1

Founder Creative Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Art Director

New York, NY ยท On-site

$132K - $138K/yr

The Art Director will partner closely with the Founder & Creative Director to help define the creative direction of the brand, while also bringing forward original ideas, concepts, and points of view ...

About selfpublishing.com Creative Director (Social Content + Strategy) Austin, TX (West Lake Hills ... Check out our founder's TEDx talk here). At SelfPublishing.com , we empower purpose-driven people ...

... using our founder's original recipe. The brand's iconic Hot Light lets consumers know when ... Krispy Kreme's is seeking a dynamic and experienced Creative Director to lead our team of designers ...

... using our founder's original recipe. The brand's iconic Hot Light lets consumers know when ... Krispy Kreme's is seeking a dynamic and experienced Creative Director to lead our team of designers ...

Hybrid Job Summary The Group Creative Director is an experienced creative problem solver and team ... Inspired by Hard Work In everything we do, we honor the hardworking legacy of our founder, Hamilton ...

Associate Creative Director Location: Austin, TX (hybrid) Are you a creative force to be reckoned ... Legendairy Milk is an Austin-based, woman-founded, founder-led supplement brand built for women ...

Unlike a traditional Creative Director who only delegates execution, you will also personally ... Collaboration & Growth (5%) * Founder Alignment: Partner directly with the co-founders to ensure ...

Unlike a traditional Creative Director who only delegates execution, you will also personally ... Collaboration & Growth (5%) * Founder Alignment: Partner directly with the co-founders to ensure ...

The Executive Creative Director (ECD) will define and elevate the creative vision of the brand ... Strong collaborator, comfortable working cross-functionally in a fast-paced, founder-led ...

Director Creative Content Marketing

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

BluZinc has been asked by the Founder & CEO of a fast-growth, digital-first company to appoint a Creative Director / Head of Content. This is a confidential search being led by Jonathan Pearson, CEO ...

VP, Creative

West Hollywood, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $250K/yr

This role will collaborate closely with the brand founder and Creative Director, Patrick Ta, to develop strategic and disruptive campaigns that bring his creative vision and brand aesthetic to life ...

VP, Creative

West Hollywood, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $250K/yr

This role will collaborate closely with the brand founder and Creative Director, Patrick Ta, to develop strategic and disruptive campaigns that bring his creative vision and brand aesthetic to life ...

Partner closely with the executive team to translate company and founder vision into brand and ... as a Creative Director or Group Creative Director; strong strategic foundation paired with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Founder Creative Director information

See salary details

$43K

$129.3K

$216.5K

How much do founder creative director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for founder creative director in the United States is $129,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,500.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Founder Creative Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Founder Creative Director, you need a strong background in visual design, branding, and creative strategy, often supported by a portfolio showcasing successful projects and leadership experience. Mastery of design software like Adobe Creative Suite, familiarity with project management tools, and knowledge of current digital marketing trends are typically required. Visionary thinking, effective communication, and the ability to inspire and manage creative teams are essential soft skills. These capabilities drive innovation, build cohesive brand identities, and ensure the successful execution of creative projects in a competitive market.

Who is the highest paid creative director?

The highest paid creative directors are often those working in major advertising agencies, luxury fashion brands, or leading entertainment companies, with salaries reaching several million dollars annually. Compensation varies based on experience, reputation, and the size of the organization, and top creative directors may also receive bonuses and profit-sharing arrangements.

How much does a creative director get paid?

Creative directors typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $150,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior or highly experienced creative directors in large companies can earn over $200,000 annually, often with additional bonuses and benefits.

What are Founder Creative Directors?

A Founder Creative Director is an individual who has both established a company and leads its creative vision. They are responsible for shaping the overall look, feel, and messaging of the brand, often overseeing design, marketing, and product development. As founders, they also play a key role in strategic decision-making and guiding the company's growth. This dual role requires a blend of entrepreneurial skills and creative leadership to build and maintain a distinctive brand identity.

What are the unique challenges of balancing creative vision with business responsibilities as a Founder Creative Director?

As a Founder Creative Director, you are responsible not just for shaping the creative direction but also for making important business decisions. One of the main challenges is balancing your artistic vision with practical considerations such as budgeting, client expectations, and market trends. You'll often need to prioritize projects, manage a diverse team, and ensure that creative work aligns with overall business goals. This dual role requires strong communication and leadership skills, as well as the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Successful Founder Creative Directors are those who can inspire innovation while maintaining a clear focus on the company's growth and sustainability.

What is the difference between Founder Creative Director vs Creative Director?

AspectFounder Creative DirectorCreative Director
CredentialsTypically holds a relevant degree in design, marketing, or related fields; may have entrepreneurial experienceUsually has a degree in design, advertising, or related fields; extensive portfolio and industry experience
Work EnvironmentLeads a startup or new business, often wearing multiple hats, including branding and strategyWorks within established companies or agencies, managing creative teams and projects
Industry UsageCommon in startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurial venturesFound in advertising agencies, corporate marketing departments, and large organizations

The main difference is that a Founder Creative Director is typically the originator of a new business or brand, combining entrepreneurial and creative leadership. In contrast, a Creative Director usually works within an existing organization, focusing on managing creative teams and projects. Both roles require strong creative skills and industry knowledge, but their scope and context differ significantly.

Is creative director a high paying job?

