How to Become an Art Director

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Visual arts and advertising are virtually everywhere. To appeal to the consumer and targeted audience, visual elements need to be appealing and persuasive. Behind nearly every magazine, newspaper, billboard, commercial, movie or website, there is a skilled professional calling all the shots concerning artistic layout. This professional is the art director.

What does an art director do?

Art directors develop design concepts and review the content for advertisements, television, magazines, newspapers, and other digital, film or printed media. They use their experience and skill to choose the visual elements that will be used in published material. Artists may create the artwork and illustrations, but the art director is the head manager who makes the final decision on the visual presentation of information to ensure that it is organized, appealing, and catches the viewer’s eye. The art director guides and examines how the information communicates mood, emotion and the quality of the product.

Art directors are often charged with managing artists, developers, designers, copywriters and layout artists. They corroborate with managers of other departments involved in the creative process to discuss the needs of the client and the presentation.

Art directors are also responsible for managing projects and staying within the designated budget and adhering to the schedule. They meet with clients to set goals and budgets and discuss the background information and visual concepts. They also present the final layout for the clients to approve. Click here to learn how to become an art director.

What kind of training does an art director need?

Most people who become art directors start their careers with a bachelor degree in arts and design and work as an entry-level artist in advertising, design, motion picture production, and publishing firms. After a time, if exceptional artistic ability and leadership qualities are demonstrated, they may be promoted to an art director job.

Some colleges and universities offer art director courses as part of their curricula for art majors. Based on their roles and responsibilities, some art directors pursue degrees in art administration, which offers non-artistic coursework in finance and project management. Click here to see a list of programs to get your art administration degree online.

What are the prospects for a career in art direction?

Art director job opportunities are expected to grow faster than average for all occupations, growing 16% from 218,000 jobs in 2006 to more than 252,000 jobs in 2016 (1). Employers and clients are always looking for creative and talented art directors to lead their production projects.

Prospects for art director jobs will be the best for candidates who are highly qualified with significant experience. Competition for art director careers will be keen, so the more experience and education, the more opportunities.

How much do art directors make?

Art director salaries are extremely attractive in specific areas of the country, but across the U.S. as well. Average art director salary runs between $83,960 and $133,450, with the highest 10% making over $156,000. (2)

Art director careers are ideal for creative people with excellent visual orientation and an abundance of new and fresh ideas, in addition to having strong leadership skills and enjoy working as part of a team. Art directors must also be adaptive, organized and manage their time well. Click here to get a list of online art degree programs.

Now what? The next step is easy!

Take the first step today and request free information from our selected top online arts and design schools, or simply use the form below to find the program that is right for you!

Art Specific Programs

School Name

Campus/Program Info

University of Phoenix

Art Teacher

Online Program

DeVry University

Art Director

Online Program

Liberty University

Art Teacher

Online Program

Walden University

Art Teacher

Online Program

(1) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition
(2) SOURCE: Salary.com, Salary Wizard

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