By bestfolios.com a curation of 800+ designer portfolios, case studies, resumes and design resources. Previously at Dan Paris and Phoenix The Creative Studio. In 2013, multi-disciplinary designer Ben Topliss had just started a new senior designer position at sports and fashion-wear retailer JD PLC that was created especially for him. In May 2019, the median annual wages for art directors in the top industries in which they worked were as follows: Motion picture and video industries. . Sign up now! 16 open jobs for Junior art director in United States. According to Major Players' 2018 salary survey (opens in new tab), the national UK junior designer average salary works out at 23,000. Marco Cvijetic, Art Director @IKEA. Strong skills with design software such as InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator You dont specifically need to complete an art director program: any fields listed above can help you gain knowledge and develop skills, from advertising to graphic design. If you dont fill all of the qualifications, you may still be considered depending on your level of experience. Creative Director, Writer & Director, Illustrator, Photographer. Communication skills also rate highly. Connect with them on Dribbble . Art directors and creative directors need some of the same skills, such as team management and delegation, but an art director is more involved in the details of project execution. Explore. "Despite being the youngest member of the team, you should also be able to bring something new to the table; whether it's knowing a piece of software no one else does, or an unhealthy obsession for obscure type foundries," he adds. Be prepared: even entry level positions may (paradoxically) require experience besides your qualifications and portfolio. An art director will typically do the following: - Determine how best to represent a concept visually. After all, an art director is more than an artist: your leadership and business skills are all relevant to your portfolio. The more you can chalk up, the better placed you'll be when applying for a job as a junior designer. That's how you improve though. . Creative Direction Portfolios. In-your-face. To pursue this exciting career, obtain a degree in a design or a media-related field, gain experience, and build a portfolio that captures attention. Leah Procko Louder than words. Previously an ACD at Triad This site has so much style without feeling overly done or distracting. One portfolio, a hundred questions. I certainly had a feeling that I needed to up my game. Theres a generous use of white space on his image-led portfolio site, which really gives the colourful and impactful screengrabs enough room to breathe. a consistent experience. Salaries in the art direction field typically range from $107,714 to $151,867. 5 open jobs for Entry level art director. Make sure that every aspect represents you as an art director, and have fun with it. You need to be able to inspire team members and motivate them to work hard when a deadline is looming. Working as a Junior Cinematic Artist for Ubisoft We love hearing great success stories about our Rookies. Creative Bloq is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. BT: Prism was a small design studio and I got to work on projects for clients including Sainsbury's, Cambridge University and Marks & Spencer. At this year's Game Developer's Conference (GDC) 2019, art directors and lead artists from Epic, Firaxis, Riot, Valve and Insomniac talked and provided real world examples with advice on how to succeed in getting and holding an art director's attention. Art Director Job Description An art director is responsible for developing and executing designs for advertisements, magazines, digital publications, newspapers, movies, television shows, product packaging, and other collaborative creative projects. Speaking of which. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. Youll need at least 3-5 years of experience in the creative industry. One of the most common routes into graphic design is through a junior designer position. You may want to apply for awards, do extra courses, or follow the career tips below. Select artistic elements needed for a project including photographs, illustrations, fonts, sound, etc. Sharon Albrecht . The job of an art director often involves creating original designs and directing the work of artists, designers, and other individuals involved in the project. Of course, you'll also need a standout design portfolio see this design portfolio inspiration (opens in new tab) to give you some ideas. They will make your portfolio stronger. Its a fairly simple grid, but Wilhelms inspired use of typography, colour and whitespace makes the overall effect surprisingly elegant and impressive. Ability to explain rationale for design decisions to a broad audience., Job may require traveling overnight, driving long distances as required and sitting for extended periods of time with occasional walking and standing and, You are familiar with standard concepts, practices and procedures of graphic design, web design and usability, with a focus on user-centered design., 4+ years graphic design experience with a track record of compelling design work. When youre a student or junior designer, no one really expects your portfolio to be world-class. Learn new techniques, become proficient in your favourite software, follow trends, hit the books and master art history. Hard skills, also known as technical skills, are professional skills that relate directly to art direction, and soft skills are the skills you need to manage your responsibilities effectively. Cody Ellingham is an art director in Tokyo who speaks English and Japanese. Typical activities Pro-active in approach, and with a genuine understanding of the visual medium, the role is very hands-on and often busy. Or go to Ad House and take a course for two months, and it will just give your briefs to work from. What did