Art Director (Freelance)

About Us Hovercraft is a dynamic and innovative creative design firm that partners with brands to craft compelling experiences through design, strategy, and technology. We specialize in creating standout visuals, interactive digital content, and impactful branding solutions that push the boundaries of creativity. The Role We are on the hunt for someone whose conceptual thinking and aesthetic is as provocative as it is progressive. You are brand-forward yet able to deliver across multiple mediums: interactive installations, spatial environments, brand stunts, digital experiences, animation graphics. You dream big while stay grounded in reality. You always push the work beyond the expected. What You’ll Do Hold the line on aesthetics and craft while thinking conceptually and strategically. Adapt to various brand styles, yet always identify opportunities to add unexpected interactive, environmental, and animation elements. Collaborate with (and sometimes drive) design teams of 2-4 people per project. You’ll need to keep them in check and the quality high. Present your work confidently, communicate project progress with clarity, and be ready to convince internal teams, clients, and vendors why your approach is the right one. Exploit the latest tech, platforms, and generative AI to break new ground. We’re not here to do what’s been done before. Keep a finger on the pulse of industry trends and emerging tech, so the work stays sharp and forward-thinking. What We’re Looking For Extensive design experience from an agency or design studio, backed by a portfolio that shows off good taste and inventive, boundary-pushing work. A conceptual dynamo who can maintain high-level design standards across everything you touch. Deep knowledge of established and emerging technologies—so you can not only talk the talk but also use them to create innovative experiences. Someone who is willing to bend the brief to deliver something beyond what was asked for. You hit deadlines, juggle multiple projects, and make confident, smart decisions under pressure. A collaborator, but also a driver—someone who’s pro-active, positive, and pushes projects forward autonomously. Clear and concise communication, especially with remote team members. Proficiency in industry-standard design and collaboration software, including Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Slack. The salary range for this position is starts at $100 hourly . Hourly rate is determined by a combination of factors that include qualifications, applicable skills, relevant experience and other budgetary considerations such as location/geography. Hovercraft is a remote-first company, working primarily on Pacific and Mountain time. You must be eligible to work in the US as a 1099 contractor. Recruitment Notice We use AI-assisted tools solely to help identify and highlight keywords related to critical design skills and relevant experience within applications. These tools support our recruiting team by improving consistency and efficiency; they do not make hiring decisions. All applications are reviewed by humans, and AI is not used in a discriminatory manner or to evaluate personal characteristics unrelated to job requirements.