Senior Designer

We are seeking a talented Senior Designer to join our creative team to produce exceptional design work across all of The Spectator’s platforms. This role requires a highly skilled designer who can execute sophisticated design while contributing creative thinking to evolving visual identities across multiple projects for marketing, editorial and events.

Founded in 1828, The Spectator is the world's oldest surviving weekly magazine and remains at the forefront of political and cultural commentary. Our design team plays a crucial role in bringing our journalism to life across multiple platforms and formats.

Our design work

• Weekly print magazine: Our flagship publication featuring sophisticated layouts, commissioned bespoke illustrations and striking cover designs that have become iconic in British journalism.
• Digital: Responsive web design, a suite of email newsletters, and an app that engages our growing online readership. Plus social media assets that bring our journalism to a wider audience.
• Events & broadcast: Comprehensive design support for The Spectator's growing portfolio of live events, including stage graphics, presentation materials, event signage, and branded environments. Assets for video content, podcast artwork, and broadcast graphics for our expanding digital media presence.
• Marketing and campaigns: Promotional materials, merchandise, subscriber communications, and integrated campaigns across print and digital channels.
• Commercial & partnerships: Bespoke design work for commercial clients, sponsored content, advertising features, and partnership initiatives that maintain editorial integrity while meeting commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Design execution

• Contribute to compelling cover ideas and finished cover designs.
• Produce digital assets including web graphics, social media content, and email newsletters.
• Design event materials, presentations, and broadcast graphics.
• Develop commercial and sponsored content that aligns with brand guidelines.
• Create visual identities and roll out required assets for new launches.
• Create brand materials and campaign assets across multiple channels.

Creative Development

• Collaborate with the Head of Design to develop and evolve The Spectator’s visual language.
• Propose innovative design solutions that enhance storytelling.
• Contribute ideas during creative briefings and brainstorming sessions.
• Stay current with design trends while respecting our publication's heritage.
• Maintain and develop brand consistency across all touchpoints.

Team Collaboration

• Work efficiently within project timelines managed by the Project Manager.
• Coordinate with editorial staff, photographers, and illustrators.
• Provide guidance and support to junior designers when needed.
• Participate in design critiques and team reviews.
• Communicate effectively about design decisions and technical requirements.

Production & Quality

• Prepare print-ready files and liaise with printers and suppliers.
• Ensure technical specifications are met for all outputs.
• Maintain organised file structures and asset libraries.
• Conduct quality control checks on all work before delivery.
• Adapt designs for multiple formats and platforms.

Requirements

Experience

• Extensive professional design experience, preferably in publishing, editorial, or media.
• Proven portfolio demonstrating excellence in layout design and typography.
• Experience designing for both print and digital platforms.
• Track record of working on deadline-driven projects in fast-paced environments.

Technical skills

• Expert proficiency across Adobe Creative Suite, including After Effects etc.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop including photo retouching, compositing, and image manipulation for editorial and commercial projects.
• Experience with motion graphics and the ability to create animated social content, and broadcast elements.
• Understanding of large-scale format design and production for events, including banners, signage, stage backdrops, and exhibition graphics with knowledge of appropriate file specifications and printing requirements.
• Understanding of print production processes, specifications, and file preparation across various scales and formats.
• Knowledge of digital design requirements for web and social platforms.

Design Expertise

• Exceptional typography skills and understanding of typographic hierarchy.
• Strong grasp of layout principles, composition, and visual storytelling.
• Excellent colour sense and understanding of colour theory.
• Attention to detail and commitment to craft.
• Ability to work within brand guidelines while bringing fresh creative thinking.

Professional Skills

• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Excellent time management and ability to prioritise multiple projects.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to accept and implement feedback.
• Problem-solving approach to design challenges.
• Proactive attitude and willingness to take ownership of projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field.
• Experience with magazine or publication design.
• Knowledge of HTML/CSS and web design principles.
• Experience with video editing software (Premiere Pro, After Effects)
• Illustration skills or experience commissioning and directing illustrators.
• Understanding of accessibility standards in design.