2D Illustration Lead

We’re looking for an experienced 2D illustration artist to join our Merch & Marketing teams and lead the visual direction of our franchise portfolio across consumer products, marketing campaigns, licensing and brand extensions.

This is a highly creative and hands-on role for a 2D art specialist who can adapt across multiple art styles, understand audience psychology, and guide artists to create commercially successful, brand-aligned work.

Your duties will include:

• Direct and adapt a wide range of 2D art styles across multiple shows and franchise extensions.
• Define and improve visual direction for merchandise, marketing campaigns, licensing assets and brand collaborations.
• Translate show IP into commercially compelling artwork tailored to specific demographics and retail channels.
• Apply an understanding of audience psychology and buying behaviour to inform art style, colour, composition and character appeal.
• Lead and mentor a team of artists within a franchise/brand team (not animation production).
• Ensure consistency, quality and brand integrity across all external-facing materials.
• Collaborate closely with Brand, Marketing, Licensing and Commercial teams.
• Provide clear feedback and approvals to guide internal and external partners.

A successful candidate must have:

• Proven experience as a Senior Lead 2D Artist within merchandising, marketing, licensing or branded product environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work across multiple 2D art styles and adapt visual direction per show and audience.
• Strong understanding of demographic targeting and what visual styles resonate with different age groups and markets.
• Experience directing 2D illustration for commercial product, retail, brand campaigns or licensed IP.
• Experience leading a team of artists within a franchise or brand team (rather than animation production).
• Strong portfolio showcasing commercial 2D illustration, product-facing artwork and marketing assets.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Bonus Skills:

• An understanding or experience with the arts, animation, gaming, and/or ‘internet nerd’ culture.
• Be extremely organized and have a strong work ethic.
• Engaging personality and willingness to learn.
• Positive, go-getter attitude with a passion for making things.

What we offer:

• A competitive starting salary with reviews every 6 months.
• A flexible work arrangement and schedule, with options for work from home and flexi-hours.
• A casual and fun office environment where individual input is valued.
• Regular work functions and free entry to conventions and events.
• Relocation assistance for workers wishing to move to Sydney.
• Close to public transport in the heart of Parramatta CBD.
• Paid for gym memberships.
• Regular company breakfasts/lunches.
• A diverse team that values independent input and career development.