ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Creative Design Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

cabi, LLC

Art & Graphic Design Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $136K/yr

The Art & Graphic Design Director is a strategic and hands-on creative leader responsible for elevating and protecting the brand across all visual touchpoints. This role oversees the development and ...

REVOLVE

Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

This position will report to the Design Director and SVP to help oversee the development ... Strong creative ability that will translate forecast trends in relation to brand's customer

Applied Intuition

Design Director, Brand

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$200 - $302/hr

About the role As Design Director, Brand, you will be responsible for evolving and executing on ... Physical AI Day and Intersect), you will define the creative direction that delights our audiences.

Ford Motor Company

Digital Design Director

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$178K - $218K/yr

Transform innovative ideas into compelling prototypes and high-quality design deliverables, validating technical feasibility and ensuring creative concepts become reality. * Set and uphold the ...

Reevo

Builder - Head of Creative & Brand

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

This is a senior, highly visible role for someone who has led creative or design teams before and ... Conceive and art-direct integrated brand campaigns that drive awareness and reinforce positioning.

TUX Creative Co.

Creative Director

Culver City, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

At TUX, CD require a solid understanding of all facets of creative craft (design, still and motion ... While an CD can rely on the support of their Creative Director for deeper strategic direction, it ...

TikTok

Design Technologist, Ads

San Jose, CA · On-site

$121K - $288K/yr

Campaigns, motion, and visual experiences that elevate brand storytelling, drive user engagement, and generate direct revenue. - Design Technology: Technology for design systems, creative design, and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsCreative Design JobsCreative Design Director JobsCreative Design Director Jobs in California

Creative Design Director information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$118.5K

$177.6K

How much do creative design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative design director in California is $118,485.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $147,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a creative design director do?

A creative design director leads the visual and conceptual aspects of a project or brand, overseeing design teams to develop creative concepts that align with strategic goals. They coordinate with clients and stakeholders, review and approve designs, and ensure consistency across all visual materials, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite. Strong leadership, communication, and a deep understanding of design principles are essential for this role.

Is there a demand for creative design directors?

The demand for creative design directors remains strong across industries such as advertising, media, and technology, as companies seek innovative visual branding and user experiences. These roles often require leadership skills, proficiency in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and a strong portfolio, with employment growth driven by digital marketing and branding needs.

What is the difference between Creative Design Director vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative Design DirectorGraphic Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire creative projects, manages teams, sets design visionCreates visual content, executes design tasks based on briefs
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic thinking, advanced design skillsStrong graphic skills, proficiency in design software
Work EnvironmentCreative agencies, corporate marketing teams, large design firmsDesign studios, marketing departments, freelance work
CredentialsTypically a degree in design, art, or related field; extensive experienceDegree or certification in graphic design or related field

The main difference between a Creative Design Director and a Graphic Designer lies in scope and leadership. The Creative Design Director leads creative teams, sets strategic vision, and manages large projects, while the Graphic Designer focuses on executing specific visual tasks. Both roles require strong design skills, but the director position involves more oversight and strategic planning.

Are creative design directors paid well?

Creative Design Directors typically earn high salaries due to their leadership role in overseeing design teams and projects. Compensation varies by industry, experience, and location but generally includes a base salary plus bonuses and benefits, reflecting the seniority of the position.

How much is a creative design director paid?

A creative design director's average salary typically ranges from $90,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles with extensive portfolios and leadership responsibilities may earn higher compensation, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

What is a creative design director?

A Creative Design Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the visual and creative direction of projects within an organization. They lead design teams, develop creative strategies, and ensure that all visual communications align with the brand’s identity and business goals. Creative Design Directors often collaborate with marketing, product development, and executive teams to deliver cohesive and innovative designs. They combine artistic vision with leadership skills to inspire teams and deliver impactful results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a creative design director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Design Director, you need extensive experience in visual design, branding, and project management, typically backed by a degree in design or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and familiarity with digital asset management systems are essential. Exceptional leadership, collaboration, and communication skills help you inspire teams and articulate creative vision to stakeholders. These competencies ensure the delivery of innovative, cohesive design solutions that align with business goals and client needs.

How does a creative design director typically collaborate with other departments to deliver cohesive brand experiences?

