Art directors
SOC Code: 27-1011Also known as:
Art Administrator (Art Admin), Art Coordinator, Art Director, Art Manager, Art Supervisor
Median Annual Salary
$111,040
+4.2% growth (2024-2034)
12K
Openings/Year
135K
Current Jobs
What Art directors Do
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
💰 Salary
$111,040
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.2%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
12K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
5 years or more
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
135,000
Projected Employment (2034)
140,700
Related Careers
Project management specialists
$100,750 •
+5.6% growth
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800 •
+1.6% growth
Graphic designers
$61,300 •
+2.1% growth
Producers and directors
$83,480 •
+4.9% growth
Writers and authors
$72,270 •
+3.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.
- Present final layouts to clients for approval.
- Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
- Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities.
- Confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, and presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.
- Formulate basic layout design or presentation approach and specify material details, such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound.
- Review and approve art materials, copy materials, and proofs of printed copy developed by staff members.
- Create custom illustrations or other graphic elements.
- Attend photo shoots and printing sessions to ensure that the products needed are obtained.
- Review illustrative material to determine if it conforms to standards and specifications.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Art directors
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a art directors:
Graphic Design
10,676 degrees awarded •
578 colleges offer this program
Digital Arts
3,892 degrees awarded •
166 colleges offer this program
Intermedia/Multimedia
732 degrees awarded •
39 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Art directors
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become art directors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do art directors make?
The median annual salary for art directors is $111,040.
What education do art directors need?
Most art directors positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Graphic Design, Digital Arts, Intermedia/Multimedia.
Is becoming art directors a good career choice?
Art directors is projected to see +4.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 12,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for art directors?
Top colleges for aspiring art directors include
University of Florida, The University of Texas at Austin, Boston University, University of Central Florida, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to art directors?
Art directors may also be known as: Art Administrator (Art Admin), Art Coordinator, Art Director, Art Manager, Art Supervisor, Artistic Director, Brand Creative Director, Creative Art Director, Creative Design Director, Creative Director (CD Director), Creative Manager, Creative Services Director, Creative Services Manager, Design Director, Design Manager, Digital Art Director, Graphic Design and Art Production Manager, Group Art Supervisor, Group Creative Director, Magazine Designer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.