This is a fast-paced, creative position that is most often found in large media organizations such as newspapers, magazines, publishing houses, production companies and advertising firms.
In larger organizations, the Art Director may report to a Senior Art Director, while in other organizations he or she may report directly to the Vice President or other executive staff. The Art Director will typically manage junior associates including graphic designers, photographers and other junior creatives.
A person in this role will usually work closely with the organization’s Marketing Director or other creative lead. He or she will also work with vendors and clients outside of the organization, cultivating and maintaining these important relationships.
To succeed in this role, a person should be creative, have strong communication skills, exhibit a great attention to detail, easily build rapport with others and excel at managing and motivating team members. This role should be held by someone who can successfully manage shifting priorities, tight deadlines and last minute requests. This person would also need to be well versed in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, and he or she should have a love of typography and design.
An organization’s Art Director has many responsibilities, including but not limited to: supervising a team of junior associates and interns, overseeing the execution of projects from its conception through its launch, making creative decisions within the confines of an organization’s brand identity and resources, developing and carrying out a strategic vision for the Art department, leading weekly production meetings with staff, managing project budgets and deadlines and meeting with clients and vendors.
This position typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Art or Advertising, as well as at least 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
This is a first shift, full time position and may require long hours, particularly before a deadline.
Art Director Tasks
- Review illustrative material to determine if it conforms to standards and specifications.
- Confer with department heads to discuss requirements, present concepts and to coordinate creative activities.
- Create basic layout design and specify material details.
- Formulate and implement design concepts and presentation approaches, and layout design.
Add to your site
