Art Director

Fern is at the top of the trade show and expo service industry. Our operation spans more than 200 cities from coast to coast. In other words, wherever there’s a major convention center and event venue, we’re there with experienced local teams providing exceptional service and support, whenever you need it. We recognize that our team members are the core of our company. It is why they stay with us for so long, and it's also what attracts new clients to come aboard.

We are looking to add an Art Director to our Creative Services team. The Art Director is a senior creative leader with a proven track record of transforming strategy into standout visual experiences. In the tradeshow, exhibit, and event space, this role drives the creative vision for environmental branding, large-format graphics, and wayfinding—ensuring brand integrity from big-picture concepts to final production. Leading multiple teams of conceptual graphic designers, the Art Director is both a creative guide and a hands-on contributor, fostering a culture where collaboration, innovation, and high standards thrive. Client-facing and presentation-ready, this role manages the development of compelling creative presentations, facilitates ideation sessions, and inspires both teams and clients to push boundaries.

You will report directly to the VP of Creative Services & Strategy. Position can be done remotely but must be comfortable traveling occasionally.

Salary is $105,000-115,000

What you’ll do:

• Lead multiple teams of conceptual graphic designers, managing workflow, deadlines, and creative output across concurrent projects.
• Direct the creation of environmental branding, large-format graphics, and wayfinding that integrate seamlessly into spatial design concepts.
• Partner with the Creative Director to develop, refine, and present creative strategies for tradeshows, events, and exhibits.
• Oversee the development of creative presentations that communicate a clear and inspiring vision to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Provide hands-on design direction and constructive feedback, ensuring all work meets brand standards, strategic goals, and production requirements.
• Stay ahead of industry and cross-industry trends, including emerging materials, experiential approaches, and engagement strategies.
• Explore and integrate new tools and software (including AI-based platforms such as Firefly, Gemini, etc.) to enhance creative output and efficiency.

Who You Are:

• 10+ years of design experience in tradeshow, event, or experiential marketing environments, with at least 3 years in an art direction or senior creative leadership role.
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; working knowledge of 3D modeling software and/or spatial design principles highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of large-format graphics, wayfinding systems, environmental branding, and integrated event campaigns.
• Proven ability to lead client-facing creative workshops and present complex ideas with clarity, confidence, and enthusiasm.
• Exceptional typography, layout, and color skills, with a portfolio demonstrating environmental and experiential design excellence.
• Experience managing and mentoring creative teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Professional Attributes

• Contributes to a studio environment that values shared ideas, celebrates achievements, and encourages continuous learning.
• Navigate a fast-paced workload with the ability to pivot quickly as timelines shift.
• Maintains consistent availability during core hours with flexibility for project deadlines.
• Embraces feedback as part of the design process, iterating quickly to refine concepts.
• Work within the designated software, platforms, and workflow systems set by the Creative Services Department.

Fern is an equal opportunity employer committed to equal consideration for all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.