Senior Art Director

VML South Africa; Kuala Lumpur; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency in Kuala Lumpur is looking for a Senior Art Director to drive innovative design solutions. The role requires strong leadership, collaboration, and a passion for mentoring junior designers while delivering high-quality artwork. Ideal candidates should have a robust portfolio and at least 5 years of agency experience, being proficient in design software. Enjoy a hybrid working model in a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• 5 years minimum experience in a creative agency.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating art direction across various channels.
• Mastery of modern design tools and a proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead art direction for experience design projects.
• Guide design teams and review work outputs.
• Produce video and motion graphics to enhance creative ideas.

Skills

Creativity

Art Direction

Visual Design

Storytelling

Typography

Education

5 years experience in agency

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

Figma

AfterEffects

Blender

Job description

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 encompasses 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.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Senior Art Director is responsible for designing and producing outstanding artwork for boththe Client and the Agency. The primary focus of this position is concept and design developmentpushing for new and innovative solutions. The incumbent will create unique, cost‐effective,quality artwork in a timely manner.

What will you be expected to do in this role?

• Lead and establish the art direction for all experience design projects or pitches
• Provide guidance and review on the work done by designers and/or freelancers
• Define and drive new design processes that can benefit the team and the organization
• Perform regular check-ins with designers to upkeep team's motivation
• Provide project updates and team's progress to head of department when required
• Produce video or motion graphics to help sell a creative idea
• Present team's work to internal stakeholders and clients
• Co-chair or lead brainstorming sessions and team meetings
• Lead ideation with fellow designers to create idea boards and comps
• Proven ability to develop client relationships in order to push the client in accepting the correct creative answer to their business problem, not the safe answer
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other departments

You should possess the following:

• Minimally 5 years of experience in agency (global or local)
• Understand the importance of the "big idea" and how well the work reflects it within the framework of the clients' brand
• Strong portfolio that demonstrates art direction and visual design for multiple touchpoints driven by creative ideas is a must-have
• Understand the marketing objectives and demonstrate an ability to deliver the "message" through design
• Possess strong design aesthetics with expertise in one or more of the following areas - Storytelling, Digital Imaging, User Interface Design, Infographics, Typography, Illustration, Animation, or Motion Graphics
• Mastery of modern design software like Photoshop & Illustrator, Figma & Blender will be an added bonus
• Working knowledge of animation tools like AfterEffects to create micro-animation, interactive prototypes, and showcase videos to help bring to life the creative vision
• Working knowledge of productivity tools like Apple Keynote, Microsoft Powerpoint or Google Slides
• Passionate in providing mentorship to young designers and help them be better in their design careers
• Ability to lead and facilitate discussions / brainstorms amongst team members, and/or clients
• Clear communicator to present your team's work to internal stakeholders and clients alike
• Ability to defend the work created by your team with a strong design point of view and thoughtful creative rationale
• Proactive and self-motivated learner

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 ourRecruitment Privacy Policy . California residents should read ourCalifornia 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.

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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.