Destination Review: Smudge Publishing
Smudge Publishing is a digital and print publishing company based in Collingwood, Melbourne.
Read the Smudge Publishing profile.
Culture
At Smudge, it’s not surprising to find everyone is a foodie. The team have weekly lunches together, either ordering in or heading out, Friday night ciders and wines to cap off the week and the Smudge office often gets sent delicious treats to try out. Many of the team catch-up out-of-hours as friends, too.
In terms of work, the culture is supportive, friendly, passionate and collaborative. Management wants their staff to grow as the business grows and endeavour to keep their people happy and fulfilled in their work.
Experience
Smudge has editorial, creative and sales teams. Editorial is made up of three staff writers, additional editorial interns, and photographers in Melbourne and Sydney under the managing editor. Creative consists of a senior designer and junior designer and the sales team have three staff in Sydney and three in Melbourne.
At Smudge, two full-time staff started as interns and moved up. Management like to see how they can incorporate their team’s background and skills into current roles, and encourage them to take on new responsibilities organically.
Atmosphere
Staff can work from home and have work flexible hours — if they have to work overtime, they’re compensated down the line. They are encouraged to take their holidays and travel. Pet dogs are also welcome to come into the office.
The office is mostly open plan, and light and bright. Stacks of books dot the office along with indoor plants giving it a homey atmosphere. Staff dress is smart casual, and the team use desktop Macs. The office is easy to get to via public transport (bus, tram, train are all close by) and there is plenty of on-street parking in the surrounding area.
Community
Smudge dedicates each of their books to a local charity. For example, Flavours of Melbourne was dedicated to and featured a story about STREAT. Five of the Smudge crew are also training for the 2016 Melbourne Marathon as a team.
Read more about Smudge in our Destination Profile.
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