At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative direction on multiple brand projects and inspire teams to produce unique ideas.
- Company: Join Studio NARI, a dynamic team passionate about exceptional design.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, 4.5-day work week, remote work, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape brands seen by millions and work with exciting companies.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in brand identity projects and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We're looking for a Design Director to help shape the next chapter of Studio NARI.
You'll lead multiple brand projects simultaneously, carrying the strategic thinking through every stage of the creative process and ensuring the work remains ambitious, distinctive and unmistakably right for the client.
You'll work closely with Creative Directors, Design Leads and Senior Designers, helping teams produce ideas that are strategically grounded, culturally relevant and impossible to mistake for another brand.
What you'll do
- Lead the creative direction across 3+ projects simultaneously.
- Protect the strategy from first briefing through to final delivery.
- Write and refine creative briefs that are clear, actionable and inspiring.
- Give direct, constructive feedback that helps designers make better work, not just different work.
- Push every project towards ideas that feel culturally alive while remaining unique to the client.
- Ensure creative routes feel like different answers to the same strategic question, rather than unrelated concepts.
- Guide Design Leads and Senior Designers, stepping in when needed to unlock ideas rather than becoming the person making them.
- Build trusted relationships with clients and confidently present creative work.
- Help shape case studies and ensure finished work is represented to the highest standard.
- Work closely with Project Management and Creative Direction to identify risks before they become problems.
- We're looking for someone who
- Has significant experience leading brand identity projects from strategy through to launch.
- Thinks conceptually but gives practical, actionable creative direction.
- Understands that originality comes from strategy, not trends.
- Can build confidence in teams while maintaining high creative standards.
- Knows when to push an idea further and when to simplify it.
- Is comfortable leading client conversations and presenting work.
- Cares as much about building people as building brands.
You’ll thrive here if you...
- Believe the best brands aren't built from trends.
- Believe strategy should make creativity stronger, not safer.
- Believe the goal isn't simply to make beautiful work, but to make work that couldn't belong to anyone else.
Why join NARI?
- 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays.
- A 4.5-day week (Fridays usually wrap around 1.30pm).
- One day working from home each week.
- Performance bonus scheme.
- Summer and Christmas studio celebrations.
- A genuinely ambitious team who care deeply about making exceptional work.
- Space to lead, challenge and shape the future of the studio.
- The opportunity to shape brands seen by millions, alongside some of the world's most exciting companies.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Design Director in London employer: Studio NARI
NARI is an exceptional employer that values creativity and collaboration, offering a unique opportunity for a Project Manager to shape the studio's processes and project execution. With a dedicated team and supportive leadership, employees are encouraged to voice their ideas and contribute to meaningful work while enjoying a culture that prioritises quality and innovation. Located in a vibrant creative environment, NARI provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director in 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 Studio NARI.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Studio NARI, 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 Design Director in 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 Studio NARI 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 Studio NARI.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Studio NARI. 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 Studio NARI.
How to prepare for a job interview at Studio NARI
✨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 Studio NARI. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
