Become An Art Director In A Year
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- Опубліковано 31 сер 2019
- If you're starting from scratch, have high hopes to become an Art Director in the ad industry, and are willing to bust your ass for the next year to make it happen, this video is for you.
If you're interested in learning more, with an even more blown out curriculum filled with a library of campaign-building and design-improving assignments, check out my book for more: www.amazon.com/dp/B09S69MG6C/...
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I think the first months needs to start with the design basics. Colour theory, typography, layout etc. Without those, you can only be a graphic design operator. To "direct" something, only Photoshop and Illustrator skill is not enough. This video's title should be "Become A Graphic Designer In a Year"
deniz yavuz Thanks for the comment! I really appreciate it but I respectfully disagree. It’s not purely focused on design for a reason. That’s why the majority of this syllabus is spent conceptualizing campaigns. It’s more important that you practice brainstorming and coming up with ideas. Recruiters need to know how you think about strategically solving your client’s brand problems. That is the Art Direction difference. A much smaller focus of an AD job is actually directing video shoots, photo shoots, and other juniors even though the title implies it. I would actually argue that the things you listed to be an AD (color theory, type, and layout) are more on the graphic design aspect of the job anyway though they are very important. I do have videos over those on the channel. This curriculum is not a catch-all. It’s a roadmap where you have to dabble in design styles and executions at your pit stops. Appreciate the feedback none-the-less! Enjoy seeing people’s different stances. It’s a hard position to define and my definition is just based on my own 10 years of experience in the game. :)
@@OpenDoorCreative Half of the video recommends learning how to use the tools, which is a graphic designer job. Yes, having a graphic design background is a must thing. But it shouldn't be the majority of a video called "Become An Art Director In A Year". You can be 10 years experienced or even 30 but teaching your experience is a different area.
deniz yavuz 80% of the job is graphic design. I would be doing a disservice to not include the programs you will need to know to be an Art Director and on every month I included both the conceptual and executional side to the art director position. Curious to know what all you would include that falls into the art direction category? Not to jab but to maybe help others out and open the scope of the curriculum that they can use to build their portfolios.
@@denizyavuz991 Well, both of you are correct to some extent, depending on the scale of the agency or studio. I think he was some kind of freelancer, a one-man band, or a small studio when he started. That's why he had to do 80 percent of the junior job by himself. In short, he had to do it all. But the topic itself really downgrades the profession of an art director. Really? In just one year with no actual experience in the related industry ? How could you direct other crew members with zero experience in a TTL campaign or managing 3rd party agencies ? That is not the case for the required job experience for all job postings in reality.
Bringin’’ organization to what can feel like a chaotic process, I see you. Awesome, helpful and heckin worth it 💪🏼
this is so helpful!! i’m a full time student & working part time but you best believe i’m still going to do this ((:
Julia N awesome!!!! Keep me posted on your progress!
Great video! I literally did all those projects for my advertising classes in college.
Wow. I just graduated from UT this month and this video has been so helpful and insightful. It gives me a bit of tranquility knowing that I have some of these things already done but all the other stuff you mentioned are great ideas that I am going to do.
Thank you!
That is awesome man. Let me know if you have any questions. Best of luck!!
Into my first year of art direction studies, it's a bit slow in learnin, so gotta keep up the grind myself after school hah
Wanderoy Visuals for sure. I can’t stress how important that is. Best of luck!
@@OpenDoorCreative You too!
Thank you for this video. I have been feeling burnt out for the past few month. Just by watching this video, alot of ideas come into my mind as you go through your syllabus. Thanks for getting my creative juices running!
Love that! Totally get it. Burn out is real! Best of luck on getting those creative juices flowing again!
This is awesome! You just inspired me to start a project I've had in mind for quite a while. Thanks! ♥️
Victoria MG so glad!! Would love to see it when you’re done.
Thank you so much for this information. The most I like it's that you offer yourself to check the campaigns at the end. That's pretty amazing! For sure, I will show you my campaigns in one year. I will really appreciate your feedback! Let's get started! :D
Katherine Aguilar Mahecha hell yea. Press on. Looking forward to seeing what you’ve got. Best of luck. You’ve got this!
