Graphic designer

Topdeck Travel Ltd
Full-time•London, London, City of, United Kingdom
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📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Topdeck Travel Ltd (Operating as Global Touring)

Location: London, UK

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Graphic Design / Visual Design

Date Posted: June 11, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

🎨 Role Summary

  • Deliver innovative and visually appealing creative assets across multiple channels (print and digital) to support the Global Touring family of brands, including Topdeck Travel and Back-Roads Touring.
  • Execute design briefs with precision, ensuring strict adherence to established brand guidelines for consistent visual communication and brand identity.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Sales, and Product, to translate marketing messages into compelling visual narratives.
  • Maintain a strong eye for imagery selection, incorporating innovative design techniques and staying current with industry trends to keep marketing materials fresh and engaging.
📝 Enhancement Note: Inferred the role category as Graphic/Visual Design based on the job title and core responsibilities focused on creating visual assets for marketing and promotional materials. Specified the operating name "Global Touring" for clarity based on the description.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

  • Execute design briefs in an agency-style workflow, producing diverse promotional materials such as brochures, flyers, email campaigns, web assets, and social media graphics.
  • Develop visually appealing graphics that effectively communicate key marketing messages while maintaining a consistent and strong brand image across Topdeck and Back-Roads Touring.
  • Select and utilize high-quality imagery that not only aligns with brand guidelines but also effectively resonates with target audiences for each distinct travel brand.
  • Create, prepare, and meticulously proof both print-ready and web-ready artwork for deployment by various internal departments, ensuring technical specifications are met.
  • Incorporate innovative design techniques, styles, and emerging technologies into projects to enhance the freshness, engagement, and competitiveness of marketing materials while remaining on-brand.
  • Update and maintain design templates for consistent use throughout the organization, streamlining design workflows and ensuring brand consistency.
  • Communicate effectively and proactively with internal teams (Marketing, Sales, Product) to fully understand task requirements, gather constructive feedback, and ensure design solutions meet strategic objectives.
📝 Enhancement Note: Expanded on the core responsibilities to include specific examples of design deliverables (brochures, email, web, social assets) and emphasized the need to work across multiple brands with distinct target audiences based on the company description. Added detail about technical preparation and proofing of artwork.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field is typically preferred for this level of role, demonstrating a strong foundational understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout. Equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio showcasing relevant skills are also highly valued.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in a graphic design role, either within a creative agency or a client-side marketing team. This experience should demonstrate a proven ability to deliver high-quality design work across both print and digital channels, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and adhere to brand guidelines. Experience in the travel industry is a plus but not essential; a passion for travel is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for creating and editing visual assets.
  • Strong understanding of graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and composition.
  • Excellent attention to detail, particularly in proofing artwork for both print and digital output.
  • Demonstrated ability to adhere to and work within established brand guidelines across different brands.
  • A strong eye for imagery selection and photo retouching to effectively convey brand messages and evoke emotion related to travel.
  • Technical ability to prepare and optimize artwork for various outputs (print, web, social media).
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and stakeholders.
  • Organizational skills to manage multiple design projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience designing for the travel or tourism industry.
  • Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello).
  • Basic understanding of web design principles and UI/UX concepts.
  • Experience with animation or motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects).
📝 Enhancement Note: Added typical educational background expectations for a Graphic Designer role. Provided more detail on the type of experience expected, emphasizing multi-channel design and brand adherence. Expanded the required skills list to include specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications and core design principles, as well as soft skills like communication and organization. Included preferred skills common in graphic design roles that would be beneficial.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design work, including examples of print materials (brochures, flyers) and digital assets (email graphics, web banners, social media visuals).
  • Case studies that demonstrate your design process from brief understanding to final output, highlighting problem-solving and design decisions.
  • Examples that clearly show your ability to work within and apply brand guidelines consistently across different projects and mediums.
  • Visual presentation that is clean, professional, and effectively communicates your design skills and aesthetic.

Process Documentation:

  • Include documentation of your approach to understanding design briefs and initial concept development.
  • Showcase your iterative design process, including sketches, wireframes (if applicable), and different design variations.
  • Demonstrate how you incorporate feedback and refine designs based on stakeholder input.
📝 Enhancement Note: Added specific guidance on portfolio content, emphasizing the need to showcase relevant work types (print, digital), demonstrate process through case studies, and prove ability to work with brand guidelines. Included details on documenting the design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry data for Graphic Designer roles with 2+ years of experience in London, UK, the estimated salary range is £30,000 - £40,000 per annum. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience level, portfolio quality, and interview performance. (Source: Based on analysis of publicly available salary data for similar roles in the London area as of mid-2024).

Benefits: While not explicitly detailed, typical benefits for a full-time Graphic Designer role in the UK might include:

  • Competitive salary within the estimated range.
  • Company pension scheme.
  • Paid time off (holiday allowance).
  • Opportunities for professional development and training related to design software and industry trends.
  • Potential for travel-related perks or discounts on company tours (given the industry).

