Art Directors

Art directors, sometimes known as creative directors, play a key role in every stage of the creation of media and products with a visual component such as advertising, newspapers and magazines, books, films, television programs, video games, and Web sites.

In advertising, they contribute to an ad or ad campaign, from formulating concepts to supervising production. Ultimately, they are responsible for planning and overseeing the presentation of their clients' messages in print or on screen—that is, in books, magazines, newspapers, television commercials and shows, posters, and packaging, as well as in film and video and on the Internet.

In publishing, art directors work with artists, photographers, and text editors to develop visual images and generate copy, according to the marketing strategy. They evaluate existing illustrations, determine presentation styles and techniques, hire both staff and freelance talent, work with layouts, and prepare budgets.

In films, videos, and television commercials and shows, art directors, under the direct supervision of production designers, set the general look of the visual elements and approve the props, costumes, and models.

In digital content, art directors conceptualize the overall style and presentation of a Web site or an app and may select graphics or illustrations

In sum, art directors are charged with selling to, informing, and educating consumers. They supervise both in-house and off-site staff, handle executive issues, and oversee the entire artistic production process. There are 90,300 art directors working in the United States.

Salary Range

$50,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

None

Outlook

Little Change or More Slowly than the Average

Personality Traits

Artistic

Creative

Problem-Solving

Career Ladder

Advertising Agency Owner, or Television Director, or Production Designer

Art Director

Assistant Art Director