At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and elevate visual craft across innovative brand experiences and campaigns.
- Company: Award-winning brand experience agency with a collaborative and creative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 4 weeks vacation, global work exchange, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Diverse environment encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team creating memorable campaigns and pushing creative boundaries.
- Qualifications: 6+ years as an Art Director, strong portfolio, and expertise in Adobe Creative Suite.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Akcelo is an independent, award-winning brand experience agency founded in 2019, with 200+ staff across Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia. We build brands for the experience era - creating unique, end-to-end brand experiences that connect across the customer journey. Our integrated in‑house capabilities span strategy, creative, design, content, technology, and activation.
The Role
We’re looking for a Senior Art Director to join our London office and lead and elevate the visual craft of our creative output. This is not a role for someone who just executes, it’s for someone who pushes, shapes and defines the work. You’ll bring bold thinking, sharp design instincts and the ability to turn ideas into iconic executions across brand, digital, content and experience. You’ll collaborate across disciplines, inspire teams and deliver work that people remember.
Key Responsibilities
- Creative & Craft
- Lead visual ideation and art direction across campaigns, platforms and experiences
- Develop bold, modern design systems and visual languages
- Push the creative to the highest level of craft and innovation
- Stay ahead of cultural and design trends, bringing fresh thinking into the work
- Proficiency in AI tools for image creation and motion to help drive efficiency, allowing you to spend more time on your craft - constant curiosity and self-learning is required due to the speed in which the tools evolve
- Team & Leadership
- Collaborate with writers, strategists, designers and producers to create breakthrough ideas
- Mentor and elevate junior creatives and freelancers
- Lead by example, raising the bar across all creative output
- Client & Delivery
- Present work with clarity, confidence and energy
- Own creative quality from concept through to final delivery
- Translate strategy into compelling solutions
- Contribute to new business pitches and proactive ideas
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience (6+ years) as an Art Director or Senior Art Director in an agency environment
- A strong portfolio showcasing craft, innovation and cultural impact (please do not apply without a portfolio website)
- Deep expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and design tools. Figma a must.
- Strong understanding of integrated campaigns across digital, social and brand
- Ability to think conceptually and execute at a high level
- Collaborative mindset with strong communication skills
- Ambition, curiosity and a drive to do the best work of your career
Why Join Akcelo?
Over the last five years we smashed the ceilings created by established agencies and created some larger than life campaigns, innovative retail‑tech solutions, threw some epic events, and besides happy clients, we took home the B&T Agency of the Year, Mumbrella’s Experiential Agency of the Year, and a number of APAC Effies. And we are just getting started. You see, we believe in magic, and value the genuine, the experimental, the limitless, and the imaginative. We make, break and build things, without the fear of failure, and we share our time and our talents. If that is something that excites you too, we want to hear from you!
Benefits & Perks
- 4 weeks vacation + personal/sick days
- Global work exchange opportunities (Sydney, Vancouver, London, or remote)
- Team travel and collaboration across North America
- Employee Access Program
- Opportunities for growth, recognition, and creative leadership
Akcelo is committed to nurturing, creating and building a diverse environment. We encourage all applications from diverse backgrounds, identities, beliefs and abilities to apply for this or any role with us. If you resonate with the above, send in your CV, and let’s explore this journey together!
Senior Art Director - London employer: Akcelo Australia
Akcelo is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and innovative work culture, perfect for creative minds looking to make a significant impact. With a commitment to employee growth, the London office offers unique opportunities for collaboration across global teams, mentorship for junior creatives, and a supportive environment that encourages bold thinking and experimentation. Enjoy generous benefits like four weeks of vacation, global work exchange opportunities, and a focus on diversity, making Akcelo a truly rewarding place to advance your career in brand experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Art Director - London
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your secret weapon! Make sure it's not just a collection of your work but showcases your creative process too. Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your designs and gain visibility within the design community.
✨Get Involved in Design Meetups
Networking is key in the design world! Check out local design meetups or workshops where you can connect with other creatives and potential employers. This is a goldmine for finding unadvertised job openings at companies like Akcelo Australia.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Akcelo Australia, don’t go for a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure your application highlights specific projects or styles that align with their brand image, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in landing your dream design job! Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, and engage with accounts from your desired companies—this could put you on their radar before they start hiring.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Art Director - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your visual CV! Make sure to include a link to your best design projects that showcase your creativity and versatility. Tailor it to include works that relate to the kind of design work Akcelo Australia does, so they can see you in action.
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, highlight your design skills and software proficiencies, like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Mention any relevant experience you have with branding, UI/UX design, or typography, as we want to see how you fit in with the creative team at Akcelo Australia.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Akcelo Australia. Let us know how you approach your design projects and any specific campaigns or themes that resonate with you, showing we’re not just a good fit but a perfect match!
Highlight Collaboration Skills:As a graphic designer, you often work with various teams and stakeholders. In your application, mention experiences where you've collaborated with others to bring a project to life, whether it's with clients, writers, or developers. This shows you can thrive in a team environment, which is key at Akcelo Australia.
How to prepare for a job interview at Akcelo Australia
✨Get Your Portfolio Ready
Your portfolio is your secret weapon in graphic design interviews! Make sure it's showing off your best work, with a variety of styles and projects that highlight different skills — from branding to digital illustration. Be prepared to talk through each piece, focusing on your creative process and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite is a must! Brush up on your skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as interviewers might dive into specific technical questions or ask for your workflow. If you’ve worked with any innovative tools or techniques, don't hesitate to showcase that expertise!
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Some companies may throw a design challenge your way during the interview! This might involve sketching out ideas or solving a branding issue on the spot. Practising these quick thinking exercises beforehand can help us show off our creativity and adaptability.
✨Passion Counts
For a full-time position, showing genuine enthusiasm for design is key! Talk about your inspirations, the projects you're excited about, and why you're drawn to Akcelo Australia. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
