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- Tasks: Create visually stunning books from concept to delivery, collaborating with editors and artists.
- Company: Join DK Knowledge, a leader in innovative book design and publishing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, remote work options, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the world of design while working on inspiring projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in designing reference books and strong skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
As a Designer, you will combine creative flair with technical expertise to shape visually compelling, high-impact books. You will take projects from concept to delivery, collaborating closely with Editors, commissioning illustration and photography, and pushing design boundaries throughout the process.
Responsibilities
- Take ownership of titles from concept through to final files, ensuring every page is visually striking and aligned to the brief.
- Create moodboards, develop visual styles, and experiment with new design techniques.
- Commission, brief, and oversee freelance designers, illustrators, and photographers.
- Collaborate effectively with editorial and internal teams.
- Manage multiple projects, schedules, and budgets, proactively resolving issues.
- Maintain consistently high creative and production standards, staying up to date with emerging design trends and technology.
- Proven experience designing integrated reference books.
- A strong vision for reference design.
- Strong skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator; experience with Asana is a plus.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Clear, confident communication and a collaborative approach.
- A portfolio that demonstrates breadth, creativity, and attention to detail.
- Creative, adaptable, and commercially aware, able to work independently and as part of a team.
Qualifications
- Experience designing integrated reference books or similar multi-discipline projects.
- Proficiency with InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator; familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana) is a plus.
- Strong typographic, layout, and production skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
About the role and benefits: DK Knowledge is recruiting for two roles: Designer and Mid-weight Designer, to join our dynamic team. We create world-class books packed with rich reference content, designed to inform, inspire, and stand out. From history and culture to science and nature, our titles include Art Annotated, The Moon, and the British Book Design award-shortlisted The Periodic Table.
The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade, but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews or undertaking internships. For more information, visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org Subject to certain criteria being met.
25 days paid holiday 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. Flex Fridays (1 pm finish), plus up to 30 days remote working from abroad. DK plants a tree for every new employee.
Designer and Mid-weight Designer employer: Dorling Kindersley Limited
Contact Detail:
Dorling Kindersley Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer and Mid-weight Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially projects that highlight your skills in creating visually striking designs. Remember, this is your chance to shine, so pick pieces that really reflect your creative flair and technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow designers, editors, and anyone in the book trade. Attend industry events or join online forums. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job. Plus, you never know who might have a lead on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Be ready to discuss your design process, how you manage multiple projects, and your experience with tools like InDesign and Photoshop. Show them you’re not just a designer, but a collaborative team player who can bring ideas to life!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our dynamic team at DK Knowledge. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something special!
We think you need these skills to ace Designer and Mid-weight Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is your best friend in this application process! Make sure it showcases a variety of your work, especially projects that highlight your skills in designing integrated reference books. We want to see your creative flair and attention to detail!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send the same application everywhere. Take a moment to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your experience aligns with our job description. Highlight your proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, and mention any relevant project management tools you’ve used.
Be Clear and Confident: When writing your application, keep your communication clear and confident. We love a collaborative approach, so let us know how you’ve worked with teams in the past and how you manage multiple projects. Show us you can juggle tasks like a pro!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our dynamic team at DK Knowledge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorling Kindersley Limited
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that demonstrate your experience with integrated reference books. Be ready to discuss the creative process behind each piece and how you tackled challenges.
✨Know Your Tools
Brush up on your skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you've used in past projects and how they contributed to the final product. If you have experience with Asana, mention how it helped you manage your workflow.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've successfully worked with editors, illustrators, or other designers. Highlight your communication skills and how you resolve conflicts or issues during a project.
✨Stay Current with Trends
Research the latest design trends and technologies relevant to book design. Being able to discuss these trends and how they can be applied to your work will show your passion for the field and your commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
