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What experiences/ jobs are required to become an Art Director?
#artist #job #experience #art #director #management
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Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi There! Art Directors can be found in many fields from Magazine Art Directors to Advertising Art Directors. First, you should try to decide what industry you'd ideally like to be in, as that may change how you prepare for that role. AD's handle the visuals, graphics, and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions.
Most AD's have experience with Creative Cloud and are comfortable using Photoshop, Adobe Indesign, Illustrator, etc. As you become comfortable creating art and visuals within these softwares, this is when you should start growing your portfolio - a diverse group of your work to show your ability as an artist. You'd then try to secure internships within a creative team or under a creative director to understand the inner workings of that niche and continue growing your portfolio and experience with brands.
Pick what interests you most (Magazines, Movies, Advertising, Product Packaging)
Start honing your artistic skills on Creative Cloud and other softwares
Begin creating your portfolio
Most AD's have experience with Creative Cloud and are comfortable using Photoshop, Adobe Indesign, Illustrator, etc. As you become comfortable creating art and visuals within these softwares, this is when you should start growing your portfolio - a diverse group of your work to show your ability as an artist. You'd then try to secure internships within a creative team or under a creative director to understand the inner workings of that niche and continue growing your portfolio and experience with brands.
Elizabeth recommends the following next steps:
I would add to this: leadership, management, and collaboration skills. To be an art director you're likely to be leading a team in addition to a visual identity. While you'll need the technical skills to begin, you'll also need to learn how to collaborate with and direct others towards a common goal while promoting individual creativity.
Melissa D
Great comments here! I would like to toss in the element of possibly growing your skills within a small business. Small businesses offer ample opportunity to practice skills in a variety of areas. There could be a small business that can benefit from your skills while you learn too.
Joie Marshall
Updated
Sirlei’s Answer
Hi Athena!
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, to become an Art Director you:
"...need at least a bachelor's degree in an art or design subject and previous work experience. Depending on the industry, they may have worked as graphic designers, fine artists, editors, or photographers, or in another art or design occupation before becoming art directors."
You can learn more by visiting their site here: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm#:~:text=artists%20or%20photographers.-,Art%20directors%20need%20at%20least%20a%20bachelor's%20degree%20in%20an,occupation%20before%20becoming%20art%20directors.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
Sirlei
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, to become an Art Director you:
"...need at least a bachelor's degree in an art or design subject and previous work experience. Depending on the industry, they may have worked as graphic designers, fine artists, editors, or photographers, or in another art or design occupation before becoming art directors."
You can learn more by visiting their site here: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm#:~:text=artists%20or%20photographers.-,Art%20directors%20need%20at%20least%20a%20bachelor's%20degree%20in%20an,occupation%20before%20becoming%20art%20directors.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
Sirlei