At a Glance
- Tasks: Create visually stunning reference books from concept to final design.
- Company: Join DK Knowledge, a leader in innovative book design.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible hours, and remote work options.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a creative environment that values your ideas.
- Qualifications: Experience in designing reference books and strong skills in design software.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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, including Art Annotated, The Moon, and British Book Design award-shortlisted The Periodic Table, bring facts to life in bold, visually engaging ways.
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.
What We’re Looking For
- 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.
What We Offer
- A supportive and creative environment where your ideas make an impact.
- 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.
Diversity and Inclusion
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.
Role Details
This is a hybrid role, requiring a minimum of three days per week in our Pimlico office. Please ensure you are within a reasonable commuting distance of London before applying.
How to Apply
If you have a strong portfolio with relevant examples, we’d love to see it. Please submit your most recent CV, cover letter, and portfolio by Monday 16th February. Please note: we cannot accept AI-generated images as part of your portfolio.
Charity Support
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.
DK Knowledge - Designer & \'Mid-Weight\' Designer in Hounslow employer: Dorling Kindersley
At DK Knowledge, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and creative environment where your design ideas can truly make an impact. With generous benefits such as 25 days of paid holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for remote working, we ensure our employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the creation of visually stunning reference books. Join us in our Pimlico office, where collaboration thrives and diversity is celebrated, making DK an exceptional place to grow your career in design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DK Knowledge - Designer & \'Mid-Weight\' Designer in Hounslow
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially projects that align with DK Knowledge's focus on visually engaging reference books. We want to see your creativity and attention to detail shine through!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at DK Knowledge on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the company culture and might even lead to a referral. We love when candidates come recommended!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your design skills and being ready to discuss your creative process. We want to hear how you tackle design challenges and collaborate with teams. Show us your passion for design and how you keep up with trends!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace DK Knowledge - Designer & \'Mid-Weight\' Designer in Hounslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially projects that align with the reference design style we love at DK Knowledge. Remember, we want to see creativity and attention to detail!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic cover letter. Take the time to tailor it to us! Highlight your relevant experience and explain why you’re excited about the Designer or Mid-weight Designer role. We want to know what makes you tick!
Keep It Organised:When applying, make sure your CV is clear and well-structured. We appreciate excellent organisational skills, so show us you can manage your application just as you would a project. A tidy CV speaks volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorling Kindersley
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects related to integrated reference books. Tailor your selection to demonstrate your creativity and attention to detail, as these are key qualities DK Knowledge is looking for.
✨Know Your Design Tools
Brush up on your skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects, and if you have experience with Asana, mention it! This shows you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Understand Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with DK Knowledge's titles and their design approach. Being able to discuss specific books like 'The Periodic Table' or 'Art Annotated' will show that you’re genuinely interested in their work and understand their creative direction.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with editorial and internal teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your communication style and how you resolve conflicts or manage multiple projects effectively.
