About Company
Cream Design is an award-winning creative agency based in the heart of Reading, passionate about crafting exceptional brand experiences across various platforms. For over two decades, we’ve partnered with a diverse range of clients, from budding startups to established international corporations, helping them articulate their vision and connect with their audiences through compelling design, innovative digital solutions, and impactful visual storytelling. Our team thrives on creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering outstanding results. We believe in fostering a supportive and dynamic environment where talent can flourish, ideas are encouraged, and every team member plays a crucial role in our collective success. We’re not just about aesthetics; we’re about strategic design that drives real business value. Join us and be part of a team that’s shaping brands and making a visible difference.
Job Description
Are you passionate about images and eager to kickstart your career in visual media? Cream Design is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Entry Level Photography Retouching Assistant to join our vibrant creative team in Reading. This is an unparalleled opportunity for someone with a keen eye for detail and a foundational understanding of image editing to learn and grow within a professional agency environment. You will work closely with our experienced retouchers and creative directors, supporting the production of high-quality visual assets for a wide array of projects, including branding campaigns, website development, print collateral, and digital marketing materials. This role is perfect for an individual who is meticulously organized, possesses a natural artistic sensibility, and is committed to mastering the craft of photo manipulation and enhancement.
As our Retouching Assistant, you will be instrumental in ensuring all imagery aligns with client brand guidelines and our agency’s exacting standards. You’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and techniques, progressing from basic clean-up and color correction to more advanced compositing and creative enhancements. This isn’t just a support role; it’s a foundational step where you will be nurtured, challenged, and given the resources to develop a robust skill set that will serve as the bedrock of a successful career in post-production. We value curiosity, a proactive attitude, and a genuine desire to contribute to visually stunning projects. If you’re ready to transform raw images into polished masterpieces and become an integral part of a dynamic creative process, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to your professional development and offer a collaborative space where your creativity will be celebrated and your skills honed.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist senior retouchers with image selection, clean-up, basic color correction, and minor defect removal.
- Organize, name, and archive image files according to established agency protocols, ensuring efficient retrieval and asset management.
- Perform initial quality checks on retouched images to ensure consistency and adherence to brand guidelines before final review.
- Prepare images for various digital and print outputs, optimizing resolution, file size, and color profiles as required.
- Stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and software developments in photography retouching and post-production.
- Collaborate effectively with design, marketing, and project management teams to understand project requirements and deadlines.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of retouching workflows and processes within the agency.
Required Skills
- Basic to intermediate proficiency in Adobe Photoshop.
- A keen eye for detail, color, and composition.
- Fundamental understanding of image resolution, file formats, and basic color theory.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to take constructive feedback.
- An enthusiastic and proactive attitude towards learning and professional development.
Preferred Qualifications
- A degree or diploma in Photography, Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related creative field.
- A portfolio showcasing personal projects, student work, or any previous retouching examples (even if basic).
- Familiarity with other Adobe Creative Suite applications, particularly Lightroom and Illustrator.
- Experience with various photography genres (e.g., product, portrait, lifestyle).
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive entry-level salary.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
- Work in a dynamic, creative, and collaborative agency environment.
- Modern office located in the vibrant Reading town centre.
- Regular team social events and activities.
- Company pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Exposure to a diverse range of exciting client projects.
How to Apply
If you are ready to launch your career as a Photography Retouching Assistant with a leading creative agency, we encourage you to apply! Please click on the application link below to submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your interest in this role and any relevant experience or projects. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the Cream Design team!