Associate Creative Director (Art)

Socket.dev; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

VML in Toronto seeks an Associate Creative Director of Art to shape the visual and conceptual direction for high-profile campaigns, translating insights into compelling design and art direction.

You will lead art direction across broadcast, digital, and print, collaborate with strategy and accounts, and present narratives in client pitches. This hybrid role requires office presence four days per week with a CAD salary range.

Qualifications

• 8+ years as an Art Director or visual creative lead in an ad agency or similar.
• Stellar portfolio showing conceptual thinking and craft across traditional and digital.
• Deep expertise in visual storytelling, typography, and design systems.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma; strong digital trends knowledge.
• Outstanding presentation skills for senior clients; collaborative feedback mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead translation of strategic direction into award-winning visual concepts across broadcast, digital, social, and owned properties.
• Partner with an ACD of Copy, strategy and accounts to develop cohesive concepts.
• Direct campaign asset creation from a visual perspective: art direction, design, photography, video shoots.
• Champion the client's brand identity and visual guidelines to drive business impact.
• Collaborate with production, technology, and account teams to deliver assets.
• Present visual narratives confidently in client pitches.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous innovation.

Skills

Art direction

Visual storytelling

Brand identity

Portfolio

Presentation skills

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma

Job description

Who We Are

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning human-first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign’s Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. 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 visitwww.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

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.

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.