How To Get A Job As An Art Director
An Art Director lays out original design concepts. These concepts are used in a variety of areas, including fashion, film, advertising, television programming, the theater, and the internet. Once the Art Director has created and laid out the initial concept, he/she will supervise the artists and other professionals, who will expand the design and complete the project.
With the increasing mass of visual images that surround us, it is obvious that there is a demand for skilled, educated Art Directors. The job pays very well, but be aware that competition for jobs is keen.
Art Directors are employed in publishing firms, all areas of the entertainment industry including films, and television, the fashion industry and a variety of advertising agencies.
It is apparent that Art Directors must be creative, imaginative, and have a high degree of artistic skill. They must also be well-organized, and persuasive. Because they work as part of a team of artists, and other professionals, they must be good leaders and have excellent communication skills. Art Directors need to be good managers, able to work within a budget and meet deadlines. Art Directors must have a good sense of fashion, and stay abreast of ongoing style trends, if they wish to work in the fashion industry.
The duties of Art Directors may vary with each unique project. They must however first meet with the clients to ascertain their needs and requirements. These cover not only the visual project itself, but also budget, and time constraints. The Art Director will discuss such things as design, message to be expressed, and emotion, or mood to be established. The client may have fixed opinions of his own regarding the project, which the Art Director must discuss. He/She will then lay out a basic design, which must catch the eye, and, as importantly, make money for the client. This he will present it to his team which will create a layout for presentation to the client. Changes may need to be made, but once the client’s approval is final, the Art Director will lay out a plan for completion of the project. All final decisions are made by the Art Director, with, of course, the approval of the client. The Art Director conducts frequent meetings, and will oversee every step of the project process, for which he is responsible.
Education
Those interested in becoming Art Directors must first get a high school diploma. It is essential to take courses in English, computers, and all available courses in art or design, drafting, and mechanical drawing.
Start a basic portfolio of your designs and ideas. As you gain education and experience, you will need to create a more professional one, to present to potential employers.
Art Directors use a variety of computer graphic programs in their work, so get started on learning these.
Get all the experience you can, paid or volunteer, in the art world.
You will now need to get a degree in some area of the creative arts. Courses that would be useful are those in art, graphic design, photography, and management. Even though some directors have only an associate’s degree, plan on getting at least a bachelor’s degree. This higher level of education will make you eligible for the most prestigious, and better-paying, jobs. By the time you graduate, you should have a professional looking portfolio to present to prospective employers.
If you go into a specific area of art publications such as science or medicine, you will need some knowledge in that area, so decide early where you wish to seek employment and make sure you get the right education.
Virtually all Art Directors start off in entry level positions, or as interns, and work their way up from there. This is where a superior education can help you move ahead faster.
Art Directors with the right combination of education and experience may advance to administrative positions within major agencies.
