Job Title: Senior Art DirectorLocation: Santa Monica - On site
Company: Forge, A Tech-Powered Creative Agency
Job Overview:We are seeking a hands-on, visionary Senior Art Director to join our team. This is a high-ownership role designed for a multidisciplinary creator who bridges brand identity, digital product design (UX/UI), and generative AI workflows. You will lead the visual and conceptual execution of high-impact consumer brand launches, working directly with founders and collaborating seamlessly with distributed creative, strategy, and engineering teams across different offices and time zones.
Key Responsibilities:- Develop and execute high-impact visual identities, brand systems, and digital creative concepts for Forge's consumer brand clients.
- Identify emerging trends and technologies, particularly in generative AI, digital experiences, and no-code/low-code platforms, to keep Forge's creative output ahead of the curve.
- Collaborate with senior leadership and brand operators across different offices to align creative execution with commercial and growth goals.
- Drive a culture of innovation through continuous experimentation with new methodologies, specifically in AI-driven workflows and codeless environments (e.g., Webflow, Framer).
- Cross-Office & Creative Collaboration:
- Partner daily with a distributed, multidisciplinary collective of designers, creative developers, UX specialists, and strategists across multiple offices and time zones.
- Foster a collaborative, low-ego creative environment that encourages rapid prototyping, testing, and growth.
- Provide clear art direction, visual feedback, and creative guidance to junior creatives and external partners to ensure brand consistency.
- Lead the hands-on design and execution of high-impact projects-from brand launches to web/app interfaces-ensuring the highest craft and adherence to timelines.
- Work closely with project managers across locations to scope creative deliverables, allocate resources effectively, and keep projects on track.
- Collaborate directly with clients and founders to understand their business needs and translate them into innovative, conversion-focused design solutions.
- Present design concepts, pitch decks, and visual strategies to clients, clearly articulating the commercial value and impact of Forge's work.
- Implement processes, design systems, and AI-enabled tools that enhance creativity and streamline the multi-office design workflow.
Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media, or a related field (or equivalent portfolio-proven experience).
- 4-6 years of experience in a creative agency, brand studio, or high-growth consumer startup, with proven ownership over end-to-end brand and digital product launches.
- Exceptional portfolio showcasing strategic thinking, strong typography/visual craft, digital product/UX sensibility, and measurable business results.
- A proven track record of taking complex creative and digital projects from initial concept to launch in fast-paced environments.
- Strong understanding of the latest design tools, technologies, and methodologies, especially in generative AI (Midjourney, Runway, Pika, LLMs) and codeless environments (Webflow, Framer).
- Expert-level proficiency in Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator is essential; working knowledge of Premiere and After Effects is a strong plus.
- Strong ability to collaborate asynchronously and synchronously with distributed teams across different offices and time zones.
- Commercial mindset with the ability to present, pitch, and sell creative ideas effectively to clients and internal stakeholders.
- Creative builder with a passion for innovation, user experience, and a keen eye for detail.
What We Offer:- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
- Access to the latest AI and creative tech stack
- A creative, fast-paced environment that encourages innovation and direct exposure to consumer brand founders
- Professional development and growth opportunities.
