About Smart Codes:

Smart Codes is a leading digital transformation company dedicated to solving African challenges through technology. With a mission to make a significant impact across Africa. We are committed to leveraging technology to drive innovation and provide cutting-edge solutions to our clients. As an award-winning digital problem solver, Smart Codes specializes in a wide range of services including digital strategy, brand design and development, digital research, media buying, social media management, digital marketing, strategy, innovation and consultancy.

Job Description:
Smart Codes is seeking a visionary and innovative Art Director to be part of our creative team in delivering cutting-edge digital solutions. The Art Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of our projects, driving creativity and excellence across all aspects of our digital offerings. The ideal candidate will possess a keen eye for design, a passion for innovation, and a track record of delivering exceptional creative work.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning:
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive creative strategies that meet client objectives and align with the overall vision.
• Conduct thorough market research and competitor analysis to identify trends, consumer behavior, and opportunities for innovation.
2. Conceptualization and Ideation:
• Lead brainstorming sessions to generate innovative and compelling campaign ideas that integrate both visual and copy elements.
• Develop creative briefs and mood boards to guide the design process.
3. Art Direction and Design Oversight:
• Provide clear direction to designers, illustrators, and copywriters to ensure the creative vision is executed accurately and effectively.
• Review and approve visual assets, ensuring they meet brand guidelines and project objectives.
4. Client Collaboration:
• Act as the main point of contact for clients in all creative matters, maintaining open communication and addressing feedback in a timely and professional manner.
• Present creative concepts and strategies to clients, articulating the rationale behind each approach.
5. Campaign Execution:
• Oversee the end-to-end execution of campaigns, ensuring all deliverables are of the highest quality and delivered on time.
• Continuously monitor campaign performance and make data-driven recommendations for optimization.
6. Team Leadership and Collaboration:
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment by providing mentorship and guidance to junior team members.
• Work closely with other departments (e.g., account management, digital marketing, analytics) to ensure seamless project integration.
7. Reporting and Analysis:
• Regularly report on the quality of creative assets and campaigns, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Establish and enforce rigorous quality control processes for all creative assets, ensuring they meet agency and industry quality standards.
8. Content Planning and Integration:
• Create content plans that outline the types of content required for each campaign with a focus on content quality, visuals, copy, and multimedia assets.
• Ensure seamless integration of online and offline content across various platforms, emphasizing consistent quality throughout.
9. Audience and Competitive Analysis:
• Conduct research and analysis to understand the target audience's behaviour, preferences, and pain points, integrating quality insights into audience-centric strategies.
• Monitor and analyze competitors' marketing strategies, paying special attention to the quality of their content, and identifying opportunities and trends that can be applied to client campaigns.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Digital Media, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience working as an Art Director or in a similar creative leadership role within the digital industry.
• Expertise in graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects), Sketch, Figma, or similar tools.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of creative projects across digital platforms, with a focus on branding, web design, mobile apps, and social media.
• Deep understanding of design principles, typography, colour theory, and user-centered design methodologies.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a creative team.
• Ability to think strategically and conceptually, translating client objectives into compelling visual narratives and experiences.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and deliver high-quality work under pressure.
• Keen attention to detail and a commitment to delivering pixel-perfect designs that meet the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
• Passion for innovation and a curiosity-driven mindset, with a willingness to explore new techniques, tools, and technologies in the pursuit of creative excellence.