At a Glance
- Tasks: Create imaginative designs for exciting titles with brands like LEGO and Pokémon.
- Company: Join DK Plus, a creative hub in the publishing world.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Bring stories to life while collaborating with talented creatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in book design and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite required.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.
Do you love creating imaginative, eye‑catching designs that bring stories to life? Are you passionate about the challenge of turning a great idea into a beautifully illustrated book? If so, DK Plus is looking for a skilled and experienced Project Designer to join our growing Play team. You will work on a diverse range of titles including licensed collaborations with LEGO, Minecraft, Pokemon, Crunchyroll and other exciting brands.
Responsibilities
- Commissioning and briefing freelance illustrators, designers and other creatives
- Overseeing design across full colour photographic and illustrated titles, and some mono titles
- Collaborating with your editorial partner to shape content, create flatplans and develop visual styling
- Designing covers and spreads where required, from templates to final artwork
- Managing budgets, schedules and workflows to deliver projects on time and to the highest quality
- Attending title reviews and team meetings
- Building strong relationships with licensors and freelancers
- Project managing your own titles and sharing skills, knowledge and ideas with the wider team
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a book designer, ideally with full colour photographic and illustrated licensed titles
- Confident commissioning and briefing skills, with experience guiding photographers, illustrators and other creatives
- Strong typography and layout skills, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
- A positive, problem‑solving mindset and a team‑focused approach
- Experience managing multiple projects and delivering to deadlines
- A strong book publishing background
Desirable
- Experience with project management tools such as Asana is advantageous but not essential
Work location and flexible working
This role is office‑based for at least three days per week. Tuesday and Wednesday are team in‑office days, with your third day ideally between Monday and Thursday. DK supports flexible working and has introduced a new ‘smart-working’ policy with a hybrid approach of working weekly from home and in DK’s office. This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in our Pimlico office. As this is non‑negotiable, please ensure you are within a reasonable commuting distance of London before applying.
Compensation and benefits
- Salary: £38,000 depending on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.
- 25 days paid holiday entitlement in year one, plus bank holidays
- Generous pension scheme
- Volunteering policy and charity matching
- Employee assistance programme
- Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
- Shopping discounts
- Flex Fridays (1pm Finish)
- Up to 30 days remote working from abroad *Subject to certain criteria being met.
EEO Statement
DK is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the varied communities that read our books across the world. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of age, religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or social background. DK is proud to announce that we have adopted The Halo Code. DK is a member of the disability confident scheme. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
Project Designer - DK Plus employer: Critical Playground LLC
At DK Plus, we pride ourselves on fostering a creative and collaborative work environment where imaginative design flourishes. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our generous benefits, including 25 days of paid holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for remote working. Located in the vibrant heart of Pimlico, our office culture encourages flexibility and teamwork, making it an ideal place for passionate designers to thrive and contribute to exciting projects with renowned brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Designer - DK Plus
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work with brands like LEGO or Minecraft. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work, especially projects that align with DK Plus's style. Use platforms like Behance or even your own website to showcase your designs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching DK Plus and their recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and project management can help bring their imaginative designs to life.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Designer - DK Plus
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Make sure to highlight your design experience in your application. Share examples of your work that showcase your creativity and ability to bring stories to life, especially if you've worked on licensed titles before!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we’re looking for.
Be Clear About Your Project Management Experience:Since managing multiple projects is key for this role, be sure to detail your project management experience. Mention any tools you’ve used, like Asana, and how you’ve successfully delivered projects on time.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Critical Playground LLC
✨Know Your Design Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your design skills, especially in Adobe Creative Suite. Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how you’ve brought ideas to life, particularly with illustrated titles. Show them you’re not just a designer, but a storyteller!
✨Show Off Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with editorial partners and freelancers, be prepared to share examples of successful collaborations. Talk about how you’ve managed relationships and guided creatives in the past. They want to see that you can work well in a team!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Project Management
Familiarise yourself with project management tools like Asana, even if it’s not essential. Be ready to explain how you manage budgets, schedules, and workflows. Highlight any experience you have juggling multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
✨Understand the Brand
Research DK Plus and their collaborations with brands like LEGO and Minecraft. Bring insights into how you can contribute to their vision and enhance their titles. Showing that you understand their audience and market will set you apart from other candidates!