I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm starting my senior year this fall in advertisement & digital design. It would mean alot to get some input on my portfolio from you!
victoria ohh of course. Send it when you’re ready.
@@OpenDoorCreative where can I send it over?
victoria ohh send me a contact form message on my website www.opendoorcreative.com
Its a blessing to see this and learn from it. Thanks again!
Of course. Hope it helps!!
I loved this video! You just unpacked it all for me, very enlightening!!! Thanks!
Awesome. Glad it could help. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you so much for this information! So helpful
Shannon Grant glad I could help. Let me know if you have any questions.
This channel is amazing and I appreciate people like you, who share with others valuable information in order to help them achieve their goals as well! Thank you!
I'm an aspiring AD, but I am fairly new to graphic design. I'm studying art & technology, and I have about another year and half left before receiving my BA, but before graduating I'd love to incorporate this whole AD syllabus just so I can be ready to look for jobs after graduating. My biggest issue right now is trying to figure out the best equipment to invest in, to effectively complete everything you suggest. luckily, I have access to large desktops on campus but I'm still debating on what to buy that will be most efficient all around. My first option was a Macbook pro, but after watching this video, it made me think that maybe I should just get an Ipad pro... so I would love a recommendation from a pro on what would benefit me the most.
Thank you!
vanessa Pargado thanks so much for watching! A MacBook Pro is definitely worth the investment. An iPad Pro is a nice to have but still does not have capabilities of the full creative suite versions of programs like photoshop, illustrator, and indesign. The ipad versions of those programs are limited. You will need a computer, once you don’t have access to the on campus machines. That’s where your money should aim if you can swing it. Let me know if you have any more particular questions I can help you with!
You’re the best! This is super helpful, thank you!
I’ll make sure to share your channel with more aspiring AD’s 😁
vanessa Pargado please do! The more the merrier. Appreciate ya!
Pro Digital Concept Artist here. I highly recommend in investing in a windows touch screen device with high pressure sensitivity, or Cintiq model line from Wacom Brand. With Wacom, you can also get a student discount. Wish you the best on your journey!
Thanks man! This video was a great help. Just one question- how to find campaigns to work on?
I just started a Portfolio School and realized it's too beginner-level for me, so I am ready and excited to start your syllabus instead! I will probably tweak it a bit to fit my own needs but thank you for this amazing basis !! Is sending you the campaign after 9 months still on ? I would love to get your feedback! Kevin you rock 🤟
Sure thing! My book is also more in-depth with more projects if you want to check it out. It’s called Breaking into Art Direction and you can get it on Amazon!
Thank you so much for this video🔆
Of course!! Thanks for watching.
Just now seeing this and am excited to get started!
Amazing. Let me know how it goes! Good luck 👍
Thanks!!
This is so helpful! Thanks so much
Of course! Thanks for watching.
I love your content! I’m currently on my final trimester in uni and I’m aspiring to be an art director, the course I’m doing is digital media and I’m specializing in 3D design & animation. I have a previous degree in digital design & communication and experience being a lead graphic designer in several projects in between my studies. My question would be how do I get to my goal with a BA degree in digital media (3D design & Animation), what’s the next step for me in order for me to climb up the ladder?
Linda Butandu thanks so much! Next step is just to start applying (if your portfolio is in a good spot). Feel free to send it over for a critique. 3D and animation are very sought after so you should have little problem landing a position!
Open Door Creative I’d love to show you my portfolio once it looks “presentable”. I watched the video with you and Nick and it was extremely insightful and I agreed on many things that you guys discussed. I’m one of those students that wants to get somewhere but rather everything be “perfect” (portfolio and skills) before I take on a role, I’ll need some more experience for landing an art director position and I’m fine with working my way up. I still have a lot of room for improvement even if I started being a creative at the age of 9. Is it better to apply for a junior position in this case? I’m interested in advertisement, television and animation (not necessary to animate or do modeling but I’d love to work in that environment) which direction should I take for each?
How did you do the type in face so well? I haven’t tried that yet.
This seems like a great way to become a Graphic Designer, but not an Art Director. I am looking for more about guiding a team. project management and time management. Do you have anything like that? (Current Graphic Designer/Packaging Brand Management w/20 years experience.)
