An Art Director, or Production Artist, is responsible for overseeing the design and visual aspects of a project, usually in advertising or film industries. Their duties typically include deciding which art piece or graphics to include in their material, establishing the overall look for a campaign or media piece and approving designs or artwork pitched to them for the final product.
A Art Director should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Art Director should be able to execute:
- Working with clients to identify the goals and needs for the project
- Establishing the budget and timeline for the campaign
- Determining the overall artistic vision and tone to help select the right visuals
- Choosing the visual elements for the project, which may include photos, art, video and other mediums
- Creating layouts and designs for print publications such as magazines and books
- Directing the creation of artwork used on websites and other online media
- Managing the design staff, including Graphic Designers and Set Designers, and coordinating with other art or marketing departments involved
- Presenting the designs to the clients and directing changes as needed to satisfy the clients’ preferences
A competitive Art Director will have certain skills and qualifications, including:
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
- Strong sense of creativity and innovation within the specific type of media
- Excellent time management and prioritization skills to meet tight deadlines
- Managerial skills, including delegating tasks
- Understanding of advertising regulations and legal responsibilities
- Ability to adapt to different styles and visions to fit clients’ guidelines
- Comfort with technology related to art as well as the latest production and art techniques
