Art Director

Art Directors need to have a number of characteristics to be successful in this profession. Not only do they have to be active listeners and listen to all their team members, they also need to have a creative flair. Art Directors will often have to come up with a number of original ideas on a certain topic and must also have the ability to envision what their idea will look like once it is executed.
Art Directors must also have excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as have knowledge on the current social and cultural trends that are happening. It is also important for an Art Director to have an in depth understanding of photography, printing and copy writing.

Art Directors are in charge of creating campaigns for advertisements, web designs, animations etc. They make designs, manage the layout, select the appropriate photographs and review all work that is sent in by the artist. Art Directors are also in charge of managing a team of designers, illustrators, animators and copywriters to make sure that the final product is as the client desired.

Often Art Directors are managing accounts and dealing with budgets for the designated project. They are also in charge of getting the final approval from clients for the layouts that they have created. Art Directors also help create storyboards and work closely with Creative Directors to create design solutions.

Salaries for Art Directors are generally high around the world. In the United Kingdom, Art Directors make approximately £40,000 - £50,000 per annum, and experienced Art Directors make approximately £100,000 per year. The United States also pays highly with the average yearly salary being $76,000 and going upwards to $154,000 per annum. In India, experienced Art Directors make between Rs. 500,000 – Rs. 700,000 per month.

Art Directors usually work according to company timings i.e. 9am – 6pm, however they are frequently required to work late and come in on weekends, depending upon their deadlines. There is a little travel involved where they may travel to meet clients. However, the most part of the job is within their office/studio premises.
Most agencies where Art Directors are employed have an informal dress code, and so the work environment is casual. As most people in the advertising and production agencies are predominantly aged below 40, the atmosphere is light and fun.

Art Directors are a highly paid profession, and this is one of the most attractive things about this job. They are also able to use their creative vision and see their hard work executed, which is emotionally rewarding for them. Moreover, as Art Directors work on different projects, each day is different and does not lead to monotony at work. There is also an option of working from home for the Art Directors who can’t come to office.

It is only with several years of experience that one can become an Art Director, and thus for those looking to climb the career ladder quickly – this may be a downside. Along with this, the work timings are very erratic. Art Directors may be asked to come to office on weekends and often have to work late to complete deadlines. The Art Director must also always be original in all the ideas and designs that they present.

Art Directors have numerous opportunities – not only can they work full time with an agency, but they can also freelance, set up their own agency, or even work internationally. This industry is growing at a rate of 12% every year in the United States until 2018, and so many opportunities are opening up. Currently there are approximately 1000 agencies that are operating in the United Kingdom that all employ Art Directors.

Art Directors are primarily found in large cities around the world that include New York and London. In India, Mumbai is the hub where Art Directors are found. Major agencies around the world are Lowe and Rauf, Ogilvy and Mather, and Manhattan International.

An Art and Design degree is necessary for a career as an Art Director. Apart from this, Post Graduate Degrees are also a plus if one is looking for a high-paying jobs. Two-year diplomas are also available in the field of art, that can serve as a plus if you are looking to become an art director. However, specific art director training is only provided on-job once you have been hired.