Art Director

Mathys+Potestio / The Creative Party®; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health insurance

401(k) benefits

Job summary

Mathys+Potestio / The Creative Party® is seeking a contract Art Director to craft and oversee brand storytelling across campaigns, social, email, and retail activations. This role demands both big-picture concepting and hands-on execution, collaborating with writers, designers, photographers, and producers.

The position is a W-2 contractor with a 40-hour workweek in a hybrid setting based in Austin, TX, lasting roughly four months.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience in art direction, design, or a related creative field.

Responsibilities

• Lead art direction for integrated campaigns from concept through final execution.
• Develop original, culturally relevant creative concepts aligned with brand strategy and vision.
• Create cohesive visual systems across digital, social, email, paid media, retail, print, and experiential channels.

Skills

Art direction

Brand storytelling

Campaign development

Integrated campaigns

Typography

Presentation

Leadership

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma

Job description

Job Summary

An established consumer lifestyle and retail brand is seeking a conceptually strong, highly collaborative Art Director on a contract basis. This individual will help shape and execute compelling brand storytelling across integrated marketing channels including campaigns, social media, email, paid media, digital, retail, print, and experiential activations. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable developing big-picture creative concepts and executing the details that bring those ideas to life.

• Employment Type: W-2 Contractor
• Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Location: Hybrid, Austin, TX
• Duration: Approximately 4 months

Job Title

Contract Art Director

Employment Details

• Employment Type: W-2 Contractor
• Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Location: Hybrid, Austin, TX
• Duration: Approximately 4 months

Key Responsibilities

• Develop original, culturally relevant creative concepts aligned with brand strategy and vision.
• Lead art direction for integrated campaigns from concept through final execution.
• Create cohesive visual systems across digital, social, email, paid media, retail, print, and experiential channels.

Creative Collaboration

• Partner closely with copywriters to develop integrated visual and verbal storytelling.
• Work collaboratively with designers, producers, photographers, videographers, and marketing stakeholders.
• Provide thoughtful creative direction and constructive feedback throughout the creative process.

Creative Communication

• Develop campaign presentations, mood boards, storyboards, and visual explorations.
• Clearly communicate creative concepts and strategic thinking to stakeholders.
• Present work to leadership and cross-functional teams while incorporating feedback effectively.

Photo & Motion Art Direction

• Art direct photography and video productions.
• Participate in pre-production planning, shot development, casting, wardrobe selection, location planning, and on-set direction.
• Provide post-production feedback to ensure alignment with creative objectives.

Execution & Brand Stewardship

• Ensure creative integrity is maintained throughout production and channel adaptation.
• Help evolve and strengthen the visual identity while maintaining brand consistency.
• Transform product attributes, craftsmanship, materials, and seasonal collections into compelling stories.

Project Management

• Manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain a high level of creative quality, organization, and attention to detail.

Required Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience in art direction, design, or a related creative field.
• Background within fashion, lifestyle, retail, consumer brands, or similar industries preferred.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, integrated campaign development, and visual storytelling.
• Experience taking creative concepts across multiple channels and formats.
• Strong understanding of typography, composition, color, photography, and brand systems.
• Experience directing photography and motion content.
• Proficiency with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong presentation, communication, and storytelling skills.

Preferred Attributes

• Passion for both strategic creative thinking and executional excellence.
• Ability to work within established brand guidelines while driving innovation.
• Strong creative point of view balanced with collaboration and openness to feedback.
• Ability to balance ambitious creative ideas with practical business needs.
• Adaptability in a fast-moving environment with shifting priorities.
• Interest in culture, style, storytelling, and modern lifestyle brands.

Pay & Benefits Statement

The pay for this W-2 position ranges from $42-44 per hour. This position may be eligible for PTO, health and dental insurance, and/or 401(k) benefits upon meeting certain length of service and hours requirements.

Mathys+Potestio values applicants of all backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.