The Art Director is responsible for conceptual development and the execution of digital creative campaigns & web sites. These responsibilities include consulting with clients to establish nature and context of designs and illustrations for reproduction, prepare specifications for design, and produce final designs or illustrations for web sites. Reporting to the Creative Director, The Art Director will work with and lead a collaborative team of designers. Balancing creative thinking with great design & interpersonal skills, this person will demonstrate an ability to justify concepts to both the client and the project team.

Responsibilities:

• Developing digital concepts and communicating ideas
• Directing & delegating to core creative services disciplines (digital design, information architecture, audio design, production and copywriting)
• Directly contributing to project design and development:
• creating storyboards / initial graphic concepts
• producing functional design solutions
• creating site grids and interface demos
• Providing quality assurance of all creative deliverables
• Mentoring and coaching team members through project development and performance management
• Building and maintaining a rapport with clients, partner agencies, photographers, model agencies and other vendors
• Contribute to the innovative development of the creative department
• Lead and partner with designers, production artists, writers, content analysts, planners and Information Architects.
• Participate in strategic brainstorming, concept development, creative brief development and creative execution

Required Skills:

• Strong digital design portfolio with a minimum of 5 or more years of experience within an advertising agency environment
• University Diploma or degree in Graphic Design
• Minimum of 4 or more years of experience in the role as a digital Art Director or Junior Art Director
• Experience meeting clients and presenting your work
• Ability to think creatively and justify concepts to clients and team members
• Experience with strategic brainstorming, campaign development, creative brief development and creative execution
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Proven aptitude for quick creative thinking with acute attention to detail within demanding deadlines
• A solid working knowledge of the latest versions of Mac OS, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign & After Effects
• Committed to the profession of visual design communication
• Passion for design and creative problem solving
• Motivation, decisiveness, organizational skills, efficiency and dedication
• Illustration in both electronic and traditional media is an asset.
• Permanent, Full Time position, 40 hours per week
• Medical benefits, dental benefits, disability benefits, life insurance benefits, group insurance benefits, RRSP benefits