We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Become an Art Director?

By Sheri Cyprus
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,307
Share

If you want to become an art director, you'll need to decide on which area you'll be focusing on, such as film, books or advertising. Your decision should be reflected by the types of job prospects available in your area as well as your preference. Once you've done some basic career planning, you can then choose the best art director education and training.

Commonly in advertising, an art director works in partnership with a senior copywriter who manages a team of writers. This working style is especially prevalent in advertising agencies. If you hope to become an art director working in an ad agency, you'll have to be able to design compelling graphics that illustrate the persuasive messages created by the copywriting team. It's possible for either a copywriter or art director to move up into the position of creative director, but up to ten years of experience may be needed.

In the publishing industry, art directors work mainly in overseeing the design of book covers. Unless you live in a large city, or are willing to relocate to one, you may not be able to have the opportunity to become an art director for a book publisher. Many book cover art directors work in large publishing centers, such as New York City. They typically must start as an assistant art director and then progress to the full position, hiring designers to carry out their ideas for book covers.

If the idea of working in the film industry inspires you to want to become an art director, it definitely can be done, but you're likely to have to do free internships in the beginning. Becoming part of a student film club at a university, especially in Southern California or other movie making hub, can help you make industry contacts. Watch movies to pay attention to set details and how the artistic elements create space as well as mood.

No matter what type of workplace you hope to be a part of as an art director, you'll have to be skilled at using computer technology. Whether you'll need Adobe Photoshop, QuarkXPress or skills in other programs, develop your ability to work effectively with art industry tools. You'll also need an excellent ability to use all types of computer-aided design (CAD) art software.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-an-art-director.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.