Creative Director - Production (Contractor) Job at Artisan Council in New York

Artisan Council, based in downtown NYC, is a boutique digital marketing agency empowering progressive brands within the constantly evolving social and digital landscape. We believe in the power of fans and stans—and build brand loyalty through community involvement, authentic storytelling, and innovative content.

Our team is passionate about diversity, community, content, culture, and trying things first. We're looking for people who share our passion, people who live and breathe beauty, understand how to lead high-quality production, communicate with empathy, and help others succeed.

Artisan Council is seeking a Creative Director (3-month contract) with deep experience in content production, directing talent, and leading on-set creative for several upcoming large-scale shoots and multi-deliverable campaigns.

Reporting to AC’s Creative Director, you will bring sharp creative instincts, strong production sensibilities, calm leadership under pressure, and the ability to translate brand strategy into high-impact content captured efficiently and beautifully on set.

Together, we’re dedicated to building each other up, helping each other grow, and achieving great things as a team.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Our mission is to create a happy, safe, considerate, and inspiring work environment for all.

What will you be responsible for during this project?

• Develop campaign concepts, treatments, and shot lists aligned with brand objectives
• Lead creative during pre-production: casting recommendations, visual direction, styling + prop notes, references
• Act as the primary on-set creative lead—directing talent, guiding performance, overseeing framing/pace/tone
• Ensure all planned deliverables are captured efficiently and at high quality
• Provide selects guidance and direct creative in post-production (rough cuts, refinements, final approvals)
• Maintain brand identity and creative consistency across all phases of production
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors; clearly communicate vision and feedback
• Manage creative timelines and adapt quickly to real-time challenges

What kind of skills should you have?

Please note carefully. Applicants without this experience will not be considered.

• 4+ years in creative direction or art direction with a strong emphasis on live-action production and on-set leadership
• Proven experience directing video/photo shoots for beauty, D2C, or consumer brands
• Strong instincts in storytelling, composition, and directing talent
• Solid understanding of production workflows and post-production processes
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to operate independently, solve problems in real time, and manage deadlines
• Familiarity with Google Suite and project management tools (Asana, Trello, etc.)
• Basic editing understanding, GenAI pre-vis experience.

Project Fee & Timeline:

• $8,500-$10,000/month