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Design Intern — Book Layout & Editorial Design

Los Angeles, California, United States

Alabaster is one of the most exciting and fast-growing companies in faith-based publishing today. Founded in Los Angeles, we create beautiful and compelling Christian products — integrating thoughtful design, theological depth, and cultural relevance to help people engage with faith in meaningful ways.

We’re looking for a design intern to support book layout and editorial design, with a focus on typography, pacing, and visual storytelling across long-form printed works.

This role is ideal for someone who cares deeply about how a book feels in your hands—spacing, rhythm, type, and the relationship between image and text.

You’ll work closely with the Brand/Creative and Production teams to help bring book interiors from concept to print-ready files.

What You’ll Do

Book Layout & Typography

  • Assist in designing interior layouts for books, Bibles, and devotionals
  • Flow text into InDesign using established grid systems
  • Refine typography (leading, kerning, hierarchy, spacing)
  • Help build and apply consistent paragraph and character styles
  • Ensure alignment to grid systems and layout consistency across spreads

Editorial Design & Image Integration

  • Pair photography with text in a way that enhances storytelling
  • Assist in designing full-bleed image spreads, chapter openers, and transitions
  • Maintain visual rhythm and pacing throughout the book
  • Help iterate on layout systems based on feedback

Production & File Prep

  • Organize and clean InDesign files for production
  • Prepare files for print (bleeds, margins, export settings)
  • Assist with proofing rounds (digital + print/wet proofs)
  • Help catch layout errors before final production (widows/orphans, spacing issues, etc.)

Systems & Process

  • Help build and refine layout templates for repeatable systems (e.g., Journal Bibles)
  • Contribute to internal SOPs for layout and file organization
  • Maintain clean, scalable design files to reduce rework

Who You Are

  • Strong eye for typography, layout, and visual balance
  • Detail-obsessed—you notice spacing issues most people miss
  • Highly organized and systems-oriented
  • Patient and meticulous with long-form work
  • Able to take feedback and iterate quickly
  • Passionate about books, design, and the physical reading experience

Preferred Skills (Not Required)

  • Proficiency in Adobe InDesign (required baseline)
  • Familiarity with typography systems and grid-based design
  • Experience with book or editorial layout
  • Basic knowledge of print production (bleeds, signatures, paper, etc.)

What You’ll Gain

  • The expected hourly rate is $18/hour
  • Hands-on experience designing real, published books
  • Deep exposure to editorial design systems and typography at scale
  • Understanding of print production workflows (from layout → press)
  • A portfolio of refined, high-quality design work
  • Mentorship from a design-driven creative team

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