Freelancer - Senior Art Director
VML · Johannesburg, South Africa
About The Role
<div class="content-intro"><h3><strong>Who We Are</strong></h3>
<p>VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a <strong>Human First</strong> philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore. </p>
<p>VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel. </p>
<p>For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.vml.com/" data-outlook-id="d4b7d1c3-8ad6-4b6d-ab45-d3cb5a3aebe1">www.vml.com </a>and follow along on <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__urldefense.com_v3_-5F-5Fhttps-3A_www.linkedin.com_company_vml_-5F-5F-3B-21-21JboVxjCXSME-21OhlpCfbkl1UcWPwns1-2DGtvHOzFh0QwHV49fsPgGw-2DVCCU1bCg8aQFI9vN-2Dy-2DVwaQcITH2j2XKzGKBIFRLYf2AUWVYY1dFGK6-24&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=zouFnm4jZMgDFaYF1uVcRY3rbgHWPca_luUrBUkT6Yc&m=QzcCgXCAOjzj5hiU48_CKOdHRSJ4_YpuqfviT9yjlzH5VrkzySTZ-WaQXlYAnj4W&s=jJ7q5V70u9oUx7ONPm5jC3IK8y6vxDilX6BGTlqlWlA&e=" data-outlook-id="a3ef68bf-16fb-4ebc-9ca9-406007d6cefc">LinkedIn</a> #WeAreVML.</p></div><h3><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What you’ll do: </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></h3>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span><strong><em><span data-contrast="auto">Conceptual Thinker</span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Generate original and innovative creative concepts that align with brand strategy and resonate with the target audience. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Think outside the box and challenge conventional approaches to visual storytelling.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="18" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Understand marketing objectives and translate them into effective visual solutions. Consider the target audience, platform, and overall campaign goals when developing creative concepts.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span><strong><em><span data-contrast="auto">Visual Mastermind</span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="19" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Possess a strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and visual communication. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="19" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Demonstrate a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually stunning and impactful work.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="19" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Maintain a deep understanding of the brand's identity, values, and visual language. Ensure all creative output is consistent with the brand guidelines and contributes to a cohesive brand experience.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span><strong><em><span data-contrast="auto">Collaborative Partner</span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Work effectively with cross-functional teams, including copywriters, designers, strategists, and project managers and the traffic team. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span><strong><em><span data-contrast="auto">Presentation Skills & Art Direction Execution  </span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Confidently present creative ideas to internal stakeholders and clients. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Articulate the rationale behind design choices and effectively communicate the value of the creative work.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Oversee the visual execution of campaigns from concept to completion, ensuring a high level of quality and consistency across all deliverables. This includes providing clear art direction to other creative professionals.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span><strong><em><span data-contrast="auto">Problem Solver & Mentorship</span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Identify and overcome creative challenges with innovative solutions. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Adapt to changing project requirements and maintain a flexible approach to creative development</span><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Guide and mentor junior team members, providing constructive feedback and fostering their creative growth.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What you’ll need:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></h3>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="20" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">6+ years of experience as an Art Director in a fast-paced creative agency environment experience preferred</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="20" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of creative work across various platforms (ATL, BTL, social media, etc.).</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="20" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant design software.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="20" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="20" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">A passion for staying up to date with the latest design trends and technologies.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="20" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience working with diverse teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"134245417":true,"335551550":6,"335551620":6}">#ArtDirector #Creative #AdAgency </span></p><div class="content-conclusion"><p><span class="normaltextrun"><span lang="EN-GB"><span lang="EN-GB">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.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span class="normaltextrun"><span lang="EN-GB">WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.</span></span><span class="scxw176048299"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></span></p>
<p>When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our <a href="https://www.vml.com/recruitment-privacy-policy">Recruitment Privacy Policy</a>. California residents should read our <a href="https://www.vml.com/california-recruitment-privacy-notice">
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