Freelancer - Senior Art Director

wundermanthompson· Freelance
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📍 Johannesburg, South Africa

About this role

Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First 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. 

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. 

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on  LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

What you’ll do:  

 Conceptual Thinker 

  • Generate original and innovative creative concepts that align with brand strategy and resonate with the target audience.  
  • Think outside the box and challenge conventional approaches to visual storytelling. 
  • Understand marketing objectives and translate them into effective visual solutions. Consider the target audience, platform, and overall campaign goals when developing creative concepts. 

 Visual Mastermind 

  • Possess a strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and visual communication.  
  • Demonstrate a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually stunning and impactful work. 
  • 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. 

 Collaborative Partner 

  • Work effectively with cross-functional teams, including copywriters, designers, strategists, and project managers and the traffic team.  
  • Foster a positive and collaborative work environment. 

 Presentation Skills & Art Direction Execution   

  • Confidently present creative ideas to internal stakeholders and clients.  
  • Articulate the rationale behind design choices and effectively communicate the value of the creative work. 
  • 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. 

 Problem Solver & Mentorship 

  • Identify and overcome creative challenges with innovative solutions.  
  • Adapt to changing project requirements and maintain a flexible approach to creative development. 
  • Guide and mentor junior team members, providing constructive feedback and fostering their creative growth. 

What you’ll need: 

  • 6+ years of experience as an Art Director in a fast-paced creative agency environment experience preferred 
  • A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of creative work across various platforms (ATL, BTL, social media, etc.). 
  • Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant design software. 
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. 
  • A passion for staying up to date with the latest design trends and technologies. 
  • Experience working with diverse teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously. 

#ArtDirector #Creative #AdAgency 

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.

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. 

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 Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Freelancer - Senior Art Director position at wundermanthompson?
The salary for this Freelancer - Senior Art Director role at wundermanthompson is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Freelancer - Senior Art Director position at wundermanthompson located?
This Freelancer - Senior Art Director role at wundermanthompson is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Which team or department does the Freelancer - Senior Art Director at wundermanthompson belong to?
This Freelancer - Senior Art Director position is part of the Freelance department at wundermanthompson. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Freelancer - Senior Art Director position at wundermanthompson?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to wundermanthompson's official application portal hosted on greenhouse where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Freelancer - Senior Art Director job at wundermanthompson posted?
This Freelancer - Senior Art Director position at wundermanthompson was posted on Sep 23, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Freelancer - Senior Art Director
wundermanthompson
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