2D Creative Lead

DesignScene; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design agency in London is seeking a 2D Creative Lead to drive creative projects across global events. The role requires a minimum of 12 years experience in experiential event production and a strong grasp of design principles and software. Responsibilities include leading multidisciplinary teams, presenting to clients, and ensuring successful project delivery. This role offers a chance to make impactful contributions within a dynamic, creative environment, with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years agency experience in creative experiential event production.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• Passion for design and bringing ideas to life.

Responsibilities

• Lead creative development for multiple high-profile brands.
• Drive the execution of experiential projects.
• Collaborate across international teams.

Skills

Experience in 2D design roles

Strong communication skills

Time-management skills

Ability to translate ideas into solutions

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Google G-Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

London, United Kingdom – Company DesignScene WW – Start date ASAP – Wage Undisclosed – Closing date 15 February 2026 – on

Overview

We are DesignScene. Most agencies talk about pushing boundaries but play it safe when budgets are on the line. We’re different. We’re confident, creative, innovative, and collaborative. We build what others will photograph, like, save, and share. We experiment with new materials and processes whatever it takes to create something worth talking about.

We are looking to strengthen our team with the addition of a 2D Creative Lead in London to work across physical, hybrid and digital events and activations delivered across the globe. You will have a minimum of 12 years agency experience and a background in a creative experiential event production, with a passion for bringing ideas to life through visually striking brand experiences. You’ll thrive on rising to creative challenges, delivering impactful design solutions, and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment. You’ll combine strategy, planning, and management with a deep understanding of the creative process, applying industry best practices and expert‑level proficiency in leading design software. Exceptional time management and organizational skills are key, along with a genuine enthusiasm for events and brand storytelling.

As part of this role, international travel will be essential to support global events and experiential activations.

Responsibilities

• Lead creative development for brands such as Pinterest, Amazon, T‑Mobile, and Live Nation, ensuring projects at events like CES, Cannes Lions, and SXSW are shared, saved, and talked about.
• Translate loose briefs into buildable realities, often co‑writing the brief alongside clients.
• Take the team on exciting journeys across international teams and time zones, presenting to decision‑makers and driving concepts to publication.
• Problem‑solve in real‑time when builds go sideways and make team time on site enjoyable for everyone.
• Drive the creative vision and execution of experiential projects, ensuring ideas are on brand, strategically strong, and practically achievable.
• Work closely with production and project management teams to ensure concepts are deliverable and can be adapted to meet client budget parameters without compromising on impact or originality.
• Report to the Creative Director and create bold, feasible, and winning creative ideas that excite clients, meet budgets, and elevate the agency’s creative reputation.

What We Look For

• Ambitious, driven, and thrives in a fast‑paced creative environment.
• Balances big‑picture thinking with hands‑on execution.
• Adapts quickly and confidently to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Confident and happy to lead Senior and Junior Designers and Artworkers.
• Used to dealing with print processes and all things digital.
• Collaborative by nature and confident leading creative conversations.
• Brings fresh energy, ideas, and passion to every project.

Key Achievements

• Client satisfaction and excellence in design concepts that stick to brand parameters in fresh new ways.
• Creative development of the client brief to ensure the goals of the brief are met.
• Excellent management of the creative process for every assigned project.
• Ensure all creative work and print and digital deliverables are delivered to a high standard and to the agreed deadlines and budget constraints.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams of designers across specific projects.
• Direct and create high‑quality creative solutions that inspire and delight clients, meet their design brief, and are delivered within the constraints of cost and time.
• Great, timely communication with relevant parties.
• Strong partnership with other disciplines to ensure effective delivery and information flow.
• Manage company communication effectively and consistently from/to senior management, flagging any issues and seeking resolution.
• Efficient working across international teams and time zones.

Daily Activities

• Work in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure objectives and requirements are met through the design process while pushing creative boundaries.
• Interpret design briefs and dive deep into client brand guidelines to deliver on‑brand responses with fresh creative takes on print or screen.
• Present creative concepts internally and externally with clarity, confidence, and passion.
• Lead creative responses for new business opportunities, including RFPs and pitch briefs.
• Develop strong creative ideas under tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Estimate time required for design work to support quote generation.
• Coordinate with production team and outside suppliers, including scenic vendors or printers.
• Be on site during venue visits to understand surroundings.
• Demonstrate onsite skills during build, reacting and making quick decisions while print graphics are installed and digital assets tested.
• Regularly evaluate market trends and share with business.
• Mentor and guide senior and junior designers and freelancers, fostering a high‑energy studio culture.
• Manage and brief freelance creatives and 2D designers to meet creative vision and deadlines.
• Partner closely with the Creative Director to evolve and elevate the agency’s creative output.

Required Skills

• Passion and enthusiasm for design with creative flair.
• Vast experience in 2D design roles, visualising concepts from idea to final approval.
• Experience on pitches and RFPs under tight deadlines, balancing creativity, speed, and strategy.
• Ability to translate initial ideas into innovative design solutions.
• Skilled in hand‑sketching to express ideas quickly and efficiently.
• Detailed knowledge of the creative process.
• Flexible, collaborative, and able to multitask.
• Excellent communication skills for interpreting briefs with team and clients.
• Strong presentation skills and confidence to sell ideas to clients and colleagues.
• Time‑management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of printing materials and techniques.
• Open to feedback and willing to make changes.
• Technical proficiency in relevant design packages.
• Self‑motivated, organised, and able to work effectively under pressure.
• Influencing and negotiating skills.

Technical Knowledge

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects preferred).
• Knowledge of generative AI tools: Midjourney, KREA, Firefly, etc.
• Expertise in Apple OS, Google G‑Suite, Microsoft Office, and MIRO.
• Presentation design skills using Apple Keynote, PowerPoint, and Google Slides.

How to Apply

Send your CV and an extensive portfolio of work. Get in touch with us and tell us why you’re the right fit for this role.