Media Art Director (Freelance)

Local Projects, LLC; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Media Art Director to lead impactful design solutions for diverse projects. This senior-level role requires expertise in 2D and 3D motion design, strong leadership, and the ability to collaborate across teams. You will guide design direction, mentor junior talent, and ensure the creative vision is executed flawlessly. Join a dynamic team that values diverse perspectives and fosters an inclusive workplace. If you are passionate about design and eager to make a difference in the media production field, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k

Short-term Disability Insurance

Long-term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Generous PTO

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in design or outstanding demonstration of experience.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills with a focus on design excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead design direction across multidisciplinary teams for various projects.
• Mentor junior talent and manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.

Skills

2D motion design

3D motion design

Typography

Technical skills

Organizational skills

Time management

UX understanding

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Education

Design degree (graphic, interaction, communication, media design)

Job description

As a member of the Media Production Department, the Media Art Director is responsible for leading the development and execution of impactful design solutions for a diverse range of interdisciplinary projects. In this position, the Art Director provides a progressive point of view on design excellence. They collaborate with the Creative Directors to support the creative vision of projects and direct design teams towards cutting-edge visual experiences.

This role is for senior-level designers/animators or visual effects artists who design, create, and animate, as well as oversee a team and present to clients.

Film production and photography art directors should not apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide design and art direction for projects of various scales and types – from web and mobile to interactive installations and large-scale exhibition motion graphics and media programs.
• Lead and maintain strong design direction while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams - Visual Experience Design, Physical, Content and Software.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance the creative vision in collaboration with the Creative Director.
• Develop, establish, and drive design development “on the box,” iterating quickly and pushing conventions.
• Direct, collaborate, execute, mentor, and support on projects from ideation through design development, asset production, prototyping, media production, and launch with the fidelity needed for effective team collaboration at each phase.
• Coordinate with project team members to clarify and aggregate all design dependencies (hardware and software specs, content specs, architectural specs, etc.).
• Bring new approaches to the creative process, ideation, and design strategy and inspire across disciplines.
• Flag stumbling blocks and offer solutions.
• Provide accurate time estimates and expectations for yourself and the designers on a project.
• Manage multiple projects, establish expectations for designers, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Maintain awareness of contemporary trends in technology, art, and design.
• Confidence to make difficult decisions and guide designers toward aspirational design solutions.
• Experience in structuring workflows and managing design teams.
• Establish conceptual frameworks to solve complex design challenges.
• Nurture junior talent through clear direction, constructive feedback, and passing on knowledge and expertise.
• Pursue professional development through workshops, classes, conferences, etc.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• 2D and/or 3D motion design and animation skills.
• Strong strategic and conceptual skills.
• Excellent typography and design skills.
• Excellent technical, organizational, and time management skills.
• The ability to collaborate in teams, work autonomously, take direction from creative leadership, and translate goals into actionable items for team members.
• Progressive understanding of UX, GUI, and interaction design, as well as the workflow of time-based media, a plus.
• Experienced in structuring and holding working sessions and presentations.
• Accomplished in establishing complex design systems for digital and built environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.

Education/Experience:

• A design degree (graphic, interaction, communication, media design, or a related field).
• Minimum experience of 7+ years or an outstanding demonstration of experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Travel required (domestic and global).
• Must be able to work on-site in our NYC Studio (hybrid).
• Primary residence in the NY/Tristate (NY/CT/NJ) or DC areas.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Rate (commensurate with experience): $75- $125 per hour.

Local Projects offers to its Full-Time staff Health/Dental/Vision, FSA, 401k, access to short-term and Long Term Disability Insurance and Life Insurance, as well as a generous PTO package.

Local Projects is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce where everyone is valued and respected. A range of perspectives strengthens our collaboration and enhances the experiences we create together.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including those from historically underrepresented communities, as we strive to ensure our workplace reflects a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Local Projects is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.