This listing pays about $165,000 a year. Across 35 open creative director listings that state pay, the middle half runs $164,000 to $195,000 and the median is $175,000. That is inside the middle half of those listings, 6% below the median.

Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.

Creative Director salaries by state · Check your own pay

How AI is used in this kind of work

Among art directors, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for art directors: 21% (some).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

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About the job

Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on   LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

Who We Are Looking For

At VML, we create connected brands that drive value for our clients and impact the world. We are looking for a hands-on Creative Director, Art to join a small, tight-knit, and growing team. This is a role for a true maker — someone who wants to roll up their sleeves and craft exceptional work, not just direct it from afar.

With a heavy emphasis on TV, film, branding, and concepting, you will be front and center on major campaign briefs and new business opportunities. If you're deeply passionate about television and film production and thrive in a high-output environment that still respects your time and work-life balance, this is your chance to help shape the future of our creative output.

What You'll Do

Lead and execute high-level concepting and art direction, with a primary focus on TV, film, and brand campaigns

Actively make and produce work — rolling up your sleeves alongside a team of doers to bring ideas to life

Own every TV brief that comes through — from first idea to final frame

Partner with strategy, account, and production teams to align creative with client objectives

Drive new business pitches with bold, fresh visual thinking

Help build and elevate the team's capabilities in broadcast and film as the department grows

Sustain a high-output culture that still prioritizes balance and wellbeing

Who You Are

A deeply empathetic collaborator who builds trust and fosters environments where great ideas can come from anywhere (Heart)

A relentlessly curious problem-solver who distills complex brand challenges into clear, compelling visual stories (Brains)

A bold, adaptable creator who challenges the status quo, champions brave ideas, and owns the work from first sketch to final cut (Courage)

What You'll Need

Extensive experience in art direction and creative leadership in an agency setting

A portfolio with significant TV, film, branding, and integrated campaign work

Exceptional conceptual thinking paired with strong hands-on execution

Proven ability to present and sell creative work to clients, especially in high-stakes new business scenarios

Deep understanding of the broadcast and video production process

A genuine passion for the craft and a desire to mentor and elevate the talent around you

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

_ $100,000 — $230,000 USD

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy . California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice . This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.