Creative Artworker

Who we are and what we do

With over 150 years of ground-breaking publishing from book lovers, original thinkers and market leaders, our unwavering mission has been to publish the most compelling voices in every genre. We continue to find new ground, new audiences and new voices with every title we publish. We are passionate readers and believe in the power of words to change lives.

Hodder & Stoughton is a division of Hachette, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, with 10 publishing divisions and over 60 imprints. Everyone here is proud to be in the business of opening doors and minds.

What you'll be doing

The emphasis for this role will be on the highly technical special-edition work we do for Hodderscape, but also support on our deluxe D2C special editions and inside cover printing, endpapers or finishes on high-end books, as well as management of the workflows and deadlines for our paperback adapts. This role will report into the Studio Manager, with a dotted line to the Head of Design for Hodderscape for special editions workflow. The Creative Artworker supports the delivery of Hodder & Stoughton’s design work both with their own projects and ensuring work from all external clients and artworkers meets department specifications. The Creative Artworker, maintains templates, oversees file standards, prepares visuals and copy for production. This involves originating and checking the designs and making changes or corrections to the text, images or layout.

Core Duties:

• Work on our special editions for Hodderscape and other imprints across complex special finishes including design for inside cover printing, sprayed edges, foil, case foil, multiple colourways, and bespoke endpapers
• Manage the workflow and deadlines for all simple paperback files
• Work closely with the creative and production teams to prepare artwork for circulation and press
• Lay out approved visuals and copy, setting up finishes and circulating them to stakeholders
• Adapt existing artwork and copy to alternative layouts and/or formats
• Take in corrections, adjusting the design and finishes as needed.
• Ensure files and images meet print standards, such as colour, typography and finish layers (for foil, embossing, spot UV, etc.)
• Check files from external designers/ artworkers and clients to ensure they meet the required standards
• Ensure artwork is consistent, accurate and follows any style or series guidelines
• Set up, manage and archive accurate artwork files
• Carry out proof checking prior to print
• Manage multiple projects, keeping on top of company priorities and adjusting task lists as needed.
• Update in-house trackers and databases to ensure the status of covers is always accurate and the studio manager has an up-to-date overview
• Update and maintain templates and workflow documents

Who we are looking for

Experience/Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of the whole Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Acrobat and programs like Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator
• Strong knowledge of print and special finishes
• strong layout and typographical skills and knowledge of fonts
• confidence working on a Mac
• skills in archiving images and artwork
• 3+ years experience in a similar print based role (doesn’t have to be publishing)

Personal Attributes/Skills

• Strong communication skills to engage with colleagues at every level as well as out-of-house freelancers
• Great time management skills and the ability to work to deadlines
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to know when to ask for help
• A methodical approach to work and meticulous attention to detail
• The ability to take instructions and follow direction from other colleagues such as designers and the Studio Manager.
• Adaptability

What we offer

Our staff are our greatest asset, and our benefits reflect this:

• 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Generous pension schemes
• Rent deposit loans
• 2 community days per year
• Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months)
• Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Wide-ranging training library
• Development programmes (including mentoring)
• Up to 70% off book purchases
• A charity bookshelf
• 12 Staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks
• Season ticket loans
• And much more!
• The role will be based at our London with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.

Please apply with CV, Cover Letter and a PDF portfolio of recent work (links to web portfolios will not be accepted).

Our commitment

Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds.

If you are shortlisted and require any reasonable adjustments to support you in the recruitment process, you will have an opportunity to make this request in your application.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org