Junior Designer/ Artworker Vacancy

We’re looking for someone who enjoys the craft of design – not just the shiny end result.
Someone who can take a piece of work and finish it properly.
Someone who notices the details.
Someone who gets stuck in, asks questions, and takes pride in doing things well.

About PHd Design

We’re a boutique, award-winning design agency with a long-standing reputation for thoughtful, high-quality work. Established in 1992, we’ve worked with businesses across a wide range of sectors, helping them look better, communicate more clearly, and ultimately perform better.

We’re also… a bit odd (in a good way).

We’re a small team, we bounce ideas around constantly, we get overly excited when something works (“hurrah”), and we’re more than happy to gently mock the bad ideas on the way to the good ones. It’s all part of the process.

If you like working somewhere open, collaborative, and a little bit lively—you’ll fit in well here.

The Role

This is a part-time role, ideally 2–3 days per week.

The split is roughly:

75% artwork / 25% creative design

You’ll be working across a variety of projects, including:

– Branding and brand rollouts

– Print artwork and marketing materials

– Social media graphics

– Presentations and decks

– Website updates (WordPress) and internal content

– Ongoing client amends and refinements

There’s also scope to get involved in:

– Light animation or motion work

– Internal promotional content

– Case studies and marketing materials

What We’re Looking For

You’ll likely be at an early stage in your career—whether that’s a recent graduate, college leaver, or someone with some initial experience.

More importantly, you’ll be someone who:

– Is confident using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)

– Can follow a brief properly (this really matters)

– Has a good eye for layout, typography, and detail

– Is organised, reliable, and able to manage their workload

– Shows initiative and common sense in how they approach work

– Is comfortable asking questions when unsure

– Is confident enough to speak up, share ideas, or challenge something if you think it could be improved

Nice To Have (But Not Essential):

– Basic knowledge of WordPress

– Any experience with animation or motion software

– An interest in how design works commercially, not just visually

We’re a very open studio—if you’ve got an idea, a better way of doing something, or even a new tool or process you think could improve things, we genuinely want to hear it.

What you’ll get from this role

– Hands-on experience across real client projects from day one

– A structured handover with an experienced team member

– Ongoing mentorship from our Creative Director

– The opportunity to develop your skills quickly in a small, supportive team

– Exposure to client work, presentations, and occasional networking or content creation

Location & working

Part-time: 2–3 days per week

Primarily studio-based in Lichfield, Staffordshire, with some flexibility for occasional working from home.

Due to our rural location, a driving licence and access to a car is essential.

Salary

£17,000 – £21,000 pro rata (based on 3 days per week)

Depending on experience.

The Perks

– Dog-friendly office

– Birthday off (if it falls on a working day — plus we’ll take you out for a meal… cake included)

– Regular snacks (a perk of working with food & drink brands)

– A genuinely friendly, supportive working environment

– A small team where your ideas are heard and your work makes a real impact

How to Apply (Please Read Properly)

We pay attention to detail, so we notice how people apply.

Please send the below to Claire at claire@phddesign.co.uk :

– A short introduction (keep it simple)

– A link to your portfolio (required)

– Your availability

And one small extra thing:

Include a simple drawing of a duck wearing a top hat somewhere in your application.

It doesn’t need to be good. It just needs to exist.

Applications without this (and without a portfolio) won’t be considered.

Final Thought

This role suits someone who takes pride in doing things properly—but also isn’t afraid to ask questions, share ideas, and challenge things when needed.

If you’re keen to learn, get stuck in, and be part of a team that values both good work and good people—we’d love to see what you can do.

If you have any questions or would like any additional information on the role, please email claire@phddesign.co.uk