Job Details

Art Director – Independent Trucks

Department: Creative

Location/Work Style: Please note this is a Full-Time, Hybrid position at our Santa Cruz, CA. headquarters, but we are open to remote possibilities for the right candidate.

Position Summary

Independent Trucks is looking for an Art Director to help drive the creative behind one of skateboarding`s most iconic brands. In this role, you will set the brand`s art direction and help shape product storytelling across apparel, hardgoods, packaging, and marketing.

In partnership with the Brand Manager and Creative Directors, you will lead product strategy, build compelling product narratives, and support marketing initiatives that drive demand and reinforce Independent`s position in skate culture.

This role requires a balance of creative leadership (“coach”) and hands-on execution (“player”), setting the vision and actively contributing to design work while also mentoring and supporting the people around you. 

Key Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to):

• Lead Independent`s Art direction, protect the brand`s DNA while pushing it forward with a skate-driven vision.
• Work closely with the Brand Manager and Creative Directors to translate brand strategy into creative execution
• Work cross-functionally with Brand, Product, Marketing, Sales, and Licensing teams to identify trends, opportunities, and compelling ideas for products, collaborations, marketing, and events
• Responsible for the creation of graphics to be used in seasonal apparel and hardgoods lines, and other projects
• Be hands-on in designing key product categories, including apparel printables, headwear, apparel accessories, and hardgoods.
• Partner closely with apparel designers, developers, and the hardgoods team to execute product across categories.
• Establish and maintain a network of freelance artists to support supplemental design needs
• Lead seasonal inspiration meetings and ideation sessions to drive alignment across Brand, Design, and Product Development
• Ensure creative consistency across licensed products and global brand touchpoints.
• Participate alongside the Brand Manager in product, marketing, sales, and licensing meetings and presentations

What Makes You Right for This Role

• You bring a clear creative vision and can articulate it in a way that aligns teams and moves the brand forward.
• You move ideas forward quickly and communicate openly throughout the creative process.
• You are comfortable owning creative decisions while collaborating closely with key stakeholders.
• You understand how product, storytelling, retail presentation, and market demand all connect.
• You respect skateboarding culture and understand authenticity cannot be manufactured.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in graphic design, apparel design, brand design within lifestyle, skate, action sports, or adjacent culture-driven brands.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating apparel graphics, branding systems, and campaign work.
• Experience working across multi-season apparel lines, with the ability to influence direction and move product from idea to execution.
• Strong typography, layout, and visual storytelling skills.
• Experience directing freelancers or external creatives preferred.
• Deep connection to skateboarding culture is strongly preferred.

Working Style

Independent operates in a collaborative, fast-moving environment. The ideal candidate thrives in iterative creative processes and enjoys working closely with teams to refine and evolve ideas.

Regular in-person collaboration in Santa Cruz is expected, especially during onboarding and key seasonal milestones.

What You Get:

Competitive salary, incentive bonus, and profit-sharing bonus plan. Health insurance (low employee contribution), 401K plan, and personal time off. FREE Espresso and Hot Cocoa. Awesome employee discounts on NHS products as well as discounts at other well-known companies. 

How to Apply: 

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a digital portfolio, online at https://nhs-inc.com/jobs. No phone calls, please.

Salary Range: $90,000–$120,000

Physical Requirements

Work involves extended periods of sitting or standing while using computers, cameras, or production equipment. Requires fine motor skills, visual concentration, and occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds. Some travel or on-site work is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.