USA Career Guide - Art Director

Education and Training Requirement of an Art Director

• Bachelor’s degree in any subject

• However, many employers prefer bachelor’s degree in art or design

• Some students also complete Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in order to work in a managerial role.

Related Instructional Programs for Art Director in the US

• Digital Arts
• Graphic Design
• Intermedia/Multimedia
• Arts Administration
• Commercial and Advertising Art
• Illustration
• Journalism
• Mass Communication Studies

Work Experience Required for an Art Director in USA

• Experience of 3-5 years in the capacity of graphic designers, illustrators, copy editors, and photographers is necessary before they can become art directors.
• Like a photographer or graphic designer, developing a portfolio is important for an art director.

Pay of an Art Director in the US Art Directors: $80,630 Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations: $42,870 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics)

Industry Overview

Employment of an art directors is expected to increase 9 percent from 2010 to 2020 as projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor. Job opportunities might decline for print publications but art directors can find employment in electronic magazines, web sites and internet publications.

Many new jobs are expected in the advertising, public relations, and related services and specialized design services industries. Advertising, public relations, and related services are expected to add 2,600 art director jobs from 2010 to 2020. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program)

Job Prospects of an Art Director in USA

Art Directors can work in:

• Advertising agencies
• Media Houses including newspapers and magazines
• Publishing houses
• Web Portals