Kerrang! is hiring an Art Editor

Job Role: Art Editor (freelance, part-time)
Start Date: Immediately/October
Hours: Between 16 and 40 per week
Location: London, hybrid

Kerrang! – the world’s greatest rock and alternative music brand since 1981 – is seeking a talented Art Editor who can work across print, digital, video, merchandise and events.

This is a remote freelance role with occasional office days if required. The position centres on Kerrang!’s quarterly print magazine, additional special editions, our weekly digital cover stories, and ongoing creative work across merchandise and events.

As well as a passion for rock and alternative music, you must have proven design experience at a high level, be capable of working at speed, and have the ability to communicate clearly and take ownership of projects.

An advanced understanding of print production and reprographics is required alongside full working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.

Applicants should send a full CV and a link to portfolio or 10 examples of relevant work to jobs@kerrang.com.

Closing date: September 23, 2025.
Please note: This is not an entry-level position.

About Kerrang!

Created by fans for fans, Kerrang! was the first magazine dedicated solely to heavy music. It has since expanded beyond the printed page to become a multi-platform brand that reaches millions of fans across the globe each and every month.

Kerrang!’s heritage is rooted in print, but in 2025 the brand is equally shaped by its digital reach and cultural impact. While the quarterly magazine, special editions and zines remain central to our identity, the Art Editor’s role is just as much about creating dynamic design for social, video, merch and live experiences. This position requires a designer who values the craft of print but thrives in applying those skills to the fast-moving digital landscape where Kerrang! now connects with millions every month.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the look and feel of Kerrang! across print, digital, merchandise and events as part of a small, collaborative team.

Responsibilities and Duties

General

• Design editorial layouts, typeset, and edit images for print.
• Manage the design process from concept through execution.
• Create branding and promotional assets.
• Support commercial pitches, presentations and other documents.
• Manage archives and design assets.
• Collaborate closely with editorial and commercial teams.
• Stay current with design and platform trends.

1) Art Direction

You will:

• Conceptualise visual approaches for editorial and commercial projects.
• Create and present moodboards for approval.
• Brief, organise and art direct photoshoots across a range of styles.
• Liaise with PRs, management, venue staff and photographers to ensure smooth logistics and delivery.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent shoots, sometimes happening globally.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of studios, lighting and locations.
• Leverage existing relationships with photographers, stylists and creatives to elevate Kerrang!’s visual output.

2) Print

Kerrang! produces a quarterly print magazine, with additional special editions and regular printed zines.

You will:

• Oversee design and production for all printed editions.
• Maintain consistency, apply the style guide, and keep layouts fresh and engaging.
• Demonstrate advanced print production, retouching and reprographics skills.
• Generate strong ideas and creative concepts.
• Manage budgets effectively.

3) Digital

You will:

• Commission photoshoots for the digital Kerrang! Cover Story.
• Create and edit reusable templates for Kerrang! social channels.
• Design advertising materials for a range of digital platforms.
• Produce artwork for the website, social and events.
• Undertake picture research across channels.
• Deliver work swiftly and to a high standard.
• Track and apply current digital/social design trends.

4) Video

You will:

• Contribute to video branding and promotional assets (including The K! Pit).
• Create graphics packages and promotional materials for video properties.

Knowledge/experience with video editing or animation is a plus, but not essential.

5) Events

Kerrang! events include The K! Pit and other live shows and exhibitions.

You will:

• Define and deliver the visual identity for Kerrang! events.
• Design event branding and promotional assets.
• Create pitch documents for new event concepts.

6) Merchandise

You will:

• Lead merchandise design – ideation and execution of apparel, print items and artist-centric products.
• Create original Kerrang!-themed merch lines that reflect brand heritage and current culture.
• Generate all required assets for the merch store (product renders, on-site graphics, PDP assets, promos).
• Collaborate with artists/bands and partners on band merch concepts, sampling and final artwork – managing approvals and ensuring print-ready delivery.
• Coordinate with production partners on materials, print methods, specs and timelines.

Qualifications / Skills

• Broad design experience with proven editorial and/or commercial work.
• Exceptional creativity and a strong eye for contemporary typography, layout and imagery.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Professional approach to timekeeping, costs and deadlines.
• Deep understanding of print processes.
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Thorough understanding of social media platforms and spec deliverables.
• Knowledge of Premiere, After Effects and CapCut preferred but not essential.

Kerrang! is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We are making continuous changes to ensure all voices – especially those of minorities – are not only heard, but supported and celebrated. We encourage those of every race, colour, religion or gender identity to apply.