Resourceful, creative,
skilled leaders, and communicators…
Art directors interpret
their employer’s or a client’s vision
to create the visual style
of print publications, movie,
and television productions.
Art directors ensure their staff of artists
understand the overall design of a project
as they create illustrations, graphics,
and stage sets to translate the vision
into artwork and layouts.
Art directors manage projects…
keeping them on time and within budget.
They oversee the layout of catalogs,
newspapers, and magazines,
and choose cover art for books.
Artists working under art directors
create graphics, charts, and illustrations.
Directors also oversee the visual aspects
of website and video game development.
Art directors work with producers
and directors of theater, television,
and movie productions
to develop the concept for set designs,
and then oversee the production
of set elements.
While many art directors are self-employed,
all art directors collaborate
with a team of designers and artists.
The work is fast-paced,
and they are often under pressure
to meet deadlines.
Art directors need at least
a bachelor’s degree in an art
or design subject
and five or more years
of previous work experience…
many start out as graphic designers,
fine artists, or photographers.
To apply for positions,
art directors must develop a portfolio
that illustrates the quality
and range of their work.