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- Tasks: Support young learners in creating visual stories and projects.
- Company: ONELAB is a creative college for young people with SEND in East London.
- Benefits: Freelance role, term time only, collaborative environment, and impactful work.
- Why this job: Join a radical education rethink and help young voices shine through creativity.
- Qualifications: Vibrant illustration portfolio, confidence in digital tools, and a passion for inclusive work.
- Other info: Start date: 20 August 2025; apply by 21 July 2025.
Job Description
Now Hiring: Design Assistant – Illustration
ONELAB | East London | Freelance, Term Time Only
Draw Stories. Spark Change. Make the Invisible Seen.
At ONELAB, we believe illustration is more than image making. It is a way of seeing, feeling, and reimagining the world. We are not your typical college, and this is not your typical assistant role.
We are a creative college for young people aged 16 to 25 with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), based in Tower Hamlets. Many of our learners arrive having been underestimated — dismissed before anyone truly tried to understand them. ONELAB is our bold response to that. An inclusive, human centred, radically creative space where young people are seen, heard and supported not just to learn, but to transform.
We are now looking for a Design Assistant – Illustration who is as passionate about young people as they are about drawing, mark making, visual storytelling, and exploring what illustration can be.
🎯 The Role
This is a live, hands on, in person position. You will not be stuck behind a screen tweaking layouts. You will be in the mix — sketching with learners, building trust through creativity, and helping them express things they cannot always say with words.
You will support learners in developing their own visual language, translating ideas into powerful images, and producing work that contributes to their UAL qualifications. You will also help us bring the ONELAB world to life through illustrated zines, murals, storyboards, digital comics, posters, characters and more.
We do not care if you draw perfectly. We care if you are fearless, curious, and ready to help young people see that their voice matters — especially on paper.
✨ What You Will Be Doing
- Support learners in building illustrated projects, sketchbooks and visual narratives for their portfolios and coursework (UAL qualifications).
- Co-create campaign visuals, event illustrations and storytelling pieces that reflect the raw, real and radical energy of ONELAB.
- Help learners explore tools like Procreate, pencils, ink, collage — whatever gets the idea out.
- Work across physical and digital formats from rough storyboards to polished character art, from classroom doodles to public facing pieces.
- Contribute to a creative space where learners feel safe to take risks, make mess and make meaning.
🧠 What You Bring
- A vibrant illustration portfolio that shows your range, imagination and passion for storytelling.
- Confidence in digital illustration tools such as Procreate, Illustrator, Photoshop or traditional media.
- A collaborative, down to earth presence — you know how to support without taking over.
- Experience or genuine interest in inclusive, accessible or youth centred creative work.
- Comfortable working onsite every day and committed to building trust and relationships through creative presence.
Bonus if you have
- Experience in SEND, community arts or alternative education.
- Worked with comics, zines, narrative art, animation or sequential storytelling.
📌 The Essentials
- Contract type: Freelance
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, Term Time Only
- Location: Tower Hamlets, East London
- Proposed Start date: 20 August 2025
💥 Why ONELAB?
- Join a radical rethink of education powered by creativity, empathy and real world learning.
- Work closely with young people who are reshaping what creativity looks and feels like.
- Collaborate with a team of designers, educators and illustrators who care deeply about equity and change.
- Make visible, lasting impact in both the work and the lives of the people you support.
- Be yourself. Bring your pencils. Leave the ego.
🎤 How to Apply
If you are an illustrator who believes pictures can speak when words fall short — and if you are ready to help young people unlock their creative voice — we want to meet you.
Deadline: 21 July 2025
Interviews: Rolling
Come sketch a new kind of education with us.
Come draw a different future.
#IllustrationJobs #DesignForChange #CreativeEducation #UAL #SENDeducation #EastLondon #FreelanceIllustrator #InclusiveDesign #ONELAB
Design Assistant - Illustration employer: ONELAB COLLEGE
Contact Detail:
ONELAB COLLEGE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Assistant - Illustration
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with ONELAB's mission and values. Understanding their focus on inclusivity and creativity will help you connect with the team during interviews and demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your illustration skills in a hands-on way. Since this role involves working directly with learners, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to engage and inspire through your art.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the SEND and community arts sectors. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your experiences with youth-centred creative work. Highlight any relevant projects or collaborations that showcase your passion for supporting young people in expressing themselves through illustration.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Assistant - Illustration
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio: Make sure to include a vibrant illustration portfolio that highlights your range, imagination, and passion for storytelling. Tailor it to reflect your ability to connect with young people and demonstrate your creative process.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that conveys your enthusiasm for working with young people, especially those with SEND. Share your experiences and how they have shaped your approach to inclusive and accessible creative work.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your confidence in digital illustration tools like Procreate, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Mention any experience you have with traditional media and how you can use these skills to support learners in their projects.
Express Your Collaborative Spirit: In your application, convey your collaborative and down-to-earth presence. Discuss how you plan to support learners without taking over, and your commitment to building trust and relationships through creativity.
How to prepare for a job interview at ONELAB COLLEGE
✨Showcase Your Passion for Illustration
Make sure to bring a vibrant portfolio that highlights your range and imagination in illustration. Be prepared to discuss your creative process and how you approach storytelling through visuals.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with young people, emphasise your ability to support others without overshadowing them. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated in a creative environment.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Inclusivity
Discuss any previous work or genuine interest you have in inclusive and accessible creative practices. This will show that you understand the importance of creating a safe space for learners to express themselves.
✨Be Ready to Get Hands-On
Prepare to talk about your comfort level with various tools and mediums, from digital software like Procreate to traditional methods. Show enthusiasm for being actively involved in the creative process alongside learners.
