Art Director

Art Director

NYC / LA - FT or Freelance

The Art Director at Something Special Studios will oversee the visual direction and execution of brand campaigns, digital content, and integrated production. The AD is a high visual creative lead with a strong design foundation and experience creating compelling and culturally relevant work across integrated and experiential touchpoints. The AD will also play a hands-on role in creative production and on-set direction. They have strong design instincts and aesthetics, and ability to take projects from concept through execution–leading art direction, building out visual worlds, and ensuring every detail feels thoughtful, cohesive, and on-brand.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute culturally-relevant campaign concepts and visual storytelling across digital, social, print, and content-driven platforms.
• Lead key art direction for photo and video treatments, including development of mood boards, swipes, and creative treatments that bring brand narratives to life.
• Art direct and oversee shoots, ensuring the creative vision is realized in photography, motion, and content production.
• Assemble a library of creative references, including imagery, color palettes, typography, and other visual elements that will inform the overall art direction.
• Develop key visuals and art direction guidelines for various creative mediums.
• Partner with strategy, production, and design teams to scope and plan projects, ensuring feasibility and alignment with creative vision.
• Develop and present creative proposals, pitch decks, and client presentations.
• Manage a strong creative network to source and collaborate with photographers, videographers, stylists, set designers, prop stylists, editors, and other creative collaborators.
• Stay ahead of emerging cultural trends and innovations to ensure creative work is progressive and industry-leading.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in a creative agency or in-house setting, with a strong focus on campaign and content development.
• A portfolio showcasing strong art direction, storytelling, and high-fidelity integrated production.
• Proven experience leading photo/video direction, including pre-production and on-set execution.
• High proficiency in graphic design, with strong design instincts and skills of layout, branding, and
• Experienced in developing pitch decks and creative proposals, and presenting work to both internal teams and clients.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to sell and articulate ideas persuasively.
• Experience building creative teams, with a strong network of creative and production collaborators.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; able to give direction and take constructive feedback in stride.
• Deep knowledge and passion in the cultural spaces of art and design.

Salary Range

• $120,000 to $170,000 annually. Salary for the prospective employee is determined by a combination of factors that include qualifications, applicable skills, relevant experience and other budgetary considerations such as location/geography.

Benefits Include

• Comprehensive health coverage – Medical, dental and vision insurance, plus HSA and FSA options.
• 401(k) with company contribution – 3% Safe Harbor contribution after six months of service, whether or not you contribute yourself.
• Company-paid life insurance – Basic Life and AD&D coverage included, with the option to purchase additional coverage.
• Generous paid time off – 15 days PTO in addition to Holiday Closures
• Summer Fridays – Up to four Fridays off between Memorial Day and Labor Day, subject to workload.
• Flexible sick leave
• Hybrid working – 4 Days in Office / 1 Remote
• Generous Employee Referral bonuses
• Yearly profit sharing program
• Employee & Company Performance-based bonus