Advertising art director
Art directors lead the visual design and creative process behind ad campaigns in TV, cinema, online and print media.
Also known as: Creative
- Starter salary£30,000 a year
- Experienced£60,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 45 a week
What you'll do
As an advertising art director, you could:
- work closely with copywriters and account planners to understand the client brief
- create storyboards, sketches and designs, laying out ideas and concepts
- produce visuals for digital and traditional media campaigns
- present ideas to creative directors and senior managers
- co-ordinate the work of a creative team
- select studios and locations for photo or film shoots
- make sure that budgets and deadlines are met
- cultivate creative contacts for hire to bring in on particular campaigns
Working environment
You could work in a creative studio, in an office or at a client's business.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- knowledge of art and design
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to sell products and services
- leadership skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a advertising art director
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a graduate trainee scheme
University
You could study for a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject like:
- graphic design
- advertising design
- illustration
- graphic communications
- digital media
- art and design
Employers value work experience so it's important to get as much as you can during your studies.
Your university careers service can help you find work experience, internship and placement opportunities.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, which may help you to get a visual creative assistant role with an advertising company.
Options include:
- Junior Advertising Creative Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Advertising Creative Level 6 Apprenticeship, leading to a professional qualification
These apprenticeships typically take around 2 years to complete and combine learning in the workplace with study.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Work
You may be able to start as a junior visual creative to develop your skills on the job. You would move into more senior roles in the editorial team through training, experience and promotion.
Volunteering
Work experience could give you a better understanding of the role. You would also make contacts who might be of help when you look for paid work in advertising.
You could try:
- volunteering
- internships
- temporary jobs
Social media sites like LinkedIn can be a useful way to make contact with agencies about potential opportunities.
Employers will be keen to hear about any experience you have in creative media and marketing. They'll also expect you to have a portfolio of design work that showcases your ideas and creative talents.
Other routes
If you have a degree, you can apply for a place on a graduate training scheme , with an advertising agency.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- become a senior art or agency director
- work freelance
- join a creative studio as an art editor, working in all areas of media production
- set up your own advertising or design agency
Career tips
Some agencies recruit creative teams as well as individuals. You could work with a copywriter to pitch ideas together.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) to find training opportunities and make industry contacts
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleAdvertising account executive
- Job roleArt editor
- Job roleGraphic designer
- Job roleAdvertising copywriter
- Job roleIllustrator
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