Children’s Book Designer

Would you like to join a fast paced, expanding publishing group? Welbeck are looking for a talented mid-range Children’s Book Designer to join our team in a full-time role. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and passionate individual brimming with ideas.

We are an exciting, innovative, independent publisher with a varied list. A minimum of 3+ years in children’s books is desirable, along with a creative flair, an experience of colour publishing and sound knowledge in Adobe software.
We are based in the very trendy Fitzrovia, close to Goodge Street and a stone throw away from Oxford Circus. With regular company social events and an expanding Publishing Group, this is an exciting time to join the business.

Design responsibilities:

• To design and brief books, across the Welbeck’s Children’s list – front list, all genres/formats, age ranges, special sales, reprints, and back list development.
• To work closely with the design manager, editorial and production - from initial brief to early concepts, through to final product - designing cover and internal layouts, as well as additional features and extras.
• To ensure all fonts are acquired, through I.T. and design manager, if proof of purchase cannot be established.
• To oversee design budgets on projects, raise contracts and promptly process invoices, with assistance from manager.
• To work closely with external contributors, agents, authors, illustrators, freelance designers, picture researchers, photographers and photo libraries.
• To research and collate possible illustrators and freelance designers.
• To adhere to and manage design/production schedules, anticipating and alert manager to problems before they become issues.
• To supply and present design material at Children’s creative meetings.
• To liaise with internal departments, Marketing, Sales, Foreign Rights, and their external sources if required and ensure prompt supply/upload of visual material.
• To ensure timely upload of visual material to various servers and job folders.
• To prepare and/or oversee final job files for pre-press and production, including circulation for approval and feedback.
• To ensure housekeeping and job folders in good order and named correctly. On completion of work and moved to archive, deleting unwanted files/images from job folder.
• To keep abreast of design/book trends and carry out/share regular market research.
• To participate in brainstorming and sharing of ideas with Children’s team.
• To support the design team as, and when, required.

Skills required:

• Good knowledge of Design software is essential: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat
• Strong typography and a good understanding of design
• An enthusiasm and passion for children’s books, as well as a keenness to learn and develop creative talents further
• Good communication skills in articulating and confidently sharing/expressing creative ideas and briefing projects

To apply, please contact applications@welbeckpublishing.com and use the subject header Children’s Books Designer. A current CV is required, and samples of work is a bonus.

Salary: Based on experience
Holiday: 25 days plus 3 days over Christmas.
Other benefits: Season ticket loan, cycle to work, life assurance.