About Sony Music Entertainment
At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We've played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We've nurtured some of music's most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time.
Today, we work in more than 70 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we're committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship.
Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies.
As an Art Director, you will be tasked with conceptualizing, creating, and managing our artists' visual world. This world comes to life via mood boards, directing photoshoots, and creating or directing single or album artwork imagery and packaging.
We are looking for someone who can bring the artists' creative vision to life as a visual language for the artists' internal team and management team to utilize for the life of the project.You willwork very closely with the Marketing and Digital teams from the start to end of the project.
What you'll do:- Lead the conceptualization and execution of visual campaigns for album launches, and single rollouts.
- Develop and maintain strong visual branding for artists - from logo systems to full identity suites.
- Collaborate with marketing, video and digital teams to ensure cohesive storytelling across all touch points.
- Discover, develop and maintain relationships with current and emerging creative talent, including photographers, stylists, illustrators, designers, etc.
- Conceive, art direct and manage photoshoots ensuring visual consistency.
- Manage design timelines, deliverables, and budgets while upholding artistic quality.
- Direct and/or design logos and identity for artists as well as company marketing and initiatives.
- Conceptualize and design packaging for both retail and artistD2C stores. This includesbut is not limited to:CD, cassette, multiple vinyl configurations
. - Edit photo shoots, manage, and direct the retouching/post of images.
- Commission&negotiate fees and direct outside creatives including photographers, stylists, make-up artist, prop stylists, hair stylists, illustrators, and designers.
- Oversee an individual artist roster while also working with the team to collaborate on projects.
- Participate in team meetings, weekly project updates, creative brainstorms, artist meetings and department meetings.
- Present and pitch creative concepts directly to artists, management, and executives.
- Stay on top of trends in music, fashion, design, and youth culture to inform forward-thinking visuals.
- 9+ years of experience in art direction or design, ideally in music, fashion, media, or entertainment.
- A portfolio that demonstrates strong conceptual thinking, impeccable design skills, and a bold, unique visual voice.
- You can multitask, prioritize, and manage multiple deadlines and urgent tasks.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Experience overseeing photo from pre-production to post.
- Strong ability to lead projects and inspire both internal teams and external collaborators.
- Excellent communication skills and confidence working directly with artists and their teams.