ACD Art Director - Freelance

AKQA; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 218,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

AKQA, part of WPP, is seeking a conceptual Associate Creative Director (ACD) Art Director to join a fast-moving campaign stream for a leading consumer tax software brand. This freelance role runs ASAP through September 25, 2026, with a possible extension, delivering stills, video and post-production support.

You will pull selects, provide retouching notes and creative POV, collaborate with designers, and contribute across pre-production, production and multiple edits, ensuring high quality

Qualifications

• A compelling portfolio demonstrating strong experience on big-idea campaigns and shoots.
• Strong photography and design sensibilities with a sharp eye.
• Video production experience is a must, with fluency across pre-production, production, and post.
• Proven ability to manage and oversee multiple edits and deliverables at once.
• Organized, resourceful, and able to keep a fast-moving production on track.

Responsibilities

• Support a project currently in production, helping pull selects, develop retouching notes, and provide creative POV across a large volume of stills and video deliverables.
• Work closely with designers to organize shares and manage post-production.
• Jump into production on a conceptual video campaign, contributing across pre-production, production, and post.
• Help oversee multiple video edits at once, keeping quality high and deliverables on track.
• Bring a clear creative point of view and a masterful command of aesthetic to every stage of the work.
• Collaborate closely with the existing creative team to move a high volume of deliverables through the pipeline.

Skills

Portfolio experience

Photography

Design sense

Video production

Project management

Creative point of view

Collaboration

Job description

At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.

Art Directors at AKQA apply artistry and craftsmanship to strategic insight to create and bring to life beautiful ideas that move the world. Skilled conceptors and makers, they work in a multidisciplinary environment to develop labors of love that delight customers and deliver results for clients. The most exciting of them pair a clear creative point of view with a masterful command of aesthetic, equally at home concepting a big idea and shepherding it through production.

We are seeking a conceptual Associate Creative Director (ACD) Art Director to join an existing team on a fast-moving campaign stream for one of the most recognized consumer tax software brands in the world. This project is currently in production with a large volume of stills and video deliverables, and you will help support the team by pulling selects, providing retouching notes and creative POV, and working closely with designers to organize shares and post-production. You will also jump into production on a conceptual video campaign, contributing across pre-production, production, and post, and helping oversee multiple edits at once. We are looking for someone with a strong eye, a clear creative point of view, and the organization to keep a high volume of deliverables moving. This is a freelance role from ASAP through September 25, 2026, with the possibility of extending beyond October.

Role Requirements

• Support a project currently in production, helping pull selects, develop retouching notes, and provide creative POV across a large volume of stills and video deliverables
• Work closely with designers to organize shares and manage post-production
• Jump into production on a conceptual video campaign, contributing across pre-production, production, and post
• Help oversee multiple video edits at once, keeping quality high and deliverables on track
• Bring a clear creative point of view and a masterful command of aesthetic to every stage of the work
• Collaborate closely with the existing creative team to move a high volume of deliverables through the pipeline

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

• A compelling portfolio demonstrating strong experience on big-idea campaigns and shoots, with a masterful command of aesthetic
• Strong photography and design sensibilities, with a sharp, discerning eye
• Video production experience is a must, with fluency across pre-production, production, and post
• Proven ability to manage and oversee multiple edits and deliverables at once
• Organized, resourceful, and able to keep a fast-moving production on track
• A clear creative point of view and the confidence to shape and defend the work
• Collaborative, receptive to feedback, and motivated by delivering work that is as smart as it is beautiful

Location & Commitment

• Remote; can be done from anywhere in the United States within approved states
• August 31, 2026 through September 25, 2026
• 40 hours/week
• Expected weekly compensation: $4,800 to $5,000

We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company - powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.