Job Description
Purpose of the Role
At Curious Universe, we create exceptional, innovative and affordable products that delight readers around the world. Formed from the collaboration of Bookoli and Hinkler, we sell over 20 million products annually across 77 countries and 38 languages.
We’re looking for a talented and inspirational Art Director to lead the creative vision for our children’s book publishing programme. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll shape the visual identity of our books, oversee and mentor a team of designers, and bring outstanding creative concepts to life across novelty, activity, picture book, non-fiction and tween categories.
Working closely with senior creative and editorial, you’ll combine creative excellence with commercial awareness, ensuring every product is visually compelling, market relevant and delivered to the highest standards and on schedule.
Main responsibilities:
- Lead and champion the creative direction of our children’s books programme, developing distinctive visual identities and innovative publishing concepts.
- Remain actively involved in the design and art direction of book products across multiple categories, from concept through to publication.
- Create and oversee cover designs, layouts, formats that balance creative excellence with commercial appeal.
- Act as a creative ambassador for the business, championing excellence, innovation and audience-first thinking throughout the organisation.
- Mentor, develop and inspire a talented team of designers, fostering a culture of creativity, excitement, collaboration and continuous learning.
- Commission, direct and approve artwork from freelance illustrators, designers and creative partners.
- Identify emerging creative talent, and build strong relationships with illustrators, designers and artists. Leading innovation across the team in partnership with the Creative Operations Director and Creative Director.
- Stay ahead of publishing, design and consumer trends, translating
market insights into commercially successful products. Challenge formats to make them the best they can be. - Collaborate closely with Design, Editorial, Production, Product Development, Sales and Marketing teams to deliver projects on time and to budget.
- Drive innovation through new formats, materials, technologies and production techniques, including the effective use of emerging AI tools. Maintain the highest creative standards while ensuring consistency with brand values and publishing objectives.
- Ensure the teams’ products for Sales material and files to print are delivered on schedule working in collaboration with the Managing Designer.
Required skills
Skills & Experience
- You have 8-10+ years’ experience in children’s book design, with a strong background in consumer-facing publishing products.
- You are a hands-on creative leader who loves both designing and developing people.
- You have an outstanding portfolio that demonstrates exceptional creativity, visual storytelling and commercial thinking.
- You are highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat.
- You are an experienced people manager who can motivate, mentor and inspire teams to achieve their full potential.
- You’re passionate about children’s illustration, publishing and design, with excellent knowledge of current market trends.
- You are organised, proactive and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- You bring strong communication skills, integrity, initiative and a positive, collaborative approach to work.
- You thrive on innovation, embrace change and are always looking for ways to create better products and experiences.
- Positive can-do attitude within a fast-changing environment
- A Team Player
About you
You’ll thrive here if you are:
- Passionate about children’s design, creativity, storytelling and playful product development.
- Energised by fast-moving projects and comfortable juggling multiple deadlines.
- Skilled at guiding, coaching and encouraging others while also rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on when needed.
- Calm, organised and clear in your communication – especially when things get hectic.
- Open, collaborative and generous with your knowledge.
- Experienced in delivering consumer-facing design for children’s markets.
- Curious, adaptable and excited about exploring new creative possibilities.
- Comfortable working with packaging, branding, illustration, layout and product visuals at a high standard.
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