Graphic Designer

Position Description

The Art Canada Institute (ACI) is seeking a talented, versatile, and detail-oriented Graphic Designer to create visual materials for its print and digital publications, website, educational resources, and communications. Reporting to the Digital and Creative Manager and working closely with editors, image researchers, educators, the event team, and external suppliers, the Graphic Designer will take projects from initial concept through design, proofing, and final delivery.

About the Art Canada Institute

The Art Canada Institute (ACI) is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to making Canadian art history a contemporary, multi-vocal conversation. Through digital and print publications, educational initiatives, and public programming, ACI celebrates the artists and artworks that have shaped Canada's cultural landscape.

Key Responsibilities of the Role

Design and Production

• Design layouts, graphics, and image treatments for online art books, web pages, and educational resources.
• Produce print materials, including books, reports, brochures, invitations, event signage, and donor materials.
• Design social media graphics and templates, Mailchimp email newsletters, and assets for digital campaigns.
• Prepare and optimize images of artworks for web and print, with attention to colour accuracy, resolution, and reproduction quality.
• Conduct final quality-control reviews of designed materials before release.

Brand, Editorial, and Image Coordination

• Apply and maintain ACI's visual identity across all print and digital channels.
• Work closely with editors throughout layout and proofing to ensure editorial requirements are reflected and corrections are properly implemented.
• Work with the image research team to ensure image files, captions, and credits are complete and correctly placed.
• Design English- and French-language versions of materials, ensuring visual consistency while accommodating differences in text length.
• Ensure digital and print materials meet accessibility standards (AODA and WCAG), including colour contrast, legibility, and alternative text.
• Work with ACI's digital and technology teams to improve the UX/UI design and reader experience of the website and online art books.

Project Administration

• Maintain organized design files, image assets, templates, and version histories for all projects.
• Participate in regular team meetings, providing clear updates on project status, upcoming deadlines, and outstanding materials.
• Brief and coordinate freelance designers as needed.
• Help develop and maintain design templates, brand guidelines, and file-management practices to support efficient and consistent production across the organization.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• At least 5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a portfolio demonstrating work across print and digital media.
• A degree or diploma in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Figma, Canva, and Mailchimp.
• Strong typography, layout, and image-handling skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, contributors, and overlapping deadlines.
• Experience preparing files for commercial printing and for web publication.
• Working knowledge of WordPress and other content-management systems.
• Experience designing art books, museum catalogues, exhibition materials, magazines, or digital publications is strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a bilingual (English/French) publishing or cultural environment.

Why Work with ACI?

This is a remote, full-time position offering flexibility within a collaborative work environment, contributing to nationally significant publishing projects that make Canadian art accessible to audiences across Canada and around the world. ACI is committed to supporting the ongoing professional development of its staff.