necessary, the picture editing for key features.
- Reading all copy first to ensure that the layouts as well as the visuals selected reflect the tone of the article.
- Making sure layouts are technically sound and easy for copy editors to work on
- Experience in online publishing tools, content management systems and technologies such as Woodwing/ Audience Media / HTML and or Video editing for online being a major advantage
- Work with editorial team to maximize and assist with designs to deliver world class, relevant content to the Magazine’s digital platforms, including web, tablet, social networks and mobi sites.
- Assist with design of web elements such as newsletter templates, web & social media icons and images required to build and extent the brand identity when required.
Management
- Establish systems that ensure a smooth workflow as maintained by the Managing Editor.
- Attend the monthly picture meetings with the Editorial teams to brainstorm ideas and concepts.
- Attend all creative promo meetings to brainstorm new ideas and concepts for existing briefs/clients.
- Work closely with the Managing Editor to ensure that the production process happens efficiently so that there is flexibility in terms of editorial changes.
- Liaising with the Managing Editor on copy flow.
- Ensuring layouts fit the flat-plan.
- Sending pages to repro and liaising with the Repro House.
- Ensuring that the first and final batches of files for each issue are sent to Repro on time.
- Checking irises thoroughly and sending them back to repro.
- Checking the dummy book thoroughly and sending it back to the printers.
- Doing the colour-pass on the cover at the printers.
- To take responsibility for the cover and making sure there are at least 3 strong cover options for every issue by proactively identifying possible cover shoot opportunities, arranging shoots if needed.
- To keep a briefing reference file.
- To ensure freelance photographers and stylists are adequately briefed (where necessary doing this yourself), thereby ensuring that the images used in the magazine are right for the brand. And that only company rates are quoted so that the magazine is produced within its page rate budget.
- Original work across all brands as well as all our commercial clients.
- Requirements:
- Matric
- 5 + years magazine Art/Creative Direction experience on relevant magazines essential.
- A degree or diploma in Design Communication.
- Competent in the following software: In Design, Photoshop.
- Valid driver’s license and own transport.
- Talented and proficient Art/Creative Director who is detail oriented.
- Team player and capable of working with others departments.
- Be able to lead, mentor and motivate a team.
- Be able to work fast and independently under pressure and work outside of regular hours to meet deadlines if need be.
- What to include:
- Detailed CV (Please include month and year employed
- Reasons for leaving last employ
- Current Salary
- Expected Salary
- Please indicate race for BEE purposes
- Email your detailed CV to:
- To submit your CV to ryan@odwyerpersonnel.co.za or visit our website and apply online at www.odwyerpersonnel.co.za/vacancies
- Please note only candidates that meet the required minimum will be considered coupled with the information requested above.
- We regret that we cannot contact all applicants regarding their status. Should you not be contacted by us within 14 days from the date of your submission, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- For more vacancies visit our Page on Facebook: O’Dwyer Personnel
- Alternatively follow us on Twitter: @OdwyerPersonnel
