How to Be an Art Director
Art direction sets the tone for stage, screen, Internet and many other forms of media. Creative people compete vigorously for positions of art director in media outlets. The ultimate winners of these positions may have taken traditional, and not so traditional, routes to becoming the creative head of an organization. Here’s how to become an art director.
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Instructions
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Obtain a degree in graphic design or fine arts. These are the two traditional majors that lead to art director positions. Graphic design and fine arts curriculum provide a basic for entry level positions in marketing firms, newspapers and television stations. There are no hard and fast requirements for this type of educational background, but the potential art director candidate must exhibit strengths in other areas to compensate.
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Be prepared to work up the ladder and work long hours. Positions as stage designer may be the best way to start. Internships are also excellent ways to get in the door. It is also prudent to enter desired companies in non-creative positions. Answering the phone may be a good way to start. Many companies hire within and knowing the contact person for specific roles is vital.
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Develop a specialty. The Internet may be an area of interest, so gain knowledge as a web intern. Learn HTML and other Internet coding. If the stage is the area of interest, find stage manager positions in regional stage productions and work through the system. Be diligent and stick to a specialty.
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Network with people in the industry. Knowing the right people is about half of the effort in getting a job as an art director. Networking communities such as mediabistro.com coordinate parties for media professionals to meet and network about challenges and job opportunities. Join message boards and ask for references to groups such as these. They are crucial in gaining access to an art director position.
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Create a phenomenal portfolio of work. The portfolio will be the only representation of most art director candidates. Make sure that it is organized and up to date. Transfer the physical portfolio to the web in the event that potential employers ask for links to the work. Offering the portfolio in as many mediums as possible. Flexibility as an artist will go a long in gaining a role as art director.
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