Freelance Senior Designer & Art Director in London

Charlie Oscar isn't a typical agency. We're independent, AI-native, and built to help ambitious brands outmanoeuvre, outpace and outgrow the competition. We blend data science with creativity - not because it's fashionable, but because it's how brands actually grow. The numbers give us clarity. The creative work is what wins hearts, builds brands, and drives revenue.

Every week here looks different: sharp strategic problems, high-calibre teammates, and real ownership over work that reaches some of the world's most ambitious brands. Outside the day job, there's run club, book and chess clubs, charity fundraisers, Thursday drinks, and enough team socials that work never feels like just work.

We hire for attitude and culture add first - not just experience. Curious, ambitious people who challenge how things are done, bring fresh ideas, and help shape the future of marketing.

We look for attitude first. Smart, humble, proactive, genuinely curious - that's the shortlist. People who care about their craft without taking themselves too seriously. We build brave ideas, keep learning constant, and make sure everyone's voice counts.

If you're already using AI to work smarter, even better. We're looking for people who use AI to sharpen their work - not replace their thinking. You don't need to be an AI specialist. You need to be curious enough to already be finding ways to use it: faster workflows, sharper insight, better creative options, smarter decisions. We want people who ask “how can this be better?” and treat AI as a tool to elevate the craft, not a shortcut around it.

Charlie Oscar's Creator Studio is our in-house creative engine - the team behind the paid social, influencer and brand content that gets our clients noticed. We're looking for a Senior Designer & Art Director to set the visual standard for everything the Studio makes, while staying hands-on in the work itself. Part creative leader, part maker - you'll shape direction at a high level and still be at the desk producing exceptional creative every day.

You'll work closely with Influencer, Paid Social and Client Services to make sure creative is strategically sharp, commercially effective, and never just “nice to look at”.

WHAT YOU'LL BE GETTING STUCK INTO

• Own the visual quality and creative standard of everything the Creator Studio produces
• Art direct influencer shoots, creator productions and content capture
• Design and produce paid social creative across Meta, TikTok, YouTube and whatever platform comes next
• Build agency-facing creative too - podcast content, industry reports, pitch decks, sales collateral
• Manage and mentor a small team of editors, designers and freelance creatives
• Own Creator Studio resourcing, timelines and delivery across multiple live projects
• Partner with Influencer, Paid Social and Client Services teams to keep creative strategically aligned and commercially effective
• Present concepts and creative rationale internally, and to clients when it counts

WHAT WE'RE LOKING FOR

Must-haves

• A portfolio that proves strong visual thinking across formats, not just one channel
• Real experience creating for social-first platforms - Meta, TikTok, YouTube - and knowing what actually performs there
• Experience art directing shoots: creators, photographers, production teams
• Fluent in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma
• A track record managing creative projects end to end, from brief through delivery
• Experience leading or mentoring a creative team

Nice-to-haves

• Motion design and video editing chops
• Background in influencer marketing, the creator economy or performance marketing
• Experience with consumer brands in FMCG, beauty, lifestyle, fashion or luxury

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Creative output consistently hits a best-in-class visual standard
• Paid social creative drives real client performance, not just engagement vanity metrics
• Projects land on time, on budget, and at a high bar of craft
• The Studio runs efficiently - clear priorities, well-managed resource
• The creative team feels supported, challenged and genuinely proud of what they make
• Charlie Oscar's reputation as a leading creative partner for consumer and premium brands keeps growing

REPORTING LINE

• Reports to: Head of Creative / Managing Director
• Direct reports: Video Editors, Designers and Freelance Creative Talent

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary, plus a performance-based bonus paid every 6 months
• Wellness allowance, including access to Bupa private healthcare
• Pension plan
• Regular team socials and an annual company away day
• Hybrid working - 4 days in the office, 1 day from home
• 25 days' holiday, plus bank holidays and flexible time over Christmas
• 4 weeks ‘Work From Anywhere’ per year
• Your birthday off
• Cycle to Work Scheme with Forest Bikes
• Eye care vouchers
• Regular office treats and surprises
• Be part of building something truly exceptional

WHAT MAKES US US - OUR VALUES

Our values aren't posters on the wall. They show up in how we work, how we treat each other, and how we build something brilliant together.

• Make It Happen - Momentum matters. Progress beats perfection every time.
• Treat It Like Your Own - Think like an owner. Care for every detail as if it were your money, your brand, your business.
• Grow Together - Build the business, lift your team, and invest in your own growth along the way.
• Be Brave - We create space for bold thinking, confident decisions, and the freedom to back yourself.