Creative directors often earn high salaries due to their leadership role in overseeing creative projects and teams, with compensation varying based on industry, experience, and company size. In many industries, especially advertising, media, and fashion, the position is considered well-paying, often supplemented by bonuses and profit sharing. However, salaries can range widely, and success often depends on a strong portfolio and industry reputation.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, roles such as senior creative directors, executive producers, and media agency executives often earn $150,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with industry tools like Adobe Creative Suite or media analytics platforms.
More about Founder Creative Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Founder Creative Director jobs? Cities with the most Founder Creative Director job openings:
What states have the most Founder Creative Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Founder Creative Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Founder Creative Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,330 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Art Director

Krewe Eyewear

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

$132K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About KREWE
KREWE is an independent, high-fashion eyewear brand rooted in the vibrant culture and boundless creativity of our hometown, New Orleans - and now proudly headquartered in both New Orleans and New York City. Since our launch in 2013, KREWE has grown into a dynamic brand celebrated for its distinctive, handcrafted sun and optical frames that reflect a deep commitment to quality, individuality, and design.
In 2022, we opened the doors to our NYC headquarters in the heart of the Meatpacking District, building a second home for the brand that brings New Orleans' culture, creativity, and energy to one of the world's most iconic design capitals. Our presence now spans brick-and-mortar boutiques, mobile retail concepts, and a thriving e-commerce platform - alongside distribution through premier independents and top national retailers. Celebrated for our unique approach to design, KREWE has cultivated a loyal following among style-conscious consumers and influential tastemakers.
As we continue to expand, we're looking for passionate, driven, and innovative individuals to join our talented team. At KREWE our work is fast-paced, collaborative, and deeply mission-driven. Our people are high-performing and ambitious - not just about hitting goals, but about building something that's original, culturally rooted and globally resonant. Every team member at KREWE has the opportunity to own their role and make a lasting impact. If this sounds like the right environment for you we invite you to apply below.
KREWE is looking for an Art Director to lead creative strategy & authorship across the brand-responsible for shaping, advancing, and scaling the visual identity across all channels. The Art Director will partner closely with the Founder & Creative Director to help define the creative direction of the brand, while also bringing forward original ideas, concepts, and points of view that push KREWE forward. You will be responsible for translating creative standards into clear, ownable creative lanes-enabling the team to execute with greater clarity, autonomy, and consistency. This role exists to help scale creative quality across the business by reducing reliance on Creative Director-level oversight, without lowering the bar.
This role sits at the intersection of creative direction and execution, requiring exceptional taste, strong creative conviction, and the ability to turn ideas into scalable systems. You create an environment where creatives can do their best work-balancing high standards with the right level of support, structure, and autonomy. You understand that strong creative output comes from both exceptional talent and clear direction, and you are equally invested in developing people as you are in elevating the work.
This role reports to the VP of Brand Marketing and is based in NYC, with regular travel to New Orleans.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Drive Creative Direction & Concept Development
    • Partner with the Founder & Creative Director to define and evolve KREWE's creative direction
    • Bring forward campaign concepts, visual ideas, and creative frameworks that push the brand forward
    • Establish a clear, differentiated point of view for each campaign and brand moment
    • Generate, refine, and resolve ideas-not just execute them
    • Make decisive creative calls that simplify and strengthen the work
  • Lead & Elevate Creative Execution
    • Own the quality and consistency of all creative output across photography, video, digital, social, print, OOH, and retail
    • Translate direction into clear guidance that enables the team to execute with confidence
    • Act as the primary filter for all work-editing, refining, and elevating output to meet brand standards
    • Ensure all work reflects a cohesive and elevated KREWE point of view
  • Build Creative Systems & Standards
    • Translate creative standards into clear, actionable systems and frameworks
    • Create defined "creative lanes" that allow the team to operate with autonomy
    • Reduce reliance on top-down approvals by building clarity into the system
    • Partner with the Project Manager to develop processes that enable efficient, high-quality execution
    • Continuously refine workflows to support scale without sacrificing quality
  • Direct Campaigns & Creative Production
    • Lead creative direction for campaigns, photoshoots, and key brand moments
    • Provide on-set direction and ensure execution aligns with the intended creative vision
    • Balance hands-on creative involvement with leadership oversight
  • Lead & Develop the Creative Team
    • Manage and mentor a team of designers, photographers, and creatives
    • Elevate team output through strong taste, clear feedback, and thoughtful selection
    • Build a culture of high standards, accountability, and creative ownership
    • Create the clarity and structure needed for the team to produce their best work

Requirements:
  • 8-10+ years of experience in art direction or creative leadership, ideally within fashion, lifestyle, or retail
  • A portfolio that demonstrates exceptional taste, strong point of view, and concept-driven work
  • Proven ability to generate ideas and translate them into cohesive, high-quality output
  • Experience working closely with founders or senior creative leadership
  • Strong editing instinct-knowing what to push, what to refine, and what to remove
  • Ability to turn creative standards into scalable systems and processes
  • Experience leading and developing creative teams
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and execution
  • Deep knowledge of design, photography, video, and cross-channel creative best practices
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma

Benefits and Perks:
  • Competitive wage
  • Group health plans: health, vision and dental insurance
  • Welfare benefits: life, ad&d, supplemental voluntary coverage
  • FSA Plan & HSA Program
  • 401(K) Investment Options
  • Adoption Assistance, EAP, Commuter Benefits
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Quarterly Cultural Spend
  • Ongoing Training and Development, an Educational Allowance
  • 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off accrual
  • KREWE employee quarterly frame allowance (of course!)

Salary (for New York only):Up to $165,000 annually based on experience and qualifications.
This reflects the base salary for this position. Compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, certifications, and business needs. In addition to base pay, KREWE offers annual bonuses, a comprehensive benefits package, paid time off, and employee discounts.
Diversity and Inclusion:
KREWE believes in providing an inclusive workplace where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without discrimination or retaliation because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy or any other protected characteristic as established by applicable local, state, or federal law.