Intermediate Art Director - Type 1

VML Canada; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency in Toronto is seeking an Intermediate Art Director to develop creative concepts and visual executions across integrated campaigns. The ideal candidate will have 3–4 years of experience in art direction, a strong portfolio displaying concept-driven work, and knowledge of design principles. This role emphasizes collaboration and creativity, accommodating a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of professional experience in art direction or visual design.
• Strong portfolio showcasing concept-driven work and integrated campaigns.
• Understanding of production processes and digital specs.

Responsibilities

• Art direction for campaigns from concept through delivery.
• Develop visual concepts, mood boards, and storyboards.
• Quality-check design deliverables for accuracy.

Skills

Art direction

Visual design

Typography

Layout

Color theory

Visual storytelling

Job description

Who we are at VML, you won’t just do the best work of your career. You’ll leave your mark on some of the top brands in Canada. With more than 400 employees across our Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver offices, and another 28,000 in our 150+ offices in 60-plus markets around the world, VML is here to deliver unparalleled global, and local, brand experience (BX), customer experience (CX) and retail commerce (CO) creative solutions for clients – all powered by deep data, marketing technology, and platform prowess.

Type1 is a fully-integrated, dedicated super team made-up of talented people from VML. Built exclusively for Volkswagen, we craft world‑class ideas for a world‑class brand—bold, award‑winning work that turns heads and moves audiences. From brand and retail to social, digital, and CRM, we deliver creativity that fires on all cylinders, across every moment of the consumer journey.

We are seeking an Intermediate Art Director to develop creative concepts and visual executions across integrated campaigns, and digital experiences. You will translate strategy into compelling creative, work with production partners, and ensure work is on‑brand, on‑brief, and on‑time. This role balances hands‑on design with creative ideation and cross‑functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Art direction for campaigns and projects from concept through delivery across digital, social, video, print, experiential, and OOH.
• Develop visual concepts, mood boards, storyboards, and style frames that align with brand strategy and messaging.
• Ensure consistency and quality against brand standards.
• Present work to stakeholders, articulate rationale, and incorporate feedback.
• Quality‑check design deliverables, ensuring accuracy in layout, typography, colour, and production specs.
• Participate in pre‑production, shoots, and post‑production reviews.
• Partner with copywriters to craft cohesive narratives; collaborate with marketing, product, and UX teams to align creative with business goals.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Apply accessibility and inclusivity standards in visual design across platforms.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of professional experience in art direction or visual design within an agency or in‑house creative team.
• Strong portfolio showcasing concept‑driven work, integrated campaigns and digital‑first design.
• Strong knowledge of typography, layout, composition, color theory, and visual storytelling.
• Comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders and defending creative decisions with data and insight.
• Understanding of production processes: digital specs, print/prepress, motion/video deliverables.
• Familiarity with accessibility guidelines (e.g., colour contrast, legibility) and best practices for various platforms.

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.