Art Director

American Crafts is looking for tan Art Director to join us as we design cool, modern products for scrapbookers, papercrafters and DIY-ers. Come help us make pretty stuff for the shelves of crafting retailers worldwide!

WHAT WE OFFER

• An energetic, interactive environment
• A solid career with growth opportunities
• Health and dental insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Employer-matched retirement plan
• Flex-time Available
• Signing Bonus
• Quarterly creative activities
• Fun monthly employee appreciation events

IDEAL CANDIDATES

• Want to explore, understand and create new and special things every single day
• Are passionate about fashion, culture, music, design, home décor and social media
• Seek out new experiences and love learning new things
• Are fans of Pinterest, design blogs, Behance and Dribbble
• Are self-starters who can handle a job description then look past it to create future opportunities
• Are social media savvy – especially Faceboook, Pinterest and Instagram
• Get a kick out of using and learning keyboard shortcuts
• Hit deadlines and are excited about staying organized
• Love a creative challenge

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• 3-5+ years experience
• Manages projects from start to finish and works with teams of Senior Designers and Graphic Designers to meet deadlines
• Thoroughly understands brands and has a vision for the brands over which their responsible
• Works with creative consultants and clients
• Able to maintain confidences and respectfully deal with sensitive information
• Interfaces with sourcing department and sales team members
• Works with Creative Directors and CMO for hiring/firing recommendations
• Advises Creative Directors and CMO on raises, bonuses and other rewards for team members
• Advises Creative Directors, CMO on departmental matters
• Has creative authority and works with Creative Directors and CMO when executive decisions are required
• Shares the responsibility with the CMO for the success or failure of products
• Ensures design output is up to company and brand standards
• Tackles special design projects as asked by Creative Directors and CMO and Owners
• Works to train and develop designers on all levels

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required (BFA preferred) in graphic design, illustration or fine arts
• Experience as an art director preferred
• Hands on, practical experience managing a team preferred
• Strong working knowledge of the Adobe suite, with an in-depth knowledge of Adobe Illustrator
• Strong typography skills preferred; strong illustration skills preferred
• Ability to mock-up packaging and product, with attention to detail and pride in quality craftsmanship
• Organized and able to work efficiently on multiple projects to meet deadlines
• Able to pay attention to detail and have the ability to work efficiently without sacrificing quality
• Good at communicating verbally and in written form
• Able to participate in weekly critiques – giving and receiving constructive criticism
• Willing to travel occasionally
• Any cross training in photography, video production or Web design is viewed as a plus, but not required

Job Type: Full-time

Required education:

• Bachelor’s