Art Director

About the Studio

Rapt is a design and strategy studio recognized for award-winning work that helps leading brands address complex, fast-moving challenges. With offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, the studio serves clients around the world through customized, multidisciplinary solutions that combine architecture, interior design, brand experience, graphic design, and strategic thinking. Its collaborative approach has also earned Fast Company recognition as one of the Most Innovative Companies.

Working Style

This studio is built around in-person collaboration. The strongest work is created through direct interaction such as pin-ups, workshops, and model reviews, since ideas develop more quickly when people are together. The team follows a hybrid rhythm of three days per week in the studio, with additional on-site time as projects require. Flexibility is valued, but this position is not fully remote; applicants must live near one of the studios and be available to work on site regularly.

Role Overview

The Art Director plays a central role across projects and locations, shaping the creative direction from early concept through final delivery. This person is responsible for making sure every client touchpoint is considered and that engagements are delivered to a high standard. The role draws heavily on visual and graphic design expertise, while also requiring strategic thinking and close collaboration with teams across the studio.

Serving as a key contact between clients and the studio, the Art Director works alongside Account Directors to manage communication and partner with Strategy and Design Directors so that projects are evaluated from multiple perspectives. The role also contributes to pitch development and interview preparation to help secure new and exciting work for the studio.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate brings more than a decade of experience in a creative agency, design studio, or a comparable environment. They should be comfortable leading project teams from concept to completion, mentoring junior designers, and helping win new business through strong pitches. The role also calls for fluency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, and Google Workspace.

Additional Requirements

Beyond the core qualifications, the studio is looking for someone who understands project delivery, including schedule and budget review, coordination with freelancers or external partners, and direct client communication. Experience working with other agencies, vendors, or multidisciplinary consultants is important, as is confidence across digital, three-dimensional, and art-focused work. The best fit will bring strong visual judgment, communication and organizational skills, the ability to handle ambiguity, a collaborative and iterative mindset, curiosity about continued learning, sharp conceptual thinking, sound decision-making, willingness to take risks, a positive attitude in difficult moments, and strong self-editing instincts.

Application Review

Applications are reviewed by real team members rather than automated systems. Since the process is fully human-led, responses may take longer than at companies that use automation. The studio asks applicants to be patient and understands the effort that goes into each application.