About the position
At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work. VML is seeking a conceptually-driven Art Director in our Chicago office. The Art Director will have a knack for delivering fresh thinking to your ideas and designs. You feel at home in a fast-paced agency setting. You are passionate about creative but flexible enough to meet client goals. If this describes you, we look forward to seeing how you can take our team to the next level.
Responsibilities
- Create and communicate concepts by applying brand level awareness as well as campaign tactics.
- Apply consistency and continuity of brand across a variety of deliverables in the design and layout of various client projects.
- Offer strategic and innovative solutions, add/contribute to client meetings, present creative work.
- Design comps, graphic elements and final deliverables.
- Secure approval for all work from the ACD or CD for specific assignments.
- Partner with Copywriter for the timely development and execution of campaigns and projects, including the concepting, execution, referencing and annotating of final deliverables.
- Collaborate with Account Services to understand client goals, strategy and feedback.
- Contribute concepts/ideas to new business pitches, pro-bono and in-house projects.
- Present creative in internal meetings. Participate in client meetings, presentations and other client contact as necessary.
Requirements
- Minimum 1-2 years' experience in Advertising industry
- Portfolio with successfully launched client projects
- Demonstrated design/concepting/layout ability and typographic skills
- Effective communication skills required
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant graphic design tools
- Demonstrated business acumen, ability to be a team player, establish an information hierarchy, work independently under guidance from Creative Director and other senior team members and ability to assess photography
- Ability to direct and mentor junior team members
- Must be able to establish a vision for photography to be used in creative concepts
Benefits
- Full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision)
- Generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution)
- Variety of paid time off offerings
- Culture of real-time feedback and growth-oriented mindset
- Training opportunities through VML and WPP
A Smarter and Faster Way to Build Your Resume