Description
ABOUT US
DS+CO is a full-service agency that challenges our clients to get clear. Because data, content and creativity are only as good as the problem they solve. We help make sure it's the right one. We help brands move fast enough to stay ahead, yet smart enough to stay grounded. Agile and enduring: That’s our kind of progress.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As an Art Director at DS+CO, you lead with ideas, bringing bold, unexpected thinking to life through exceptional craft. You operate at the intersection of concept, design, and emerging technology, shaping work that is visually compelling, strategically sound, and culturally relevant. This role blends big picture ideation with hands on execution, delivering creative across modern marketing ecosystems. You will collaborate across strategy, research, media, and PR to create integrated, experience driven campaigns that connect brands with people in meaningful ways.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Campaign Execution and Project Management
• Concept and execute integrated, multi channel campaigns, with a strong focus on digital first thinking
• Develop wireframes, prototypes, and high fidelity designs to communicate experience flows
• Support photo and video production across internal studio teams and external partners
• Deliver high quality work across multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail
Marketing and Brand Strategy
• Translate strategy into compelling, audience centric visual systems and experiences
• Create intuitive, engaging digital experiences informed by UX and UI best practices and human centered design
• Apply knowledge of platforms, tools, and cultural trends to keep work relevant and effective
Business Acumen and Internal Collaboration
• Partner with copywriters, strategists, and cross functional teams to develop unexpected, breakthrough ideas
• Present and communicate creative work with clarity, confidence, and a strong point of view
• Bring DS+CO’s values of Curiosity, Community, and Courage to life in how you think, create, and collaborate
• Actively contribute to an inclusive, supportive, and idea driven culture
• Engage in regular 1:1s to align on goals, share feedback, and support growth
• Set and pursue development goals, with a focus on your career path
• Give and receive feedback constructively, leveraging shared tools and frameworks
• Stay connected and informed through agency systems and communication channels
• Embrace continuous learning, pushing yourself and the work forward
Requirements
Must have:
• 3+ years of experience in art direction, visual design, or digital experience design
• A portfolio that shows strong conceptual thinking and craft across a range of work
• Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, including experience working within design systems
• Understanding of digital ecosystems, including web, social, motion, and interactive experiences
• Familiarity with UX and UI principles, including usability, accessibility, and performance
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate ideas
• A collaborative mindset and openness to feedback and continuous learning
If you don’t meet all requirements, we encourage you to still apply; skills and competencies show up in lots of different ways.
Nice to have:
• Experience with motion, animation, and prototyping tools
• Working knowledge of web development principles
• Interest in or experience using AI and emerging technologies in creative workflows
WHY DS+CO?
We understand that our differences bring richness to our work and change to our communities, and we empower our people to share their passions, talents and ideas. We're committed to fairness and inclusion - staying true to our core values of curiosity, community, and courage and creating spaces where everyone is heard and respected.
PERKS AND BENEFITS:
• Flexible hybrid work environment
• Comprehensive benefits to meet your needs
• Progressive PTO that allows you to take the time you need when you need it
• Professional development opportunities to keep you growing
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion learning and support for everyone
• Opportunities to create an impact in the communities we serve
FAIRNESS & INCLUSION
At DS+CO, we believe our collective differences bring depth to our work and encourage change in our communities. Through our core values of courage, community and curiosity, we’re committed to fairness and inclusion, creating spaces where everyone belongs. Because change comes from those who push for progress. Learn more about us at our website !
Skills Required
- 3+ years of experience in art direction, visual design, or digital experience design
- A portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual thinking and craft across varied work
- Proficiency in Figma
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
- Experience working within design systems
- Understanding of digital ecosystems (web, social, motion, interactive)
- Familiarity with UX and UI principles including usability, accessibility, and performance
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Collaborative mindset and openness to feedback and continuous learning
- Experience with motion, animation, and prototyping tools
- Working knowledge of web development principles
- Interest in or experience using AI and emerging technologies in creative workflows
What We Do
DS+Co is a women-owned marketing company specializing in designing and executing creative, intelligence-driven solutions to complex business challenges. Based in Rochester and Buffalo, NY, we provide marketing, advertising, public relations, digital media, research and media placement services to more than 100 clients across the nation. We thrive on original points of view and flipping old norms on their heads. So if you’ve got big ideas and a passion for progress, we want to hear about it.