Yea this video is more for those starting from scratch, looking to build a portfolio to ultimately get them that entry level job (where they won’t be directly managing, scheduling, or presenting to clients quite yet). You’re probably more than equipped to make the transition over to AD. That’s where you’ll learn most of that other skill set on the job and practice it much more in a Senior AD position. In the meantime, feel free to check out other videos on the channel that might give you more insight into executing the AD role. I’ve got videos on Creating Culture, Keys to Brainstorming Sessions, Being an Art Director on a Photoshoot, What Account Service Looks For In A Creative, Coming Up With Concepts, etc. Hope some of those help you out. Best of luck.
Really helpful, thanks!
Course!
Such a useful video! A video like this for creative copywriting would be amazing ⚡️
Hester Eleanor this could happen but probably not super soon to be honest with all I have plated currently. I will need to grab help from a copywriter to create that one as well. In the meantime, I would follow a similar structure but fill in copy classes and books. Campaigns should remain the same. And instead of design projects, I would double down on one-off ads, scripts, and other copy challenges.
@@OpenDoorCreative awesome that's really helpful, thank you
It's so helpful what you're sharing with us! I do have a dilemma, though, when it comes to the most suitable device for the beginning. I'm between buying an ipad pro (which would make me feel like having more precision) and a macbook pro. Idk what to choose bc most of the programmes that you talked about aren't available yet for ipad or can't be used at their maximum potential. So, would it be better to buy a mac and get access to adobe creative or is it enough to work with some alternatives on ipad?
Thank you so much for everything you're doing here, this channel is a big support for me!
Thanks so much for the kind words. I know that the ipad is a very tempting purchase but the macbook pro is the NEED in this instance. As you mentioned, you just are not going to get as far with the ipad as it sits today. The mac is a necessity to have complete access to the full capabilities of Adobe Creative Suite. That would be my recommendation on a long-term investment that will allow you to expand your skillsets to reach a wider net. Hope that helps!
It really did, thanks a lot! Wish you the best!
I am in my final year of architecture but for past two years , i am not feeling that architecture is my field. I want to be a stage designer or an art director but I am unable to decide. I am recently watching your videos, its giving me inspiration to be an art director. What course do i have to major in to be an art director?
So this channel is for being an art director in the field of advertising. Seems like you might want to be one in film. I’m not exactly sure what you should take but probably more RTF courses. But I totally get you on the major change. I too started as architecture.
I went to design college and one of my assignments for digital letterform. was to find some random typography upload it into illustrator and make an entire alphabet upper and lower case in that font style. (I did Bayonetta)
How fun!!
Great stuff man! Thinking of applying this for a video director and producer!
Terry T. S. Best of luck!!!
This is great! I accept the challenge 😎
Can’t wait to see what you got! If you’d like my more comprehensive syllabus, I do also have a book on Amazon called Breaking into Art Direction which has over 50 assignments and creative briefs as well.
Hi There, Thanks so much for making this video! It is so so so helpful. Just a question, could you explain a little more about the campaign as I'm a bit confused what it actually entails. Thanks Dani.
A campaign is a singular idea for a brand that spans across multiple media (social media, tv, print, out of home, etc. Try this video for more info: ua-cam.com/video/d0KQiLFUy1c/v-deo.html
I'm interested in being an art director. Especially since just a few weeks ago, I competed in an art competition with many artists from around the world and it was a teamwork project. One artwork 8 artists thing. And I kind of have a natural leading ability that came in very handy. Everyone on the team said I was really good at leading them and everyone knew what they are doing and what the end product should look like. They suggested I should think of being an art director. I'm just at the end of my bachelor's degree in illustration and I also study graphic design, so adobe illustrator, photoshop, and InDesign are the programs I got covered. Only animating and movie production programs are unknown to me. I'll carefully follow your video tutorials to figure out what one needs to do to maybe be an art director and what previous jobs I should cover. Thank you for putting these out there to help us. The schools certainly don't teach us how to be an art director haha. :D So thanks for filling that gap. ^^
Thanks so much. As you watch, let me know if you have any questions. Congrats on your competition. It’s awesome to hear your teammates had positive things to say and that things are lining up into place. Keep up the good work! 👍
@@OpenDoorCreative Thank you very much! ^^ I most likely will have some questions, mainly on how to break through and get that job eventually. I probably have a bit of a problem because the country I live in that doesn't provide jobs like this. So I'll have to look outside for it. A lot of my passions are jobs that are outside of my own country... Hopefully, I get some solutions for it in the future. :)
@@SweetGir12 totally! I also have a book all about breaking into the field you can check out. More info about that in this video: Build Your Art Direction Advertising Portfolio From Scratch
ua-cam.com/video/y1fhyAeMk1M/v-deo.html
@@OpenDoorCreative Thank you very much, I'll check it out! :D
@@OpenDoorCreative A, just a question, does the book and everything you talk about only apply to the advertising industry and or also to every other type of art direction such as animation, game, graphic design, etc. type of industry?
