Creative Artworker

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Artworker

🔹 Company: Next Plc

🔹 Location: Leicester, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Retail, Brand Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 12, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Preparing approved design concepts for various outputs (print, digital, large format)
• Ensuring technical accuracy and adherence to brand guidelines
• Collaborating closely with designers and managing multiple versions of artwork
• Working in a dynamic and innovative environment with access to guidance from experienced designers
• Contributing to impactful projects that shape the NEXT brand

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, exceptional technical skills, and a passion for ensuring the highest standards of visual output. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a similar production-focused role and be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Artwork Preparation: Taking approved design concepts and preparing them for various outputs, including print (brochures, packaging, POS, ticketing), digital (social media, online presentations, digital ads) and large format (billboards, signage, advertising)

✅ Technical Accuracy: Ensuring all artwork is technically correct, adhering to print specifications (bleeds, crop marks, colour profiles) and brand guidelines.

✅ File Management: Maintaining organised and accurate digital asset libraries, following established naming conventions and archiving procedures.

✅ Pre-flighting and Quality Control: Thoroughly checking all artwork for errors (typos, image resolution issues, incorrect colours, layout inconsistencies) before sending to print or production.

✅ Version Control: Managing multiple versions of artwork and ensuring the correct version is always used.

✅ Collaborative Teamwork: Working closely and collaboratively with Graphic Designers, providing technical expertise and support throughout the design process.

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Artworker will be the crucial link in bringing design concepts to flawless execution, working closely with designers to ensure the highest standards of visual output.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A relevant qualification in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field is desirable but not essential.

Experience: Proven experience as a Creative Artworker or in a similar production-focused role within a design agency or in-house design team.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• A strong understanding of print processes, colour management (CMYK, Pantone), paper stocks, and finishing techniques.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate and high-quality work.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with project management software.
• Knowledge of Figma or other digital design tools.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a creative portfolio showcasing their skills, versatility, and understanding of the visual communication process.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between £25,000 and £35,000 per annum, based on industry standards for a Creative Artworker with 2-5 years of experience in the retail sector in the UK.

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Generous staff discount
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health cash plan
• Employee assistance programme
• Access to learning and development opportunities

Working Hours: The role is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The working hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The benefits listed are subject to change and may be confirmed during the application process.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: NEXT Plc is a leading British multinational clothing, footwear, and home products retailer. It operates over 500 stores in the UK and Ireland, as well as an online platform, and has a presence in over 70 countries worldwide.

Company Size: NEXT Plc is a large company with over 700 employees, providing a structured and established work environment with opportunities for growth and development.

Founded: NEXT was founded in 1982 by George Davies, who left the company in 2001. The company has since grown into a global retailer, known for its high-quality clothing and home products.

Company Description:

• NEXT Plc is a vertically integrated retailer, meaning it designs, manufactures, and sells its own products.
• The company is known for its wide range of clothing, footwear, and home products, catering to various age groups and styles.
• NEXT Plc is committed to sustainability, with initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact and promote ethical practices throughout its supply chain.

Company Specialties:

• Fashion retail
• Homeware retail
• E-commerce
• International retail expansion
• Sustainable business practices

Company Website: http://www.nextplc.co.uk

ASSUMPTION: NEXT Plc is a well-established retailer with a strong brand presence in the UK and internationally. The company's success is built on its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for a mid-level creative professional with 2-5 years of experience in a similar production-focused role. The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio showcasing their skills and a passion for visual communication.

Reporting Structure: The Creative Artworker will report directly to the Brand Marketing Design Team Lead and work closely with Graphic Designers and other team members to ensure the highest standards of visual output.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, based at the NEXT Plc headquarters in Leicester, United Kingdom. The working hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Senior Creative Artworker role, with increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
• Expansion into other areas of the business, such as digital marketing or e-commerce.
• International relocation opportunities, as NEXT Plc has a presence in over 70 countries worldwide.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment, with access to guidance from experienced designers and the chance to work on impactful projects that shape the NEXT brand.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The NEXT Plc headquarters is a modern, open-plan office with a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Office Location(s): The role is based at the NEXT Plc headquarters in Leicester, United Kingdom.

