Freelance Editorial Graphic Designer

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