Art Director

Art Director

Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create innovative social-first ideas for global beauty brands and engage with cultural trends.
  • Company: Join SAMY, a leading agency redefining brand communication in a social-first world.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible schedules, hybrid work, and unique perks like birthday leave.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture that values diversity, creativity, and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of beauty marketing, shaping culture and connecting brands with audiences.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Advertising or related fields; experience in creative agencies and digital campaigns.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

About SAMY
We weren't built to follow, we were built to lead. SAMY is the global powerhouse redefining brand communication for a social-first world—helping brands stay relevant, shape culture, and build real connections at the speed the world moves. Since 2013, we've grown from a bold idea into a global force: 1,200+ experts, 17+ offices, 55 markets, 22+ countries. We launch 40+ campaigns a week, create one piece of content every minute, and generate +$500K in revenue every day. We are Path Finders: curious, ambitious, and never afraid to challenge what’s next. We don't play it safe. We build what's next.

Role Mission
The Art Director is responsible for developing creative ideas and concepts designed for digital and social platforms, aligned with brand strategy and communication objectives. This role combines conceptual thinking, a deep knowledge of digital culture, and strategic understanding to create ideas that are relevant within platform-specific codes. The creative works in close collaboration with strategy, content, accounts, and production teams to develop campaigns, activations, and content that connect authentically with audiences in social environments. Active contribution to the development of creative concepts and the evolution of ideas throughout the entire creative process is expected.

Key responsibilities

  • Develop social-first creative ideas and concepts aligned with brand strategy and communication goals.
  • Actively participate in brainstorms and ideation processes, providing innovative ideas based on cultural trends and platform-specific dynamics.
  • Conceptualize digital campaigns, social activations, and content for platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other emerging platforms.
  • Partner with strategy, accounts, and content teams to transform insights and business objectives into relevant creative ideas.
  • Apply a deep understanding of social platforms, their codes, formats, and interaction dynamics to maximize content relevance.
  • Bring strategic thinking to creative development, ensuring ideas address a real communication problem rather than just an aesthetic execution.
  • Work alongside designers, content creators, and production teams to take ideas from concept to execution.
  • Adapt creative concepts to different formats, platforms, and cultural moments.
  • Stay constantly updated on cultural trends, emerging formats, and the evolution of social platforms.

Requirements

  • Degree in Advertising, Communication, Creativity, or related fields.
  • Experience working in creative or advertising agencies.
  • Experience developing creative ideas for digital campaigns and social media.
  • Strong conceptualization skills and creative thinking.
  • Deep and native knowledge of social platforms and digital culture (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc.).
  • Ability to interpret strategic briefings and transform them into relevant creative ideas.
  • Experience participating in ideation processes and campaign development.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong presentation and idea communication skills.
  • A portfolio demonstrating the development of ideas for digital campaigns, social-first content, or activations on social platforms.
  • High level of English is mandatory.

Benefits

  • Work your way – Flexible schedule, hybrid work, and the opportunity to work up to 3 weeks a year from any SAMY office around the world.
  • Time that matters – Celebrate your birthday with a day off, plus company holidays on December 24th and 31st to recharge.
  • Grow with us – Global mobility opportunities, mentorship, parenthood support, and a transparent performance-driven compensation framework.
  • Be part of the journey – Help shape our team through our referral program and enjoy a collaborative, social culture, backed by a transparent, performance-driven compensation framework that rewards impact and supports your growth.

Diversity & Inclusion
At SAMY, difference is not something we accommodate, it’s what makes us stronger. With a team made up of 70% women and more than 35 different nationalities, our different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences challenge our thinking, sharpen our creativity, and push us to build better work, and a better company. We are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. And if you need support or adjustments along the way, we’ll make sure you have what you need to do your best work.

Art Director employer: SAMY

At SAMY, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer that champions creativity and collaboration. With flexible working arrangements, unlimited holidays, and a strong focus on employee growth through mentorship and global mobility opportunities, we foster a culture where every team member can thrive. Join us in a vibrant environment that celebrates diversity and encourages bold ideas, making it an exciting place to shape the future of brand communication.

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Contact Details:

SAMY Recruitment Team

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 SAMY.

Tailor Your Applications

When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like SAMY, 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

Creative Concept Development
Digital Campaign Strategy
Social Media Expertise
Cultural Trend Analysis
Collaborative Teamwork
Presentation Skills
Ideation and Brainstorming

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 SAMY 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 SAMY.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at SAMY. 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 SAMY.

How to prepare for a job interview at SAMY

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 SAMY. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.