At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and create stunning visuals for ambitious brands in a dynamic, creative environment.
- Company: Join an independent, AI-native agency that values creativity and data-driven growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, wellness perks, hybrid work, and generous holiday time.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant culture with regular socials and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark on high-profile projects while collaborating with talented teams.
- Qualifications: Strong portfolio, experience in social media design, and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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.
Freelance Senior Designer & Art Director in London employer: Charlie Oscar
At Charlie Oscar, we pride ourselves on being an independent, AI-native agency that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Our team enjoys a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a wellness allowance, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth through mentorship and collaboration on high-impact projects. With regular team socials and a flexible hybrid working model, we ensure that our employees feel valued and engaged while contributing to the success of ambitious brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Senior Designer & Art Director in London
✨Build a Killer Portfolio
Make sure you have a stunning online portfolio showcasing your best work. Highlight a variety of styles and create case studies for projects that explain your thought process — this will help potential clients see your versatility and creativity!
✨Tap into Design Communities
Get active in online design communities like Behance and Dribbble, or even local meetups. Engaging in conversations, sharing your work, and giving feedback can help you connect with other creatives and potential clients who might be looking for freelance designers!
✨Leverage Social Media
Show off your designs on platforms like Instagram and Twitter! Use relevant hashtags and engage with other graphic designers and brands. This could lead to opportunities where businesses discover you through your posts and reach out for projects.
✨Network Like a Pro
Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Let friends, family, and previous clients know you're available for freelance work. Sometimes the best gigs come from referrals, so make sure to get your name out there — you never know who might need a designer like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Senior Designer & Art Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:As a freelance graphic designer, your portfolio is your biggest selling point. Make sure to showcase a diverse range of work, highlighting not just finished pieces but your design process too. Include case studies that illustrate how your designs solved problems for clients or communities!
Tailor Your CV to Shine:While CVs in graphic design might be less formal, it's crucial to effectively present your skills. Focus on including relevant software proficiencies (like Adobe Creative Suite) and any awards or recognitions you’ve received for your designs. Highlighting your adaptability and unique style can make your CV stand out!
Be Clear About Your Rates:As a freelancer, transparency is key! When applying to Charlie Oscar for the Freelance Senior Designer & Art Director position, be upfront about your rates and what those include—like revisions or additional services. This builds trust and helps potential clients understand what they’re getting for their investment.
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:A cover letter is your chance to connect with Charlie Oscar beyond your designs. Talk about why you’re drawn to their projects and how your freelance work aligns with their vision. This personal touch can make a huge difference in standing out among other applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlie Oscar
✨Show Off Your Best Work
As a freelance graphic designer, your portfolio is your superpower. Make sure to curate a selection that showcases your style and versatility—think about what pieces best represent the type of projects you'd want to work on with Charlie Oscar. Be prepared to discuss the ideas behind each piece and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Familiarity with design software is crucial, especially programmes like Adobe Creative Suite or other tools relevant to the job. Be ready for some technical questions that may dig into your proficiency—Charlie Oscar might want to know how you approach design challenges using specific software.
✨Understand the Client's Vision
Freelancing is all about collaboration, so take some time to research Charlie Oscar's past design projects. Understand their branding and design language. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you can adapt your skills to align with their vision and add value to their team.
✨Pitch Your Unique Value
Freelancing means you’re selling not just your skills, but your unique perspective. When you're chatting with Charlie Oscar, clearly convey what sets you apart. Tailor your pitch to illustrate how your background, skills, and experiences can benefit their projects, ensuring they see you as a valuable addition to their creative team.
