Thornton Art Direction is a creative studio founded by Emily Thornton in 2008.
Specialising in art direction and commercial films, I take a client-focused approach to developing distinctive visual communication for a wide range of clients. I work across disciplines and, more often than not, with a trusted network of creatives to create a tailor-made solution for each project.
Over the years, I’ve worked across art direction, film, design and content creation—developing everything from global campaigns and brand stories to social content, retail communication and editorial concepts. Much of my career has been spent working with IKEA, creating communication for global campaigns and audiences around the world.
As a passionate art director, I place storytelling at the heart of what I do. I like to combine curiosity with strategy, and strong ideas with beautiful aesthetics. Whether I’m directing a commercial, shaping a campaign or developing a visual concept, I’m always looking for the emotional hook!
I’m particularly at home in moving content and on set, where ideas, people and practical problem-solving come together. I enjoy following a project from its first baby step through to final delivery, working closely with clients, collaborators and production teams along the way. And I love an idea with personality—especially when there’s room for a little fun. 🤓
Alongside my commercial work, I’m also a practising artist, creating large-scale portraits in paint and tufted wool. My art practice keeps me curious, hands-on and connected to the instinctive side of making. If you’re interested in that part of my brain please visit thorntonartwork.com.
Having worked in the creative industry for many years, I’ve built a large and trusted network of directors, photographers, interior designers, stylists, producers, writers and other brilliant specialists. Whatever the project needs, I can bring together the right people and creative setup; from a compact team to a full-scale production.
So whether you have a story to tell, a project to shape or simply an idea you’d like to bounce around, please get in touch. Let’s see what we can create together!
EXPERT SKILLS
Art direction
Film Direction
Creative lead
Concept development
Brand identities
Print & digital design
LANGUAGES
Swedish - Native
English - Native
French - Fluent
SOFTWARE
Adobe Creative Cloud
Da Vinci Resolve
After effects
Microsoft Office
To see more of Emily’s art,
please visit @thorntonartwork.ab
To see more of Emily’s art direction work,
please follow @thorntonartdirection