Photo Art Director - Williams Sonoma
Williams-Sonoma, Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States
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
Comfort with decision‑making and calculated creative risk‑taking
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
WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H‑1B or other employment‑based immigration).
This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.
The expected starting pay range for this position is $150,000 - $175,000. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job‑related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.
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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
Comfort with decision‑making and calculated creative risk‑taking
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
WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H‑1B or other employment‑based immigration).
This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.
The expected starting pay range for this position is $150,000 - $175,000. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job‑related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.
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