Designer/Senior Designer

Trope Publishing Co. is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Designer or Senior Designer to join our growing independent publishing company. Specializing in beautifully produced books on photography, travel, art, and culture, Trope creates visually compelling publications that combine thoughtful editorial design with exceptional print quality.

This role offers the opportunity to shape books from initial concept through final production, working closely with photographers, artists, writers, editors, and publishing partners. The ideal candidate has a sophisticated design sensibility, a passion for printed books, and the technical expertise to translate ambitious creative concepts into beautifully manufactured products.

We're looking for someone who brings both creativity and precision to their work, understands the relationship between photography, typography, and storytelling, and enjoys collaborating with a small, highly engaged team.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Chicago. This is not a remote position.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead or contribute to the design of high-end photography, art, travel, and lifestyle books, developing compelling visual concepts that reflect each project's unique subject and audience.
• Design sophisticated interior layouts, establishing strong typographic systems, thoughtful image sequencing, and consistent visual standards throughout each publication.
• Conceptualize and design distinctive book covers, jackets, and packaging that balance creative impact with commercial appeal.
• Collaborate with editorial, photography, and marketing teams to develop cohesive visual narratives and ensure the highest standards of design and execution.
• Explore creative approaches to materials, paper stocks, binding, finishes, and other production details that elevate the finished book.
• Serve as a lead designer on projects within Trope's growing custom publishing program, working with corporate, cultural, and institutional clients to translate their stories and objectives into beautifully designed books.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of offset printing processes, including color management, prepress preparation, proofing, paper selection, and specialty finishes, to ensure exceptional print quality and consistency across all publications.
• Manage relationships with international printing partners in Europe and Asia, coordinating production specifications, reviewing proofs, troubleshooting manufacturing challenges, and overseeing quality standards, budgets, and production schedules.
• Participate in client presentations, communicate creative concepts, and incorporate feedback while maintaining the integrity of the design.
• Manage design timelines, coordinate deliverables, and balance creative ambition with production requirements, budgets, and deadlines.
• Help maintain a consistent and recognizable visual identity across Trope's publishing and marketing initiatives.
• Contribute creative ideas and design expertise to new publishing concepts, special projects, and business development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 4+ years relevant work experience (publishing, production, or book manufacturing experience a plus)
• Experience with offset printing and international book manufacturing, including direct collaboration with overseas printers, prepress workflows, color proofing, and print production management
• Computer proficiency including the Microsoft Office Suite and Mac OS
• Adobe Suite proficiency including InDesign, Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat
• Strong layout, typographic, and art direction skills
• Demonstrated time-management and organization skills, and appreciation for detail
• Ability to work collaboratively and adapt work based on constructive feedback
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must have the ability to plan ahead and juggle priorities across multiple projects with a meticulous eye for detail

About Us:

Trope Publishing Co. is a boutique publishing house that produces high-quality art, photography, and culture books. Based in Chicago, we work with artists, creators, photographers, and imaginative business minds to tell visual stories that create impact with readers. Our publishing story began in 2018 with the publication of Trope Chicago, the first of our City Edition Series. Since then, the Trope team has collaborated with more than 200 emerging and established artists, helping to bring their works to new audiences. Bringing together experiences across book publishing, documentary films, marketing, design, and event production, the Trope team partners with our artists to bring their stories to life. Learn more at trope.com.