Working Hours: Full-time, with a hybrid working model requiring 3 days per week at the Topdeck HQ in Chiswick, London, and 2 days per week remote. This structure allows for both in-person collaboration and focused remote work, supporting a balanced creative workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since salary was not provided, an estimated range for London-based Graphic Designers with 2+ years of experience was included, citing the basis for the estimate. Typical UK benefits for full-time roles were listed as inferred benefits. Working hours were detailed based on the hybrid model specified.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Travel Arrangements. Global Touring operates within the dynamic and visually driven travel industry, specifically focusing on group tours. This context means design plays a crucial role in inspiring potential customers and communicating the unique experiences offered by Topdeck and Back-Roads Touring.

Company Size: Global Touring (Topdeck Travel Ltd) has around 55 employees according to LinkedIn, placing it in the small to medium-sized business category. This size often translates to a close-knit team environment where designers have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects and have a direct impact on the brand's visual communication.

Founded: Founding date is not explicitly stated, but the company has an established history in the travel industry, operating under the Topdeck Travel and Back-Roads Touring brands.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer reports to a Senior Designer, indicating a clear reporting line within the Creative team.
  • The Creative team likely collaborates closely with Marketing, Sales, and Product teams to support various initiatives.
  • Working within a smaller company, the design team is likely lean, requiring designers to be versatile and adaptable.

Methodology:

  • Design briefs are executed in an "agency-style banner," suggesting a structured approach to project intake and delivery.
  • Emphasis on adhering to brand guidelines implies a reliance on established visual systems and standards.
  • Collaboration with Marketing suggests a focus on design that supports specific marketing messages and campaigns.

Company Website: https://www.topdeck.travel/

📝 Enhancement Note: Provided context on the travel industry and its implications for design. Used LinkedIn data to infer company size and its potential impact on the design team structure and scope of work. Interpreted the "agency-style banner" as indicative of a structured design process.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, suitable for someone with 2+ years of experience looking to further develop their skills and take on more responsibility under the guidance of a Senior Designer. The focus is on executing design briefs and contributing to the creative output of the team.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Senior Designer. This structure suggests opportunities for mentorship, receiving direct feedback on design work, and learning from a more experienced professional. It also implies a pathway for growth towards a Senior Designer role in the future.

Design Impact: As part of the Creative team in a travel company, the Graphic Designer's work has a direct impact on how the brands are perceived by potential customers. Visually appealing and effective design is crucial for inspiring travel and driving bookings. The role contributes significantly to marketing campaigns and brand communication.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Advancement towards a Senior Graphic Designer role with increased responsibilities and potentially leading projects.
  • Opportunity to specialize in specific areas of graphic design relevant to the travel industry, such as digital marketing design or print collateral development.
  • Potential to contribute to the evolution of brand guidelines and visual identity over time.
📝 Enhancement Note: Analyzed the career level based on the experience requirement and reporting structure. Discussed the potential impact of design within a travel company and outlined typical growth pathways for a Graphic Designer in this type of organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Hybrid working model with a base at the Topdeck HQ in Chiswick, London. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and the flexibility of working remotely. The office environment is likely designed to facilitate creative work and team interaction for the required in-office days.

Office Location(s): Topdeck HQ, Chiswick, London (W4 5PY). Chiswick is a suburban area in West London, accessible by public transport. The specific postal code allows candidates to assess commute feasibility.

Design Workspace Context:

  • The hybrid setup allows for dedicated focus time during remote work days and collaborative brainstorming and feedback sessions when in the office.
  • The office environment likely provides necessary design tools, software, and potentially collaborative spaces for creative work.
  • Being in the office 3 days a week facilitates direct interaction with the Senior Designer and other team members, fostering a sense of team cohesion and facilitating quick feedback loops.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with a hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote). This offers a degree of flexibility while ensuring regular face-to-face interaction with the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Detailed the work environment based on the hybrid model and specified office location. Discussed the implications of a hybrid setup for a design role, highlighting the balance between focused work and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

  • Initial screening call to discuss your experience and interest in the role, likely with HR or a hiring manager. Prepare to articulate your graphic design experience and passion for travel.
  • Portfolio review and interview with the Senior Designer and potentially other members of the Creative or Marketing team. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, explaining your process and design decisions for key projects, particularly those relevant to print and digital marketing.
  • Potential design exercise or challenge to assess your practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and ability to work within brand guidelines under time constraints.
  • Final interview focusing on cultural fit with the team and company values, as well as discussing expectations and answering any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate your portfolio to showcase your best work that aligns with the requirements of this role, particularly examples of brochures, flyers, email graphics, and social media visuals.
  • For each project, clearly explain the brief, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the final outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement on social media).
  • Highlight your ability to work with and interpret brand guidelines effectively. If you have examples of working with multiple brands or evolving brand identities, include them.
  • Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and visually appealing. A well-designed portfolio is a direct reflection of your skills.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Familiarize yourself with the Topdeck Travel and Back-Roads Touring brands and their visual styles.
  • Practice working on design tasks within a limited timeframe.
  • Be prepared to explain your design choices and rationale clearly.
  • Focus on adhering to the given brief and brand constraints while demonstrating your creative flair.

