Junior Designer- Picture Books

Job Purpose:  To provide design and administrative support across picture book projects, reporting to the Publisher / Creative Director  

Typical Responsibilities: 

1. Assist the Publisher / Creative Director at all stages of the creative design process from initial concept through to final artwork:

a.  Work alongside the Publisher and Art Director on picture book cover design

b. Route and keep track of the flow of the Publisher/Creative Director’s picture book digital assets through the company systems

c. Enable the Publisher/Creative Director’s projects to maintain schedule and be repro-ready according to Walker high technical standards   
 
2. Undertaking additional duties as required in support of the picture book team’s achievement of departmental objectives:

a. Prepare materials alongside the Designers and Editors for Acquisition and Candlewick Decide meetings  

b. Support Editors with visual assets where necessary  

c. Follow company systems of working to supply sales and other materials as required 
 
Key Skills: - Strong ability in picture book layout and design - Strong interest and ability for hand lettering  - Obvious skills in cover design - Strong understanding of typography  - A clear, obvious interest in picture book illustration for children aged between 0-6 years.

Essential Design Knowledge & Development: 

- A degree in design or a creative field  

- Two to three years design experience either in children’s publishing or with clearly transferable skills  

- Hand lettering skills

- Project management skills

- Ability to plan, prioritise and manage a varied workload working in a small and busy team  

- Print production knowledge 
 
Must be fluent in: - InDesign  - Photoshop - Illustrator  
 
Monitor and keep up to date with other design trends and developments, including:  

- Competitor activity in the picture book marketplace

- Typographical innovation and developments  
 
 
Experience, Skills & Knowledge: - Excellent communication skills  

- Highly self-motivated, enjoy working as part of a small team, and also be able to work independently

- Good English skills   
 
 
Personal Specification: 

- Highly adaptable, flexible, creative and professionally aware

- Respectful and mindful in all communications with internal and external colleagues  

- Prior publishing experience desirable, but not mandatory  

- Knowledge of the children’s book publishing or media industry

 - To be committed to children’s publishing  

- An interest in story telling