Art director Skills

The specific details of an art director’s role will vary somewhat from employer to employer, but common activities include:

• Introducing and applying expert art direction to the visual elements of creative projects
• Ensuring a high standard of visual execution across all media and campaigns
• Inspiring and motivating the agency’s clients to be creatively progressive, through the application of fresh and inventive visual work
• Reviewing the work of designers and providing direction and feedback
• Taking ownership of the visual elements of creative work for new business pitches
• Uncovering new ways to incorporate emerging and new media formats into campaigns.

Skills required

Every agency and client will be looking for slightly different resources, so an art director needs a wide range of design and creative capabilities. These include:

• a strong knowledge of typography, image manipulation, illustration and animation
• a broad understanding of marketing design and layout will also be expected
• the ability to generate a reliable supply of original ideas and visual concepts
• the confidence to explain and support your thinking, both internally and externally
• a flexible approach and willingness to adapt your ideas to the needs of clients
• a passion for advertising and commercial art
• a keen eye for visual details and accuracy
• the resilience to perform under pressure and deliver high-quality work  to tight deadlines.

• high level IT skills in the latest art and design packages
• a good awareness of digital media and evolving online platforms
• an innovative approach to the media and the ways in which advertising is carried