Art Director: Gaming

ART DIRECTOR: GAMING

We are a strategy first brand design agency with decades of experience spanning startups, fortune 500 companies in entertainment, lifestyle, and tech. We're looking for an Art Director that appreciates a great story and believes that videogames are the future of the interactive entertainment industry. Videogame industry experience, along with a knowledge and passion for using art to tell rich and compelling stories is required.

Candidates must reside in Portland, OR or the surrounding metropolitan area. We are currently operating in a Hybrid configuration.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

The Art Director leads the creative on a program or project. They are visionary storytellers that see the way brand thinking connects everything we do. Art Directors work closely with CDs and clients to build the map, and then set out to discover rich ideas and solutions. ADs work with creative teams at all levels to bring these concepts to life. As leaders, they drive creative innovations, deliver on quality, and prioritize our clients and what their audience needs.

Shows impeccable attention to detail, is a master with all current design tools, on and off the computer, brings a unique design POV to Skylight, directs and mentors the design team to develop inspiring and innovative design strategies.

Is a strong and diverse conceptual thinker and storyteller, and can direct their design team, external copywriters and design collaborators (illustrators, photographers etc) to bring concepts to life beautifully.

Actively listens, confidently presents ideas to both internal teams and clients with cultural context and strategic rationale. Gives clear and inspiring direction to the design and strategy teams. Leads on crafting both conceptual and rational copy for any given project.

Oversees and approves all design they are responsible for, leads in production partner collaboration and direction, raises the bar on how our final deliverables could come to life, all while ensuring projects are on time and on budget.

Leads the creation and delivery of both internal and client presentations, developing content with a focus on storytelling and strategic rationale. Builds lasting relationships with our clients promoting organic growth. Positions themselves as a dedicated and enthusiastic partner and ensures that Skylight is the best part of the client’s day. Committed to being an expert in our client's categories, challenges and needs. Deeply appreciates and understands what motivates our client's fans. Functions as a natural collaborator and extension of our client's teams.

Shares a creative perspective on new business opportunities; leads the development of culture-shifting pitches and proposals, directs the development of Skylight case studies, and actively plays a role in estimating scopes for organic growth projects.

Elevates strategic thinking with cultural, consumer and marketplace insights. Partners with strategic leads at key moments during insight and strategy development. Leads in the development of creative briefs in collaboration with strategy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Grow and solidify relationships with clients and internal team.
• Represent Skylight’s work and demonstrate our value.
• Visualize what our clients need based on the context of brand, who they are competing with for their fan’s attention and what their fans want and need.
• Collaborate closely with program managers and account leads to ensure efficient and effective creative development.
• Come into work each day and be creative. Show us how it’s done.
• Elevate our team’s value in the eyes of our friends and clients.
• Care deeply about design, innovation and your contribution to what Skylight can become.

SKILLS:

• Deep understanding and appreciation for the role of design thinking.
• Expert brand design skills (marks, type, color, composition).
• Expert knowledge of high-level image making.
• Expert in photo, illustration, publishing and presentation software and relevant tools.
• Ability to guide and mentor teams of creatives.
• Expert brand storyteller, regardless of medium.

WHAT YOU BRING TO SKYLIGHT:

• You are an expert at communications – effectively getting your ideas across and hearing what others around you are saying.
• Portfolio of recognized work (entertainment or videogame brands a plus).
• Regularly interfacing directly with clients and presenting work.
• 7+ years design experience (agency or internal brand team).
• 2+ years of experience leading a creative team.
• Proven problem-solving abilities.
• Healthy sense of ambition.

PLEASE ANSWER THIS QUESTION:

• Provide evidence of your process. Show us how the project evolved from ask to final deliverable, and why you landed where you did.

OPTIONAL EXTRA CREDIT:

Tell us a bit more about yourself! Pick one of the following to include with your application:

• When did you know you were going to be a designer? Be creative with your answer.
• Provide a snapshot of a few key trends driving the gaming industry. Bring a point of view.
• Create a visualization that shows your process and approach to collaboration.
• Create a short (5 pages or less) deck that shows/tells us what your top five favorite movies — design it, and then say why.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Opportunity to work on a variety of influential and interesting brand work.
• A highly collaborative work environment.
• A competitive salary.
• Flexible Vacation Policy. We are all hard working adults with a strong work ethic.
• A culture of trust and respect. See above.
• Health Insurance. We are nothing without our health.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position has supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

We are currently operating in a Hybrid configuration. Must reside in Portland or the surrounding metropolitan area.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This is a full-time exempt position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or as scheduled by the Managing Director.

TRAVEL:

Limited travel may be required as necessary for the role.

WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE:

US citizenship evidenced via current I-9 process or Permanent Resident Card.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT:

Skylight is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to make all employment-related decisions without regard to an employee's race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, marital status, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all personnel activities including employment, promotion, compensation and termination.

Skylight does not tolerate sexual harassment of any employee by another employee, supervisor, vendor, or customer for any reason.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person