Art Director

About the role

An established consumer lifestyle and retail brand is seeking a conceptually strong, highly collaborative Art Director on a contract basis. This individual will help shape and execute compelling brand storytelling across integrated marketing channels including campaigns, social media, email, paid media, digital, retail, print, and experiential activations. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable developing big-picture creative concepts and executing the details that bring those ideas to life. Employment Type: W-2 Contractor; Schedule: 40 hours per week; Location: Hybrid, Austin, TX; Duration: Approximately 4 months.

Responsibilities

• Concept & Campaign Development: Develop original, culturally relevant creative concepts aligned with brand strategy and vision.
• Concept & Campaign Development: Lead art direction for integrated campaigns from concept through final execution.
• Concept & Campaign Development: Create cohesive visual systems across digital, social, email, paid media, retail, print, and experiential channels.
• Creative Collaboration: Partner closely with copywriters to develop integrated visual and verbal storytelling.
• Creative Collaboration: Work collaboratively with designers, producers, photographers, videographers, and marketing stakeholders.
• Creative Collaboration: Provide thoughtful creative direction and constructive feedback throughout the creative process.
• Creative Communication: Develop campaign presentations, mood boards, storyboards, and visual explorations.
• Creative Communication: Clearly communicate creative concepts and strategic thinking to stakeholders.
• Creative Communication: Present work to leadership and cross-functional teams while incorporating feedback effectively.
• Photo & Motion Art Direction: Art direct photography and video productions.
• Photo & Motion Art Direction: Participate in pre-production planning, shot development, casting, wardrobe selection, location planning, and on-set direction.
• Photo & Motion Art Direction: Provide post-production feedback to ensure alignment with creative objectives.
• Execution & Brand Stewardship: Ensure creative integrity is maintained throughout production and channel adaptation.
• Execution & Brand Stewardship: Help evolve and strengthen the visual identity while maintaining brand consistency.
• Execution & Brand Stewardship: Transform product attributes, craftsmanship, materials, and seasonal collections into compelling stories.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Project Management: Maintain a high level of creative quality, organization, and attention to detail.

Requirements

• 5–7+ years of experience in art direction, design, or a related creative field.
• Background within fashion, lifestyle, retail, consumer brands, or similar industries preferred.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, integrated campaign development, and visual storytelling.
• Experience taking creative concepts across multiple channels and formats.
• Strong understanding of typography, composition, color, photography, and brand systems.
• Experience directing photography and motion content.
• Proficiency with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong presentation, communication, and storytelling skills.

Skills

• Passion for both strategic creative thinking and executional excellence.
• Ability to work within established brand guidelines while driving innovation.
• Strong creative point of view balanced with collaboration and openness to feedback.
• Ability to balance ambitious creative ideas with practical business needs.
• Adaptability in a fast-moving environment with shifting priorities.
• Interest in culture, style, storytelling, and modern lifestyle brands.

Pay

The pay for this W-2 position ranges from $42-44 per hour.

Benefits

This position may be eligible for PTO, health and dental insurance