At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative direction and manage client projects from concept to delivery.
- Company: An independent London branding studio with a unique approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape the studio's future.
- Other info: Opportunity for real autonomy and growth in a craft-led boutique.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a dynamic environment where your ideas matter.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Designer or early Design Director with a strong portfolio.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 75000 £ per year.
Most senior design roles ask you to contribute to creative direction. This one asks you to own it. This is an independent London branding studio built around a specific model: big‑agency strategic rigour applied through a boutique studio – typographically led, systems‑driven, where concept and craft are held to equal account.
The Role
You’ll run client projects end-to-end with real autonomy, from concept through to final delivery, architecting brand systems that hold together across every touchpoint, not single beautiful applications. The founders are honest about why this role exists. Their time is being pulled into execution, and growth is stalling because of it. They’re looking for someone they can trust to lead the work so they can build the business. The area they most need filled is the higher‑level systems thinking, and there’s room, in their words, “to make your mark on how we do things.” They’re eager for someone who brings ideas, not someone who slots in.
The Package
£55,000 – £75,000 Hybrid working Independent studio
The Person
You’re a Senior Designer at the experienced end, or an early Design Director, working today in a craft‑led boutique rather than a network agency. Your portfolio shows holistic brand thinking, not one strong execution. You think strategically but lead with craft, and you own projects without needing scaffolding around you. Most importantly, you want to shape a small studio in person.
Senior Designer/Design Director employer: Craft Agency Ltd
This independent London branding studio offers a unique opportunity for creative professionals to take ownership of their work in a supportive and innovative environment. With a focus on strategic rigour and craft, employees enjoy the freedom to lead projects autonomously while contributing to the growth of the business. The hybrid working model and emphasis on holistic brand thinking foster a culture of collaboration and personal development, making it an excellent place for those looking to make a significant impact in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Designer/Design Director
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your secret weapon! Make sure it's not just a collection of your work but showcases your creative process too. Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your designs and gain visibility within the design community.
✨Get Involved in Design Meetups
Networking is key in the design world! Check out local design meetups or workshops where you can connect with other creatives and potential employers. This is a goldmine for finding unadvertised job openings at companies like Craft Agency Ltd.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Craft Agency Ltd, don’t go for a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure your application highlights specific projects or styles that align with their brand image, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in landing your dream design job! Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, and engage with accounts from your desired companies—this could put you on their radar before they start hiring.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Designer/Design Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your visual CV! Make sure to include a link to your best design projects that showcase your creativity and versatility. Tailor it to include works that relate to the kind of design work Craft Agency Ltd does, so they can see you in action.
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, highlight your design skills and software proficiencies, like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Mention any relevant experience you have with branding, UI/UX design, or typography, as we want to see how you fit in with the creative team at Craft Agency Ltd.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Craft Agency Ltd. Let us know how you approach your design projects and any specific campaigns or themes that resonate with you, showing we’re not just a good fit but a perfect match!
Highlight Collaboration Skills:As a graphic designer, you often work with various teams and stakeholders. In your application, mention experiences where you've collaborated with others to bring a project to life, whether it's with clients, writers, or developers. This shows you can thrive in a team environment, which is key at Craft Agency Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Craft Agency Ltd
✨Get Your Portfolio Ready
Your portfolio is your secret weapon in graphic design interviews! Make sure it's showing off your best work, with a variety of styles and projects that highlight different skills — from branding to digital illustration. Be prepared to talk through each piece, focusing on your creative process and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite is a must! Brush up on your skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as interviewers might dive into specific technical questions or ask for your workflow. If you’ve worked with any innovative tools or techniques, don't hesitate to showcase that expertise!
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Some companies may throw a design challenge your way during the interview! This might involve sketching out ideas or solving a branding issue on the spot. Practising these quick thinking exercises beforehand can help us show off our creativity and adaptability.
✨Passion Counts
For a full-time position, showing genuine enthusiasm for design is key! Talk about your inspirations, the projects you're excited about, and why you're drawn to Craft Agency Ltd. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.