your client think of your project? Nonprofit Organization Director Job Description, Attend creative briefs for assigned projects, Maintain a superior knowledge of the latest technology, learn new programs as they are released, Present work (concepts, copy, storyboards, ) internally and to clients, Monitors the progress of assigned projects through each phase of development, , working with and writer on content, flash or HTML production, media, and research, Meaningfully contribute to the concept, design, and execution of breakthrough visual solutions for our clients integrated, cross-channel creative programming across print, digital and social media, Working with others in the creative department to develop conceptual abilities, Develop, design and execute marketing and promotional pieces, including print, online, mobile, video, Working with internal and external production resources and contributing to the process to bring to life creative concepts for our clients, Demonstrated balance between pure design talent and digital expertise, Collaborate with cross-functional team members account, production, strategy, and media, Understanding input from creative leadership and clients, and effectively applying feedback to creative executions, Staying abreast of trends being a sponge, A minimum of 2-4 years of digital, print, web design experience, Software expertise including Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office, Takes initiative doesnt wait to be told what or how to do something, Ability to articulate and present concepts can relay ideas in a logical manner, Able to understand/get the brand you are working for when solving a problem, Must be able to generate ideas in group brainstorms on your own, Produce high-quality designs, artworks and layouts for a variety of assets taking into account any existing design styles or guidelines, Liaise with account teams, strategists and other staff, ensuring the ideas and designs communicate the intended message, brand identity and the correct look and feel of the campaign, Keep up-to-date on industry developments and technology, being able to interpret how these would deliver incredible ideas for clients, Communicate design concepts with clear reasoning behind proposed solutions, both written and verbally with internal teams, clients, Assist in creation of seasonal campaign concepts, Work with manager on development of shoot strategy boards for presentation, Must have ability to work independently in partnership with the creative team, Ability to be flexible within the creative process, Must have a creative portfolio which displays your ability to think outside of standard ad formats, Ability to work well in a matrixed environment able to build and maintain strong relationships, Illustration and storyboarding experience is an advantage, A passion for digital and social ideas with an exceptional eye for detail, Developing layouts for all print vehicles for wholesale, retail and international teams, Work with team/editors on execution of brand videos for in-store and digital use involvement in digital executions of brand content across all digital platforms, Mark up images to send to retouching vendor, Review image proofs with retouching vendor to ensure all imagery is up to our standards, Meet with Account Services and Marketing team on weekly basis to review timelines and on going jobs, Partner with Graphic Services to establish work flow protocol, Develop original concepts and executions with the intention of sparking conversation and engagement in the social media space, Contribute where needed in the production of photos, illustrations, videos, and other multimedia assets, Help design wireframes and/or layouts for digital projects, Help production designer transition the magazine to web and other digital platforms, Bachelor degree from a Top tier university is required, Strong skills with design software such as InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator, Mastery of the typical visual software suite Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, PowerPoint/Pages, Creating well-designed, premium pieces of work that align with client and business goals, Working closely and collaboratively with a diverse group of people to produce client-ready work in a timely manner, Managing, creating and revising a number of deliverables daily, while also participating in group brainstorms and working sessions, Proactively QA their own work, that of the greater team, Generate innovative ideas for social media and other emerging digital experiences for our client and inspire colleagues to create world-class, pioneering ideas, Provide design and presentation support on multiple, fast-paced projects at once, with the ability to switch between them seamlessly, Collaborate across the marketing organization to leverage your design prowess to bring projects to life for various internal and external audiences, Drive print and digital jobs from concept through execution and production, Possess a keen attention to detail and timelines, Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, Fluent in a variety of digital delivery formats (data visualization, interactive PDFs, motion graphics, social media platforms, PPT), Minimum of Associates Degree (2 years) in Advertising, Communication Design or Visual Arts required, Creation and production of creative concepts for multiple Client accounts across multiple channels, Clear adherence to direct and digital response mechanisms to ensure the work is creatively accountable, Ensure quality work is delivered on time, on brief and on budget, Primary assignments include automotive retail marketing for regional Ford Dealer Advertising groups, Works closely with AD, AE and Production personnel as a team member on assigned accounts to produce effective marketing themes, campaigns, Maintains consistently high standards of Art Direction which will enhance the agency-client relationship and deliver results as defined in the Creative Brief, Helps develop ideas based on input from the CD, ACD, client, AE and personal research, Meets layout deadlines or secures advance approval if additional time is needed, Present concepts and execution at various stages and completed work internally and to clients, A dedicated and enthusiastic approach to Open Briefs and work created to wow clients and grow business, Honest and thorough time management and completion of time sheets, Strong conceptual and design ability coupled with business acumen and customer focus, Experience in creating multi-channel digital communications, A wide knowledge of recent work within the industry. 