Aaron Nace on Phlearn has an awesome PS YT channel.
I've really pimped my PS game with his channel since 2014
Awesome! Thanks for sharing.
I graduated in 2012 since then I've worked as a graphic designer, production designer, concept artist, done freelance illustration jobs and animation but for some reason I still feel weird applying for Art director jobs even though I probably could at this point. I've also been told by a Creative director that I have an advantage because I can actually draw as well. I just feel weird applying for art director jobs for some reason. like all that experience isn't enough because I have actually had an official "art director" or " jr art director" title job..should I just apply anyway?
1000% apply. You’re far more capable than I think you give yourself credit for. Go for it. Apply, interview, and be confident in your breadth of experience in relatable jobs. Continue to skew your portfolio towards graphics + big idea thinking and ask for portfolio feedback even if you don’t get the job first round out.
ditto
Really enjoyed this,
So glad!
Loved this. I'm a Digital Marketing Manager. Do you think it would be a smooth transition to be an Art Director if I develop a strong portfolio? Or do you think there's another job position I should go for first before Art Director?
Great question. It will really depend on your portfolio and you to create a spectrum of work more similar to what you will be doing. Many agencies have junior art director positions available to start out so your current experience can only help you but you will still need a competitive portfolio that shows conceptual thinking and design skills.
good info, thanks
No problem!
Nice and awesome video thanks for being simple and precise.
Can I apply as an art director with years of experience working with Photoshop, Illustrator, aftereffect, premiere pro, cinema4d, substance painter, but my indesign skill is not well sharpened though.
What’s your take and advise sir.
Thanks
Think you can definitely start applying as long as you have a portfolio put together with the best projects you have worked on. I do recommend taking a basic indesign class or tutorials online though just to sharpen those skills slightly.
Okay so how to go from marketing to art direction or creative direction
To be honest i am searching a video like this for years for real i want to be an ad and i sketched a lot for practise
The Malk awesome man. Keep going!
Thank you i will start next month😄
Milan Gees Pedersen awesome. Keep me posted! Best of luck.
@@OpenDoorCreative hey update! I have decieded to start a job at a restaurant to earn some cash for a MacBook 😄!
So i will start when i have enough money.
Also i have just gotten a internship in a advertising company called umwelt! You should check it out😆
I will send a portfolio in a few Yeats, just wait...
I’d love to be an art director! I’m a fashion photographer now. But I want to go the other route of strictly being the one who directs the shoots now or possibly even runway shows. (helping set up props, pick models, pick the photographer, pick the stylist pick the concept, pick the specific lighting) But I I don’t have any graphic design background or experience. Could I be an art director without that or should I start working on that? Or could an art director strictly work on the visuals with no specific graphic design work? If so, what would that be listed under?
Hmmm that is tricky. The art director position has expanded greatly so typically you’re doing so much more than shoots. You might look into a role as a content producer or a specialized art director within the fashion industry specifically where shoots are much more frequent. In the ad agency setting, you would be required to definitely do a ton of graphic design as an art director.
@@OpenDoorCreative Thanks for getting back to me! I was looking into photo shoot producer jobs as well, so thank you for suggesting that.
I’ll be majoring in Fashion Communications so I may be able to even go into the route of social media marketing.
I'm almost 21 and do art commissions as work, I did a full year course of photoshop and illustrator in high school, and am interested in this field-BUT I'm having a hard time finding opportunities in my area. I am from North Dakota. Is it better to move to a location with better opportunity? Or should I focus more on networking in my location instead?
