Freelance Editorial Graphic Designer

Description

Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is seeking a detail-oriented and highly skilled Freelance Editorial Graphic Designer to support our Marketing, Communications & Guest Services department. This contract role will collaborate closely with the Creative Services team to design and produce printed concert program books for the 2026–2027 season. 

This role plays an important part in shaping the visual and editorial presentation of materials distributed at every performance. The position requires working hours ranging from 60–100 per month depending on production schedules. 

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a world-class arts organization and help shape the visual storytelling that thousands of concertgoers experience each week. 

Key Responsibilities 

Design and produce concert program books for the 2026–2027 season (August 2026 – May 2027), including: 

• Classical Series 
• Pops Series 
• Dallas Symphony Presents Series 

Translate complex editorial content into engaging, high-quality layouts, including: 

• Artist biographies 
• Program notes and repertoire information 
• Sponsorship and donor listings 
• Department updates and feature content 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Apply and adapt existing creative assets to align with established seasonal design templates and themes 
• Ensure strict attention to detail, accuracy, and consistency across all materials 
• Manage pagination and layout flow to meet required page counts and print specifications 
• Prepare press-ready files following best practices for high-quality print production 
• Work efficiently under tight deadlines and respond quickly to revisions and last-minute updates 
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across multiple departments to incorporate feedback 
• Implement revisions accurately and thoughtfully while maintaining design integrity 
• Conduct thorough quality control, reviewing spacing, alignment, formatting, and adherence to templates before submitting proofs 

Requirements

• Proven experience in editorial graphic design, preferably in publishing, performing arts, or nonprofit environments 
• Strong portfolio demonstrating layout design, typography, and print production work 
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign required; Illustrator and Photoshop preferred) 
• Solid understanding of print production processes, including pagination, file setup, and prepress standards 
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams 
• Experience working with long-form content and high-volume text layouts is highly preferred 
• Application submissions must include a portfolio showcasing relevant editorial and print design work

Schedule & Engagement 

• Contract role averaging 60–100 hours per month 
• Project-based work aligned with concert production schedules 
• Flexible working hours, with availability for deadlines and revision cycles required