Manager, CGI Art Director - Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen

Williams-Sonoma

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, CGI/AI Art Director role drives the look, feel, and execution of photorealistic product imagery across CGI, AI, and in-studio digital photography. This role translates business needs into compelling visual content that enhances customer engagement and drives revenue. You will lead high-volume Photo-AI-driven image production while contributing to CGI and digital photography initiatives. Success requires a highly organized, process and detail-oriented creative leader who thrives in structured workflows, maintains accuracy at speed, and operates within defined brand production standards. Working cross-functionally, you will translate creative direction into consistent, on-brand photorealistic imagery across ecommerce and digital channels. This includes prompt development, image refinement, scene direction, asset management, quality assurance, and workflow optimization. A strong foundation in interiors, architecture, photography, lighting, composition, decorating, and emerging AI-driven creative tools is essential.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Art / Design
2–5+ years working in 3D photorealistic imaging; experience managing CG creative and/or production teams is a plus
Professional experience in photography, CGI design, rendering, or AI-generated imagery with a portfolio emphasizing interior design, home furnishings, and/or architecture
Strong understanding of photo art direction, CGI/rendering, and AI image creation
Experience in photorealistic rendering and digital image creation using CG software (AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Maya, Blender, etc.) and rendering tools (Vray, Octane, Corona, FStormRender) is a plus or AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Midjourney, etc.)
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Airtable, and file management systems. Figma knowledge is a plus
Experience in model and material preparation for rendering and all pre- and post-rendering tasks
On-set photography and studio experience a plus (production planning, prop sourcing, lighting, post-production workflows)
Experience working with high-volume asset development and management
Demonstrated success developing and refining processes within an organization
Excellent people and project management skills
Strong organizational skills, time management, and ability to multitask and prioritize
Ability to balance creative excellence with business goals and ecommerce objectives
Strong understanding of what inspires customer purchase decisions and required visual information for ecommerce
Macro-to-micro thinking: able to understand big-picture digital strategy while executing daily creative tasks
Strong understanding of architecture, interiors, decorating, materials, lighting, and composition
High taste level, discerning eye, and advanced artistic sensibilities in interior design composition, lighting, texture, and color
Ability to work with urgency in a fast-paced, reactive environment
Process-oriented, solution-driven mindset with strong attention to detail
Agile and adaptable in an evolving content creation landscape

Nice To Haves

Experience managing CG creative and/or production teams
Experience in photorealistic rendering and digital image creation using CG software (AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Maya, Blender, etc.) and rendering tools (Vray, Octane, Corona, FStormRender)
Figma knowledge
On-set photography and studio experience (production planning, prop sourcing, lighting, post-production workflows)

Responsibilities

Provide art direction, interior design, and styling of room scenes for photorealistic photo, CGI/rendering, and AI image outputs (architecture; interior/exterior environments; materials; composition; lighting; propping; window scenes; crops; post-production; color temperature; retouching direction; etc.)
Translate art direction into structured AI prompts to produce consistent, on-brand imagery for high-volume single- and multi-SKU needs
Generate, review, refine, version, and QA AI, CGI, and photographic imagery with extreme attention to detail
Ensure assets are presented and shared in final and intended crops
Maintain full ownership and responsibility for assets produced on-set and digitally, contributing to end-to-end planning, execution, and post-production
Coordinate prop and product pairings with Art Direction and Styling teams; edit, make shot direction calls, approve selects, oversee lighting and retouching notes
Provide feedback and direction during collaborative reviews, proofing, and QA processes
Ensure strict adherence to brand standards, style guides, and visual guidelines
Develop and maintain Photo / CGI / AI visual standards for lighting, composition, and room environments by product category
Support high-volume AI image production within structured workflows
Maintain highly organized file structures, naming conventions, tracking documents, and asset libraries
Build and contribute to Photo / CGI / AI libraries (models, materials, scenes, props) and optimize asset reuse strategies
Identify inconsistencies or production challenges and proactively recommend solutions
Refine Photo / CGI / AI pipeline workflows, tools, and processes
Support documentation and continuous improvement of processes as efficiencies and learnings are identified
Manage time effectively to meet high-volume production deadlines
Demonstrate strong attention to detail in final outputs
Collaborate with Creative Operations, Art Direction, Site & Photo Merchant partners, Post-Production, Product Design, and Digital Design teams
Communicate clearly cross-functionally to ensure assets are compelling, on-brand, on-deadline, and efficiently project-managed
Project manage delivery schedules and milestones for creative development, modeling/rendering, image outputs, and production timelines
Collaborate with product designers, photography, post-production, and merchant teams for asset approvals
Attend corporate creative meetings to maintain alignment with business goals and creative direction
Recruit, direct, and/or mentor third-party CGI/AI vendors and artists as needed
Proactively identify talent or resource gaps that may affect quality or delivery
Research and compile inspiration/references for Photo, CGI, Render, and AI creative planning
Research photography, styling, interiors, art/design trends, talent, vendors, and best-in-class partners
Stay current on emerging AI tools, creative technologies, and competitive landscape
Bring cost-effective creative ideas and solutions while supporting asset development and brand growth
Contribute to the development and maintenance of style guides, creative tools, and visual strategy
Demonstrate strong storytelling and narrative capability in visual execution

Benefits

A generous discount on all WSI brands
A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer
Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits
Tax-free commuter benefits
A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health
In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University
Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
Resources for self-development
Advisor (Mentor) program
Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series