VML

Associate Creative Director (Art)

VML$90K — $140K *
Media
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience as an Art Director or visual creative lead in an agency setting.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking and art direction across platforms.
  • Expertise in visual storytelling, design principles, and typography.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, with knowledge of digital trends.
  • Exceptional presentation skills for communicating visual ideas to clients.
  • Collaborative mindset in handling feedback from clients and teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Translate strategic direction into award-winning visual concepts and campaigns.
  • Collaborate with an ACD of Copy and other leads to develop cohesive creative ideas.
  • Oversee the creation of visual campaign assets, including art direction and photography.
  • Ensure adherence to brand identity and visual guidelines in all creative work.
  • Coordinate with production, technology, and account teams for asset delivery.
  • Present visual narratives in client pitches, establishing trust with stakeholders.
  • Promote a culture of collaboration and innovation within the team.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with an emphasis on in-person collaboration.
  • Support for accommodations and flexibility during the interview process.
Full Job Description
Associate Creative Director, Art

Who We Are Looking For

VML is seeking an Associate Creative Director of Art (+ ACD, Copy partner) who is ready to do the best work of their career and drive meaningful impact. In this role, you will shape the visual and conceptual vision for high-profile campaigns, translating strategic insights into compelling design and art direction. You will elevate the conceptual craft of the agency, build trusted relationships with clients, and ensure our visual storytelling connects authentically with audiences to drive measurable business outcomes.

What You'll Do
  • Lead the translation of strategic direction into award-winning visual concepts and campaigns across broadcast, digital, social, and owned properties.
  • Partner seamlessly with an ACD of Copy, as well as strategy and account leads, to develop, refine, and elevate cohesive creative concepts.
  • Direct campaign asset creation from a visual perspective, overseeing art direction, design, photography, illustration, and video shoot production.
  • Champion the client's brand identity and visual guidelines, ensuring all creative output drives business impact and resonates with the target audience.
  • Collaborate closely with production, technology, and account teams to manage the seamless delivery of online and offline assets.
  • Present visual narratives and design concepts confidently in client pitches, building trusted relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous innovation, leading by example through the quality of your work and your approach to problem-solving.

Who You Are
  • You approach problem-solving with a strategic, curious mindset, consistently finding clear and innovative visual solutions to complex challenges.
  • You foster a highly collaborative, inclusive environment, leading with empathy and a user-centered perspective to bring out the best in your team and cross-functional partners.
  • You thrive in ambiguity and champion bold, brave ideas, taking ownership of the creative process to push boundaries and deliver exceptional work.


What You'll Need
  • 8+ years of experience as an Art Director or visual creative lead within an advertising agency or similar environment, with a proven track record of leading high-profile campaigns.
  • A stellar portfolio showcasing conceptual thinking, strategic problem-solving, and beautifully crafted art direction across traditional and digital spaces.
  • Deep expertise in visual storytelling, design principles, typography, and adapting visual systems for different brands and audiences.
  • High proficiency in industry-standard design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and a strong understanding of emerging digital technologies and social media trends.
  • Outstanding presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex visual ideas clearly, persuasively, and succinctly to senior-level clients.
  • A mature, reasoned approach to client and internal feedback, using it collaboratively to push the work further.
  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, successfully directing multiple projects simultaneously without sacrificing craft.


The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range between the values at the bottom of this posting. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications.

$90,000-$140,000 CAD

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.

About VML

VML is a global marketing and advertising agency. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. VML provides a wide range of services including brand strategy, creative design, social media, and e-commerce. The company has worked with several high-profile clients including Ford, PepsiCo, and Wendy's. VML has won numerous awards for its innovative marketing campaigns and has been recognized as one of the top advertising agencies in the world.
Learn more about VML
Size
3,000 employees
Industry

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