If you want to work as an art director, you must first decide whether you want to work in film, books, or advertising. The types of job opportunities available in your area, as well as your preferences, should influence your decision. You can then choose the best art director education and training after you’ve done some basic career planning.
In advertising, an art director frequently collaborates with a senior copywriter who oversees a team of copywriters. This way of working is especially common in advertising agencies. You’ll need to be able to design compelling graphics that illustrate the persuasive messages created by the copywriting team if you want to work as an art director in an ad agency. Moving up to the position of creative director is possible for either a copywriter or an art director, but up to ten years of experience may be required.
Art directors are primarily responsible for overseeing the design of book covers in the publishing industry. You might not be able to work as an art director for a book publisher unless you live in a large city or are willing to relocate to one. In large publishing centers like New York City, many book cover art directors work. They usually start as an assistant art director and work their way up to full art director, hiring designers to carry out their book cover ideas.
If working in the film industry inspires you to want to be an art director, it is definitely possible, but you will most likely have to do free internships to get started. Joining a student film club at a university, particularly in Southern California or another filmmaking hotspot, can help you network with industry professionals. Pay attention to set details and how artistic elements create space and mood while watching movies.
As an art director, you’ll need to be proficient with computer technology regardless of the type of company you want to work for. Develop your ability to work effectively with art industry tools, whether it’s Adobe Photoshop, QuarkXPress, or other programs. You’ll also need to be an expert at using various types of computer-aided design (CAD) software.