Art Director

Responsible for the conception, design, and execution of innovative visual materials for all assigned projects. Art directors possess strong conceptual and design skills and are typically paired with a copywriter and may assist a creative director in conceptualizing, designing and creating work. An Art Director is be responsible for creating compelling, insight-driven, customer-focused communications (media agnostic creative) that drive results and enhance a clients’ consumer experience — for both online and offline channels. His/her creative projects will consistently satisfy client's and agency's objectives, both visually and financially. May supervise others and have client contact.

Responsibilities

Create a range of concepts and designs for each project and be able to partner with copywriters to ensure the art direction and visual presentation supports the concept.
Responsible for execution of assigned client projects as it pertains to design
Use of comprehensive layouts with clear execution of strategy, design and synergy between concepts
Work closely with development teams to ensure that recommended visuals/formats can be executed
Able to execute own projects from concept through final mockup
Responsible for adhering to project budgets and estimates
Present work internally and externally
Communicate visual designs, motion design, concepts and storyboards through presentations and securing client approval of recommended designs
May lead a teams of designers and production artists to execute cross channel and digital work
Works with Copywriters, producers and account service people as team on assigned accounts to determine client needs, selling concepts, and strategies.
On concept approval, finds or creates the best visualization of the product within budget limits.
Chooses and places all visual elements of the project, including type, illustrations, and photographs necessary to produce the intended image.
Selects photographers/illustrators/directors from among sources which s/he has developed; and works closely with them, or directs them, to ensure the original concept approved by the client is carried out. (However, the producer also plays a large part in managing the creation of work)
Coordinates necessary activities with the Production Manager; i.e., adequate lead times, special requirements, notice of absence from office, etc.
Secures approval of layouts and final art from the AE and keeps him/her and the CD aware of pertinent account activity.
Is alert to opportunities for increased profitability on assigned accounts.
Makes best/prudent use of production and other agency resources to solve client problems.
Maintains personal graphic resources, visual data, samples, graphic standards, manuals, etc.
Maintains consistently high graphic standards and is aware of new techniques and trends in graphic arts and the interactive world. Disseminates such information to others in the Creative Department.
Checks and approves all visual materials through all stages of pre-production and production.
Efficiently manages the time and workload of supporting production artists and outside contractors.
Meets deadlines, or informs appropriates authority in advance, and obtains extra time in which to complete assignments.
Prepares new business presentations work as requested.
Maintains accurate records of time and expenses

Measures of Accountability

Projects are completed on time and within budget.
Relationships with co-workers and suppliers are harmonious and productive.
Creative and graphic standards have been maintained or exceeded in all work.
Contributions toward clients' marketing objectives and the continuation of the agency's operating standards is maintained at a satisfactory level.