Manager Art Direction

Netflix; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 198,000 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plans

401(k) Retirement Plan

Flexible time off

Job summary

Netflix is seeking a Manager for Art Direction to shape the visual language for Netflix Experiences. This role involves translating creative concepts into tangible elements across physical spaces while ensuring a high standard of aesthetic quality.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in various design fields, demonstrating a strong portfolio in art direction and graphic design. Benefits include a flexible compensation package, comprehensive health plans, and robust paid leave policies.

Qualifications

• Must have experience in art direction across various design environments.
• Ability to direct both physical environments and digital media.
• Proven experience in applying brand strategy.

Responsibilities

• Define visual language and aesthetic standards for physical stories.
• Architect overarching creative vision for Netflix Experiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leads throughout design and production.

Skills

Art direction

Environmental design

Graphic design

Communication skills

Digital design tools

Education

10+ years experience

Tools

SketchUp

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we are writing the next episode - pushing the boundaries of storytelling, global fandom and making the unimaginable a reality. We are a dream team obsessed with the uncomfortable excitement of discovering what happens when you merge creativity, intuition and cutting‑edge technology. Come be a part of what’s next.

The Team

Our Experiences team puts fans at the center of their favorite stories, in real life, through permanent entertainment venues, Netflix House, and touring attractions around the world. Netflix Houses are our permanent, always‑on, constantly refreshable entertainment venues, where guests can step into their favorite stories. We aim for these experiences, along with our merchandise offerings, to foster a lasting love for our titles, making them part of the zeitgeist for extended periods and driving long‑term value for Netflix.

The Role

As Manager - Art Direction for Netflix Experiences, you will define the visual language and aesthetic standards for how our stories live in the physical world. Your work exists at the intersection of conceptual art, environmental architecture, and narrative design. Partnering with the Creative Director, Creative Managers, and Producers, you will push our physical aesthetics beyond standard execution into highly conceptual, immersive environments. You are a designer who can take a broad creative idea and establish a rigorous visual throughline all the way from initial sketch through final production. Ultimately, you will guide a diverse network of creative partners and agencies to ensure that our physical spaces match the premium quality of the stories on screen.

Key responsibilities

• Architect and evolve the overarching creative vision and visual language for Netflix Experiences, continuously raising the aesthetic bar for attractions, environments, and immersive spaces.
• Translate team discussions and charettes into clear, creative outputs, including concepts, layouts, illustrations, drawings, mood boards, and/or 3D models, to document and advance the design process.
• Oversee concept art, scenic packages, color and material boards, style guides, lighting direction, and show set documentation, while providing clear, actionable feedback to internal teams and external vendors.
• Evangelize and translate the Netflix Experiences brand strategy, visual identity, and experiential pillars into the day‑to‑day art direction details to ensure a creative throughline; be able to articulate the “why” behind our design decisions across various internal and external partners.
• Develop art direction packages & reference materials for external vendors, from design through production phases, to clearly articulate the design direction at all working levels. This may include mood boards, material references, texture references, color design, graphics design, and redlined shop drawings.
• Work with cross‑functional leads to protect the Creative connective thread to all other work streams, including Marketing, Operations, Retail, Food & Beverage, and Attraction Production.
• Collaborate with the Production Designers to define and realize proof‑of‑concept mockups.
• Be on‑site to oversee creative excellence during the construction, installation, and programming phase on site.
• Benchmark new and existing attractions, visit relevant trade shows, and attend seminars to always be at the forefront of innovation and new directions for our industry.
• Oversee production phases by reviewing material boards, visiting fabrication vendors, and providing reference materials during production kick‑offs.
• Stay current on design trends, materials, and technologies, and bring fresh visual inspiration that elevates Netflix Experiences.

Qualifications / Experience

• Demonstrated 10+ years of experience in art direction across environments, hospitality design, exhibition design, theatrical design, or location‑based entertainment industry, with a strong combination of studio and onsite experience.
• Demonstrated experience in applying brand strategy & visual identity to principles of design and actual design direction.
• Understanding and ability to direct both physical environments and digital media.
• Must have experience working with both temporary and long‑lasting environments.
• A keen understanding of IP in environmental design and various applications of IP in design.
• A dynamic portfolio demonstrating strong experience in graphic design, color design, and building comprehensive art direction packages that have resulted in a body of best‑in‑class creative and experiential projects.
• A portfolio of diverse and different design styles and mediums showcasing a desire to try out new things.
• A passion to innovate, finding new ways of creating an emotional connection to our guests.
• Skilled deployment of digital design tools such as SketchUp, Maya, Blender, Rhino; plus design/illustration tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, In‑Design, etc. (note: we’re not bound to a specific program)
• In‑depth knowledge of production methods and materials, finishes.
• Ability to make difficult (yet informed) decisions, always in the best interest of Netflix.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and digitally.
• Excellent organizing skills using digital tools and Google Workspace.
• Global experience preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Generally, our compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary; we do not have bonuses. You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To determine your personal top‑of‑market compensation, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to determine your compensation in the market range. The range for this role is $198,000.00 - $310,000.00.

Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Health Plans, Mental Health support, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, Family‑forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs. Full‑time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full‑time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more details about our Benefits here.

Netflix is a unique culture and environment. Learn more here.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.