Art Director (Full Time)

Role DetailsRole: Full TimeLocation: 4 days/week in our San Diego office M-TH. Requirements: Resume + Portfolio requiredPortfolio should demonstrate conceptual campaign thinking, branding systems, and multi-platform execution. About CUENTOCUENTO is a creative marketing agency built at the intersection of sports, culture, and brand storytelling. We create strategic, emotionally resonant work for brands, organizations, and teams across sports, enterprise, hospitality, lifestyle, and consumer categories. Our client roster includes both sports and enterprise brands, requiring creatives who are adaptable, collaborative, and capable of working across a wide range of visual styles, audiences, and business objectives. Sports-related work is a significant part of our creative output, making this role especially well-suited for someone energized by high-visibility campaigns, fast-moving timelines, and culturally relevant storytelling. We are looking for an Art Director to join our growing creative team in San Diego. This role is ideal for a highly conceptual creative leader who can guide projects from idea to execution while helping elevate the overall quality of work across the agency. What You’ll DoLead creative development across campaigns, brand systems, social content, presentations, motion concepts, and marketing initiativesTranslate strategic direction into compelling visual storytelling and polished executionPresent creative concepts and rationale internally and to clients with confidence and clarityPartner closely with the Creative Director to help guide overall creative quality and team outputProvide art direction and feedback to designers, editors, freelancers, and production partnersContribute to concepting sessions, campaign ideation, moodboards, and visual explorationsHelp establish scalable design systems and creative frameworks across brands and accountsCollaborate cross-functionally with strategy, accounts, social, production, and web teamsEnsure projects maintain high creative standards while balancing timelines and business objectivesStay current on design trends, culture, sports, digital storytelling, AI creative tools, and emerging platformsWhat We’re Looking ForExceptional portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, campaign development, and high-level visual executionExpertise across branding, campaign systems, digital/social creative, and presentation designStrong leadership instincts with the ability to guide, mentor, and elevate creative teamsStrong typography, layout, composition, and visual systems skillsAbility to balance creative ambition with strategic objectives and executional realitiesExcellent communication and presentation skillsStrong attention to detail, organization, and project ownershipAbility to lead projects independently while collaborating effectively across departmentsExperience working with sports, entertainment, or culturally driven brands is a plusPassion for storytelling, culture, branding, and modern creative trendsWhat Success Looks LikeElevates the overall quality and consistency of creative outputBrings proactive ideas, references, and solutions to the teamCan confidently lead projects from concept through executionBalances creative ambition with speed and adaptabilityContributes positively to team culture and collaborationBuilds trust with clients through strong communication and presentation skillsPreferred Tools & SkillsAdobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)Canva, Keynote/Google Slides/PowerPointUnderstanding of social-first creative and digital content ecosystemsExperience with photography direction, video direction, or production workflows is a plusFamiliarity with AI-assisted creative workflows and emerging creative technologies strongly preferredReporting StructureReports to the Creative DirectorCollaborates closely with Design, Video, Social, Marketing and Account teamsHelps mentor and guide junior creativesWhy CUENTOOpportunity to shape creative for nationally recognized brands and organizationsCollaborative, idea-driven culture with strong creative ambitionDiverse client roster spanning sports, lifestyle, hospitality, enterprise, and entertainmentOpportunity for leadership growth and creative ownershipFlexible hybrid work environment based in San DiegoYou’ll join a curious, collaborative creative team where designers, editors, and AD’s have real ownership, visibility, and impact across client work. Benefits & PerksHybrid work environmentMedical/dental/vision benefitsPaid time off and holidaysOpportunities for professional growth and developmentExposure to high-profile sports and lifestyle brands