Freelance Senior Art Director (Experiential & Immersive Design)

About the position RED VELVET is an independent, full-service experiential agency that specializes in creating powerful, story-driven events. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, our diverse team of creatives shares a passion for producing immersive, impactful programs that inspire genuine human connection. We partner with brands across the U.S. and internationally, blending innovation with logistics to design seamless, memorable experiences. Our philosophy is simple: every experience should tell a compelling story that connects with audiences from start to finish. Every detail, from the first click on the registration page to the final applause, is an opportunity to engage and resonate. If you’re passionate about experiential design, love working with dynamic teams, and want to help brands transform their stories into unforgettable journeys, RED VELVET is the perfect place for you. As our Senior Art Director, you’ll play a crucial role in bringing our clients’ stories to life. You’ll lead the creative vision for experiential conferences and events, transforming brand narratives into powerful, immersive journeys that captivate audiences at every turn. You’ll work closely with a small, talented team to build cohesive, interactive experiences that highlight the essence of our client’s brands while creating unforgettable moments for their audiences. This is a hands-on, collaborative role where you’ll design, inspire, and execute. From crafting visually dynamic main stages to designing interactive sponsor zones, your work will ensure that every element of the experience feels cohesive, compelling, and memorable. Who You Are A storyteller at heart, who can transform brand messages into powerful event experiences that connect deeply with audiences. A team player and effective communicator who can present ideas to clients, build relationships with designers and vendors, and lead conversations that push creative boundaries. Passionate about industry trends, always looking for fresh ways to incorporate new technologies and engagement techniques into your work. A hands-on, detail-oriented leader who isn’t afraid to roll up your sleeves and jump into the design process to achieve the best results. Responsibilities • Story-Driven Design: Lead the creative development of immersive event experiences, weaving our clients' brand narratives into every touchpoint, from registration to the final applause. Ensure that each detail visually reinforces the brand story and leaves a lasting impression. • Interactive Engagement: Design breakout sessions and workshops that go beyond traditional formats, creating interactive spaces where participants can connect, collaborate, and dive deeper into the brand’s world. • Sponsor Integration: Strategically design branded sponsor zones and interactive installations that make sponsors an integral part of the event narrative, enhancing their visibility and impact in memorable ways. • Team Leadership: Mentor and guide a small team of creatives, fostering a collaborative, innovative environment that prioritizes high-quality, story-driven work. • Presentation & Collaboration: Build and present creative decks that effectively convey our vision to clients, collaborating closely with project teams, production vendors, and fabricators to bring designs to life. • Hands-On Design: Dive into key projects to provide hands-on design and creative direction, modeling best practices and ensuring every visual element aligns with the overall event strategy. • Technology Integration: Explore new technologies (e.g., AR/VR, interactive installations) to create immersive, innovative experiences that resonate with attendees and elevate the brand’s impact. • On-Site Leadership: Oversee on-site installations, managing details and ensuring seamless execution, while making adjustments as needed to uphold the integrity of the design vision. Requirements • 10+ years of experience in experiential and event design, ideally within an agency or boutique environment focused on immersive, story-driven events. • A strong portfolio that demonstrates expertise in designing conferences, branded experiences, and interactive sessions that tell a compelling story. • 3+ years of experience in a leadership role, with a demonstrated ability to guide designers through the creative process, foster collaboration, and inspire high-quality work. • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Figma, Google Suite, and 3D rendering tools (e.g., Cinema4D, Blender, SketchUp). • Experience working closely with production teams and fabricators, understanding the technical requirements to bring complex designs to life. Benefits • Competitive health plan, with premiums for employees covered and premiums for family members subsidized by RED VELVET • Monthly HSA Contribution • Complimentary financial/retirement planning assistance • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contribution • Paid Membership to Industry Associations and Monthly Meetings • Monthly Cell Phone, Fuel, and Laptop Stipends • Annual Education Stipend • Sit/Stand Desk to burn calories while you work • Flexible Vacation Policy and Paid Holidays • REFERRAL BONUS! We know that the best hire is someone you enjoy working with and is a great culture fit for our fast-paced, entrepreneur-friendly, and creative environment. If you know someone who has previous experience in the hotel industry, agency/experiential marketing and/or meeting planning industry, we want to meet them. What’s in it for you? If a referral is hired full-time and stays at least 1 year with our team, you get $1,000 cold hard cash on their 1 year anniversary with RED VELVET. 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