Art Director

Something Special Studios; Los Angeles, New York (CA, NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic creative agency located in Los Angeles is seeking an experienced Art Director to oversee the visual direction of brand campaigns and digital content. The ideal candidate will lead creative production while collaborating with various teams. They're looking for a professional with 6+ years of agency experience, strong design skills, and the ability to drive compelling visual storytelling. This role offers competitive compensation ranging from $120,000 to $170,000 per year.

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.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute culturally-relevant campaign concepts and visual storytelling across various platforms.
• Lead key art direction for photo and video treatments.
• Art direct and oversee shoots to ensure the creative vision is realized.

Skills

Art direction

Creative storytelling

Graphic design

Collaboration

Communication

Job description

NYC or Los Angeles Preferred; Full‑Time 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 branding.
• 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.

The hiring range for this position is $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.