Hey! It’s really up to you and your situation. If you’re willing to move, way more opportunities are available at your disposal. If you’re set on staying, milk the places around you. Due to the current climate, remotely working is also a possibility so it might be that you find something somewhere else and do it from your home in North Dakota. Best of luck.
@@OpenDoorCreative Thank you so much for your fast response. I will weigh out the options! You are extremely talented, and I am a proud new fan. Stay safe during quarantine! 🙂💟
Satan thank you. Means a lot. You stay safe as well! Crazy world out there.
This video is exactly what I was looking for!! I’m a photographer but I love conceptualizing ideas and using my images to define a brand or visual identity.
I’d really love to be a creative director or art director in the music industry working for artists. Working on album art, promotional photo shoots, apparel design, etc.
Is it possible to get a creative/art director role in the music industry if I follow this curriculum?
Any advice you have for my career aspirations would be much appreciated.
Jvstn it’s absolutely possible. I would just skew your projects that way. Design tons of album covers, artist apparel, campaigns for music festivals and radio stations, and band posters. It will be tough, but you can definitely break through if you have a passion for it. Best of luck.
Open Door Creative Thanks for getting back to me! Just a couple more questions.
There aren’t really a whole lot of creative Director or art director roles just opening up in the music industry, so do you think it makes sense to just get my foot in the door at any ad agency I can, even if the clients aren’t related to music? Then just gain experience, network, even do some freelance on the side until I can eventually pivot to the role I want to be at?
Also can you make a video on what a campaign is, how to make one, and what constitutes a good campaign? How do you make a campaign for print vs digital? Things like that. In all honesty I feel like I’m naturally an ideas person but I wouldn’t know where to start with my first campaign
Definitely get your foot in the door and keep exploring your art. You’ve got to just keep making. I have many videos on how to come up with ideas under my tips playlist. Also check out the portfolio critiques to see other’s book campaigns. I also have one video on what makes a good portfolio. Check some of that out and I’ll look at making some more in this vein soon! Thank you!
yoo thanks man..
Is a degree in art required? I am currently majoring in marketing but I have lots of experience in the art field
Nope, not required. Marketing is fine but you’ll need to put together a portfolio on the side. Here’s a quick video on schooling for position ua-cam.com/video/AH1JyPfhKwM/v-deo.html
Please I need help.. I’m a senior in high school and I’m passionate about all kinds of arts and would like to explore them, graphic design caught my eye and I might head down the path to major in it, and my goal is to be a art director, should I major in another art path?
Majoring in advertising-art direction or graphic design are definitely the top majors that translate into the career. You want to set yourself up to learn the programs and develop ideas. See the video on my channel called “What should you major in to become an art director”. If you’re interested to learn more, to see if this is the career for you, you can also check out my book Breaking into Art Direction. It’ll give you a good general idea of all that you’ll be doing and has exercises you can experiment with to see if it’s your jam. That’s on Amazon. Let me know if I can help you with anything else. Best of luck.
An Amazing Information!!! Thank you soooo much
Ivy Kudman appreciate that!!
I have been watching your videos for a while now and love your content. It has been super helpful and insightful on my own journey. Would love if you could take some time to look at my current portfolio!
Audacity that’s awesome. I can definitely take a look. A little behind but send it my way.
Open Door Creative DM’d!
Audacity not seeing it. Make sure you fill out contact email form at opendoorcreative.com
Open Door Creative sent! I DM’d your Instagram first my bad 😅
Audacity no prob!
Is it possible to become an art director without drawing skills? I'm also going to start some sketching tutorials at the same time, Just think that typography will be really hard for me.
IviKo hahaha please watch my most recent video. This just happens to be the first question I answer! Let me know if you have any more questions or if there is anything I can do for ya.
@@OpenDoorCreative hahaha I watch your content for like 3 month and finally started this challenge. So I'm little bit busy to check new stuff on channel (will do now)
IviKo haha not a problem at all!
Are the softwares you listed still relevant to learn in 2024?
