To become an art director, choose a focus area such as film, books or advertising, and consider job prospects and preferences. In advertising, work with a senior copywriter, in publishing, supervise book cover design, and in film, take internships and network. Computer skills are essential.
If you want to become an art director, you will need to decide which area you will focus 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 preferences. Once you’ve done some basic career planning, you’ll be able to choose the best art director education and training.
Usually in advertising, an art director works in partnership with a senior copywriter who manages a team of writers. This style of work is especially prevalent in advertising agencies. If you want to become an art director working in an advertising agency, you’ll need to create compelling graphics that illustrate the persuasive messages created by the writing team. It is possible for a copywriter or art director to move into the creative director position, but up to ten years of experience may be required.
In the publishing industry, art directors work primarily in supervising the design of book covers. Unless you live in a big city or are willing to move to one, you might not be able to become an art director for a book publishing company. Many book cover art directors work in major publishing hubs such as New York City. Typically they should start out as an assistant art director and then progress to the full position hiring designers to realize their ideas for book covers.
If the idea of working in the film industry inspires you to want to become an art director, it can definitely be done, but chances are you’ll need to take free internships at first. Becoming a part of a student film club at a university, especially in Southern California or another center of film production, can help you network in the industry. Watch movies to pay attention to defining details and how artistic elements create space and mood.
No matter what type of workplace you hope to find yourself in as an art director, you will need to be skilled in using computer technology. Whether you need Adobe Photoshop, QuarkXPress or other programs, build your ability to work effectively with the tools of the art industry. You will also need an excellent ability to use all types of computer-aided design (CAD) art software.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
