Designer

Curious Universe UK; Bath; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Curious Universe UK is looking for a mid-weight designer to join their agile design team focused on innovative novelty books. The role involves designing engaging Novelty Board Books, collaborating with editors and illustrators, and managing project schedules. Ideal candidates have 3–5 years' experience, a strong design flair, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Located in Bath, this position offers a hybrid work experience, combining creativity with market awareness.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in Novelty Board Book design.
• Strong knowledge of preparing files for print specific to Board Books.
• Passion for Children’s Books and current design trends.

Responsibilities

• Design engaging Novelty Board Books and Sound Books.
• Collaborate with editors and illustrators for high-quality outcomes.
• Manage project schedules and budgets.

Skills

Design flair

Creativity

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Adobe Creative Suite proficiency

Understanding of design principles

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

We are an equal opportunities employer with a flexible approach. Hiring the right team is of paramount importance to us so we work with all employees to ensure they can “Work Where they Work Best”. Our hybrid working solution allows us to cater to the different needs of our workforce whilst still providing outstanding service to our customers. Both yours and the business’s needs will be discussed at interview to reach a mutually beneficial working schedule.

We are always keen to hear from people wishing to work with us so please review our current job vacancies below.

Do you love Novelty Board Books, Sound Books and Pop-Ups? We’re on the lookout for a mid-weight designer to help create beautiful, innovative novelty books in a fast-moving, creative environment. You will be designing products that are trend-led, commercially strong and market-leading. This role sits within a brand-new, agile design team under the Bookoli Wonder imprint, part of the Curious Universe family.

Main Responsibilities

• Follow a brief, and design engaging Novelty Board Books, Sound Books and Pop-Ups, developing creative and innovative ideas for formats and mechanisms that are commercially strong and on trend.
• Create eye‑catching covers and sample spreads for sales presentations, working confidently at pace within a fast‑moving, agile team.
• Work collaboratively with editors across projects, contributing ideas and supporting a strong team‑based approach.
• Brief illustrators clearly and work closely with external agencies to help deliver high‑quality creative outcomes.
• Overall management of schedules and budgets, ensuring key milestones are met and projects stay on track.
• Supply artwork for sales materials, including PowerPoint presentations and printed sales dummies.
• Good understanding of how to set Board Books up technically and the artworking process.
• Research new and emerging illustrators, staying up to date with design trends and contributing to an evolving illustrator resource.
• Maintain a strong awareness of market and design trends, proactively sharing ideas and inspiration with the Design Director.
• Take ownership of individual projects, to ensure creative concepts are delivered smoothly and on schedule.
• Prepare accurate, print‑ready PDFs in line with agreed timelines.
• Ensure all work complies with company Health & Safety policies.
• Review samples, plotters and advances, supporting quality control throughout the development process.

Skills and Experience

• A passion for Children’s Books
• Have a real design flair and are innovative and creative, with strong awareness of current trends.
• Have an excellent understanding of design principles, such as colour, typography and composition.
• A high level of creativity, and must enjoy working with others and discussing creative ideas.
• Must be highly organised, motivated, and able to work under pressure, with a high attention to detail, and excellent time management skills.
• Around 3–5 years’ experience in Novelty Board Book design
• Strong knowledge of preparing files for print, and being aware of the restrictions within Board Books in terms of artworking.
• A portfolio with examples of innovative design solutions on Board Books in general.
• Adobe Creative Suite proficiency.
• Must be located within easy commutable distance of Bath.

Please include your portfolio with your application either by emailing it to [e-mail] or including the link to it in your CV/covering letter