[Hiring] Art Director - Illustration and Animation @Linda Werner & Associates

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced Art Director to help shape and scale the visual identity of a large product ecosystem used by millions of people. This role combines strategic creative direction with hands-on illustration and animation, working closely with illustrators, designers, engineers, and cross-functional partners to build a cohesive illustration system across the product.

The ideal candidate is an experienced illustrator with strong art direction skills, a systems mindset, and a passion for creating clear, engaging visual storytelling that enhances the user experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative direction for product illustrations and lightweight animations.
• Translate product goals and user needs into actionable creative briefs.
• Direct illustrators while also producing high-quality illustration work.
• Maintain and evolve illustration standards, style guides, and design systems.
• Ensure consistency across illustration libraries, color systems, and product experiences.
• Collaborate with product designers, content designers, engineers, animators, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Present concepts, participate in design critiques, workshops, and creative reviews.
• Manage multiple projects while balancing quality, speed, and evolving priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve illustration workflows, including the use of AI tools.

Qualifications

• Portfolio demonstrating both art direction and hands-on illustration work (required).
• Four or more years of professional illustration experience.
• Experience leading creative direction for illustration projects.
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and vector graphics.
• Experience creating or directing simple vector animations using After Effects.
• Strong proficiency in Figma.
• Exceptional illustration, composition, color, and visual storytelling skills.

Requirements

• Experience working within product design or technology organizations.
• Experience developing and maintaining illustration systems or design systems.
• Strong understanding of how illustration supports product usability and user experience.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Highly detail-oriented with a systems thinking approach.
• Interest in leveraging AI tools to improve creative workflows.
• Portfolio submissions are required for consideration.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance