Graphic Design

Location Tokyo
Discipline Marketing, Sales
Job type Permanent
Salary Negotiable
Reference 55020

 

Visual Storyteller Graphic Design & Art Direction

[SUMMARY]

You dont just design. You reveal the story beneath the story. You see what others miss: the emotional hook inside a brief, the tension worth exploring, the opportunity waiting to become visual meaning.

Youre the type of designer who knows that great visuals dont start in a file, they start in understanding of the audience, the narrative, and the idea fighting to surface. You bring clarity, curiosity and craft in equal measure, turning complexity into elegant, resonant design.

You collaborate naturally, elevate ideas instinctively, and help teams move faster and smarter. And when the work gets intense, youre the calm, thoughtful presence who keeps creativity sharp and momentum strong.

If this feels like your story, turn the page.

 

[RESPONSIBILITIES]
Visual Direction & Creative Strategy

  • Lead and participate in visual concepting and design for integrated communications projects, brand identity, campaigns, social content and editorial design

  • Translate briefs and strategic direction into strong visual ideas, layouts and systems.

  • Own the craft and delivery of key design assets within broader programs or campaigns

Collaborate to Build Integrated Stories

  • Work closely with account, strategy, copy, video and motion teams to build cohesive creative narratives

  • Connect design, copy and motion so every asset feels part of a unified story.

  • Participate in briefings, internal reviews and select client meetings, presenting design concepts and rationale with clarity

Champion Craft, Consistency & AI-Driven Innovation

  • Maintain a high standard of visual craft, detail and consistency across all work

  • Experiment with emerging AI and design tools (Midjourney, Firefly, Sora, Adobe Max, Runway, etc.) to speed exploration, sharpen execution and expand creative possibilities

  • Share practical workflows, prompts and learnings to help raise AI literacy across the team

Support Client Engagement & Presentations

  • Join client check-ins, creative reviews and feedback sessions, explaining design decisions in accessible, strategic language

  • Support the Art Director and account leads in developing visually compelling decks, mock-ups and presentation materials

  • Navigate feedback cycles with steadiness, curiosity and problem-solving focus

Help Keep Projects Running Smoothly

  • Manage multiple design tasks and deadlines proactively.

  • Collaborate with the Art Director and account teams on scoping, timelines and prioritisation of your work

  • Flag risks early whether quality, timing or expectations and help find practical solutions

Mentor Juniors While Staying Hands-On

  • Offer structured, thoughtful feedback and guidance to junior designers and interns

  • Lead by example through strong craft, file hygiene and reliable ways of working

  • Support the Art Director in raising the overall design standard across the team

Steward the Brand

  • Champion the look-and-feel in every asset you touch.

  • Help maintain a cohesive, modern visual identity across markets through your day-to-day work

Attributes of the Protagonist (Thats You)

  • Accountable and dependable in delivery

  • Open, collaborative and generous with credit

  • A sharp visual thinker, good listener and clear communicator

  • Comfortable working with imperfect briefs and asking the questions that get us to the real problem

  • Confident calling out what isnt working and partnering to fix it

  • Team-oriented, able to take direction from an Art Director while independently leading your own streams

  • Knowledge-sharing by nature, with a genuine interest in helping others grow

  • Inclusive, curious and respectful of diverse perspectives

[REQUIREMENTS]

  • 35+ years in graphic design, visual communication or art direction

  • Agency or in-house creative team experience is a plus

  • Comfortable working in English with regional and global stakeholders

Your Portfolio Shows

  • Strong visual craft across brand, campaign, social and editorial work

  • Ability to take a concept and translate it into a consistent set of assets

  • Experience working on integrated or multi-asset projects

Your Skills Include

  • Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign; motion/After Effects is a plus)

  • Preparing assets for multiple formats (social, web, print, presentation)

  • Managing multiple projects, ambiguity and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

  • Communicating design decisions clearly to non-design stakeholders

  • Giving and receiving feedback constructively

Bonus Points

  • Hands-on experience with AI tools (Midjourney, Firefly, Sora, Runway, etc.)

  • Experience working across APAC markets and localisation

  • Exposure to B2B tech, corporate or start-up brands