Art Director

Job Description

The Art Director is responsible to establish and direct the overall visual appearance of all elements of an assigned project. The A.D. will ensure the project’s “story” and creative intent is conveyed visually to successfully create the desired guest experience. The A.D. will direct all visual elements and artistic style, of the project. The A.D. will create, develop and direct art, and design to establish and unify the creative vision. The Art Director is responsible to translate desired moods, messages, concepts and ideas into imagery. The A.D. is responsible for solidifying the vision, resolving conflicting and inconsistent design. Collaborates with the Creative Director, Show Producer and project team to develop and direct creative design intent to meet project creative, business, technical, and operational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develops visual design direction and defines design elements of the assigned project that affect the guest experience. This may be accomplished with many different methods, including, but not limited to; creating sketches, illustrations, models, composite imagery and image research documentation. Supervise others to develop those design ideas.
• Oversees and directs design, fabrication and installation of all on-stage project elements to ensure the creative intent is achieved as envisioned by the Creative Director. Project elements such as – architecture, scenic art, scenery, props, animation, show action, special fx, and lighting.
• Collaborates with internal talent and external vendors to execute the desired vision. Directs art related vendors and any scenic scope that requires art direction.
• In collaboration with the Creative Director, act as design “vision-keeper” for the project, maintaining a cohesive design in all elements associated with the project through all phases of design and development.
• Creates and presents project materials to internal and external audiences to communicate project concept, content and status.
• Works with the Show Producer to identify and procure talent and resources necessary complete the project.
• Acts as project liaison with internal and external partners, licensors, and intellectual property developers as needed.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Ability to communicate complex artistic ideas through a combination of written and visual and materials required. This role must have in depth knowledge of color theory, art history, scenic painting techniques, sculpture, architecture, perspective, theatrical lighting techniques and storytelling.

SCOPE: Non-routine; general policies applied to frequently changing situations. Responsible for directing teams of creative project personnel such as writers, artists, directors, scenic designers, programmers, graphic designers, etc. Influences decisions of significant nature requiring high degree of tact.

EDUCATION: Technical school is preferred. Associate degree (AA) in Theater, Art, Film, or Architecture is preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Art, Film, or Architecture is required. Master’s degree in Theater, Art, Film, or Architecture is preferred.

EXPERIENCE: 10+ years production design and field experience based on Universal Creative standards. Designing experience based entertainment for world-class theme parks or related industries; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

About the Company

At Universal Creative, we design, develop, and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable. Our Creative Studio is where the top minds in the industry begin imagining the world’s most exciting, award-winning attractions and resorts. The Creative Studio’s mission is to spark emotions and transcend reality by designing extraordinary innovations that change our Universe.