Wizards of the Coast is hiring an Art Director for our Skeleton Key studio to lead visual storytelling for Dungeons & Dragons products. You will be responsible for art direction from concept to delivery, translating creative strategy into a visual tone that resonates across all illustrations and managing the freelance artist pipeline.
What You'll Do
- Own art direction on D&D products from concept to delivery: writing briefs, selecting artists, managing feedback cycles, and ensuring illustrations are compelling, cohesive, and brand-aligned.
- Translate creative strategy and narrative into a visual tone that resonates across covers, interiors, and supporting illustrations.
- Partner with narrative leads, designers, and editors to identify key moments that demand strong visual storytelling.
- Set the standard for illustration execution by providing clear, actionable feedback at all stages—sketch through final.
- Serve as a commissioning lead, handling freelance pipelines, schedules, and talent selection in collaboration with senior ADs.
- Work with graphic designers to ensure that art and layout are coordinated to support clarity, immersion, and style.
- Contribute to building and evolving the D&D artist pool: sourcing new talent, maintaining diversity of style and representation, and upholding world-class quality.
What We're Looking For
- 4+ years of experience in art direction, illustration management, or visual storytelling in games, publishing, or entertainment.
- A portfolio or project list showing full-cycle art direction—from artist selection to delivered illustration—at a professional level.
- Deep knowledge of fantasy illustration trends and the ability to analyze composition, tone, anatomy, and visual clarity.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills: you can work with narrative teams, explain visual rationale, and hold artists to high standards while building relationships.
- Experience commissioning and art directing freelance artists with efficiency and creative integrity.
- Experience art directing on 3p licensed products and navigating brand adherence for partner IP.
Nice to Have
- Experience art directing covers and promotional key art.
- Familiarity with the Dungeons & Dragons brand, lore, and visual tone.
- Comfortable leading art reviews, documentation, or style guide creation.
- Exposure to marketing, packaging, or cross-platform visual strategy.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation range: $111,900.00 to $167,800.00
- Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Time Off to Recharge: Paid Vacation & Holidays
- Financial Well-being: Generous 401(k) Match
- Life & Family Support: Paid Parental Leave
- Giving Back: Volunteer & Employee Giving Programs
- Level Up Your Skills: Tuition Reimbursement
- Exclusive Perks: Product Discounts & More!
Work Mode
This role follows a hybrid work model and is based in Renton, WA.
Wizards of the Coast is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. We are committed to making all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
