Art Director Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An Art Director, or Production Artist, is responsible for overseeing the visual images and styles of designs for several outlets, like magazines, newspapers, movies, television shows or other media forms. Their duties typically include deciding which art piece or graphics to include in their material, establishing the overall look for a campaign or media piece and approving designs or artwork pitched to them for the final product.

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Art Director duties and responsibilities

How the role of an Art Director functions within your organization depends on the industry, but typically they have responsibilities similar to the following:

  • Design gallery space to best represent art concepts.
  • Choose which art pieces to display.
  • Work with artists to best determine how to represent their vision.
  • Prepare budgets and schedules for gallery shows and presentations.
  • Create layouts and designs for print publications such as magazines and books.
  • Direct creation of artwork used on websites and other online media.
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Art Director Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Reflex Media is a high-tech branding and marketing agency located in Las Vegas, NV. Our core brands include a number of luxury dating apps, including [website] and [website] Our company culture and dedication to our employees are unmatched. We offer a full range of benefits and perks including:
  • 99% coverage of our medical base plan, dental, and vision insurance
  • 65% coverage of our medical base plan, dental, and vision insurance for qualified dependents
  • 100% coverage of short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance for qualified employees
  • 50% 401(k) match up to 6% per month
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Flex paid time off
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Company and team events
  • And so much more! What we're looking for We currently have an immediate opening for a full-time Art Director to join our Creative Team. The Art Director develops and produces high-level, creative concepts across all Reflex Media Brands. They come to the table with original ideas. Our art directors ideate and execute and are always hungry to learn more while crafting their own unique creative style.
  • Develop creative in partnership with copywriter and creative team
  • Create concepts and art direction that can be used across all channels
  • Generate creative platforms, campaigns, and executions
  • Work closely with all departments as a team player to ensure that the creative needs of your brands are met
  • Continue to develop a library of art and design references
  • Work with internal and external production partners to execute work for various mediums
  • Manage multiple assignments and/or clients at once
  • Edit layouts for clients, check all creative materials before client presentations or materials are sent for production Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or certificate program completion preferred
  • 7+ years of agency of marketing communications experience
  • Expert in MAC software and Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
  • Must submit a link to your portfolio when applying
  • Evidence of creative ability/talent
  • Perform other duties as assigned* *Vaccination against COVID-19:* Successful applicants for employment with Reflex Media must provide evidence they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the date of hire as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Job Type: Full-time

    • Example 2

    *Art Director, Neverwinter* Cryptic Studios is looking for a talented Art Director to help guide and build new content for Neverwinter, our highly successful Dungeons & Dragons Mmorpg! As the leader of a talented and passionate art team at Cryptic, you’ll work with concept, character, environment, animation, VFX and UI artists to continually reinforce, evangelize and drive the art and visual storytelling of the project. The ideal candidate has an impeccable eye for aesthetic quality, excellent visual and verbal communication skills as well as a deep, hands-on understanding of current gen game development. *What you’ll be doing: * * Leading, managing, mentoring and inspiring a talented team of artists * Reinforcing and refining a unified artistic style, vision and quality standards for all visual elements of the game * Providing clear, concise, consistent and timely visual direction, guidance and feedback across all aspects of art development * Collaborating with artists, designers and engineers to create amazing gameplay experiences * Developing style guides and reference materials for new content to provide the team and/or IP partners as needed * Partnering with production to build, evaluate and revise art schedules and manage art initiatives to deliver successful content updates and expansions on time * Communicating frequently with IP partners to ensure visual alignment and approval of game assets, marketing materials, etc. *What we’d like to see: * * 5+ years full cycle console or PC game development experience on products demonstrating a high visual bar, with one or more shipped titles as Art Director * Exceptional leadership and communication skills with a collaborative, team player attitude * Proven ability to build and manage teams, assess performance, provide leadership and creatively solve problems * Strong creative vision, with an excellent eye for artistic quality and knowledge of techniques and technologies used to achieve specific visual targets * Broad experience working with real time art disciplines including concept, character, animation, environment, VFX, lighting and shading * Demonstrated ability to work successfully within constraints, using proprietary systems and tools * Solid understanding of fundamental design elements, color theory, anatomy, drawing and painting * Ability to clearly verbally and visually articulate aesthetic ideas, techniques and processes to a diverse team * Positive and professional attitude while working under multiple deadlines * Bachelor's of Arts Degree or equivalent work experience *Pluses: * * Experience working with established brands and IP holders * Strong hands-on abilities in traditional art, drawing, painting, illustration and/or concept art * High level of proficiency with 2D and 3D game development tools including, but not limited to: 3ds Max, Zbrush, Maya, Photoshop, Substance, etc. * Willingness to learn, evaluate and evangelize appropriate usage of new software, tools and technologies * Experience working successfully with one or more outsource partners as an integral and visually consistent part of the project pipeline * Avid gamer on multiple platforms * Passion for Dungeons & Dragons preferred *Required application materials: * * Resume and cover letter * Portfolio or demo reel demonstrating relevant art direction and/or artistic skills Job Type: Full-time

