DMK is always on the lookout for resourceful individuals who may be suitable for a sub-contract role or casual/freelance work when our schedule is hectic.

Specifically, we’re interested if you have the following skills:

Desktop Publishing (DTP)

An experienced Desktop Publisher or corporate graphic designer for a variety of projects that will involve design, DTP and finished art. This includes:

  • Creating promotional material, including ads, flyers, posters, leaflets, catalogues and newsletters
  • Working with existing artwork and template files to create new artwork
  • Extracting graphic elements/artwork from PDF/EPS files for re-use in other documents
  • Preparing press-ready files for a range of requirements (low res pdf, newspaper ad files, printer artwork files)

You must be proficient in the following software, from a DTP skills perspective:

  • Be very proficient in Adobe CS2: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator; and Macromedia Freehand (all Windows/PC based)
  • Able to effectively use FTP, email and other utility software
  • Good MS Office skills — work briefs or draft artwork/content files from clients are sometimes supplied in Word format

Please note that skills in this software list relates to DTP needs. We do have a large amount of artwork in Freehand format, but we use Freehand more in a DTP way than as an illustration tool (particularly Freehand’s text tools, multi-page ability etc.). However, that work is now generally moving to InDesign (as opposed to Freehand vs Illustrator). For software like Photoshop, relevant skills include sound ability to undertake work at a corporate level for re-sizing, cropping, image adjustments, colour conversion, some healing/re-touching etc.

Successful DPT freelancers will…

  • Ideally possess over 18 months of full time corporate design/DTP experience
  • Be able to adhere to strict corporate guidelines
  • Have a good sense of design and presentation, including sound CMYK colour skills
  • Have knowledge of production/finished artwork issues and specifications
  • Be flexible in working to a verbal or minimal brief
  • Be able to work autonomously; ability to follow instructions and work with minimal supervision
  • Have excellent attention to detail
  • Be able to meet strict deadlines
  • Have good, open communication skills on project progress reports
  • Have excellent spelling, communication and proof-reading skills
  • Be a lateral, resourceful thinker — offering input and creative suggestion
  • Be able to accept critical feedback and direction

Other design skills that suit our range of work will be looked upon favourably.

Business Card design

If you have excellent creative skills for identity design/business cards, we may have plenty of work for you! This role requires a sound corporate approach to business cards, and the design approach is sometimes with an open brief, and other times expertly replicating existing artwork/colours/themes etc. The above skills are also important, especially attention to detail, a good sense of design and colour and the ability to work to short deadlines.

Other Skill Areas

At present, I haven’t listed other roles, but would be keen to hear from you as a potential freelancer/contractor for our roster if you have other skills that suit our range of work (eg multimedia work, web/online skills especially with CMS systems, PHP, CSS-based sites, mysql/unix hosting).

As a freelancer you will be able to work hours to suit you (that suit our project needs). There is likely to be scope for you to work on projects from your own home, using your own PC/equipment. There are times when projects can be communicated electronically (email etc), without the need for a physical meeting, so you may not necessarily be Melbourne based, although you should be contactable during Melbourne business hours. Some projects will require more phone/physical meeting times, especially during early periods.

Depending on the projects, we will be looking for either an hourly artwork rate or a set project fee for various projects. We’d expect that time you require “learning” your skills is not billable time for clients! As well, depending on the work involved, there are client privacy/confidentiality considerations, and, naturally, guidelines about direct client communication.

We would also look to setup a bonus/reward scheme for the right contractors/freelancers, depending on your input into our projects.

This is an open, ongoing approach where we are always looking for a good contractor/freelancer who we can utilise on client projects. The more suitable you are, the higher the chance of regular, ongoing project work. There may be potential in future for a permanent part-time or full-time role. Tertiary qualifications are not a pre-requisite: corporate design experience and a work-style that suits our project needs is paramount.

I think this covers all the areas of relevant information.

If this interests you, please reply demonstrating your skills and experience, a portfolio of work (and your role in each project), references, and your hourly project fee (inc or ex GST). Please also advise your availability and flexibility in work commitments. Project work may be available almost immediately.

Helpful hint: We are looking for people who can look at our website to find out the type of work we do and the type of clients we work with, and then demonstrate to us a portfolio and a background/experience/skill set that matches!

You can initially reply either in writing (see our contact page) or via the email link on our contact page (NOT the online form).

We prefer your file attachments to be in PDF or Word for your letter/CV, and for your portfolio to be either a PDF file (under 6Mb, otherwise please send us larger attachments via yousendit.com — but no more than about 20Mb please). Alternatively, you can provide a link to your online portfolio. Your ability to accurately follow these instructions will be highly regarded as a good starting point! We’ll let you know if we’d like to talk further once we assess your initial application.

– Dean Kennedy