Photo Art Director

Role Specific Information

Job Description

This role is based at our Photo Studio in Milwaukee, WI. You'll work onsite from Monday through Friday.

About the Role

As Photo Art Director, you will bring Kohl's brand to life through high-impact photo and video content that connects with customers and drives results. You will balance creative vision with a strong understanding of the retail landscape, partnering cross-functionally to create cohesive, on-brand imagery that supports seasonal campaigns, promotions and omnichannel strategies.


What You'll Do

• Direct on-set photo, motion and video shoots, ensuring that lighting, styling, hair and makeup, set design and perspective aligns with established creative direction
• Create detailed style guides and inspirational mood boards for assigned shoots, providing clear reference for lighting, background, wardrobe and casting needs
• Partner with producers, photographers, videographers, stylists, and editors to manage daily shoot flow and maintain shoot timelines
• Oversee image and footage capture in real-time, making immediate decisions on adjustments needed for framing, composition or styling
• Review, select and work with the retouching and editing teams to ensure all assets meet Kohl's visual and quality standards with minimal rounds of feedback
• Research styling trends, photography inspiration, and industry benchmarks to inform and evolve Kohl's branded photo and video content
• Stay ahead of industry trends by regularly conducting competitive and market research, keeping a pulse on emerging aesthetics, consumer behavior and creative technology to ensure Kohl's visual content remains fresh, relevant and forward-thinking
• Develop and present visual concepts for seasonal shoots and marketing initiatives, supporting creative leadership in achieving the brand vision
• Utilize emerging AI technologies to enhance creative exploration, concept ideation, and execution
• Contribute ideas during creative planning sessions and adapt direction based on feedback from creative managers and partners
• Partner with project managers, creative team members and merchant stakeholders to gather context and understand the product stories being told
• Act as a key contact on-set for executing creative objectives, adjusting and collaborating in real-time with producers and cross-functional teams
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, clearly articulating visual concepts and delivering updates on shoot progress and outcomes
• Champion operational excellence by looking for tools, templates, and workflows that drive efficiency, reduce manual revisions, and create consistency across projects, especially for recurring or high-volume content
• Additional tasks may be assigned

What Skills You Have

Required

• 2-3 years of related work experience with a focus on on-set art direction
• Experience with digital photography and editing software

Preferred

• 2-3 years of experience in photo art direction, ideally within a creative, retail or agency environment
• BFA in Design, Photography, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Proficiency on a Mac platform with skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat
• Proficiency with digital editing software, including Capture One

Essential Functions

The requirements listed below are representative of functions you will be required to perform, however you may be required to perform additional functions. Kohl's may revise this job description from time to time. To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, absent undue hardship.

• Ability to perform the accountabilities listed in the "What You'll Do" Section
• Ability to maintain prompt and regular attendance as set by the company
• Ability to work at least 8 hours per day, occasionally longer when necessary to meet business needs, 5 days per week
• Ability to comply with dress code requirements
• Ability to learn and comply with all company policies, procedures, standards and guidelines
• Ability to give direction and receive, understand and proactively respond to direction from leadership and other company personnel
• Ability to work as part of a team and interact effectively and appropriately with others
• Ability to maintain composure and work in a fast paced environment while accomplishing multiple tasks within established timeframes
• Ability to satisfactorily complete company training programs
• Perform work in accordance with the Physical/Cognitive Requirements section

Physical/Cognitive Requirements

• Ability to use a personal computer for tasks such as communicating, preparing reports, etc.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and monitor activities across business units
• Ability to complete or oversee the completion of assigned projects in a timely manner
• Ability to comply with health and safety standards