Illustrator

Illustrator

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Dovetail Recruitment Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create eye-catching packaging and product designs that stand out on shelves.
  • Company: Award-winning design company in Ringwood with a focus on creativity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a Christmas bonus, private healthcare, and a company pension.
  • Why this job: Transform your creative ideas into real products that drive sales.
  • Qualifications: Strong illustration and graphic design skills, plus experience with Adobe software.
  • Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for portfolio building and career growth.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.

Dovetail Recruitment are working with an award-winning business in Ringwood, looking for an Illustrator / Creative Designer to join their packaging and product design team. They don’t just design packaging to support a product. They design giftable, collectible products—and use food as the way to get them into customers’ hands. Think sculptural packaging, decorative tins, and playful retail formats that stand out on shelf through form, illustration, and visual impact.

That’s why this role matters. This isn’t about producing safe artwork. It’s about contributing to commercial product and packaging design, creating physical retail products that sell on impulse and exist beyond the initial purchase.

What you’ll be doing as Illustrator:

  • Designing for physical product form and packaging, not just surface graphics
  • Developing and sketching product concepts, packaging ideas, and gift formats
  • Creating 2D artwork, packaging graphics, and 3D visuals / mock-ups
  • Working closely with project managers and product development teams
  • Refining designs based on client briefs, feedback, and commercial requirements
  • Preparing print-ready artwork and production files

What we’re looking for:

  • Strong skills in illustration, graphic design, or packaging design
  • Confidence across digital illustration and hand-drawn concepts
  • Experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
  • Understanding of print processes and artwork setup (desirable)
  • Driving licence and own transport

Why this role is worth considering for you:

  • Your work becomes real retail products, not just concepts
  • You’re designing products where visual design drives the purchase
  • You’re involved from concept through to production
  • The work is varied, creative, and commercially focused
  • You’ll build a portfolio of physical product and packaging design work

Benefits:

  • Discretionary Christmas bonus
  • Private healthcare (AXA PPP) with dental, optical, mental health support & Doctor at Hand
  • Cash plan (EXETER One Fund) covering additional treatments and PPP excess
  • Company pension

If you’re looking for a role where your ideas translate into real products—and you can point to something on a shelf and say “I worked on that”—this is a strong opportunity to explore. This is a hands-on Illustrator and product design role focused on creating visually distinctive, shelf-ready packaging and retail products, where illustration, 3D thinking, and commercial awareness all come together.

If you’re interested in this Illustrator / Creative Designer role, apply now or contact Laura at Dovetail Recruitment to talk it through. Please ensure your portfolio is included upon application.

Illustrator employer: Dovetail Recruitment Ltd

Join an award-winning team in Ringwood where your creativity transforms into tangible retail products that captivate consumers. With a vibrant work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, you'll have the opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive environment while enjoying benefits like private healthcare and a discretionary Christmas bonus. This role not only allows you to see your designs on shelves but also offers a chance for personal and professional growth in the exciting field of packaging and product design.
Dovetail Recruitment Ltd

Contact Detail:

Dovetail Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Illustrator

✨Tip Number 1

Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially projects that highlight your skills in packaging and product design. Remember, this role is all about creating eye-catching designs that sell, so let your creativity shine!

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow designers, 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 handle feedback, and your experience with tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Show them you’re not just a designer, but a creative problem-solver!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Illustrator

Illustration
Graphic Design
Packaging Design
Digital Illustration
Hand-Drawn Concepts
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
2D Artwork Creation
3D Visuals / Mock-Ups
Concept Development
Client Brief Refinement
Print Processes Understanding
Artwork Setup
Commercial Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Portfolio: Make sure to include your portfolio with your application. We want to see your best work, especially anything that showcases your skills in packaging and product design. This is your chance to shine!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in illustration and packaging design. We love seeing how your skills align with what we do!

Be Creative in Your Approach: Remember, this role is all about creativity! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your written application. Show us your unique style and how you think outside the box.

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 don’t miss any important details. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Dovetail Recruitment Ltd

✨Showcase Your Portfolio

Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work in packaging and product design. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your skills in both digital illustration and hand-drawn concepts, as this role requires a mix of both.

✨Understand the Brand

Research the company and its products before the interview. Familiarise yourself with their design style and the types of packaging they create. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their vision.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as your understanding of print processes. They may ask about how you set up artwork for production, so brush up on these technical aspects to demonstrate your expertise.

✨Think Commercially

Since this role is focused on creating products that sell, be prepared to talk about how your designs can drive sales. Think about examples from your past work where your design choices had a commercial impact, and be ready to share those insights during the interview.

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