Art Director

BDG is a leading independent media company with a portfolio of influential brands, including Bustle, Nylon, W, and Scary Mommy. Our content reaches over 115 million readers monthly. Data is at the core of our business, driving audience insights, content monetization, and strategic decision-making.

We are looking for a Branded Art Director to define and elevate the visual identity of Bustle and BDG’s branded platforms. This role blends creative leadership, brand strategy, and hands-on design expertise to deliver high-quality visuals across digital and social channels. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with a strong background in advertising and editorial design, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to manage and inspire a team of designers, illustrators, and photographers. Working closely with the Creative Director and cross-functional teams, they will ensure a cohesive and impactful brand presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the branded design team, ensuring smooth execution of creative projects and photo productions.
• Develop cohesive branding and maintain a consistent visual style across all of Bustle’s digital platforms, including articles, interactive content, social media, events and client materials.
• Oversee branded photo shoots, from ideation to production, while building and maintaining a strong creative roster of illustrators, photographers, and other visual contributors.
• Provide creative mentorship to Branded Senior Designers and Branded Designers, ensuring all design work aligns with BDG’s strategic goals and brand vision.
• Manage branded design strategy, articulate brand guidelines, and foster collaboration across departments, ensuring alignment with video and motion graphics teams.
• Brainstorm and execute visually compelling stories, including infographics, original illustrations, and social-first content.
• Manage the branded creative crew hiring process, including photographers, set designers, stylists, animators, and 3D artists.
• Partner with the Branded Production team to negotiate contracts encompassing fees, timelines, and overall budget management.
• Attend branded creative brainstorms and client calls, presenting concepts and maintaining BDG’s reputation for innovative design solutions.
• Ensure a seamless and cohesive aesthetic across BDG’s packages, video, and social offerings.
• Optimize visual elements for desktop and mobile experiences, balancing design innovation with usability.

Requirements

• A portfolio demonstrating strong editorial design, branding, and digital storytelling skills.
• Proven creative leadership experience in a digital and/or agency setting, with at least 6 years of experience in editorial or digital design.
• Experience managing a branded creative team, providing feedback, and leading projects from conception to execution.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and a working knowledge of After Effects.
• Strong time management skills, capable of overseeing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• A deep understanding of how to produce shareable content and create visuals that resonate with Bustle’s audience.
• Strong judgment in balancing legacy brand identity with evolving design trends.
• Ability to attend video shoots and collaborate with motion designers to create video graphics.

Join BDG and help shape the future of data-driven media! Apply now to be a key player in our dynamic creative team.