Art Director

About the role:

At HLK, as an Art Director, you'll be a key player in our tight-knit creative department. You’ll partner with Copywriters to creatively problem-solve across all channels and media. You'll bring concepts to life through smart, strategic designs that capture attention and communicate effectively. Guided by insights from our top-tier strategists and your Creative Director, you'll have the opportunity to refine your craft while pushing creative boundaries. Your day-to-day, will involve close collaboration with a diverse team, always keep your eyes on the prize — delivering creative excellence.

If you’re someone who:… loves to learn it all and do it all… thinks in big ideas and visual storytelling beyond traditional media… enjoys exploring different styles and brand aesthetics… thrives on collaboration and building with others… loves to experiment with design and push creative limits...this is the place for you.

• Concept and develop original ideas with a fresh POV for a range of clients.
• Consistently deliver compelling visual designs on a wide range of projects, including print, video, digital, social, motion/animation, websites, presentations and more.
• Collaborate with your copywriting partner on projects to strategically problem-solve while infusing your ideas with a clear creative POV
• Participate in client presentations, articulating design concepts and rationales
• Maintain consistency within brand guidelines while pushing visual boundaries
• Embrace feedback and use it to refine and elevate your work
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment
• Take personal accountability for delivering high-quality work on time
• Spark inspiration and leave your mark at our transformative annual MOVES conference and unforgettable year-end celebration

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication or a related field from an accredited college/university or equivalent work experience
• 3-5 years of experience in an advertising agency or related creative environment
• Based in Chicago or St. Louis (the position is open to St. Louis, MO or Chicago, IL residents only)
• Strong portfolio showcasing a variety of conceptual thinking and craftsmanship across multiple mediums
• Curiosity to explore different visual styles and design approaches
• Ability to adapt to different brand voices and visual styles
• An excitement for jumping head-first into experimentation and the ability to communicate novel thinking
• Ability to take and learn from both constructive and positive feedback
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and craftsmanship
• A collaborative mindset and ability to work across different teams
• Finger on the pulse of marketing and advertising trends, with an eye for innovative ideas and design
• Strong experience in design principles, composition, typography, motion, and UX/UI
• Well-versed with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with Figma or similar design tools

About HLK:

We believe in the power of people to drive brands. Together, we shape a brand's identity and inspire its next move. We believe that brands have the power to influence people. We create brands in constant motion and on a mission to connect, surprise, and change behavior. 

Our mission is to provide an environment where passionate problem solvers can thrive. Every day, we encourage our people to do three things: Be Curious. Seek out the right problems to solve. Embrace criticism. Dig deeper and dream bigger. Be Thoughtful. Empathy transforms information into insight. We remove roadblocks to solutions, helping and supporting each other to solve client problems. And Be Brave. Take calculated risks, push the work, and move forward fearlessly.

There are many benefits to working at HLK, including the following:

A flexible work environment

A casual and creative atmosphere

Unlimited time off

Paid sabbatical

Parental leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan with a company match

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.