Senior Art Director

About VML

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit  www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Job Summary:

The Senior Art Director is a pivotal creative leader responsible for conceiving, developing, and executing innovative and visually compelling advertising campaigns across multiple channels. This role demands a highly skilled and experienced professional with a strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional design sensibility, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex marketing objectives into captivating visual narratives. The Senior Art Director will collaborate closely with copywriters, account teams, strategists, and production partners to deliver groundbreaking ideas, ensuring brand consistency, creative excellence, and successful execution of high-complexity, integrated 360° campaigns, including production and post-production oversight.

Key Responsibilities:

Conceptualization & Ideation:

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Lead visual conceptualization and development of integrated advertising campaigns, from brief to final execution, working closely with a Senior Copywriter.

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Generate fresh, original, and strategically sound visual ideas that effectively communicate client messages and achieve campaign objectives.

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Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, contributing innovative concepts and pushing creative boundaries.

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Develop mood boards, storyboards, visual mock-ups, and presentations to effectively communicate creative concepts to internal teams and clients.

Design & Execution:

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Execute high-quality visual designs across diverse media, including digital (social media, display, web, video), print (magazines, OOH), broadcast (TV, online video), experiential, and integrated campaigns.

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Maintain a high level of craft and attention to detail in all design outputs while adhering to brand guidelines and pushing creative limits.

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Oversee and provide direction to junior designers, illustrators, photographers, and external vendors to ensure visual consistency and quality.

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Manage production and post-production processes for campaigns, ensuring final deliverables meet the highest creative standards.

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Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices in advertising and visual communication.

Strategic Thinking & Client Collaboration:

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Translate marketing strategies and client briefs into compelling visual solutions that resonate with target audiences.

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Present creative concepts confidently and persuasively to clients, articulating the rationale behind design choices and incorporating feedback effectively.

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Collaborate closely with account teams, strategists, and project managers to ensure creative solutions align with client goals, timelines, and budgets.

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Understand client business objectives and market landscapes to inform creative decisions.

Leadership & Mentorship:

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Act as a creative leader within the agency, inspiring and motivating junior team members.

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Provide constructive feedback and mentorship to junior art directors and designers, fostering their professional growth.

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Champion creative excellence and maintain high standards for all visual output.

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Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and innovative team culture.

Project Management & Production:

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Manage multiple high-complexity projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

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Oversee the production process for visual assets, working closely with producers, photographers, videographers, and retouchers to ensure high-quality final deliverables.

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Ensure all creative work is delivered on time and within budget.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

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Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Advertising, Fine Arts, or a related field.

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5+ years of experience as an Art Director in an advertising agency, with a strong portfolio demonstrating a diverse range of successful campaigns across various media (agency experience is crucial).

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Exceptional portfolio showcasing strong conceptual thinking, sophisticated design aesthetic, and proven ability to execute high-impact, integrated 360° campaigns.

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Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro).

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Strong understanding of typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.

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Experience with digital design principles, UI/UX basics, and best practices for various digital platforms.

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Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

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Ability to articulate creative ideas clearly and persuasively to both internal teams and clients.

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Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple high-complexity campaigns under tight deadlines.

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Keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

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Proactive, self-motivated, and committed to continuous learning, particularly in the areas of 360° campaigns, production, and post-production processes.

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We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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