What are the responsibilities and job description for the Art Director position at Mary Kay Inc?
Company Overview
Looking for a career where you can make a difference? At Mary Kay we are committed to enriching the lives of women and their families around the world, we offer careers with unlimited opportunities to do something beautiful every day. More than 5,000 employees work in locations around the world. They provide the products, marketing and other support to millions of Independent Beauty Consultants (IBCs) who work as independent contractors, selling our products directly to consumers in nearly 40 markets on five continents.
We are a company that believes in our people and cares for them with truly exceptional benefits. We offer:
- A comprehensive health plan which includes medical, dental, and vision with low premiums
- 401(k) plan
- A generous profit-sharing program
- Free access to on-site fitness center and on-site clinic
JOB PURPOSE
Under the supervision of the Sr. Art Director conceptualizes, designs and produces multi-channel marketing materials including print, web, social media and video to support global product and program launches. Collaborates with internal creative team to develop innovative design and execute projects to meet strategic business needs, objectives and to maximize best practices across all channels. Presents and sells ideas and designs to Sr. Art Director for approval before presenting to upper management and Project Owners. Responsible for producing all aspects of both product and model shoots with the support of the internal producers for basic and standard toolkits.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Under supervision of Sr. Art Director, manages and develops all phases of global product and program toolkits across all channels including layout, photography, illustration, social media, web assets, copy presentation, coordinating photographers, illustrators, selecting and guiding freelance staff and generation of final project deliverables. Creates effective layouts and graphic design solutions with guidance from supervisor. Presents final designs to the Sr. Art Director and/or Creative Director for approval, then to the client group before final production.
o Understands Company initiatives and strategic goals and executes creative solutions in a manner that most effectively meets the marketing objectives, target audience needs and budget. Gathers information regarding target audiences through attending marketing meetings, strategic brainstorming meetings, interactions with clients, etc. Works closely with the web, print and packaging design team in meetings and by sharing creative materials to ensure that all deliverables across channels are aligned and branded to support the project goals.
o Uses the Vision First planning documents to set milestone dates, resolve budget requirements and align all team members around project kick off, including both the toolkit, web, social media and AV teams.
o Works closely with internal creative team to develop the 360 storytelling document – multi-channel communication that helps drive the concept, the execution and the presentation materials. This document should be reviewed with the Sr. Art Director and Creative Director before presenting to the project owners.
o Partners with art buyers, print producers and video producers to hire the best talent to produce a shot within the budget. Reviews these recommendations with the Sr. Art Director before booking the talent.
o Conducts unsupervised shoots for basic and standard toolkits. Premium toolkits will require that the managing Sr. Art Director will attend these shoots for support, guidance and mentoring. The Art Director will be responsible for on set decisions and the lead with the Sr. Art Director’s input.
o Reviews and approves all color proofs for basic and standard toolkits independently. Works with Senior AD on color correction for premium toolkits.
- Partners closely with the creative team, including the AV team, to develop video concepts that can be executed within budget. Partners with the AV team to help recommend the right resources for special needs such as CGI, special effects and other technical aspects of a shoot and to make sure the creative execution is possible within the budget. Works with Sr. Art Director and Creative Director for approvals before moving forward with booking talent.
- Partners closely with external web team agencies and internal creative team and project owners to assure delivery of assets that meet the marketing objectives of the product or program launch and meet the style standards for responsive design as designated in the esuite style guide. Responsible for turning over images to internal liaison for hand off to external web production team. Stays abreast of the ever-changing technology of the Internet and incorporates these advances into design and functionality. In collaboration with design and creative team and with Creative Director, develops standards for web, print and/or packaging, including type standards, templates, image sizing, and processes to streamline updating as well as information storage and retrieval.
- Produces social media content to support projects including scheduling time with social media expert, creating shot list, product pull list, scheduling internal studio and photographer, art directing shot and approving retouched images.
- This job requires on-site work at a Mary Kay facility.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Education – Bachelors Degree with a focus in graphic design, communication arts, or advertising art
Experience – 3 years relevant experience
- Must possess an understanding of either beauty or fashion and be able to manage multiple projects at once, meet deadlines and demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with other internal creatives, project owners and outside vendors.
- Must maintain awareness of the latest [web, print, video or social media] technologies and practices through attending seminars, technical classes, reading industry-specific publications and by frequently studying competitive [web, print or packaging] in the marketplace.
- Must have advanced knowledge of the following software applications: Macromedia Dreamweaver and
o For web: Macromedia Fireworks, HTML, JavaScript, DHTML, and Flash.
o For print: INdesign, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, PPT
o For packaging: INdesign, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, PPT
- Requires solid troubleshooting skills for computer software/hardware problems that may occur, including applications, printers, networking, etc.
- Must have excellent oral and written communication skills to guide internal and freelance staff, and to interface and negotiate with individuals across the Company and externally, including vendors and contractors.
