Not only is this question a fantastic icebreaker, but it also gives you insight into the candidate’s style, personality and education. Role models can have a big impact on the way people think and act, especially in the creative world. This question will allow you to start the interview off on a lighter note while still gaining valuable information about the potential art director.

What to look for in an answer:

• The candidate elaborates and doesn’t simply give a name
• The applicant’s inspiration is a reputable creative type
• He or she is able to name specific works by the artist

This question is important because it tells you how well the candidate can recognize good trends, put them to good use and avoid unstable ones. It may also give you insight into how the applicant deals with them. Are they easily influenced by what everyone else is doing, or do they tend to go their own way? You can decide whether you prefer trendsetters or trend followers.

What to look for in an answer:

• A decisive answer
• An example of a current trend
• Finding that the candidate isn’t anti-trend or too much of a follower; they are somewhere in the middle

This question will prompt the candidate to talk about their experience with the tools of the trade. It will tell you if they will be able to easily adapt to the items used in your workplace and bring valuable insights about better ways to do things to the table. Knowing the tools that the candidate uses to complete projects is important for ensuring clear communications.

What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of common tools used by an art director
• Candidate shows adaptability to new tools
• Extensive experience using those tools

It’s important to know what the candidate does to get a feel for a client when starting a project. You will learn what they prioritize and how they take in information. Client research is one of the most important aspects of any creative project; candidates should be able to express aptitude in this area. This question can also give you insights into the applicant’s thought process.

What to look for in an answer:

• The applicant shows aptitude in a variety of research methods
• Person has experience in researching brands
• Understanding of the value of studying a client before starting a project

Solutions and plans for creative projects don’t always come together instantly. Deadlines come up fast, and you need to make sure your art director can keep the team motivated until the job is complete. This question will tell you how the individual works as an overseer and as a creative assistant for their staff. It will also let you know how well they handle the stress of tight deadlines when working on client assignments.

What to look for in an answer:

• The candidate has experience working within tight time frames on creative projects
• Understanding of the creative process and ability to formulate a timeline around it
• Applicant can effectively communicate with each team member about due dates and easily resolve any issues

This is an important question because it allows the candidate to showcase their knowledge. This question can help you determine their background and focus on production. A strong response will show an understanding of the process when creating an advertising campaign.

The candidate's response should emphasize:

• Attention to detail
• Knowledge of software
• Understanding text and image presentation

A response to this question may look like this: