Art Director, Fashion/Retail (Onsite - Chicago)

Our client, a leader in fast-fashion, who is seeing rapid growth, is looking for a seasoned Art Director to join their team. This person must have specific experience with art/creative direction in a fashion/retail environment, with a strong book showcasing ability to support photoshoot/product photography, etc.

This role must be onsite in Chicago; client is willing to provide relocation support for those out of state.

Overview:

We are seeking a fashion-focused Art Director to shape and define our brand through compelling, trend-aware creative execution. This role is responsible for translating who we are as a brand into a cohesive visual language across digital, e-commerce, marketing, and in-store experiences. The Art Director must have a strong point of view, deep awareness of the fashion landscape, and the ability to create a seamless, elevated visual experience that differentiates us from competitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the brand’s visual identity, ensuring it clearly communicates who we are and what sets us apart in the fashion marketplace

• Stay deeply informed on fashion trends, cultural shifts, and the competitive landscape, using insights to guide creative direction and innovation

• Concept and art direct seasonal campaigns, photoshoots, and brand moments that align with trend relevance and brand positioning

• Lead creative direction across e-commerce, site content, email, social, paid media, and in-store visuals, ensuring a cohesive omnichannel experience

• Develop clear creative frameworks, mood boards, shot lists, and visual guidelines that unify all touchpoints

• Partner closely with Marketing, Merchandising, and Production to align creative with product priorities and business goals

• Direct and oversee photo and video shoots, ensuring styling, composition, and execution reflect brand standards and trend direction

• Review and approve creative assets to maintain a high level of aesthetic, accuracy, and consistency

• Manage timelines and workflows to ensure creative is delivered efficiently in a fast-paced retail environment

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and clear creative feedback to designers and creative partners

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as an Art Director, preferably in fashion, retail, or e-commerce

• Strong portfolio demonstrating fashion-forward creative, brand storytelling, and omnichannel execution

• Deep understanding of current and emerging fashion trends and how they translate into commercial creative

• Proven ability to analyze and respond to the competitive landscape with differentiated creative direction

• Experience art directing photo and video shoots (studio and on-location)

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)

• Strong visual instincts paired with strategic thinking

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

Nice to Have

• Experience working across both digital and brick-and-mortar retail

• Knowledge of performance creative, social-first content, and trend-driven storytelling

• Familiarity with motion, video, or experiential retail visuals

Why You’ll Love This Role

• High-impact role with ownership over brand look and feel

• Opportunity to define and evolve a fashion brand’s creative identity

• Collaborative, fast-moving environment with real influence on customer experience

• Space to innovate, push trends forward, and set creative standards

If you are interested in and qualified for those role, please forward your portfolio today!