Freelance Senior Art Director

Publicis Groupe; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 117,000; Part time

Job summary

Digitas is seeking a Senior Art Director for a freelance 2-3 month assignment in Chicago. You will lead the concept, design, and execution of groundbreaking visual solutions for integrated campaigns spanning large Web initiatives, online advertising and digital marketing.

You will mentor designers and production artists, partner with copywriters, and present concepts to clients to secure approvals. The role demands a strong portfolio, expertise in print and Web, and fluency with industry tools.

Qualifications

• A four-year degree, formal design training, plus five to seven years of art direction and strong digital design experience.
• Strong experience on large cross-channel initiatives across media, online and offline.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and present concepts to clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept, design and execution of visual solutions for cross-channel initiatives.
• Collaborate with copywriters to ensure cohesive copy direction and visuals.
• Present designs to clients and obtain approval.
• Mentor teams of designers and production artists to deliver high-quality work.

Skills

Figma

Print & Web design

Conceptual development

Team leadership

Communication

Creative brainstorming

Education

Four-year design degree

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

QuarkXPress

After Effects

Job description

Company description

Digitas is the Networked Experience Agency, built on the vision that we create magnetic experiences that earn the right for brands to exist in human networks. Today, and tomorrow. We deliver Networked Experiences by leveraging comprehensive data, technology, creative, media and strategy capabilities. Digitas delivers ambitious outcomes via unique solutions that include Creative Experiences, Integrated Media, Addressable Relationships, Social Marketing and Total Commerce. Celebrated by AdAge as Data and Insights Agency of the Year, U.S Campaign’s Brand Experience Agency of the Year, Media Network of the Year and celebrated by Forrester and Gartner, Digitas serves the world’s leading brands through a global network comprised of more than 5,500 employees across over 65 offices in 43 countries.

The Digitas culture is made up of fearless, inventive and generous Unicorns of all kinds.

Overview

In thisfreelance role (2-3 month assignment), you’ll lead the concept, design and execution of groundbreaking visual solutions for integrated, cross-channel initiatives including large Web initiatives, online advertising and digital marketing. The amazing conceptual power and exceptional design skills that you bring to the team will be put to use daily as you assist the Creative Director in leading a best-in-class creative team. Day to day, your role will include:

• Creating a range of powerful, viable concepts and designs for each project, partnering with copywriters to ensure the copy direction and visual presentation work together to make the concept powerful and compelling
• Communicating visual designs, motion design, concepts, and storyboards through presentations - and getting clients to approve (and love) the recommended designs
• Expertly leading teams of designers and production artists to flawlessly execute cross-channel and digital work
• Deftly juggling multiple projects while inspiring & motivating both your creative teammates and your clients

Qualifications

We’re looking for a Senior Art Director who is both tremendously qualified and awesome to work with, which usually includes:

• Energy, a sense of humor and an open & curious mind (yes, these things really do matter)
• Well-versed in Figma with a creative design eye
• Exceptional conceptual and design skills and a robust portfolio that shows your talent in both print and Web
• Strong experience on large cross-channel and/or direct-marketing initiatives across media, both online and off, and a mastery of Web production and the capabilities within digital channels
• An expert understanding of Photoshop, Image Ready, Illustrator, and Quark/InDesign - plus (ideally) an understanding of Flash, After Effects, and video production
• A four-year degree, formal design training, plus five to seven years of art direction and strong digital design experience, preferably in a creative agency
• A knack for strategic brainstorming, campaign development, creative brief development and creative execution
• Familiarity with prompt-based interaction and commonly used generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Gemini, DALL·E, Midjourney) is a plus, especially for tasks like ideation, research, or content generation.

Additional information

Our Publicis Groupe motto "Viva La Différence" means we’re better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent.

Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact [e-mail].

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation Range: USD $80.00 - USD $85.00/Hourly. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 9/23/2026.