Graphic Designer

About Sotheby's

Founded in 1744, Sotheby’s is a premier platform facilitating the access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury items through auctions, private sales, and retail channels. They specialize across 70 selling categories, supported by a cutting-edge technology infrastructure and a global expert network spanning 40 countries. Their selling categories range from Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, to Design and collectible cars and real estate via RM Sotheby’s and Concierge services. Sotheby’s Financial Services offers art lending solutions worldwide, having generated over $12 billion in loans since inception. Their global headquarters is located at the iconic Breuer building on Madison Avenue, New York City.

Role Overview

We seek a talented and experienced graphic designer to join our in-house Design Studio on-site in New York. Reporting to the Senior Designer, you will be responsible for conveying Sotheby’s auction messaging through both print and digital media to diverse audiences. This role is ideal for a designer who brings creativity, technical proficiency, and agency or studio background experience working with high-end or innovative brands. The role demands a design degree or equivalent, mastery of Mac-based design software, keen attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to interpret creative direction while adhering to brand standards. You will manage multiple projects simultaneously in a professional, organized, and positive manner, thriving both independently and collaboratively.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce design solutions aligned with Sotheby’s brand guidelines and specific creative directions encompassing marketing materials, corporate literature, event invitations, digital platforms, books, catalogues, advertising campaigns, and business development collateral.
• Conduct research, develop conceptual ideas, create mock-ups, and present designs through to polished artwork ready for print or digital publication.
• Collaborate effectively with the Design Studio, Marketing team, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely completion of projects within budget constraints, maintain project archives, and contribute to office administrative tasks.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Strong creative instinct with excellent layout, typography, and visual harmony skills.
• Thorough understanding of print production and finishing processes.
• Proficient with digital media workflows, eager to learn and integrate new software technologies.
• Experience in motion graphics and animation of digital content is advantageous.
• Familiarity with luxury or innovative brands is preferred.
• Up-to-date with contemporary design trends across digital and print formats.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator); knowledge of Cinema 4D, Sketch, and After Effects is a plus but not mandatory.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Self-motivated, dependable, organized, proactive, and resourceful with a team-oriented mindset.
• Capable of managing multiple varied projects simultaneously, often meeting stringent deadlines.
• Demonstrates understanding, courtesy, tact, and creative empathy in interactions.

Compensation & Benefits

The initial salary falls within $80,000 to $100,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors. In addition, eligible employees may receive discretionary bonuses and a competitive benefits package.

Equal Opportunity

Sotheby’s provides equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, gender identity, citizenship status, military status, or any other protected characteristic according to applicable laws.