Nashville Scene Art Director, FW Publishing
Location: Nashville, TN, hybrid
Job Type: Full-Time
About the Nashville Scene
Nashville Scene is Music City's alternative weekly — an independent voice covering local news, arts, culture, food and music since 1989. With a loyal readership and a reputation for sharp writing and bold design, the Scene is where Nashville turns for coverage of Nashville that goes deeper. We're looking for an Art Director to shape the look and feel of one of the South's most storied alt-weeklies.
The Role
The Art Director is the creative authority on everything the Nashville Scene publishes — in print, online and across all marketing and event materials. This is not just a production role. You're a collaborator, a tastemaker. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with our editorial team to ensure every cover, spread, advertisement and web asset reflects the Scene's distinctive voice and visual identity. You'll own the process from concept to final PDF — and everything in between.
Core Responsibilities:
Visual Design & Layout
Oversee the visual design of 51 covers a year, editorial layouts, print and digital materials, and advertisements from concept through final production.
Work within established design templates and develop original page layouts that push the publication forward.
Conceive cover designs and feature layouts based on story direction provided by the editor and writer.
Lay out the newspaper and produce print-ready PDFs to printer specifications.
Oversee color correction and retouching of high-res photography (CMYK, 300 dpi) from photographers and stock sources.
Create custom illustrations and original graphic elements as needed.
Design and produce web-optimized images and digital assets.
Design marketing materials and event materials in collaboration with the design team.
Manage and direct the advertising design team, overseeing workflow, quality and deadlines across all advertising and marketing materials.
Photo Direction & Production
Collaborate with the editor-in-chief to plan and execute photo shoots — from scouting and securing locations to coordinating subject’s and photographer’s schedules.
Art direct photo shoots, guiding photographers and subjects to achieve the desired look and ensure coverage needs are met (horizontal/vertical options, space for masthead, coverlines, and bleed). Communicate clearly with photographers about composition, coverage, and technical requirements throughout each shoot.
Narrow down final photo selects in collaboration with photographers.
Editorial Collaboration & Production Management
Work closely with the editor-in-chief at every stage — from initial concept through proofing — incorporating editorial feedback and design revisions with professionalism and speed.
Flow copy into layouts, generate proofs for editorial review, and manage revisions through to final approval.
Oversee retouching and corrections for editorial materials.
Work closely with the Audience Editor to determine social media presentations.
Attend the weekly editorial meeting and contribute actively to the creative process.
Manage the production schedule and deliver all materials on time.
Work within our CMS to upload stories, graphics and artwork.
What We're Looking For
Three to five or more years of experience in editorial design, publication design or a related field.
Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
A strong portfolio demonstrating print and digital design work, with emphasis on publication or editorial layouts.
Proven experience art directing photo shoots from preproduction through final selects.
Ability to conceive visually and communicate ideas clearly to collaborators at every level.
Exceptionally creative with the ability to generate fresh, compelling concepts quickly — you produce inspired work under deadline pressure without sacrificing quality.
Deep understanding of print production: prepress, color management (CMYK) and file preparation for offset printing.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and people simultaneously.
A genuine love of journalism, local culture and the craft of print media.
Team player who can take direction gracefully and also lead confidently when called upon.
This is a hybrid role. The Art Director will be expected to be in the office for meetings each week, and on site for photoshoots. Must be local to Middle Tennessee or willing to relocate.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
We’re small, nimble and mission-driven — your work will have a big impact.
You’ll have the freedom to innovate and try new things.
You’ll work with a talented, creative and supportive team.
We offer competitive pay, flexible work options and a company culture that values people and purpose.
Sound like a good fit? We’d love to hear from you. Send a cover letter, résumé and a link to your portfolio to Elizabeth Jones (ejones@nashvillescene.com) with the subject line “Art Director.” Applications sent any other way (applying via a job site) will not be considered. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive newsroom.
About FW Publishing:
FW Publishing is an independent, locally owned media company dedicated to telling the stories that matter most to our community. Our portfolio includes Nashville Scene, Nfocus Magazine, Nashville Post and Williamson Scene — four distinct publications that celebrate local culture, news, food, arts, music, business and the people who shape our region. In addition to our publications, we produce more than 25 signature events each year, creating deeper connections between our journalism and the communities we serve. We’re a nimble, mission-driven team with big digital ambitions — and we’re excited to grow with the right person on board.