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Visual Design, Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Branding, Brand Guidelines, Print Design, Digital Design, Marketing Materials, Brochures, Flyers, Email Design, Social Media Graphics, Artwork Production, Image Selection, Typography, Layout, Visual Communication, Portfolio, Case Studies, Creative Process, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Communication, Collaboration, Team Player, Travel Industry, Hybrid Work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Outlined a typical design interview process, including portfolio review and a potential design challenge. Provided specific, actionable tips for preparing the portfolio and approaching a design challenge, tailored to the likely requirements of this role. Included a comprehensive list of relevant ATS keywords.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud (specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator): Essential for creating and editing a wide range of graphic assets for both print and digital use. Proficiency across these tools is required for daily tasks.

Collaboration & Handoff:

  • While not explicitly mentioned, tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar communication platforms are likely used for internal team communication and collaboration.
  • Project management tools (mentioned as a preferred skill) might be used for tracking tasks and project progress.

Research & Testing:

  • No specific research or testing tools were mentioned, suggesting the focus is primarily on design execution based on briefs provided by marketing and product teams.
📝 Enhancement Note: Focused the tools section on the explicitly mentioned Adobe Creative Cloud suite, which is central to the role. Inferred the likely use of collaboration tools common in modern workplaces. Noted the absence of specific research/testing tools, suggesting the role's primary focus on visual execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

  • Stay Curious: Embracing challenge, questioning the status quo, and being open to new ideas and feedback in the design process. This value encourages exploring innovative design solutions.
  • Choose Transparency: Communicating design decisions and process clearly and honestly with the team and stakeholders. Building relationships based on mutual respect within the creative workflow.
  • Don't Pass the Buck: Taking ownership of design projects from brief to completion, being accountable for the quality and effectiveness of the visual output. Learning from both successes and challenges in the design process.
  • Together We Go Further: Collaborating effectively with the Creative team and cross-functional departments (Marketing, Sales, Product). Embracing diverse perspectives and feedback to achieve better design outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

  • Likely involves close collaboration with the Senior Designer for guidance and feedback.
  • Regular interaction with Marketing and other teams to understand project requirements and present design concepts.
  • The "Together We Go Further" value suggests a collaborative and supportive team environment where knowledge sharing and mutual support are encouraged.
📝 Enhancement Note: Directly linked the company's core values (Stay Curious, Choose Transparency, Don't Pass the Buck, Together We Go Further) to specific behaviors and expectations within a design context, explaining how these values would manifest in the daily work of a Graphic Designer. Discussed the likely collaboration style based on the team structure and values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

  • Balancing the need for innovative design with strict adherence to established brand guidelines for multiple distinct travel brands.
  • Managing multiple design projects simultaneously with varying deadlines and priorities.
  • Translating diverse marketing messages into compelling visual narratives that resonate with different target audiences.
  • Staying updated with evolving design trends and software updates while maintaining efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Opportunity to refine skills in specific design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and explore advanced techniques under the guidance of a Senior Designer.
  • Exposure to designing for a global audience and understanding the nuances of visual communication in different markets.
  • Potential to take on more complex design projects as experience grows, leading to increased responsibility.
  • Learning about the travel industry and how design contributes to inspiring and selling travel experiences.
📝 Enhancement Note: Identified potential challenges inherent in a Graphic Designer role working with multiple brands and strict guidelines, as well as common challenges like project management. Linked these challenges to opportunities for skill development and growth within the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

  • Describe your typical design process from receiving a brief to final delivery. Be prepared to discuss your approach to understanding requirements, research, ideation, iteration, and incorporating feedback.
  • How do you ensure your designs adhere to brand guidelines while still being creative and engaging? Provide specific examples from your portfolio.
  • Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you faced a design challenge and how you overcame it.

Company Culture Questions:

  • What aspects of Topdeck Travel and Back-Roads Touring's brands and the travel industry appeal to you? Research their websites and social media to show genuine interest.
  • How do you approach collaboration with marketing, sales, or product teams to ensure design meets their objectives?
  • Discuss a time you received constructive criticism on your design work and how you incorporated that feedback. This relates to the "Choose Transparency" and "Together We Go Further" values.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Prepare a concise and engaging presentation of your portfolio, focusing on 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your relevant skills and experience, particularly in print and digital marketing design.
  • For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process, the decisions you made, and the impact of your work.
  • Highlight your ability to work with brand guidelines and design for specific target audiences.
  • Be ready to answer questions about your tools, techniques, and rationale for your design choices.
📝 Enhancement Note: Provided specific examples of design process and company culture questions likely to be asked based on the job description and company values. Offered tactical advice for preparing a portfolio presentation, emphasizing relevance to the role and explaining the design process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

  • Submit your application through this link.
  • Tailor your resume to highlight your graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), and any experience working with brand guidelines or creating marketing materials. Use relevant ATS keywords.
  • Prepare a strong portfolio that showcases your best work, particularly examples of print and digital design for marketing purposes. Curate case studies that demonstrate your design process and problem-solving skills.
  • Research Topdeck Travel and Back-Roads Touring to understand their brands, target audiences, and company values. Be prepared to discuss your interest in the company and the travel industry.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Apply NowApply before: September 9, 2025