    Example 3

    Company Description For 25 years, Level has developed marketing solutions for some of the world’s most innovative brands. We believe the best solutions come from collaborative working partnerships with our clients. Whether an established brand, or a start-up, we believe in the power of creative strategy, design, and technology to solve business challenges. Job Description Level Studios is seeking a Senior Art Director/Visual Designer to join our team. You would work with a team including an art director, UX design lead, copywriter, and web developers to: * Develop and frame creative concepts in line with creative briefs * Lead production of existing concepts to provide complete deliverables, creating style/brand guides and templates where needed * Develop content for social media and digital advertising * Assist in the and design production of user experiences * Interpret and deliver on 3rd party ad delivery platform specifications * Ensure quality meets standards and prepare deliverables for handoff to developers, client, printers, etc. * Collaborate with Art Director, UX, copywriting, project managers, to design marketing materials and web experiences that help extend brand messaging. * Define visual systems/brand guidelines for sub brands using Atomic Design principles * Update web pages based on a style guides and pattern libraries with attention to detail and high level of accuracy Qualifications * 4+ years of web design and digital marketing experience * Must be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite with high proficiency in Photoshop for the purpose of retouching * Must have working knowledge of Figma * Must have working knowledge of presentation applications such as Keynote and Powerpoint * Knowledge of video editing a bonus. Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Location: 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY [phone number] Job Type: Full-time

    Example 4

    *Description* *Baker Demonstration School, an independent progressive PK-8 school on Chicago’s North Shore, is seeking a Art Director for Baker Summer Discovery Camp which runs from June 21 - August 5, 2022. We deeply value community and seek candidates with excellent interpersonal skills who work well with children and colleagues.* * Art Director (PreK - 6th Grade) *Reponsibilities * Develop and facilitate daily art activities for students in rising PreK - 6th grade * Work with the group lead instructor to develop themed activities * Actively participate in camp activities with campers * Attend daily staff meetings prior to the start of camp each morning * Communicate regularly with camp administrators * Qualifications * At least 2 years of experience working with children in a camp or school setting preferred * Desire to work with children in a hands-on environment * Desire to integrate each child’s interests and needs to create a valuable cap experience * Availability from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday School & Camp Information Founded in 1918, Baker Demonstration School is an independent day school committed to providing an exemplary Preschool, Elementary and Middle School progressive education to our 200 students. Our students come from Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette and other North Shore communities. We believe that children learn best in an inclusive, creative community that encourages individual risk-taking and values learning by doing. Baker’s experiential approach nurtures the development of the whole child enabling each student to be fully prepared for intellectual, artistic, physical and social/emotional challenges well beyond Baker. Baker Summer Discovery Camp is held on Baker’s campus each summer and embodies the culture and values of the School. Application Materials Candidates should submit a resume and letter of interest to School Camp DIrectors via Indeed. Non-Discrimination and Disability Policy Baker Demonstration School is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and recognition of individuals on the basis of their ability and job related qualifications and without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other classification prescribed under applicable federal, state, or local law. We actively seek diversity among faculty and administration as well as among students. The school complies with the law regarding reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application/interview process are requested to contact the School in order to arrange such accommodation. Job Types: Full-time, Temporary Pay: From $20.00 per hour Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday Ability to * Wilmette, IL 60091: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred) Experience: * Adobe Creative Suite: 1 year (Preferred) Work Location: One location

    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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    Frequently asked questions about Art Directors

    What makes a good Art Director?

    A good Art Director should be a strong leader who can clearly communicate clients’ needs to their design team. They should have extensive experience in design and a clear understanding of the industry they work in to better grasp the goals of clients and the messaging they’re communicating through their designs. Art Directors should also have a strong knowledge of their team’s skills and abilities to properly delegate tasks to employees who will perform more effectively on certain projects. 

    What is the difference between a Creative Director and Art Director?

    An Art Director works closely with the design team to create visually compelling designs for the client. They’re in charge of the artistic details and design aspects of a project. A Creative Director builds strategies to execute campaigns and meet with the client to ensure they’re satisfied with the final product. Creative Directors oversee the implementation process of a project and act as the main point of contact between the Art Director and the client. The Art Director works more closely with the design team and communicates any challenges they’re facing to the Creative Director. 

    Who reports to an Art Director?

    Members of the design teams often report to the Art Director. They will build a design for a project and the Art Director will review the final piece. Art Directors provide constructive feedback to the design teams and ensure the final product meets the clients’ standards. If the design team needs help on complex projects, the Art Director typically uses their extensive knowledge and experience to assist them in the designs and provide them guidance for creating a strong final product. The Art Director typically trains their team and helps them build the necessary skill set to become an effective designer. 

    Do Art Directors have different responsibilities in different industries?

    There are many different industries Art Directors may work in and their responsibilities may vary for each one. In advertising and marketing agencies, Art Directors help build visuals and graphics for promotional campaigns that best convey the client’s desired messaging and imagery. They may work for publishing companies to oversee the layout of print media like magazines, newspapers or print advertisements. Art Directors who work in film, television or theater productions determine the look and style of certain production sets.

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