Associate Creative Director; Art

Associate Creative Director, Art

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award‑winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate‑Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca‑Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization.

In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting‑edge media intelligence and data solutions, world‑class creativity, next‑generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counselin a single company –powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.

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VML is seeking an Associate Creative Director of Art (+ ACD, Copy partner) who is ready to do the best work of their career and drive meaningful impact. In this role, you will shape the visual and conceptual vision for high‑profile campaigns, translating strategic insights into compelling design and art direction. You will elevate the conceptual craft of the agency, build trusted relationships with clients, and ensure our visual storytelling connects authentically with audiences to drive measurable business outcomes.

• Lead the translation of strategic direction into award‑winning visual concepts and campaigns across broadcast, digital, social, and owned properties.
• Partner seamlessly with an ACD of Copy, as well as strategy and account leads, to develop, refine, and elevate cohesive creative concepts.
• Direct campaign asset creation from a visual perspective, overseeing art direction, design, photography, illustration, and video shoot production.
• Champion the client’s brand identity and visual guidelines, ensuring all creative output drives business impact and resonates with the target audience.
• Collaborate closely with production, technology, and account teams to manage the seamless delivery of online and offline assets.
• Present visual narratives and design concepts confidently in client pitches, building trusted relationships with key stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous innovation, leading by example through the quality of your work and your approach to problem‑solving.

• You approach problem‑solving with a strategic, curious mindset, consistently finding clear and innovative visual solutions to complex challenges.
• You foster a highly collaborative, inclusive environment, leading with empathy and a user‑centered perspective to bring out the best in your team and cross‑functional partners.
• You thrive in ambiguity and champion bold, brave ideas, taking ownership of the creative process to push boundaries and deliver exceptional work.

• 8+ years of experience as an Art Director or visual creative lead within an advertising agency or similar environment, with a proven track record of leading high‑profile campaigns.
• A stellar portfolio showcasing conceptual thinking, strategic problem‑solving, and beautifully crafted art direction across traditional and digital spaces.
• Deep expertise in visual storytelling, design principles, typography, and adapting visual systems for different brands and audiences.
• High proficiency in industry‑standard design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and a strong understanding of emerging digital technologies and social media trends.
• Outstanding presentation…