100%. Industry standard. Would also learn Blender for 3D
Its just that , most of the agencies out there won't even proprely look at your cv without any proper projects, awards or any other experience on international scale. Junior designer in a year then built up from there is more likely to hope for. You can always be an ''art director'' at your own studio :) from day one, but that doesn't bring clients. Good luck though.
Mark Jordan yes junior art director is typically the step in. This video is mostly about entering the career. Though at many small shops, jumping in as an Art Director is very likely. Many shops don’t have a junior position.
What makes the design beautiful?
Design is extremely subjective. It’s hard to know exactly what makes a design beautiful. First, I recommend getting familiar with design principles. That will help you create guidelines to what makes a design work. Second, I would look at graphic design award manuals and study the winners. Hope that helps!
Do you think procreate is now up to par with illustrator?
I think procreate is an amazing artistic tool for drawing. I would still give illustrator an edge as there is more complex functionality and it’s vector. Procreate needs to step up their vector game so that it integrates better and is more easily used within other creative programs. You can definitely do some super fun stuff in it though.
I plan on majoring in business management but I really want to become an art director what should I do?? Also what should my career pathway look like??
Lista christa honest opinion is if you want to become an Art Director you should change paths and try to take more classes that pertain to that career. Learn graphic design, gain understanding for the advertising business, allow yourself more opportunities to be creative. Check my recent video on what to major in to become an Art Director. Everyone’s career path is unique so you’ve got to take the best course that’s right for you. I have lots of car interviews on this channel that go through different ad professional’s journey. You might just connect with one of their stories. Let me know how else I can help or if you have any more questions.
Open Door Creative I just finished watching your video and it helped me so much!! I think I’ll still major is business management because having experience in business could be a plus. I also feel like if I take art classes then it would be a waste since I could just teach myself. The creative field is very competitive, so what if I don’t make it. Then what happens I’m out of college and can’t find a job. So I’m hoping working on my portfolio will earn me a spot in becoming an art director. 🤞🏾🤞🏾
Lista christa best of luck. You can definitely make it happen.
Do you need an associates of arts as well as a bachelors to become an art director?
Nope. Not necessarily. See my video about what to major in to become an art director. I talk a little bit about the different paths you can take.
@@OpenDoorCreative thank you so much!
What degree should I pursue to become an art director (/junior art director?)
Ghastxm funny you should ask. I will be making a video on this in two weeks! To answer in short, advertising, graphic design, or visual communication majors are best but vary depending on school. Will dive in more in a few weeks.
Open Door Creative Yes! Thanks a ton 🙏🏼
Video reply to your question! ua-cam.com/video/AH1JyPfhKwM/v-deo.html
Open Door Creative thank you, I truly appreciate it 🙏🏼❤️
Ghastxm anytime!
If you don´t work in advertising, i think you don´t need to master photoshop at all. If you work in editorial, for example, you will need to master another kind of skills. What do you think????
I would say that if your job entails graphic design in any sense, you should probably know your way around photoshop. Editorial, you’re probably leaning into indesign or other publishing program with the aid of photoshop or Lightroom.
@@OpenDoorCreative I agree bro. It depends on the area you work. Good luck for your future projects ✌️
I have more questions about Art Direction may I dm you or ?
No prob. Please submit questions on contact form at opendoorcreative.com
Can I become an art director studying communication design at university?
Yes absolutely. You should get work out of your courses under that major to help build your portfolio. I do recommend creating some campaigns on the side to strengthen your book of work if your classes don’t offer those projects.
@@OpenDoorCreative thank you very much!
You should do a Copywriter syllabus!
Will definitely look into it. Since it’s not my specialty, I will need to recruit some help from industry friends to put one together. You could create a structure format very similar to what I’ve outlined in this video (especially as it pertains to creating campaigns) but replace with writing challenges and writing workshops/online courses.
@@OpenDoorCreative I will! Thanks for all the info you've provided!
I'm saving this for when i get a good laptop
Can i do this? I'm 16
Of course. The earlier you get started, the better you’ll be.
Is this how one can become an art director without studies?
That’s what I believe. Your portfolio is the most important piece to getting you a job and if you work hard enough on your own time, you can make a solid one.
