At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative teams to design imaginative toys and crafts for children.
- Company: Curious Universe, a vibrant company creating joyful products for kids.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, opportunity for mentorship, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a warm, energetic team that values curiosity and creativity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children's products in a fast-paced, creative setting.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in children's design with strong Adobe skills and mentoring experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Curious Universe is looking for a collaborative, hands-on Art Director to help lead our Toys, Arts & Crafts and Studio design teams. If you love fast-paced creative environments, thrive on variety and get excited about developing imaginative children’s products, we’d love to meet you.
Working closely with the Creative Director and Managing Designers, you’ll support the development of innovative products and packaging, guide designers across multiple categories and help shape the visual direction of our ever-growing ranges. This role is a blend of leadership, creativity and craft – we’re looking for someone who can inspire the team and confidently jump into the work when needed.
What you’ll do:
- Develop exciting, engaging and commercially strong creative for toys, craft kits and children’s products
- Collaborate on new brands, packaging directions and visual identities
- Give clear, kind and constructive feedback across multiple teams
- Mentor designers and support their growth in a positive, inclusive environment
- Bring inspiration, trends and fresh thinking into the studio
- Work hands-on when needed – from rough concepts to refined artwork
- Help teams manage a high volume of fast-moving projects with clarity and calm
- Partner with the Creative Director, studio management and other departments to ensure cohesive delivery
What we’re looking for:
- 8–10+ years experience in children’s design, toys, crafts or similar
- Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Experience guiding or mentoring designers at different stages
- A positive, collaborative approach and strong communication skills
- Confidence working in a busy studio with multiple deadlines
- A passion for playful, imaginative design and children’s products
- A hands-on creative who enjoys both leadership and craft
- An open-minded understanding of how AI tools can support creative workflows (and where human judgement is essential)
About us:
Curious Universe creates joyful, innovative products for children around the world. Our culture is warm, collaborative and full of energy – we value curiosity, kindness and creativity without ego. If you’re excited by fast-moving work, collaborative teams and the chance to help shape the future of our children’s ranges, we’d love to hear from you.
Art Director – Children’s Toys, Arts & Crafts in Bath employer: Toy World Magazine
Curious Universe is an exceptional employer that fosters a warm and collaborative work culture, perfect for those passionate about creating imaginative products for children. With a focus on employee growth and mentorship, you will have the opportunity to lead creative teams while working hands-on in a dynamic environment. Located in a vibrant setting, our company values curiosity and creativity, making it an inspiring place to develop your career in children's design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Art Director – Children’s Toys, Arts & Crafts in Bath
✨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 Toy World Magazine.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Toy World Magazine, 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 Art Director – Children’s Toys, Arts & Crafts in Bath
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 Toy World Magazine 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 Toy World Magazine.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Toy World Magazine. 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 Toy World Magazine.
How to prepare for a job interview at Toy World Magazine
✨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 Toy World Magazine. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
