Art Directors
Overview
Introduction
Art directors, sometimes known as creative directors, play a key role in every stage of the creation of media and products with a visual component such as advertising, newspapers and magazines, books, films, television programs, video games, and Web sites.
In advertising, they contribute to an ad or ad campaign, from formulating concepts to supervising production. Ultimately, they are responsible for planning and overseeing the presentation of their clients messages in print or on screen—that is, in books, magazines, newspape...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The job title of art director can mean many different things, depending on the company at which the director is employed. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median salary for art directors in all industries was $106,500 in May 2023. The lowest paid 10 percent earned $60,440 and the top 10 percent earned $209,800 or more per year. Median annual earnings for art directors employed in ...
Work Environment
Art directors usually work in studios or office buildings. While their work areas are ordinarily comfortable, well lit, and ventilated, they often handle glue, paint, ink, and other materials that pose safety hazards, and they should, therefore, exercise caution. Art directors who are employed in the film and television industries may work on set locations that range from bustling cities to des...
Outlook
The extent to which art director positions are in demand, like many other positions, depends on the economy in general; when times are tough, people and businesses spend less, and cutbacks are made. When the economy is healthy, employment prospects for art directors will be favorable. During the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, employment in advertising, publishing, and other businesses slowed and de...