Art Editor (maternity cover)

APL Media is looking for two talented and creative art editors to join the design team on fixed-term maternity cover contracts. These hands-on roles are responsible for producing exceptional design across our award-winning portfolio of consumer and trade publications, branded content and digital channels.

Working across print and digital, you’ll take projects from concept through to publication, creating compelling editorial layouts, commercial content and social assets while maintaining the high design standards our brands are known for.

You’ll work closely with editors, writers, photographers, illustrators, commercial teams and production, managing multiple projects simultaneously while contributing creative ideas across the business.

Editorial design

• Design editorial features, cover stories, supplements, collections and commercial content across the APL Media portfolio.
• Produce engaging layouts from concept through to final artwork.
• Maintain and evolve the visual identity of APL Media’s brands, ensuring consistency across print and digital.
• Manage all aspects of magazine layout, including working with original copy, InDesign layouts and e-flatplan management.
• Review and proof artwork before publication to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Work closely with the production team to ensure files are print-ready and meet technical specifications.

Picture research & commissioning

• Source and select photography for publication.
• Commission photographers, illustrators and freelance creatives where required.
• Conduct picture research and manage picture budgets.
• Liaise with agencies, picture libraries and external suppliers.

Digital & social

• Adapt editorial content for digital platforms.
• Design social media assets including Instagram carousels, stories and other platform-specific graphics.
• Produce basic video and motion graphics using Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects and Adobe Express.
• Support the continued development of APL Media’s visual presence across digital channels.

Commercial projects

• Design editorial and commercial projects across magazines, newspaper supplements, branded content, trade publications and client campaigns.
• Liaise with editorial, commercial and client teams throughout projects.
• Manage artwork amends through to final delivery.

Collaboration

• Work closely with editorial, production and commercial teams to deliver projects on schedule.
• Contribute ideas during planning meetings and creative discussions.
• Support and share knowledge with junior members of the design team.
• Keep up to date with design trends, publishing innovation and emerging creative tools.

Essential

• Excellent Adobe Creative Suite skills, particularly InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Experience using Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects and Adobe Express.
• Excellent editorial design and typography skills.
• Strong understanding of colour, composition and visual storytelling.
• Good knowledge of print production and pre-press.
• Experience working across both print and digital publishing.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience commissioning photographers and illustrators.

Desirable

• Experience working within travel or lifestyle publishing.
• Experience producing social-first creative content.
• Knowledge of CMS platforms.
• Experience using project management software such as Asana.

• Has proven experience in magazine or editorial design.
• Has a passion for high-quality editorial design and visual storytelling.
• Can confidently manage projects from brief through to publication.
• Thrives in a fast-paced publishing environment.
• Has an exceptional eye for detail and consistently high creative standards.
• Enjoys collaborating with editorial, production, commercial teams and clients.
• Is proactive, organised and able to work independently.
• Brings fresh ideas and enjoys continually developing their creative skills.
• Has an interest in travel and lifestyle publishing and understands how strong visual design enhances great journalism.

The details

Position: Art editor (maternity cover)

Reports to: Art director

Location: Hybrid (London office/remote)

Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover (13 months)

Start date: From October 2026

Hours: Full time, 9am-5.30pm, with hybrid working (three days in the office, two from home once probation is completed)

How to apply

Please send:

• Your CV
• A short statement explaining why you’re interested in the role and what you would bring to APL Media.
• A link to your portfolio/website, with any specific links that showcase your editorial layouts and digital work

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.