What does an Art Director do?
Art Directors oversee the creation and implementation process of certain design and art pieces for a company. They evaluate a company’s goals and expectations, then direct their team to create visually appealing pieces that tell the story of the company’s brand. Art Directors may work for an individual organization or in an agency setting pitching and implementing design ideas to clients. They usually oversee a team of graphic designers or other design employees, depending on the industry they work in. Art Directors often receive a concept from a company and work with their team to design a strong piece that best represents it.
Art Director skills and qualifications
Art Directors use a variety of hard and soft skills, as well as industry knowledge, to provide the most comprehensive support they can. Some necessary skills include:
- Excellent communication skills
- Creativity
- Excellent time management skills
- Ability to meet tight deadlines
- Managerial skills
- Basic understanding of art in technology or art applications
Art Director salary expectations
The average salary of an Art Director is $75,935 per year in the United States. An Art Director’s actual salary may vary from the average depending on their level of education, years of working experience, special training or certifications and unique skills. People in this position usually have a two- to four-year tenure.
Art Director education and training requirements
To become an Art Director, applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in an art or a related design field such as fine arts, digital media or visual communications. If working at a management level, job seekers may be required to have a master’s degree in fine arts or business administration. Art Directors working on digital projects should be skilled in graphic creation and editing computer programs.
Art Director experience requirements
Art Directors must have at least 5 years of experience working in an art-related profession such as photography, graphic design, fine arts or editing. Work experience at a managerial level may be required. Art Director candidates should be able to present a portfolio demonstrating their work experience, style and skills when applying for a job.
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