Creative Design Directors frequently work cross-functionally, partnering closely with marketing, product, and development teams to ensure design concepts align with overall business objectives. This collaboration often involves participating in strategy meetings, providing creative direction during project kick-offs, and offering feedback throughout the production process. By fostering open communication and sharing visual guidelines, Creative Design Directors help maintain consistent branding and drive innovative solutions that meet both user needs and business goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Creative Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Design Director jobs in California? For Creative Design Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Design Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Design Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Creative Design Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Creative Design Director job openings:
Creative Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Design Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,485 per year, or $57 per hour.

Art & Graphic Design Director

cabi, LLC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$130K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Art & Graphic Design Director is a strategic and hands-on creative leader responsible for elevating and protecting the brand across all visual touchpoints. This role oversees the development and execution of best-in-class graphic design across digital platforms (email marketing, Shopify, social media, web experiences) and print collateral (campaigns, catalogs, packaging, retail and wholesale materials).

The ideal candidate brings a rare combination of craft and command - a refined design sensibility, strong conceptual thinking, and the art direction instincts to lead a room on shoot day as confidently as they govern a design system. They bring deep digital fluency, deep Shopify expertise, and a strong understanding of how design drives customer experience, conversion, and brand equity.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Leadership & Brand Stewardship

  • Work with Head of Creative & Content to evolve the brand's visual language and lead concept development for campaigns, launches, and seasonal initiatives - ensuring consistency, quality, and innovation across all outputs.
  • Translate brand strategy into compelling, cohesive design systems that scale across channels and seasons.
  • Set and uphold high standards for typography, layout, color, imagery, and craft.

Art Direction

  • Provide confident art direction on photo and video shoots - directing talent, overseeing styling and set, and ensuring each shot delivers on the creative brief and captures the intended fashion story.
  • Translate seasonal creative briefs and campaign concepts into clear visual direction for photographers, videographers, stylists, and talent - ensuring every production element serves the brand narrative.
  • Contribute to image selects and post-production review, ensuring final assets reflect the intended visual story and meet the standard for use across all channels.

Digital Design Excellence

  • Lead design for all email & social media marketing, ensuring visual clarity, performance optimization, and alignment with brand standards.
  • Oversee Shopify and web design, including homepage storytelling, PDPs, landing pages, and seasonal refreshes.
  • Partner closely with eCommerce, Marketing, and UX teams to balance aesthetics with usability, accessibility, and conversion.
  • Stay current on digital trends, platform capabilities, and best practices, applying them thoughtfully to the brand.

Video & Social-First Content Design

  • Partner with the Head of Creative & Content and Integrated Marketing to develop design concepts and visual frameworks for video and social-first content - including reels, stories, campaign video, and platform-native formats.
  • Bring a motion-aware design sensibility to creative development - understand how still design translates to video and contribute upstream thinking on visual storytelling across moving formats.
  • Ensure brand consistency and design quality across social content, balancing platform-native aesthetics with cabi's elevated visual standards.

Team Leadership & Development

  • Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of graphic designers, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and growth.
  • Provide clear creative direction, constructive feedback, and career development support.
  • Oversee workload planning and resource allocation to ensure efficient execution without compromising quality.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Marketing, Merchandising, eCommerce, and Production teams to deliver integrated campaigns and assets.
  • Support field teams with tools and materials that enhance execution and customer experience.
  • Work in close partnership with the Snr. Producer to align design timelines with production schedules, ensuring creative and operational workflows move in lockstep.

Operational Excellence

  • Establish and refine workflows, processes, and design systems to improve efficiency and scalability.
  • Ensure all work aligns with timelines, budgets, and business objectives.

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of art & graphic design experience, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
  • Proven expertise in digital design, including email marketing and social media first assets
  • Deep SHOPIFY experience mandatory
  • Strong background in print design and production is a plus
  • Exceptional portfolio demonstrating brand-led collateral across digital and print.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; familiarity with Figma and digital collaboration tools.
  • Experience in fashion, apparel, or lifestyle brands required; in-house experience strongly preferred over agency-only background.
  • Familiarity with AI tools relevant to design and content creation; curious about emerging applications and able to evaluate where AI drives efficiency without compromising creative quality.

Apply