@@OpenDoorCreative thank youu
This is misleading. It's unlikely to be hired as an Art Director without several years of agency experience as a Graphic Designer and most ad agencies won't hire designers without some formal education in that realm. You can't confidently lead a team of designers without a thorough understanding of the role which only comes from professional experience. Not saying it's impossible, but unless you're a multi-talented, social media influencer who can leverage that status, I'd go back to school.
Bill Acheson I have to whole-heartedly, yet respectfully, disagree with you. Entry-level art directors are plentiful. Though the title says director, many don’t start leading until multiple years in the game. I and many, many, many industry friends and colleagues of mine started out as art directors. Actually, more started off as entry-level art directors than that started as graphic designers out of the people in my network. Not as rare as you might think. It could be that that’s the case at the shops and agencies in which you worked at which would totally make sense and back up your logic. But there are many agencies out there offering art direction internships that lead right into that junior role. And correct me if I’m wrong, but after a quick LinkedIn search, it seems that you started off in this industry as an art director?
@@OpenDoorCreative It seems that we must have a different understanding of the role. I was several years into my career as a Graphic Designer (Jr. to Sr.) before acquiring the Art Director title and admit that I could be out of touch with the terms evolution and different interpretations geographically (which is what first brought me here). I was also not leading a team initially, but the years of full-time, industry experience were necessary to gain a functional understanding off all the areas that the role spans and how to work effectively with other creatives, suppliers and brand stakeholders. From a hiring perspective, it doesn’t make any sense to me to skip the entry level roles in the hierarchy, but perhaps expectations differ.
@@OpenDoorCreative After more consideration and putting ego aside, my biggest issue with this is the potential for devaluation of the entire structure. If the Art Director role is being filled by entry level designers with no formal training or industry experience, then I have to assume that they’re earning below average salaries for the title. If that is the case, this would lower the bar for all creative roles above and below it. So why not call a Jr. Graphic Designer what they are for the better of the industry? I’d appreciate your thoughts on this.
@@OpenDoorCreative Here is one point of reference:
www.roberthalf.ca/sites/roberthalf.ca/files/documents_not_indexed/2021_Salary_Guide_Creative_and_Marketing_NA.pdf?RH-NA-Salary_Guide-Autoresponder-Email-2020-2021&Email&Download+the+2020+Creative+%26amp%3b+Marketing+Salary+Guide
@@billacheson Sorry it took me a while to respond. Just got married! I totally see where you are coming from but I believe graphic designers and art directors have very different career paths. Made a video on this as well. Though both roles start off relatively the same, the career path long term looks pretty different. At least at the agencies I have worked at a Design Director and Creative Director are vastly different. I really think it just matters on the shop which is why I don’t think either of us is right or wrong haha but because there is a junior Art Director role (entry level) who is being groomed to be more conceptual, learning how to provide direction to designers/studio, attending photoshoots, storyboarding, and learning the position of an art director before they start taking on the roles full range of responsibilities. I think you would agree that your responsibilities and skillsets expanded drastically from being an Art Director in your first year on the job then many years into the position. I don’t think anybody is truly ready for the next job up. But you get into the role and work hard as hell to give it your all and learn the job description. I truly do think that the role has evolved and has been redefined as I think it will continue to do. An Art Director in 5 years will look vastly different than one does today. Animation, 3D, true understanding of social and evolving tech. It’s going to be a whole new ball game. I’m definitely not disagreeing with you. I think you have solid points. I just think it’s a very hard position to truly define as it differs so drastically from country to country, shop to shop, and year to year. As for salaries, I can see where that is a tricky subject but after lots of research and polling other industry friends who started off as a junior ad, that too just varies so much by location and small shop vs big shop. I don’t think it devalues the position because an Art Director with no experience will get paid drastically less than one with much more experience (most of the time). All the payroll sites back that up so don’t think it should be a worry. It’s all about the portfolio, the experience, and the candidate. Though, I’ve worked with fresh to the game junior art directors who have blown away my expectations and have actually performed better than some senior ads. All that really does is burn a fire under the asses of us that have been in the game a while to get better. I know I’ve been doing my best (when I can) to keep up with trends and evolve to stay competitive. It’s scary but necessary. Can’t let all the fresh blood kick us out haha. All in all, I respect your comments and appreciate your point of view. Let’s continue the conversation.