Art Director Resume Example

Art Director

What was the last advertisement that stopped you dead in your tracks? Art Directors are responsible for visualizing the imagery behind ad campaigns, movie posters, and book covers. They manage teams of artists to create artwork tailed to clients’ needs. Art Directors set the overall tone, style, and layout for a design concept, all within a specified budget and timeline. 

Let’s review the steps to creating a stellar resume that will set any company’s heart beating.

How to Write a Summary for an Art Director

1. Mention your previous experience. What companies have you worked for? What accounts housed some of your greatest works? Is there a particular industry that you specialize in -- films, novels, video games?

2. Describe your greatest strength. Do you excel at managing a team? Are you detail-oriented? Punctual? What about your visionary abilities? Are you able to conceptualize the appropriate artwork for every clients’ needs?

‍3. Explain what you’re eager to accomplish in the next stage of your career. Where does your passion lie? What companies or industries are you eager to work with? Where do you see yourself?

‍How to List Your Work Experience as an Art Director

1. Use reverse chronological format. List your most recent jobs first, as this shows managers how you’ve gained experience in the industry. This is especially important for any Director job, since they demand decades of relevant work experience.
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2. Use action verbs related to Art Director responsibilities. Verbs are critical to demonstrating what you can do for the company. Review the following list for some powerful examples.

• Approved
• Collaborated
• Conceptualized
• Created
• Designed
• Determined
• Devised
• Directed
• Launched
• Lead
• Managed
• Produced
• Reviewed

See our list of over 350 action verbs to find more.

Senior Level Work Experience as an Art Director

• Developed graphics behind Spiderman Homecoming ad campaign, including the social media "takeover" that reached 2.5 million people in two weeks
• Supervised 20 artists to create cohesive and beautiful promotional posters for the television series Riverdale
• Devised advertising strategies to promote films like Batman and Wonder Woman, including the poster and social media designs
• Reviewed artwork from 50+ designers and selected the most appropriate pieces for the Wonder Woman 1984 advertising campaign
• Established creative standards for the Wells Fargo brand
• Spearheaded the implementation of an in-house art department

Junior Level Work Experience as an Art Director

• Presented designs to 15 different clients, including several Forbes 500 business in the marketing and film industries
• Approved and edited artwork for the Harry Potter book series
• Designed the Pinterest brand identity and fell under-budget
• Created the style and layout of Teen Vogue's new monthly online magazine
• Oversaw the creation of dust covers for the 12 book Percy Jackson series
• Created mock-ups and packaging for Mattel's Wonder Woman dolls

‍How to List Your Skills as an Art Director

Art Directors must be able to visualize the concepts that clients want to be brought to life. You determine the look, layout, and style of the artwork, and oversee teams of artists to make sure the final design fits this tone. Emphasize some of the skills you’ve developed in these areas in order to help your resume stand out.

• ‍Detail-Oriented           
• Managerial Skills       
• Conflict Resolution
• Visionary                 
• Punctual            
• Communication
• Inspiring               
• Time Management       
• Conceptual Skills

How to List Your Education as an Art Director

Art Directors generally require a bachelor’s degree in an art or design subject and 5+ years of work experience. Some art directors previously worked as graphic designers, illustrators, copy editors, or photographers, or a related occupation. Achieving a master’s degree in fine arts can further demonstrate your creative and managerial abilities.  

Art Directors should have a portfolio of their previous work. This includes images, film clips, magazines, book covers, and any other forms of media than demonstrate your talent and experience. It is best to curate these clippings as early as possible in order to build a lengthy and respected array of samples -- though only showcase your strongest pieces. 

Art Director Career Overview

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Art Directors is predicted to grow 1% each year, which is considered stagnant. In 2018, there were 101,000 jobs available.

Average Salary 

Art Directors make $94,220 per year on average. However, salaries could be as high as $188,750 depending on the industry.
Top Paying Salaries by State

• $135,410 -- California
• $134,840 -- New York
• $122,280 -- Oregon
  

Search for Art Director Jobs

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• SimplyHired