Art Director

What an Art Director Does

Art directors are often found working the advertising and publishing industries. They work to develop the design concepts and review material that is to be used in print or digital media such as newspapers, websites, or magazines. Art directors must make sure that the information they are presenting visually is eye-catching, clear and visually appealing to their target audience. They will often work with animators, photographers and illustrators to create the images that will be used in the final product. Often, they are responsible for directing others that work in the design process, including copywriters, artists, graphic designers and other personnel. Art directors must not only have a great eye for design but also work well managing others, running projects and working under sometimes stressful conditions. Many art directors begin their careers in other facets of art and design.

How to Become an Art Director

Art directors usually have years of work experience in advertising or publishing, sometimes as designers and copywriters, before they are promote to this position. You can get started on your rise to art director by pursuing an undergraduate degree in a field like advertising or graphic design. This will provide the artistic training needed to work in this industry and develop good, creative commercial advertisements and products. Internships at a couple of different companies can also be of use to those trying to make it as an art director. After graduation and several years of experience, designers may be ready for a promotion. Art directors are chosen for their abilities to not only understand design but also to lead others, qualities you'll need to demonstrate if you want the job. Some art directors may choose to pursue a degree in art administration or management, which will help with the business side of their position.

Career Outlook for Art Directors

Over the next decade, art directors should see a rise in job opportunities in their field. This is due to an increase in jobs in advertising and a demand for those who can manage the overall vision of a project. Of course, this increase will not mean that jobs are necessarily easy to get as there will be keen competition for nearly all positions, especially those at top firms. Growth in this field will also be tempered by a movement away from print media to the digital where art directors are less commonly used. Art directors held about 84,000 jobs in 2008 and this number is expected to rise to 94,000 by 2018, making a solid 12 percent increase in employment in the field. Salaries for art directors can vary widely by location, experience and the type of firm with which they are employed but average out at about $75,000 a year.