Colleen Pidel, Art Director and Designer of Children's books

About

I am a Freelance Designer and Art Director. After graduating from the Parsons School of Design in NYC (BFA in Communication Design,) I worked as an art director and a freelancer in print media in NYC for over 15 years. I now live just north of Albany, N.Y and continue to work as a freelance Art Director and Designer. Working remotely, I have created hundreds of books geared toward children. Although the majority of my work in publishing is geared toward children, I'm very flexible and can create compelling, thoughtful designs for any audience. I’m always open to exciting new job opportunities. If you have a project that needs a creative touch, please contact me.

Experience

Highlights

Dec 2011 – Present

Remote

Freelance Art Director and Designer

Art Direct and design various Highlights/Boyds Mills Press books, posters, games, stickers and packaging. Art Directed and designed Hidden Picture Super Challenge book series, Puzzlemania Super Challenge book series, and Eagle-Eye Hidden Pictures book series. Art Directed - Highlights Hidden Pictures puzzles.

Sesame Workshop

Dec 2007 – Dec 2008

New York City

Art Director Sesame Street Books

Worked with editors and outside publishers and licensees on cover, interior, and logo designs for select book titles and special projects Worked with Creative Group to create book mock-ups and libraries of assets, as necessary, for new book programs based on Sesame Street or other Sesame Workshop-owned television, outreach, or print properties. Created book-specific branding guidelines for Sesame Street and other Sesame Workshop properties Worked with Sesame Workshop Creative divisions to ensure the Publishing Group and its licensees are always kept up-to-date on company-wide art and design initiatives Provided design direction on book-related marketing materials Hired and supervised outside designers and artists.

Sesame Workshop

Dec 2000 – Dec 2008

New York City

Art Director - Sesame Street Magazine and Outreach

Oversaw and managed design, art production and pre-press operations of Sesame Street Magazine and Sesame Workshop outreach projects Managed magazine’s and custom publications’ art/design budget. Hired designers, directing their work, to assure it is creative, appropriate and of highest possible quality at all stages from concept to finish printed piece. Worked with The Parenting Group and magazine’s engraver to ensure timeliness as well as color and printing quality. Maintained and applied knowledge of Sesame Street and related brands, as well as knowledge of early child development.

Time for Kids - Media Group

Dec 1998 – Dec 2006

New York City

Freelance Graphic Designer

Designed covers and interiors of over 80 books (grades k-6.) Assigned art, retouched high resolution images, created original digital artwork. Prepared and delivered final files to printer. Created other print pieces such as magazine catalogs, advertisements, stickers, invitations, and lesson cards for teacher’s kit.

Sesame Workshop - Kid City Magazine

Dec 1999 – Dec 2000

New York City

Art Director

Designed and art directed articles, departments, features and covers for a monthly children’s magazine. Hired, trained, and supervised Assistant Art Director & Art Assistant. Responsible for creating and maintaining art budget. Assigned illustrations and photography.

Education

Parson's School of Design

BFA, Communication Design

Colleen Pidel

Art Director and Designer of Children's books

Skills