Designer

Designer

Freelance 30000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Bonnier Books UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create and manage exciting book designs for popular titles like Disney and Marvel.
  • Company: Join Bonnier Books UK, a leader in creative publishing with a vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance, flexible working, and 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a lively social committee for events.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of pop culture books.
  • Qualifications: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and experienced in managing creative teams.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.

Bonnier Books UK is looking for a talented and highly creative designer to join our license and trend-led imprint, Studio Press. Studio Press is the home of numerous best-selling Disney, Marvel and Star Wars titles for all ages from pre-school to adult, as well as a range of trend-led pop culture books, plus the best-selling Ultimate Football Heroes series.

The designer will project manage and creatively guide the creation of books making sure all books are produced to the design quality and technical accuracy required, and are delivered on schedule.

Key responsibilities:
  • Guide and coordinate the books in line with the creative briefs, making sure all files are coordinated through the correct design approval workflow for the team.
  • Research, brief, layout, art edit and sign-off on a wide range of books across different formats and novelties to make the best product possible.
  • Make sure all files are to the technical accuracy required and to the design quality during all stages – final files, plotter and advance stages.
  • Research and suggest ideas for the future publishing list, showing awareness of marketplace and trends.
  • Keep aware of pop culture and emerging issues.
  • Project-manage books in partnership with Editorial and Production, making sure key milestones are kept to and final files are supplied on time.
  • Liaise with and manage 3rd-party contributors, including packagers, illustrators and other freelance agents that are needed to create a project.
  • Problem-solve and/or escalate problems in the correct manner and in good time to allow schedules to be hit.
  • Other ad hoc duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience:
  • Excellent technical skills in key software (Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud).
  • Experience managing illustrators, photographers, designers and agents.
  • In addition to being a fantastic designer, you will be solution-focused, have excellent organisational skills, experience with people management, the ability to maintain schedules and meet deadlines and liaise closely with the editorial, sales and production teams to ensure that all projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard.
Company Benefits:
  • Private health insurance.
  • Holiday purchase scheme.
  • Contributory pension scheme.
  • 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Lively social committee hosting regular events.
  • Group Life cover - including 24-hour GP service.
  • Company-funded gym membership for all trade staff.
  • Comprehensive staff training and mentorship programmes.
  • Flexible working and flexible hours from day one of employment.
  • Additional holiday allowance accrued for long service – and a full bonus week of holiday to celebrate your 10th year at BBUK.
  • Enhanced family leave - with equal six months’ paid leave for all new parents.
  • Employee assistance programme available to all employees and their families.
  • Dedicated volunteering hours each year to support charities promoting literacy and reading for pleasure.
  • Cycle to work scheme with bike storage and changing facilities on-site at our London HQ.
  • Wellbeing programme and daily benefits such as fresh fruit and porridge in the office.

Designer employer: Bonnier Books UK

Bonnier Books UK is an excellent employer for those passionate about literature and sales, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and personal growth. With benefits like private health insurance and comprehensive training programs, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while building meaningful relationships with independent bookshops across the picturesque regions of the West Country, Wales, West Midlands, and South Central England.

Bonnier Books UK

Contact Details:

Bonnier Books UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Designer

Build a Killer Portfolio

Make sure you have a stunning online portfolio showcasing your best work. Highlight a variety of styles and create case studies for projects that explain your thought process — this will help potential clients see your versatility and creativity!

Tap into Design Communities

Get active in online design communities like Behance and Dribbble, or even local meetups. Engaging in conversations, sharing your work, and giving feedback can help you connect with other creatives and potential clients who might be looking for freelance designers!

Leverage Social Media

Show off your designs on platforms like Instagram and Twitter! Use relevant hashtags and engage with other graphic designers and brands. This could lead to opportunities where businesses discover you through your posts and reach out for projects.

Network Like a Pro

Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Let friends, family, and previous clients know you're available for freelance work. Sometimes the best gigs come from referrals, so make sure to get your name out there — you never know who might need a designer like you!

We think you need these skills to ace Designer

Creative Design
Project Management
Technical Skills in Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud
File Coordination
Art Editing
Research Skills
Trend Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Portfolio:As a freelance graphic designer, your portfolio is your biggest selling point. Make sure to showcase a diverse range of work, highlighting not just finished pieces but your design process too. Include case studies that illustrate how your designs solved problems for clients or communities!

Tailor Your CV to Shine:While CVs in graphic design might be less formal, it's crucial to effectively present your skills. Focus on including relevant software proficiencies (like Adobe Creative Suite) and any awards or recognitions you’ve received for your designs. Highlighting your adaptability and unique style can make your CV stand out!

Be Clear About Your Rates:As a freelancer, transparency is key! When applying to Bonnier Books UK for the Designer position, be upfront about your rates and what those include—like revisions or additional services. This builds trust and helps potential clients understand what they’re getting for their investment.

Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:A cover letter is your chance to connect with Bonnier Books UK beyond your designs. Talk about why you’re drawn to their projects and how your freelance work aligns with their vision. This personal touch can make a huge difference in standing out among other applications!

How to prepare for a job interview at Bonnier Books UK

Show Off Your Best Work

As a freelance graphic designer, your portfolio is your superpower. Make sure to curate a selection that showcases your style and versatility—think about what pieces best represent the type of projects you'd want to work on with Bonnier Books UK. Be prepared to discuss the ideas behind each piece and the tools you used.

Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand

Familiarity with design software is crucial, especially programmes like Adobe Creative Suite or other tools relevant to the job. Be ready for some technical questions that may dig into your proficiency—Bonnier Books UK might want to know how you approach design challenges using specific software.

Understand the Client's Vision

Freelancing is all about collaboration, so take some time to research Bonnier Books UK's past design projects. Understand their branding and design language. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you can adapt your skills to align with their vision and add value to their team.

Pitch Your Unique Value

Freelancing means you’re selling not just your skills, but your unique perspective. When you're chatting with Bonnier Books UK, clearly convey what sets you apart. Tailor your pitch to illustrate how your background, skills, and experiences can benefit their projects, ensuring they see you as a valuable addition to their creative team.