At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- 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.
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
At DK Knowledge, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters creativity and collaboration in a vibrant work environment. 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, all while contributing to meaningful projects that inspire and inform. Join us in shaping visually compelling books and enjoy a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and social responsibility.
Contact Details:
Dorling Kindersley Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer and Mid-weight Designer
✨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 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Dorling Kindersley Limited, 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 Designer and Mid-weight Designer
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 Dorling Kindersley Limited 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 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Dorling Kindersley Limited. 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 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorling Kindersley Limited
✨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 Dorling Kindersley Limited. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
