How to Train for an Art Director

The art director comes up with the conceptual design of an ad campaign or film production.

Art directors are the people responsible for planning the overall look of an ad campaign, a theatrical production or a film. Most art directors spend their time studying art and art-related disciplines like theater or film. These artists help conceptualize how a production might look and work with management and film and theater producers and directors so that the look of a campaign fits the goals set forth by the client or director.

Instructions

1. Research the possible venues in which an art director might work. This research not only gives you an idea of the types of art direction jobs that exist, but will also ultimately help you to understand what kind of specific education and training you'll need to land a job as an art director.

2. Develop your drawing skills. The skill of drawing, regardless of the type of art direction that you chose to pursue, will be a fundamental skill set. The ability to draw gives you the ability to communicate your ideas visually to other members of your design team as well as to your clients.

3. Learn how to paint using a variety of media. This includes both traditional and digital media. Although traditional art forms like theater still rely on paint and paint brush, even these art forms now use computer-aided painting and drafting technologies.

4. Take classes in art, theater and film history, depending upon the area in which you choose to specialize. These classes give you the background to create historically accurate and relevant scenery, backdrops and other visual elements necessary to create the look of your particular campaigns.

5. Learn something about production design if your interest lies in film or theatrical design. When you are the art director for a large production, you are responsible for the look of the world you plan on creating. This could include multiple sets and different locations.

6. For art directors who work in two-dimensional design, digital website design and animation skills have become increasingly important. Take classes to learn these skills as well as classes to learn drafting programs like AutoCAD (computer-aided design).

7. Understand how color affects a person's perception by taking classes in color theory.

8. Take classes in project management and arts administration to give you a better understanding of how the art and business sides of art direction fit together.

9. Obtain internships in your area that will allow you to work in your chosen area of art and design. In addition to formal education, internships will not only give you an idea of the day-to-day job duties of people working in art and design, but more specifically it will give you the chance to work with art directors more closely.

References

• State University: Art Director
• Art Schools: Cristina Creager - Creative Director

Resources

• Education Portal: Art Director
• Won Search: Basic Drawing for the Artist