John Sargent Barnard
San Francisco
Summary
Innovative and detail-oriented Art Director with a strong background in high-end image editing, creative direction, and visual storytelling. Adept at leading creative teams, managing projects from concept to execution, and delivering compelling visuals for print and digital platforms. Proven expertise in photography, digital retouching, and implementing cutting-edge tools to optimize workflow efficiencies. A collaborative leader with a keen eye for aesthetics, ensuring brand consistency and excellence across all visual assets.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Art Director & Senior Retoucher
Pottery Barn
01.2022 - 02.2025
- Spearhead the creative direction of photography and image assets for brand campaigns, ensuring alignment with brand identity.
- Lead a team of retouchers, designers, and photographers to produce high-quality imagery for print and web.
- Provide strategic guidance on visual storytelling, color theory, and composition to enhance brand aesthetics.
- Oversee the management and organization of photo assets, streamlining digital asset workflows for increased efficiency.
- Implement automation and AI-powered tools to optimize post-production processes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing and design, to create cohesive and compelling brand visuals.
Art Director & Visual Consultant
Apple
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Worked on high-profile, confidential projects ensuring top-tier image quality and brand consistency.
- Led the execution of editorial and advertising imagery, maintaining color accuracy across various mediums.
- Directed design team to deliver innovative solutions for client projects.
- Managed a team of freelancers, providing direction on retouching and project timelines.
- Managed production schedules for achieving project milestones and meeting deadlines consistently.
- Increased project success by coordinating with cross-functional teams on creative execution.
- Developed innovative retouching techniques to enhance efficiency and creative output.
- Directed photo shoots for capturing high-quality images and enhancing promotional content.
- Elevated brand awareness by creating visually striking marketing materials for print and digital campaigns.
Art Direction Consultant & Senior Retoucher Leader
Logitech
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Enhanced organizational strategy by advising on best practices and business solutions.
- Provided expert guidance for optimizing operational efficiency and achieving business goals.
- Delivered insightful recommendations, fostering improved performance and growth.
- Directed the retouching and art direction efforts for advertising campaigns, enhancing the visual appeal of brand assets.
- Streamlined internal processes to enhance team efficiency and improve overall project outcomes.
- Ensured consistency in image quality, from color correction to post-production enhancements.
- Advised on creative concepts and imagery strategy to align with brand guidelines.
Freelance Art Director, Photographer & Retouche
Various High End Clients
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Partnered with creative agencies to direct and execute photography and high-end retouching projects.
- Provided creative direction for brand campaigns, ensuring a visually compelling and cohesive narrative.
- Managed pre-press workflows to guarantee accurate color reproduction across media formats.
- Improved project efficiency by streamlining design processes and workflows.
- Oversaw production of marketing campaigns, ensuring high-quality visual content.
- Directed art design projects for diverse industries, from concept to execution.
Art Director & Retouching Team Leader
Restoration Hardware
01.2015 - 12.2019
- Led a team of 20+ in-house and external retouchers, ensuring high-quality output and brand consistency.
- Provided strategic oversight on retouching methodologies, improving workflow efficiencies and creative execution.
- Collaborated closely with photographers and designers to maintain the integrity of brand visuals.
- Guided photo shoots to capture brand essence and vision.
- Spearheaded rebranding initiatives, enhancing market position.
- Cultivated a collaborative environment to inspire creativity.
- Enhanced project success by conducting regular feedback sessions.
- Implemented artistic vision to give art purpose and meaning.
- Improved brand consistency by developing and implementing comprehensive visual guidelines across all platforms.
Senior Retoucher
Various (Creative Circle, Oracle, Rue La La)
01.2011 - 12.2015
- Delivered expert retouching and image editing services for fashion, technology, and corporate brands.
- Curated and refined imagery for marketing campaigns and brand storytelling.
- Improved visual consistency by carefully adjusting color balances.
- Ensured timely delivery of retouched images for clients.
- Improved image aesthetics, enhancing brand presentation.
- Coordinated with creative teams to deliver cohesive visual outputs.
- Delivered exceptional retouching services, meeting tight deadlines.
- Expanded professional skills through ongoing research on industry trends, tools, and techniques for continuous improvement in retouching abilities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Commercial Advertising
Brooks Institute of Photography
Santa Barbara, CA06-2011
Skills
- Art Direction & Creative Strategy
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign)
- High-End Retouching & Image Manipulation
- Digital Asset Management & Workflow Optimization
- Photography & Visual Storytelling
- Color Theory & Composition
- Team Leadership & Project Management
- Brand Identity & Marketing Visuals
Timeline
Art Director & Senior Retoucher
Pottery Barn
01.2022 - 02.2025
Art Director & Visual Consultant
Apple
01.2021 - 12.2022
Art Direction Consultant & Senior Retoucher Leader
Logitech
01.2020 - 12.2021
Freelance Art Director, Photographer & Retouche
Various High End Clients
01.2019 - 12.2020
Art Director & Retouching Team Leader
Restoration Hardware
01.2015 - 12.2019
Senior Retoucher
Various (Creative Circle, Oracle, Rue La La)
01.2011 - 12.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Commercial Advertising
Brooks Institute of Photography
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