Job Description
Artworker / Typesetter
Central London | Full-time, on-site
Salary: £30,000–£35,000 per annum, depending on experience plus pension and the possibility of overtime when required by the company.
About Barnard & Westwood
Founded in 1921, Barnard & Westwood is a specialist fine printer and bookbinder based in Central London. We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern print technology to produce exceptional printed and bound work for luxury brands, cultural institutions, businesses and private clients.
As proud holders of two Royal Warrants, we have built our reputation on quality, technical expertise and attention to detail. Our in-house capabilities include lithographic and digital printing, die stamping, letterpress, foil blocking, embossing, die cutting, hand bookbinding and box making.
We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Artworker / Typesetter to join our team.
The Role
The primary focus of this position is accurately typesetting and preparing customer artwork for production. Projects include invitations, orders of service, stationery, menus, books, brochures and other printed materials, often working from established designs or templates.
The workload ranges from detailed amendments and repeat production work to highly bespoke projects. Every job must be completed efficiently and to a consistently high standard.
The role also offers opportunities to contribute creatively to the wider business. Working with colleagues across sales, marketing, production and bookbinding, you may help develop customer concepts, samples, products and marketing materials that make effective use of our specialist capabilities.
This position will suit someone who combines strong technical execution with an interest in print, materials, design and how things are made.
Key Responsibilities
Artwork and Production
- Typeset and lay out invitations, orders of service, menus, stationery, books, brochures and other printed materials.
- Review, prepare and preflight customer-supplied files before production.
- Amend and adapt artwork for the relevant printing, finishing or bookbinding process.
- Produce customer proofs, implement amendments and maintain accurate file versions.
- Ensure files meet production requirements, including page size, bleed, image resolution, fonts, colour, spot colours and overprint settings.
- Prepare artwork for specialist processes such as die stamping, letterpress, foil blocking, embossing, debossing and die cutting.
- Proofread and carry out thorough quality checks before releasing files into production.
- Work closely with sales and production colleagues to resolve artwork, specification or manufacturing issues.
- Manage multiple live jobs and changing priorities within a busy production environment.
Creative Contribution
Depending on workload and project requirements, you may also:
- Help develop concepts, samples and mock-ups for customers and prospective customers.
- Explore combinations of papers, materials, printing techniques and bookbinding processes.
- Contribute to new products, seasonal ranges and promotional pieces.
- Produce artwork and creative content for marketing and sales initiatives.
- Develop initial customer briefs into more considered creative solutions.
- Identify imaginative and commercially practical ways to use our production capabilities.
- Share relevant ideas and developments from the print, packaging, paper, luxury-product and design sectors.
The creative scope of the position may develop over time according to the successful candidate’s interests, abilities and contribution.
Skills and Experience
You should have:
- Excellent working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Illustrator.
- Good working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat.
- Strong typography and layout skills.
- Experience preparing artwork for professional print production.
- The ability to identify and resolve potential issues in customer-supplied files.
- Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- The ability to handle detailed or repetitive work while maintaining quality.
- Confidence managing several jobs and competing deadlines.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- A professional and collaborative approach.
Previous professional experience as an Artworker, Typesetter, Graphic Designer, Pre-Press Operator or in a similar role is preferred. We also welcome applications from candidates earlier in their careers who can demonstrate excellent technical ability, strong attention to detail and creative potential.
Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:
- Commercial print or pre-press
- Creative artwork or graphic design
- Publishing or editorial design
- Long-document typesetting
- Luxury packaging
- Product development
- Letterpress, foil blocking, embossing, die stamping or bookbinding
Knowledge of our specialist production processes is not essential. Training will be provided, but you should be keen to understand how artwork decisions affect the finished product.
The role will particularly suit someone who takes pride in producing precise, high-quality work; is comfortable with both structured production tasks and open-ended creative projects; and can balance creative ideas with practical and commercial considerations.
Applicants should be able to provide a portfolio or examples of relevant work.
Holiday Allowance: 25 days + standard UK bank holidays
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- London, Greater London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Graphic design: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
Work Location: In person
