Art Director

We have an immediate opening for a full time Art Director to join our studio full-time.

As an Art Director you will help lead projects and small teams to deliver creative work throughout all stages of the process; immersion, creative strategy, expression and implementation. Working alongside our creative leadership, you will be in charge of unlocking the creative potential of projects—building iconic brand identities, experiences, and art-directing content for a wide range of clients.

You know how to work with people to get the best out of them and maintain a positive culture. You are a compelling storyteller, systems thinker, and hands-on designer and art director with a high level of craft.

We’re open to candidates based in the Bay Area (to work in-person at our San Francisco studio) or remote applicants within compatible time zones.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive pay
  • Comprehensive benefit
  • Career growth
  • A healthy work/life balance (we don't do late nights and weekends)
  • A commitment to creatively rewarding projects that positively impact people and the planet

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the creative output of projects through every stage: from immersion to creative strategy to expression & implementation.
  • Pursue and maintain an exceptional level of craft with the highest design standards and attention to detail across typographic design, layout, print and digital projects.
  • Establish visual tonality through photo, illustration, and motion art direction.
  • Art direct photo shoots, from pre-production to post-production
  • Integrate motion into design system through storyboarding and animation briefing.
  • Codify design systems into comprehensive guidelines and finalize template and asset files for final delivery.
  • Co-manage and oversee work with junior team members.
  • Create high quality presentations.
  • Present work thoughtfully and confidently with clients.
  • Collaborate with external creative and production partners.

Skills & Qualifications

  • BFA and/or MFA in graphic design / visual communication / media arts.

  • ~7+ years of professional design experience.

Qualities

  • Passionate about brand building.
  • Multi-disciplined: skilled in typographic design, digital, and image making.
  • Conceptual and strategically led.
  • A confident presenter.
  • Self-motivated, driven, always learning.
  • Highly flexible and adaptable to challenges.
  • Can balance the micro and the macro.
  • Willing to pitch in.
  • Open to experimentation, new viewpoints and ways of working.
  • Highly organized and communicative.

To apply, send your CV and portfolio (PDF or website link) to careers@manualcreative.com with "Art Director" in the subject line. While we can’t respond to every application, we truly appreciate your interest in joining our team.

Internship Program

Our ~3-4 month internship program offered in the Autumn, Summer, and Spring each year, provides an opportunity for students and emerging designers to work in Manual’s fast-paced studio in the Dogpatch in San Francisco.

We are an intentionally small, independent team of designers and art directors. Our diverse and inspiring client list includes global retail brands, local/independent businesses and innovative technology companies. Interns work closely with senior creatives and contribute to client projects on everything from branding and identity to project research and general production tasks. Interns will gain hands-on experience and exposure to the skills required to succeed in a professional design studio.

In order to apply you must:

  • Be pursuing a degree in design (BA, BFA, MFA) in design at an accredited university, or graduated within the last 12 months.
  • Enthusiastic/willing to learn
  • Strong communication skills
  • Self-motivated and proactive team player
  • Adobe Creative Suite expertise (Illustrator/InDesign/Photoshop)--motion skills are a bonus
  • Keen interest in brand identity, logo design, and typography
  • Have as much interest in digital as in print

FAQs:

  1. Do you consider international applicants?
    Yes, but you must have a valid work visa. More information can be found here.
  2. What are the hours?
    Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm, with an hour for lunch. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate part time interns.
  3. Will I receive compensation/class credit?
    We offer a stipend, paid on a bi-weekly basis through our payroll service and are happy to discuss academic credit with successful candidates
  4. How long does the internship last?
    Internships typically last 3-4 months (Winter, Spring, Summer).

How do I apply?

Please APPLY HERE: If you have additional materials or attachments, please send to hello@manualcreative.com with subject line ‘Design Internship: YEAR’