Working within a busy design studio on the John Lewis catalogue account with other ad hoc projects for smaller clients. I was responsible for coordinating all activities associated with the proposal, production and approval process of client publications. I worked with art directors, DTP and production teams on a variety of publications from 250 page catalogues for John Lewis to 8 page leaflets for Superdrug ensuring on time and on budget printed pieces through meticulous management and scheduling, including internal resource planning. I managed schedules, budgets, invoicing, freelancers and repro companies. I maintained project-wide client relations and expectations through daily communication. I trafficked work through artworkers and quality controlled all layouts. I was also involved in business development through pitching to current/potential clients and preparing presentations and visual materials. I often managed several projects simultaneously for different clients, always adapting ‘best practice’ processes and responding to different clients needs and ways of working.

An in-house role that involved collaborating with the buying and merchandising teams for two children's retail brands: Daisy & Tom and Early Learning Centre (now part of Mothercare Plc) and design agencies to ensure that all catalogues and marketing publications for both brands were delivered on brief, budget, deadline and on brand. My role involved attending range handovers with buyers; planning how product ranges would sit within the pagination with photography and copy ideas; working on concepts for covers, page templates and specialised photography with design agency; organising and attending photoshoots, from briefing photographers and stylists, to finding locations, casting and booking models; planning shoot schedules according to sample, model and location availability; liaising with buyers, Hong Kong production office and suppliers to ensure timely sample arrival and cut-out photography assets; trafficking work through design agencies and copy writers; tracking changes to products and briefing re-touching and other repro work, as necessary; signing off cromalins and attending press-passes; briefing the business, from stores to call centres, on the new catalogue for season launch.

In my role at this bi-monthly interiors magazine, I researched and wrote small features to deadline; carried out picture research and trafficked commissioned copy; organised and assisted at photoshoots, reader evenings and trade exhibitions, such as Decorex; maintained competitor’s activities and promotion; assisted the Editor and Publisher in the capacity of a PA; attended press events to maintain good relations with the trade; assisted both advertising and production departments as required.