Photo Art Director

About the Team 

The Creative Team is a dynamic cross functional team of talented, print, video and digital marketing designers and production artists. We work closely with our editorial counterparts to make our print (catalog and retail), website, emails and digital assets come alive. We also collaborate closely with our cross-functional partners in Merchandising, Product Development and Brand Marketing to name a few. We are all about sharing creative ideas and supporting each other to not only do our best work, but also to build a strong sense of family and community. Come join our team! This role is based in San Francisco, and our photo studio is in Richmond, CA. You will work between both locations. 

About the Role

The Photo Art Director is responsible for bringing the creative vision of the brand to life through photography and videography for all channels, including print, digital and retail.  You will work closely with the Creative Director/ Senior Art Director to help define the direction of photography for each season and special projects. 

Your role will begin with pre-production selecting talent, location scouting, set design and writing creative briefs) to providing on-set direction through post-production (editing film, placing images in layout and working with video editors). 

You will be the creative lead on a team of photographers, videographers, producers, and stylists, and facilitate a collaborative creative process with your team.  Prior to shooting, you will also partner with merchants and creative services, to gain a clear understanding of products and marketing objectives and provide strategic and creative solutions. 

Responsibilities:

• Work on upfront seasonal planning to guide individual shoot planning 
• Plan, organize and brief photo and video shoots with clear direction, visual examples, and 
• Lead a team of food and prop stylists, producers and merchandise coordinators by providing clear art direction on photoshoots
• Work with video editor on post-product and editing, as needed
• Attend all merchandise and pre-production meetings 
• Independently identify issues and resolutions

Criteria:

• 5 + years experience as a Photo Art Director, both location and studio
• Food/Still life photography experience required
• Knowledge of MAC and Adobe InDesign for placing and cropping images. 
• Proficiency in Powerpoint, knowledge of Figma desirable
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects at once in a deadline-driven environment
• Requires use of personal transportation
• Strong visual storytelling capabilities, coupled with passion for, and fresh perspective on food, shelter and entertaining.
• Have a beautiful food and/or home portfolio. Editorial and/or retail experience is welcome.
• Love to work collaboratively in a group, you have an innate willingness to dig in and contribute with your team
• Have an ability to give and receive productive creative feedback to grow and challenge yourself and your team
• Are a true business owner; comfortable with decision making and calculated risk taking for the benefit of your business
• Think innovation is critical in a business environment and support others in creative thinking

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 annually. 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.