At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning designs for Monocle's commercial partners across various media.
- Company: Join a global media brand known for its unique design and intelligent journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy health insurance, generous leave, and discounts at our cafés and shops.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team at our London headquarters with great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape exceptional creative work and make a real impact in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a designer with strong skills in typography and visual storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Monocle is an independent global media brand known for intelligent journalism, distinctive design and an international outlook. Since launching in London in 2007, we have grown to include our magazine, newsletters, radio station, books, films and international events, alongside thriving shops, e-commerce and cafés. From Midori House and our bureaux around the world, we create work for a discerning global audience and collaborate with ambitious commercial partners across fashion, design, travel, hospitality and culture.
The opportunity: We are looking for a Commercial Art Director to shape and deliver exceptional creative work for Monocle’s commercial partners. Sitting at the centre of our commercial and creative teams, you will turn client ambitions into original, beautifully executed ideas that feel unmistakably Monocle. You will lead projects from initial brief and concept through to final artwork and delivery across print, digital and experiential formats. This is a hands-on creative role for an accomplished designer. You will develop ideas, create layouts and bring work to life, while setting standards and supporting other designers. Working closely with commercial, design, editorial and production, you will ensure that every project balances creative ambition with client objectives, budgets, timelines and Monocle’s exacting visual standards.
What you’ll do:
- Conceive and deliver distinctive commercial creative work across print, digital and experiential channels
- Translate client briefs into strong concepts and beautifully executed design solutions
- Take projects from initial ideas and layouts through to final artwork and production
- Set a high standard of typography, visual storytelling and design craft
- Provide creative direction, constructive feedback and practical support to other designers
- Help commercial colleagues develop compelling and deliverable proposals
- Present creative thinking confidently to clients and internal stakeholders
- Build strong relationships across commercial, design, editorial, production and external partners
- Oversee multiple projects, anticipating challenges and keeping work moving without compromising quality
What we’re looking for: You are an exceptional designer and creative thinker with significant experience as a Senior Designer or Art Director. Your portfolio demonstrates original ideas, excellent execution and a sophisticated understanding of typography, layout, brand identity and visual storytelling. This role will not suit someone looking to focus solely on high-level direction or team management. The successful candidate will be designing, making and delivering work every day. You will also bring:
- Strong experience across print and digital design
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop
- Experience delivering commercial campaigns or integrated creative projects
- A strong understanding of print production, digital delivery and creative workflows
- The ability to transform client briefs into distinctive, commercially effective work
- Experience guiding designers and providing clear creative feedback
- Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder-management skills
- Sound judgement, attention to detail and an appreciation of Monocle’s visual identity
The details: The role is full time and based 5 days per week at Midori House in leafy Marylebone, London, the centre of Monocle’s editorial and commercial operations. It requires the right to work in the UK.
Benefits: health and life insurance, 23 days’ annual leave plus a seven-day Christmas shutdown, staff discounts at our cafés and shops.
Art Director employer: Monocle
Monocle is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides comprehensive benefits including health insurance and generous annual leave, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the digital content space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Art Director
✨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 Monocle.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Monocle, 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 Art Director
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 Monocle 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 Monocle.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Monocle. 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 Monocle.
How to prepare for a job interview at Monocle
✨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 Monocle. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
