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Is being an art director a good fit for you?

Decides the look and style of visual work such as magazines, ads, films and websites. Leads the designers and artists who make it.

What the work involves

  • Works with creative directors to come up with design solutions.
  • Presents final layouts to clients for approval.
  • Manages own client accounts and projects within budget and deadlines.
  • Meets heads of creative, art, writing or production teams to discuss client needs and ideas and coordinate the work.

The interests that suit it

People in this work tend to be creative and persuading. Here is how much each of the six kinds of interest comes into it.

Hands-onLow. Building, fixing, and working with tools, machines, animals or the outdoors.
CuriousLow. Finding things out, solving problems, and working with ideas and data.
CreativeStrong. Making things: art, writing, music, design and performance.
HelpingLow. Teaching, caring for and supporting people.
PersuadingStrong. Leading, selling, and making the calls.
OrganisingSome. Keeping things in order: records, numbers and systems.

What it tends to reward

Compared with other work, this job stands out for:

  • Independence. Trusted to decide how the work gets done.
  • Mastery. Getting really good at something over time.
  • Security. Steady work in a well-run organisation.

How much training it needs

Degree required. Usually a degree, sometimes more study after. Rules differ from country to country, so check locally before you commit.

Find out if it fits you

Answer quick questions about what you like doing and what keeps you going. We match you with roles from over 900 kinds of work, and you can see if an art director is one of yours.

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