Design Assistant - Short or Long term（期限切れ）

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THE JOB
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Design Assistant to Director
(Tokyo, Kichijoji)
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A design and brand strategy director seeks to hire a part-time design assistant to aid in the execution of various creative projects in the Higher Education, Fashion, Technology and Finance industries.

The immediate need is for assistance in the expedient execution of excess magazine and brand design projects currently on contract for French and American clients over the next 2-3 months. The long-term need is for a team member who is able to adopt and complement the director’s in-house style in the execution of various magazines, brochures, logos, brand decks, campaign strategies, websites, apps, presentations, product packages, events, building signage systems etc.

Though candidates who are interested in a long-term position are ideal, candidates who prefer a short-term 2-3 month contract are also encouraged to apply. Meeting the immediate need for print-design assistance is the priority of this post.

Design Assistant will initially be hired on a freelance basis from director's American or French office and may establish their freelance status for this contract in any country of their choosing. Upon the official opening of the Tokyo office (late 2017) a part or full time local contract may be offered.


RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary responsibilities include:
Layout of print-based works in InDesign
Image selection from client & commercial sources
Masking and retouching in Photoshop & Lightroom
Creation and export of basic assets in Illustrator
Visual research for creation of mood boards


Depending on individual’s capacities and interests, they may also become involved in:
Photography and videography
Preparation of brand audits
Copywriting and brand strategy development
Correspondence with vendors and client representatives
3D mockup rendering in SketchUp or similar


WORK STYLE
The Design Assistant will work on a one-on-one basis with the Director during office hours. While time is sparse and results imperative, it is our experience that fear of failure is the greatest hindrance to creative collaboration. To that end, our design process is marked by open communication, regular discussion and critique, and clear establishment of objectives and goals. There is plenty to learn in this office and perfection on the first try is never an expectation.


HOURS
Assistant will ideally spend 15~20 afternoon hours in the office per week on weekdays only. Candidates who prefer fewer or greater weekly hours are also encouraged to apply. Schedule is subject to candidate’s capacities and availability.


PAY
Negotiable depending on candidate's experience & portfolio.


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THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
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PERSONALITY
Adaptive
Observant
Articulate
Meticulous
Driven
Open


LANGUAGE
Intermediate English (mandatory)
Native English, French & Japanese are all a plus as is any level of Spanish & Mandarin.


EXPERIENCE
2~5+ years working in a professional design capacity.


MANDATORY SKILLS
Comfortable using InDesign & Illustrator
Basic Photoshop masking and retouching
An eye for image selection and touchup
Strong capacity for learning on the job


VALUABLE SKILLS
3D Rendering
Video production and editing
Photography
Animation


APPLICATION
A formal cover letter is not mandatory – a portfolio is. Please provide a short note about yourself, your status in Japan, and indicate your interest in a short vs. long term contract. If your portfolio is too heavy to submit via GaijinPot, send a download link in your description or CV.

Interviews will be conducted in mid March. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.