Photo Art Director - Williams Sonoma
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. · San Francisco, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $175,000 / year
- San Francisco, CA
Job highlights
- Lead creative vision for photo and video shoots.
- Concept to post-production management of shoots.
- Direct photographers, stylists, and producers.
- Collaborate on seasonal campaigns and projects.
- Utilize emerging creative tools, including AI.
About the role
About the Team
The Creative Team is a dynamic, cross-functional group of talented print, video and digital marketing designers and production artists. We partner closely with our editorial counterparts to bring our catalogs, retail materials, website, emails and digital assets to life. We also collaborate with cross-functional teams across Merchandising, Product Development and Brand Marketing, among others. We value sharing ideas, supporting one another and creating an environment where great work—and a strong sense of community—can thrive. This role is based in San Francisco, with regular work at our photo studio in Richmond, CA.About The Role
The Photo Art Director is responsible for bringing the creative vision of the brand to life through photography and video across all channels, including print, digital, social and retail. You will partner closely with the Creative Director and Senior Art Director to help shape the visual direction for seasonal campaigns and special projects. This role leads the creative development of photo and video shoots from concept through post-production, including talent input, location scouting, set design and on-set direction. You will collaborate with photographers, videographers, stylists and producers to deliver compelling visual storytelling that reflects the Williams Sonoma brand. As new technologies continue to evolve, familiarity with AI-enabled creative tools for ideation, planning and content development is a welcome addition to your toolkit. Prior to each shoot, you will partner with merchants and creative services to gain a clear understanding of product priorities and marketing objectives, translating them into strong creative solutions.Responsibilities
- Contribute to seasonal creative planning and help guide individual shoot concepts
- Plan, organize and brief photo and video shoots with clear direction and visual references
- Provide art direction on set, leading a team of photographers, videographers, food and prop stylists, producers and merchandise coordinators
- Collaborate with video editors and creative partners through post-production and final asset delivery
- Attend merchandise reviews and pre-production meetings to ensure alignment on product and marketing priorities
- Identify potential challenges early and propose thoughtful creative solutions
Criteria
- 5+ years of experience as a Photo Art Director, with both studio and location shoot experience
- A strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in food and/or home photography
- Experience working on editorial or retail photography is preferred
- Proficiency on Mac platforms and Adobe InDesign for image placement and cropping
- Proficiency in PowerPoint; familiarity with Figma is a plus
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to contribute meaningfully to a creative team
- Ability to give and receive thoughtful creative feedback
- Curiosity about emerging creative tools and technologies, including AI-enabled tools that support concept development and content creation
- Personal transportation required
Our Culture & Values
We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing. People First Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:Benefits
- A generous discount on all WSI brands
- A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
- Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer
- Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits
- Tax-free commuter benefits
- A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health
Continued Learning
- In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University
- Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
- Resources for self-development
- Advisor (Mentor) program
- Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series
About Us
Our Company Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.Key skills/competency
- Photo Art Direction
- Creative Vision
- Photography and Video Production
- Team Leadership
- Brand Storytelling
- Post-Production Collaboration
- AI Creative Tools
- Merchandise Alignment
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Portfolio Excellence
Skills & topics
- Photo Art Director
- Art Direction
- Photography
- Videography
- Creative Director
- Brand Marketing
- Content Creation
- Adobe InDesign
- Mac Platform
- AI Tools
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 5+ years of photo art direction experience, studio/location shoot expertise, and food/home photography portfolio.
- Showcase your portfolio: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates strong visual storytelling and aligns with retail/editorial aesthetics.
- Emphasize collaboration: Mention your experience leading creative teams and collaborating with cross-functional partners.
- Research Williams Sonoma: Understand their brand aesthetic and values to tailor your application and interview responses.
- Prepare for feedback: Be ready to discuss how you give and receive creative feedback during your interview.
Technical preparation
Master Adobe InDesign for image placement.,Develop expertise in PowerPoint for presentations.,Familiarize with Figma for design collaboration.,Explore AI tools for creative ideation.
Behavioral questions
How do you lead creative teams on set?,Describe a time you translated objectives into creative solutions.,How do you give and receive creative feedback?,How do you manage multiple projects under deadlines?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities of a Photo Art Director at Williams Sonoma?
- As a Photo Art Director at Williams Sonoma, you will be responsible for bringing the brand's creative vision to life through photography and video across all channels. This includes leading the creative development of shoots from concept to post-production, directing on-set teams, and collaborating with various departments to ensure alignment with product priorities and marketing objectives.
- What experience is required for the Photo Art Director role at Williams Sonoma?
- The role requires at least 5 years of experience as a Photo Art Director, with demonstrated experience in both studio and location shoots. A strong portfolio showcasing excellence in food and/or home photography is essential, and experience with editorial or retail photography is preferred.
- What technical skills are needed for this Photo Art Director position?
- Proficiency on Mac platforms and Adobe InDesign for image placement and cropping is required. Familiarity with PowerPoint is essential, and experience with Figma is considered a plus. Additionally, curiosity and familiarity with AI-enabled creative tools for ideation and content development are valued.
- Does Williams Sonoma offer relocation assistance for the Photo Art Director role?
- No, this role is not eligible for relocation assistance. Candidates will need to be able to work in San Francisco, with regular work at their photo studio in Richmond, CA.
- What is the salary range for the Photo Art Director position at Williams Sonoma?
- The expected starting pay range for this position is $150,000 - $175,000 per year. Actual pay will be determined by factors such as experience and other job-related qualifications.
- How important is a portfolio for the Photo Art Director application at Williams Sonoma?
- A strong portfolio is critical for the Photo Art Director role at Williams Sonoma. It should clearly demonstrate your excellence in food and/or home photography and your ability to translate creative vision into compelling visual storytelling that aligns with the brand.
- What kind of creative environment can I expect at Williams Sonoma?
- Williams Sonoma's Creative Team is described as dynamic and collaborative, valuing shared ideas and mutual support. They aim to foster an environment where great work and a strong sense of community can thrive, working across print, video, and digital marketing.
- Are there opportunities for continued learning and career growth at Williams Sonoma?
- Yes, Williams Sonoma offers various opportunities for continued learning, including in-person and online courses through WSI University, cross-brand and cross-function career paths, and resources for self-development such as an advisor program and career development workshops.