Geographic Context:

• Leicester is a city in the East Midlands of England, with a population of approximately 350,000 people.
• The city is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant retail scene.
• Leicester has excellent transport links, with easy access to major motorways, a mainline railway station, and an international airport nearby.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The working hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break.

ASSUMPTION: The Leicester office provides a supportive and innovative environment, with opportunities for growth and development within the company.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and CV submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• Creative test or portfolio review
• Face-to-face interview with the Brand Marketing Design Team Lead and a member of the HR team
• Final interview with the Head of Brand Marketing

Key Assessment Areas:

• Portfolio review and discussion of creative process
• Technical skills and knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
• Understanding of print processes and colour management
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
• Organisational and time management skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with NEXT Plc values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work, demonstrating your versatility and understanding of the visual communication process.
• Research NEXT Plc and the Brand Marketing Design Team to ensure you are a good fit for the company culture and understand the brand.
• Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your creative process and problem-solving skills.

ATS Keywords: Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Print Processes, Colour Management, Attention to Detail, Organisational Skills, Time Management, Quality Control, File Management, Collaborative Teamwork, Digital Design Tools, Graphic Design, Visual Communication

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and passion for visual communication throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Figma or other digital design tools (desirable)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have exceptional proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and be familiar with project management software. Knowledge of Figma or other digital design tools is a bonus but not essential.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer focus
• Integrity
• Respect
• Excellence
• Innovation

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Results-driven
• Attention to detail
• Adaptable

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong commitment to producing high-quality work and a keen eye for detail?
• Are you able to work collaboratively with designers and other team members to ensure the highest standards of visual output?
• Do you have a passion for visual communication and a desire to learn and develop your skills in a dynamic and innovative environment?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their alignment with NEXT Plc's company values and work style to ensure they are a good fit for the role and the company culture.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require working to tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• The ideal candidate will be able to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail under pressure.
• The role may involve working with a wide range of design concepts and output formats, requiring adaptability and a willingness to learn new skills.
• The role is based on-site at the NEXT Plc headquarters in Leicester, which may not be suitable for candidates who prefer remote or hybrid working arrangements.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to manage their time effectively, prioritise tasks, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail under pressure.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Creative Artworker vs. Graphic Designer: While both roles involve working with design concepts, the Creative Artworker is more focused on the technical aspects of bringing designs to life, whereas the Graphic Designer is responsible for the initial concept and design process.
• Creative Artworker vs. Production Artist: Both roles involve preparing designs for production, but the Creative Artworker is more focused on the technical aspects of the process, whereas the Production Artist may be responsible for the final output and quality control.
• Creative Artworker vs. Prepress Operator: Both roles involve working with design files and ensuring they are technically correct for production, but the Creative Artworker is more focused on the creative aspects of the process, whereas the Prepress Operator is responsible for the final output and quality control.

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Artworker role is unique in its focus on the technical aspects of bringing design concepts to life, requiring a high level of attention to detail and a strong understanding of print processes and colour management.

📝 Sample Projects

• Preparing a brochure for an upcoming sale, ensuring all artwork is technically correct and adheres to brand guidelines.
• Creating digital ads for social media platforms, ensuring they are optimised for each platform and adhere to brand guidelines.
• Preparing large format artwork for billboards and signage, ensuring they are technically correct and adhere to brand guidelines.

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Artworker will work on a wide range of projects, requiring adaptability and a willingness to learn new skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
• How does this role fit into the broader Brand Marketing Design Team and the company as a whole?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role?
• How does NEXT Plc support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the Brand Marketing Design Team currently, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company, and their understanding of the requirements and challenges of the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Next Plc careers portal
• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work, demonstrating your versatility and understanding of the visual communication process.
• Research NEXT Plc and the Brand Marketing Design Team to ensure you are a good fit for the company culture and understand the brand.
• Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your creative process and problem-solving skills.
• Follow up with the NEXT Plc HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and enquire about the next steps in the process.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.