Job Description
Job Description
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 DoBook 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