Art Directors

Art directors usually work in studios or office buildings. While their work areas are ordinarily comfortable, well lit, and ventilated, they often handle glue, paint, ink, and other materials that pose safety hazards, and they should, therefore, exercise caution. Art directors who are employed in the film and television industries may work on set locations that range from bustling cities to desolate farmsteads.

Art directors at art and design studios, digital media companies, and publishing firms usually work a standard 40-hour week. Many, however, work overtime during busy periods in order to meet deadlines. Similarly, directors at film, and video operations, at television studios, and video game producers work as many hours as required—usually many more than 40 per week—in order to finish projects according to predetermined schedules.

While art directors in publishing work independently while reviewing artwork and reading copy, much of their time is spent collaborating with and supervising a team of employees, often consisting of copywriters, editors, photographers, graphic artists, and account executives.