Intermediate Art Director - Type 1

VML; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative agency in Toronto is seeking an Intermediate Art Director to drive art direction for various campaigns. This role involves developing visual concepts, managing multiple projects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure on-brand and on-time delivery. Candidates should have 3–4 years of professional experience and a strong portfolio that highlights their ability in visual storytelling and integrated campaigns. The position promotes a hybrid work model, encouraging creativity and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of professional experience in art direction or visual design.
• Strong portfolio showcasing concept‑driven work and digital‑first design.
• Familiarity with accessibility guidelines and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead art direction for campaigns and projects from concept through delivery.
• Develop visual concepts, mood boards, and storyboards.
• Present work to stakeholders and incorporate feedback.

Skills

Art direction

Visual design

Typography

Layout

Visual storytelling

Job description

Who We Are

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Type1 is a fully integrated agency team made up of talented people from VML and Hogarth. Built for Volkswagen, we create best-in-class work for a world-class brand. We deliver award-winning, creative ideas that work seamlessly across the full consumer journey — from brand and retail, to social, digital and CRM.

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, colour 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.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.