Art Director - Williams Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the home and lifestyle sector is seeking a Photo Art Director to lead visual storytelling through photography and videography. This role involves collaboration with various teams to create compelling visual content across print and digital platforms. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in food and still life photography, along with strong project management skills. The position offers a dynamic work environment in San Francisco, with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Benefits

Employee discount across all WSI brands

401(k) and investment options

Paid time off, holidays, and volunteer days

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Tax-free commuter benefits

Wellness programs supporting physical, financial, and emotional health

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience as a Photo Art Director in studio and location settings.
• Food/still life photography expertise required.

Responsibilities

• Guide seasonal and campaign shoot planning.
• Lead a team of stylists, producers, and merchandise coordinators with art direction.

Skills

Project Management

Visual Storytelling

Collaboration

Tools

Adobe InDesign

PowerPoint

Figma

Job description

Join to apply for the Photo Art Director - Williams Sonoma role at Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

About the Team
The Creative Team is a dynamic, cross-functional group of talented print, video, and digital marketing designers and production artists. We collaborate closely with editorial, Merchandising, Product Development, and Brand Marketing teams to bring print (catalog and retail), website, emails, and digital assets to life. We foster a creative, supportive environment and aim to build a strong sense of community. This role is based in San Francisco, with the photo studio in Richmond, CA, and involves working across both locations.

Job Description
The Creative Team is a vibrant, collaborative group of designers and artists working across multiple channels. We seek a Photo Art Director to lead the visual storytelling through photography and videography, aligning with brand vision for print, digital, and retail channels. You will partner with the Creative Director/Senior Art Director to define seasonal and project-specific photography directions, overseeing pre-production (talent selection, location scouting, set design, creative briefs), on-set direction, and post-production (editing, layout, video editing). You will lead a team of photographers, videographers, stylists, and producers, ensuring a cohesive creative process. Collaboration with merchandising and creative services is essential to align product and marketing objectives.

Responsibilities

• Guide seasonal and campaign shoot planning
• Organize and brief photo/video shoots with clear direction and visual references
• Lead a team of stylists, producers, and merchandise coordinators with art direction
• Collaborate with video editors during post-production
• Participate in merchandise and pre-production meetings
• Identify issues proactively and develop solutions

Requirements

• 5+ years experience as a Photo Art Director in studio and location settings
• Food/still life photography expertise required
• Proficiency in MAC, Adobe InDesign, PowerPoint, and knowledge of Figma is desirable
• Strong project management skills in a deadline-driven environment
• Reliable personal transportation
• Exceptional visual storytelling skills with a passion for food, home, and entertaining
• Impressive food and/or home portfolio; editorial and retail experience preferred
• Collaborative spirit, receptive to creative feedback, and proactive in contribution
• Business owner mindset with decision-making confidence
• Innovative thinking and support for creative initiatives

Our Culture & Values
We prioritize taking care of our people through equitable, transparent practices, emphasizing connection, growth, and wellbeing.

Benefits

• Employee discount across all WSI brands
• 401(k) and investment options
• Paid time off, holidays, and volunteer days
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including domestic partner benefits
• Tax-free commuter benefits
• Wellness programs supporting physical, financial, and emotional health

Continued Learning & Development

• Educational opportunities through WSI University
• Cross-brand and cross-functional career paths
• Self-development resources and mentorship programs
• Workshops, speaker series, and professional growth initiatives

Note: WSI does not sponsor immigration cases nor offers relocation assistance for this role. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable laws. The starting salary range is $150,000 - $175,000 annually, depending on experience and other factors.