ART DIRECTOR FOR SHARP Magazine

Contempo Media is the leading Canadian publisher of cutting-edge, lifestyle-focused magazines, with SHARP at the forefront of men’s fashion, culture, and style. SHARP delivers premium content that resonates with an upscale, trend-conscious audience. We pride ourselves on our innovative editorial direction, visually compelling design, and thought-provoking stories.

We are currently seeking an experienced Art Director to join SHARP’s editorial team. The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio of editorial work, a keen eye for design, and the ability to collaborate closely with editorial and digital teams to produce content that both informs and inspires. In addition, we are looking for someone with expertise in visual storytelling through photography and video to elevate SHARP's content across multiple platforms.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your resume and portfolio to:

Only candidates who have included a portfolio will be considered.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Creative Direction for Photoshoots: Collaborate with Creative Director in the conceptualization and production of photoshoots for SHARP’s editorial content, ensuring visual consistency with the brand’s aesthetic. This includes scouting locations, coordinating photographers, set designers, and other necessary talent. A strong understanding of photography principles, lighting techniques, and post-production editing is essential.

Photography & Video Knowledge: Leverage your knowledge of both photography and video to create compelling visual content for SHARP. This includes contributing to video shoots, overseeing video production, and offering creative direction for both stills and moving images. Bonus points for candidates who can also edit video and create short‑form content for social media or digital features.

Design & Layout of Magazine: Take full responsibility for the design, layout, and art direction of SHARP Magazine’s print and digital editions. You will work directly with the editorial team to create visually engaging, impactful layouts that capture SHARP’s editorial voice and appeal to our target demographic.

Custom Content Creation: Collaborate with the editorial and sales teams to produce bespoke creative for editorial features, product placements, sponsored content, and digital assets. This includes creating graphics, campaign imagery, and visual elements that complement and elevate editorial content both in print and online.

Digital Content: Work with the digital team to develop creative assets for SHARP's website and social media platforms, ensuring that all visual content aligns with SHARP's established aesthetic and brand messaging. You’ll be involved in the design of web features, banners, and other digital elements.

Sales & Pitch Support: Assist the sales team in creating visually compelling pitches and presentations for existing and prospective advertisers. Provide support in designing branded materials, pitch decks, and any other collateral needed for client meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in art direction or graphic design within an editorial or publishing environment, ideally with a focus on lifestyle, fashion, or men’s media.

Portfolio: A strong, diverse portfolio demonstrating proficiency in editorial design, custom content creation, and digital media. Experience with photoshoots and visual storytelling (both still and moving images) is a must.

Skills: Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.). Knowledge of photography and video production, including a solid understanding of lighting, composition, and editing software such as Lightroom, Final Cut Pro, or Adobe Premiere, is highly desirable.

Creative Vision: A strong eye for design and attention to detail, with the ability to balance creativity with the practical demands of a publication schedule.

Team Player: Excellent collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, evolving environment and willing to take on new challenges as they arise.

Bonus Skills (Preferred):

Video production and editing skills

Proficiency with motion graphics or animation (Adobe After Effects is a plus)

Experience with video content creation for social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, YouTube)

Knowledge of current trends in visual media, including photography and video style for fashion, culture, and lifestyle brands.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industries

Book and Periodical Publishing

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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