This person's key contribution will be to combine marketing strategy with creative thinking, to produce strategic design solutions. The ability to think big picture is a must, as well as the ability to see and produce a variety of creative solutions. This can either be through solo or collaborative efforts; directing the work of others to achieve results is essential. You will champion and protect the brand or idea while inspiring teams to deliver the best creative solution across various touchpoints (packaging, POS, digital, print, etc.)
Your understanding should encompass every stage of the graphics process, from strategically-aligned concept development and art direction, to design realization and production across multiple formats, and print or digital processes.
Responsibilities:
- Controls the aesthetic quality of all assigned projects; maintains highest standards of design excellence and creativity
- Comfortable presenting and discussing all aspects of design, including to/with clients at all levels of seniority and varying backgrounds, and able to work effectively alongside a wider client management team on high-profile projects
- Drives the creative brief, creative strategy, and creative solution for assigned projects
- Is a strategic partner and brand advisor to assigned clients and demonstrates a deep understanding of their market, challenges and potential opportunities; provides insights and perspectives that align our services with client needs
- Directs the creative work of project teams, and monitors work in progress
- Coordinates all phases of design to ensure proper timing and budget requirements; prepares budgets, quotations and estimates, and maintains profitability
- Develops and manages design systems and brand guidelines; acts as brand champion
- Directs the work of photographers and illustrators
- Keeps current with industry-specific news and trends
- Supports new technologies and training to ensure optimum efficiency and performance
Necessary skills:
- Passion for great design, with a desire to raise the bar of design excellence
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to deliver high quality results on time, while working in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to juggle shifting priorities and multiple projects simultaneously; organized
- Team player with a “can do” attitude; supportive of the wider team
- Personable, collaborative nature; self-motivated, energetic and enthusiastic
- Acts with honesty and integrity at all times
- Motivated and driven to deliver successful outcomes for both clients and Spark
- Mac proficient, specifically in Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop; web design experience a plus
- Knowledge of production processes and digital workflow