Art director
Also known as: artistic projects manager, advertising art director, creative director, visual art director, stage director, designer
About this occupation
Art directors shape the visual layout of a concept. They create innovative designs, develop artistic projects and manage the cooperation between all aspects involved. Art directors may perform creative work in theatre, marketing, advertising, video and motion picture, fashion or online companies. They ensure that the work performed is visually appealing to audiences.
Essential skills and knowledge
- follow time cues
- cue a performance
- theatre techniques
- assemble an artistic team
- analyse the need for technical resources
- read scripts
- design principles
- determine visual concepts
- develop professional network
- direct an artistic team
- personal directing styles
- develop creative ideas
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Technical Writers (O*NET 27-3042.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
- Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
- Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
- Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
- Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
- Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Artistic, Investigative
Top skills: Writing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$90,390 a year (2025), 45,500 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.8)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.3)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
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Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
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- Editors
- Management Analysts
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- Data Scientists
- Clinical Data Managers
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Writers and Authors
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.