Art Directors

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.

$111,040
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+4% projected 2024โ€“2034
Bachelor's degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Art directors develop the visual identity and creative vision for advertising campaigns, magazines, product packaging, film productions, and digital media. They conceptualize how images, colors, typography, and layouts work together to communicate a message or tell a story effectively. Each day involves brainstorming design concepts, reviewing artwork and photographs, collaborating with creative teams including copywriters and graphic designers, and presenting ideas to clients or executives. They oversee the production process from initial concept through final execution, ensuring every visual element aligns with the project's goals and brand standards.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Harvard University, MA
$115,516
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Minneapolis College of Art and Design, MN
$69,907
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Ramapo College of New Jersey, NJ
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Regent University, VA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)CUNY City College, NY
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Missouri State University-Springfield, MO
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Arizona State University Campus Immersion, AZ
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Iowa State University, IA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Indiana University-Indianapolis, IN
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Norfolk State University, VA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)College of Charleston, SC
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)CUNY Brooklyn College, NY
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Cumberland University, TN
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)New Mexico State University-Main Campus, NM
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Mississippi State University, MS
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)George Mason University, VA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Academy of Art University, CA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Bob Jones University, SC
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Carnegie Mellon University, PA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus, NJ
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Maryland Institute College of Art, MD
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)SUNY at Purchase College, NY
$62,652

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