Art Director Careers Information
Because of the size and complexity of modern day advertising, many artists and writers may work on a single ad, each with a particular responsibility. Art Directors are called upon to coordinate these efforts and make sure the projects remain on track and under budget. They are in charge of the overall vision of the campaign and so must be one part manager and one part artist. It is up to people in art director careers to create ads that catch the eye of consumers and that ultimately generate profits for the client.
Art Director Careers & Degrees
- Art Institute of Pittsburgh: Online
- Associate of Science in Graphic Design
- Bachelor of Science in Fashion & Retail Management
- Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Design
- Bachelor of Science in Photography
American Intercontinental University: Online
Art Directors will often begin a new project by meeting with the prospective client. They will use this time to find out what ideas the client may have and offer up some of their own suggestions. Once an appropriate campaign is agreed upon and budgeted, art directors will begin assigning work to the various copy writers, illustrators, and graphic designers under their employ. Because a single ad campaign may have multiple outlets, including print, television, or internet, multiple versions of the advertisement may be made.
The process typically includes mock ups, or example versions, are made first and presented to the client for approval. Minor or major changes are then made or the project moves forward into the hands of those who sell the ads within the agency. Throughout this process, art directors must be master communicators and managers of people and talent.
Art Director Careers Path
The typical course is to get an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in creative arts, such as graphic design. Most art directors begin as graphic designers working in entry-level positions at advertising agencies. Art directors typically supervise and manage both staff and freelance graphic designers.
Art Director Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Creative, artistic, excellent oral and written communicator, highly organized, people person, able to see the big picture, multi-tasker, good under stress, willing to work odd or late hours as needed, decisive, open to new ideas.
Art Director Careers Salary Expectations
The average salary for art directors is $76,980 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $54,490 and $108,090. For those who work in advertising and/or public relations, the average salary is $80,170. Over time, art directors who are able to put together or advertisements that are both popular and money-making may be given larger projects with more responsibility and higher pay.
Art Director Job Outlook
The job outlook for art directors is mixed in the coming years. On one hand, more positions will come available in the advertising field as it seeks people who are able to envision artistic ad campaigns and oversee their completion. On the other hand, the decline in print publishing will mean less ad space and thus fewer need for advertising work.
Art directors who are comfortable working in the multimedia platforms favored by the internet and/or who have a proven track record of successful ad campaigns should have the best chance of finding work.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of art directing is projected to grow by 12%, which is the same as the average growth of all careers.
Slightly off the Footpath
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://bls.gov/oco/ocos092.htm (visited November 3, 2011).
