Established in 2012, APPARATUS is a New York-based design studio that explores the relationship of lighting, furniture and objects in immersive environments, threading the historical and the cultural through a modern lens.
APPARATUS is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, Art Director to join our Art Department in a new phase of brand growth. This role provides the opportunity to work collaboratively, explore the visual and narrative, execute from concept to completion, a broad scope of work with which to communicate the APPARATUS ethos across all channels and touchpoints.
In addition to substantive professional experience, the ideal Art Director has an education in the Arts and a passion for contemporary culture, design and fashion that provides a wellspring of creative reference points. A natural confidence in self-expression, written and verbal communication is essential.
The Art Department is led by the VP : Art Department and managed by the Senior Creative Producer. Initiatives and deliverables are informed through close collaboration with both Sales and Brand Departments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with the VP : Art Department to develop and execute all aspects of brand presentation.
- Develop photographic concepts and oversee photoshoots in collaboration with the
VP : Art Department and SVP Creative. - Supervise post-production and delivery of all brand photography and filmography.
- Identify opportunities for creative development and deployment.
- Deliver high-level work and assets aligned with Sales and Marketing objectives and calendar.
- Develop brand presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.
- Research market trends and the competitive landscape.
- Maintain a cohesive and consistent brand voice on all channels.
- Ideate original graphics, copy, social media, motion, and other marketing materials.
- Delegate and supervise in-house team and freelance support, when applicable.
- Obtain stakeholder approval by presenting final layouts, storyboards, and illustrations, encouraging feedback, and responding to direction and requests.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in fine art, graphic design, or similar discipline.
- 5+ years as a professional Art Director in the interior design, agency, luxury or fashion sector.
- Strong portfolio showcasing elevated visual design, typography, and conceptual skills.
- Experience gaining consensus among a diverse group of stakeholders.
- Critical thinker who can anticipate roadblocks and proactively address issues.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively; ability to drive for results.
- Solid experience in post-production supervision.
- Strong understanding and focus on social media platforms is imperative.
- Excellent time-management skills and ability to deliver within tight timelines.
- Natural creative talent leadership.
- Strong creative POV with an understanding of business objectives.
- Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite with an emphasis on motion.
WORK SCHEDULE
- Full-time studio hours: Monday–Friday generally 10:00AM–6:00PM.
- Longer hours and weekend availability as needed.
PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND CHECK-INS SCHEDULE
- Weekly check-ins.
- Annual performance review.
Salary from $110,000
This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is based in our New York studio. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Top Skills
What We Do
APPARATUS is a New York based interdisciplinary design studio that explores the relationship of lighting, furniture and objects in their environments. Predicated on the modernist principle of gesamtkunstwerk, or total work of art, fully articulated collections reveal individual pieces as artifacts of a holistic world - each referencing the historical and cultural mood summoned by a singular vision. Founded in 2012, APPARATUS is led by Artistic Director, Gabriel Hendifar and operates galleries in New York and Los Angeles that communicate the studio’s singular design ethos. “I approach the work of the studio with the belief that objects are accessories to the human experience and enrich the way we live. My aim is to create work that leaves an emotional imprint, drawing on the language of seduction and sensuality to leave you with the desire to touch.” - Gabriel Hendifar APPARATUS creates each piece with a devotion to the rigor of small studio craftsmanship, centering the importance of the human hand in lending soul to an object. Sensual materials such as marble, suede, horsehair, lacquer and porcelain are combined with hand-patinated brass in the studio’s dedicated New York factory to create it’s distinctive catalog. Underpinning every piece, whether it be a light fixture or a chair, is a deft balance between mechanization and the hand-made, striving equally for the contradictions of perfection and the beautiful irregularity of humanity.
