Director, Art & Design - Columbia

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 Director, Art + Design you will play a key role in producing the core suite of creative assets for an exciting roster of artists.  You will work within the internal teams, artists, and managers.  This is a unique opportunity to be involved in multiple creative aspects of our artists’ visuals that encompasses all aspects of design, photography, creation of album packaging and artwork, illustration, graphic animation and more.  

What you'll do:

• Partner with internal departments, artists, and management to conceptualize and contribute to unique visual identities that define and amplify Columbia’s artists.
• Contribute to the development of an artist’s visual world to help ensure cohesive storytelling across various mediums. Serve as a strategic creative partner, ensuring visual elements are aligned with the artist’s voice, positioning, and strategy.
• Create and facilitate core physical and digital creative assets across artist roster - including album covers, photo shoots, physical music packaging, artist logos, assets for all social media and streaming services, tour assets, ads, and more 
• Oversee the physical product production process - ensure the final product is made to spec.
• Design and maintain the artist’s online visual ecosystem — from website design and interactive experiences to consistent aesthetics across social platforms and digital campaigns.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate across various internal groups (Marketing, Digital, Content, video production, etc.)
• Navigate creative approvals with senior level stakeholders 
• Participate in creative research for artist pitches, and campaigns and work on artist presentations 
• Maintain strict creative and production standards. 
• Enhance a strong culture based on creative excellence and achievement of strategic objectives

Who you are:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Fine Arts, Visual Communication, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
• Experience:
  • 6+ years of experience in graphic design, art direction, or creative roles within the music, entertainment, or advertising industries.
  • Proven track record of creating visual branding for artists or other high-profile projects.
  • Experience with digital and physical design, including music packaging, social media, and promotional assets.
• Portfolio:
  • A strong and diverse portfolio showcasing expertise in branding, web design, packaging, and promotional materials.
• Project Management:
  • Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines and maintaining high creative standards.
• Industry Knowledge:
  • Understanding of the music industry and artist development process, including knowledge of current design and marketing trends

Skills:

• Design & Technical Expertise:
  • Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
  • Familiarity with web design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
  • Understanding of UI/UX principles for web design.
  • Knowledge of motion graphics tools (e.g., After Effects) is a bonus.
• Art Direction:
  • Strong conceptual thinking and ability to lead creative direction for projects.
  • Expertise in crafting artist logos, album covers, physical product packaging, tour materials, and brand identities.
• Communication & Collaboration:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey creative ideas effecti