What are the responsibilities and job description for the Art Director position at CORNETT?
We're looking for an ART DIRECTOR with a sharp eye, killer instincts, and a knack for turning ideas into visually stunning, culture-shaping, conversation-making work. You'll set the artistic vision for brands, working closely with designers, writers, and strategists to bring fresh, unexpected concepts to life.
This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll guide the creative team, push boundaries, and ensure everything we put out is on-brand, on-message, and impossible to ignore.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
CONCEPT DESIGN
● Develop bold, smart, and culturally relevant creative concepts in collaboration with a Copywriter.
● Lead visual direction across all media-print, digital, social, video, and beyond.
● Design and art direct with a clear POV and exceptional taste.
● Oversee photo and video shoots, working with top-tier photographers, stylists, and vendors.
● Storyboard and concept ideas that translate seamlessly across platforms.
LEADERSHIP EXECUTION
● Mentor and inspire designers, ensuring work meets the highest creative standards.
● Present ideas to clients with confidence and clarity.
● Stay ahead of trends in design, branding, and culture to keep our work fresh and relevant.
● Ensure all creative output aligns with strategic objectives and project goals.
● Keep projects moving smoothly, on time, and on budget.
WHAT SHOULD YOU HAVE?
● 5-7 years of experience as an Art Director, preferably in an agency setting.
● A portfolio that proves you've got the vision, skills, and taste to create outstanding work.
● The ability to think big, move fast, and execute flawlessly.
● Strong leadership and collaboration skills-you elevate the team and the work.
● Comfort presenting ideas, taking feedback, and adapting in a fast-paced environment.
● Mastery of design software and a commitment to staying on top of industry trends.
WHAT DO YOU GET?
● 401k
● Health Insurance (PPO & HSA Options)
● Dental and Vision Insurance
● 15 days of PTO a year
● Free Parking
● Salary based on experience
ABOUT CORNETT
Cornett is an independent, female-owned, full-service advertising agency. They help established brands in crowded spaces creatively outcompete through big, talkworthy ideas and brand moments layered over smart paid media campaigns. With a partner roster that includes brands like Busch Light, Natural Light, A&W Restaurants, LEGOLAND, Q Mixers, VisitLEX, and more, the agency has earned three Ad Age Small Agency of the Year awards (2024, 2023, and 2021). And with an average client tenure of 10 years, Cornett has maintained a strong, diverse portfolio of partnerships, helping their clients uncover opportunities, grow, and win.
ABOUT LEXINGTON
If you've been to Lexington, you love it. If you haven't been, you will. A beautiful, culturally rich place full of good people. For a mid-sized city, we have an oversized but tight-knit creative community that permeates everything-food, art, bourbon, music, industry. A little bit Southern, a little bit Midwest, making for a vibe that's unique but the best of everything.
We're surrounded by rolling hills and gorgeous horse farms, with a thriving, bustling and constantly evolving downtown. Within a short drive, you can see where the Bluegrass kisses the Appalachian Mountains. You can chase waterfalls. You can hike into absolute seclusion. And you can explore the Red River Gorge, one of the best-kept geological wonders in America.
Not to mention, the cost-of-living makes you feel like you're getting away with something.
Like we said, there's a lot to love about our big little city.
WHO IS IN CHARGE HERE?
Position reports to the designated Creative Director.