Freelance Art Director

Freelance Art Director – Port Magazine & Prose London

About Port

Established in 2011, Port is an award-winning biannual style magazine and creative platform. Celebrated for its intelligent content and elegant design, Port brings together the world’s most iconic practitioners in art, design, architecture, food, film, literature and fashion. With contributors ranging from Cillian Murphy to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and collaborations with leading photographers like Jack Davidson and Juergen Teller, Port is a global publication where craft, culture and style intersect.

Our editorial supplements, including 1010 (horology) and The Port Review of Design, along with our creative agency Prose London, reinforce our reputation for producing sophisticated, high-impact content.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced freelance Art Director to work closely with our award-winning Creative Director Matt Curtis on the design and direction of two issues per year (Spring/Summer & Autumn/Winter). The role also includes collaboration with our studio Prose London to create brand decks and occasional support on visual pitches and marketing material for Port throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and visual direction for Port Magazine, collaborating with the Creative Director to define and evolve its visual identity.
• Develop editorial layouts, typography systems, and art direct photo-led features and covers.
• Support the development of brand presentation decks and visual assets for Prose London.
• Oversee pre-press preparation and liaise with production partners.
• Coordinate with editors, photographers, stylists and external creatives where required.
• Assist with ad hoc design tasks including pitch presentations, social templates or branded content assets.
• Upload digital editions and all promotional assets for each issue upon final file delivery.
• Maintain and update the Port media pack throughout the year.
• Oversee updates and content management for the Prose London website.
• Compile case studies showcasing branded projects from both Port and the agency.
• Ensure all output maintains the high standard and style integrity expected of Port.

Requirements

• 3–5+ years of editorial or art direction experience within a high-end, style-led publication or creative studio.
• A highly refined design aesthetic with strong typographic and layout skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• A sharp visual storyteller, with a flair for crafting engaging and elegant editorial spreads.
• Strong organisational skills and an ability to manage timelines and feedback efficiently.
• An excellent communicator, able to present concepts clearly and respond constructively to feedback.
• A keen understanding of luxury and cultural aesthetics.

Nice to Have

• Experience art directing fashion shoots or commissioning illustration.
• Familiarity with digital design (Keynote, social, newsletters, web).
• A network of freelance creatives in photography, retouching or design.

Details

Type: Freelance


Fee: Fixed fee per issue (2 issues per year – April & October)


Additional Work: Monthly retainer for ad hoc support with Prose London decks and Port pitch design


Location: Remote, with occasional in-person meetings in London
Start Date: Immediate

Why Join Port?

At Port, you’ll collaborate with some of the world’s most distinguished voices and creatives in a refined, editorially rich environment. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping a respected cultural title while contributing to cutting-edge creative work via our studio, Prose London.