Cactus, a design agency in Denver, CO, is currently seeking an Art Director to join their team. This individual will work in partnership with a copywriter to develop and execute creative brand ideas, campaigns, and communications for their clients. The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio displaying superior conceptual problem-solving skills, as well as a keen eye for design and typography. They should also have a deep knowledge of current art and design software packages, and the ability to produce integrated creative efforts across various mediums. Cactus values collaboration, solution-oriented thinking, and a positive attitude, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives on big challenges and strives for excellence in every project.
Art Director: Job Responsibilities and Requirements
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Responsibilities
As an Art Director, the individual will have a range of responsibilities to fulfill in order to meet clients’ objectives and create impactful work. These responsibilities include:
Develop fearless, un-ignorable creative concepts that help solve our clients’ business problems
One of the primary duties of an Art Director is to come up with innovative and compelling ideas that address clients’ specific challenges and goals. These concepts should be bold and attention-grabbing, ultimately providing effective solutions.
Prepare work for internal presentations, presentations to clients, and presentations to vendors for production
Art Directors must ensure that their concepts and designs are ready for various presentations. This includes formatting materials for internal meetings, client presentations, and vendor production.
Build keynote decks and other materials needed for presentations
Alongside preparing work for presentations, Art Directors are responsible for creating visual materials such as keynote decks to support their ideas and showcase their designs effectively.
Present to clients and sell work
Art Directors play a crucial role in presenting their concepts and designs to clients. They must effectively communicate their ideas and convince clients of the value and effectiveness of their work.
Lead and guide the design, layout, and visual aspects of assigned projects
Art Directors are responsible for leading and guiding the design process of assigned projects. This includes overseeing the visual aspects, ensuring proper layout, and maintaining design consistency.
Apply feedback with thoughtfulness, creativity, and intelligence
Receiving feedback is an integral part of refining and improving creative work. Art Directors must take feedback into account and apply it thoughtfully and creatively to enhance their designs.
Work closely and cross-departmentally with all other Cacti through all the phases of a project
Collaboration is key in the advertising industry. Art Directors need to work closely with other team members and departments throughout the entire project, ensuring seamless communication and coordination.
Work with internal teams to manage all vendors, freelancers, and artists
Art Directors are responsible for managing relationships with vendors, freelancers, and artists. They should be proficient in coordinating and delegating tasks to ensure all project elements are executed seamlessly.
Apply strategic insights in ways that solve assignments with creative ingenuity
Art Directors should apply strategic thinking to their projects, using their creative skills to develop innovative and effective solutions that address clients’ needs and objectives.
Simultaneously accomplish multiple complex assignments with overlapping timelines, never sacrificing quality or commitment to excellence
The role of an Art Director often involves managing multiple projects simultaneously. Art Directors must excel at multitasking, ensuring all assignments are completed with the highest level of quality and commitment.
Develop creative solutions that can be effectively applied to a wide range of tactics
Art Directors should have the ability to develop creative solutions that can be applied to various marketing tactics, including video ideas and scripts, digital advertising, print ads, logo design, packaging, and more.
Support the agency’s mission and vision of creating meaningful work and huge impact through Belief & Behavior Design
Art Directors should align with the agency’s mission and vision, embracing the goal of creating impactful work that influences beliefs and behaviors.
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Requirements
To qualify for the role of an Art Director, candidates should meet the following requirements:
Portfolio and reel that demonstrate creative skills
A strong portfolio showcasing creative skills is essential for an Art Director. It should demonstrate their ability to solve business problems creatively and display a discerning eye for design.
Schooling in creative advertising and conceptual development (advertising degree preferred, but not required)
While an advertising degree is not required, having formal education in creative advertising and conceptual development is highly beneficial and helps in developing a solid foundation for the role.
2-5 years of experience as an Art Director within an advertising agency setting is preferred
Preferred candidates will have 2-5 years of experience as an Art Director in an advertising agency. This experience provides a solid understanding of the industry and the skills required for success.
Strong knowledge of typography, image manipulation, illustration, and animation
Art Directors should possess a strong foundation in the fundamentals of design, including knowledge of typography, image manipulation, illustration, and animation.
Broad understanding of marketing design and layout
A comprehensive understanding of marketing design and layout is necessary to ensure that designs effectively communicate and align with brand objectives.
Ability to generate consistently outstanding creative concepts and visual solutions
The ability to consistently generate outstanding creative concepts is a key criterion for an Art Director. They should have a track record of delivering exceptional designs that meet client objectives.
A flexible approach and willingness to adapt ideas to the needs of clients
An Art Director should be open to feedback and willing to adapt their ideas based on clients’ needs and preferences. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial to success in this role.
A passion for advertising, creativity, and commercial art
A passion for advertising, creativity, and commercial art is essential for an Art Director. They should be driven to create impactful work that resonates with audiences.
Talent, judgment, and imagination to create brand ideas, actions, campaigns, and communications
Art Directors should possess exceptional talent, judgment, and imagination to create impactful brand ideas, actions, campaigns, and communications.
A keen eye for visual details and accuracy
Having a keen eye for visual details and accuracy is crucial for an Art Director. They should pay close attention to every aspect of their designs to ensure the highest level of quality.
Skilled in the latest art and design packages
Proficiency in the latest art and design packages is necessary for an Art Director. This includes familiarity with design software and tools commonly used in the industry.
The resilience to perform under pressure and deliver high-quality work amidst tight deadlines
Art Directors often work under tight deadlines and must be able to perform under pressure. They should demonstrate resilience and the ability to deliver high-quality work consistently.
Excellent communication skills
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are necessary for an Art Director. They should be able to effectively communicate their ideas and collaborate with team members.
Computer literate
Being computer literate is a requirement for an Art Director. They should be proficient in using various software and tools relevant to their role.
Optimistic, solution-oriented, team player
Art Directors should have a positive and optimistic attitude, embracing challenges and approaching problem-solving with a solution-oriented mindset. They should be team players, promoting collaboration and camaraderie.
Strong problem-solving skills
Strong problem-solving skills are necessary for an Art Director. They should be able to analyze challenges and develop creative solutions to overcome them.
Detail-oriented
Being detail-oriented is crucial for an Art Director. They should pay close attention to every element of their designs, ensuring accuracy and quality.
About Cactus
Cactus, an advertising agency based in Denver, is currently seeking an Art Director to join their team. Committed to innovative and imaginative work, Cactus aims to create thought-provoking ideas and executions that make a positive impact on the world. The agency values collaboration, solution-oriented thinking, and a passion for creating meaningful work.
By fulfilling the responsibilities and meeting the requirements outlined above, a successful Art Director can contribute to the agency’s mission and vision, delivering exceptional work and making a significant impact in the advertising industry.
