Job Description
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 team leads, 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
Required skills
- 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)
Benefits
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free fitness classes
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- Paid volunteer time
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
- Work from home