Graphic Designer

About the company

Sotheby’s, founded in 1744, connects collectors with remarkable art and luxury items through auctions, private sales, and retail. Its expertise spans more than 70 selling categories and is backed by a strong technology platform and a worldwide specialist network operating across 40 countries. Areas covered include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, Design, collectible cars, and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services also provides art-backed lending and capital solutions, with more than $12 billion originated in loans. The company’s new global headquarters is located in the Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

Role overview

The in-house Design Studio is hiring an experienced graphic designer to work from the New York office, above the galleries, and report to a Senior Designer. The role focuses on creating visual communication for auctions across print, digital, and publication formats. This is a strong fit for a designer who enjoys turning ideas into polished work for both physical and online media, ideally with prior experience in a design studio or agency and exposure to high-end brands.

Key responsibilities

• Develop creative work within Sotheby’s brand standards while also interpreting project-specific design direction.
• Create materials such as marketing and corporate collateral, invitations, special event pieces, online and digital assets, books, catalogues, advertising campaigns, and business development support materials.
• Carry out research, build concepts and mockups, present ideas, and then produce final artwork ready for print and digital publication.
• Work closely with other members of the Design Studio, as well as colleagues in Marketing and internal clients, to move projects from brief to final delivery.
• Manage several assignments at once, work within budgets, meet demanding deadlines, keep project archives and records updated, and support general office administration when needed.

Requirements

• A design qualification or equivalent degree is required.
• Strong portfolio-level ability in layout, composition, typography, and visual consistency.
• Solid understanding of print production and finishing techniques.
• Very good command of digital and online media workflows, with a willingness to learn new or unfamiliar software.
• Experience creating motion graphics and animating digital content is preferred.
• Background working with premium, contemporary, or luxury brands is important.
• Awareness of current design trends across both print and digital media.
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator; familiarity with Cinema 4D, Sketch, and After Effects is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-organized, dependable, proactive, enthusiastic, resourceful, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Capable of handling multiple projects at once and staying effective under tight timelines.
• Demonstrates professionalism, tact, courtesy, and creative empathy.

Additional information

The expected base pay for this position is between $80,000 and $100,000 per year. Successful hires are also eligible for a discretionary bonus and a competitive benefits package. Final compensation may vary depending on relevant skills, training, experience, education, and any applicable licenses or certifications, along with market and business considerations.

Equal opportunity

Sotheby’s is an equal opportunity employer and evaluates all candidates without discrimination based on race, including traits associated with race such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective or treated hairstyles; color; creed; religion; sex; sexual orientation; marital or civil partnership status; national origin; age; disability; pregnancy; genetic predisposition or genetic information; reproductive health decisions; gender identity or expression; alienage or citizenship status; domestic violence victim status; military or veteran status; or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Privacy notice

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