1-2 years of digital and print design or advertising experience in an agency. The portfolio of Stefan Sagmeister & Jessica Walsh is packed with examples of their work. Were also here to help. An art director is responsible for developing and executing designs for advertisements, magazines, digital publications, newspapers, movies, television shows, product packaging, and other collaborative creative projects. The confidence to communicate your ideas and sell them to peers and clients All rights reserved. The salary of an art director varies based on several factors, including employment status, industry, geographic location, job duties, and experience level. A good portfolio will give you an edge, so it is important to document all projects. Starting salaries vary wildly depending on sector and geographical location. Design, Advertising, Graphic Design, Art, Communication Design, Marketing, Communications, Education, Arts, Journalism. BT: Getting to work with talented and inspiring people. Today, he is a regular contributor to Creative Bloq and its sister sites Digital Camera World, T3.com and Tech Radar. e.g. Bachelor's and University Degree Victor Goldfeld The salary of a creative director varies based on several factors, including employment status, industry, geographic location, job duties, and experience level. I honestly think Portfolio design is what spooks junior designers the most. As a junior designer in the UK you can expect to pocket anywhere between 20,000 and 25,000. A creative director is responsible for coming up with the overall vision of a project, and an art director is responsible for executing that vision. The top 10 percent makes over $148,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $50,000 per year. The ability to build creative and unique ideas Test what happens if you fine-tune some features. All of it adds up to be strong and elegant, right in line with Miska's personal brand. Whether youre an intern, a contractor or a freelancer, youll not only gain valuable experience, but get projects to proudly display in your portfolio. Progression from junior designer to a middleweight position or senior designer is normally possible within around three to five years, after which the next step might be art director, creative director or a more managerial position with the studio or firm. Break your best projects down into steps and guide your reader from start to finish. They are masters of presentation and meticulous about typography, about consistency, about the story they are telling. The animated full-screen images on their front page lead to massive photos and videos of their collaborative projects. As new styles and techniques emerge, knowing whats going on under the surface is more important than ever to growing your art direction career. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Our company is searching for experienced candidates for the position of junior art director. Pro tip: If you have some experience, feature it prominently. For example, someone with photography expertise may have the eye for detail needed to develop unique creative visions for a wide variety of projects. As an art director, you must be able to use design thinking to solve problems in a creative way. If you want to know how to become an art director, one of the keys is to engage in continuous learning. These are just a few great online portfolios I've seen lately from art directors who used Semplice to build their site. invitations and lots of inspiration. If you find yourself procrastinating, give yourself a challenge: see what you can build in just 20 minutes. As the above examples show, your portfolio design gives you a great opportunity to display your skills as an art director. Television and video 3. Your own website will always be better curated than social media. The Jr. Art Director possesses visual and verbal skills and is a capable presenter. Accepting feedback gracefully is the sign of a true professional who is more interested in completing the project successfully than in boosting their own ego. Press and print advertising That means that together with a really diverse team of Photographers, 3D Artists, Interior Designers, and Retouch Artists, we produce content for IKEAs global website but also for many other channels.". Creative Director, Writer & Director, Illustrator, Photographer. I had a few interviews and finally got something in the September after graduating. Graphic Portfolio. Your about me page should focus on your work. Coming up with interesting and innovative ideas, Ensuring finished designs meet client expectations. If you have extensive experience in graphic design, photography, fine art, or another creative occupation, becoming an art director is just one way to advance through the ranks. CB: Why did you decide to work in-house as a junior designer, rather than in a design studio or agency? Deadlines are final: miss one and you risk losing the client, which could have huge knock-on effects on job stability for studio members. Pro tip: If writing copy is not your strength, quality photos and a strong emphasis on web design can help. He describes himself as having a head for interactive digital experiences that please the eye. As you build your portfolio, you should continue developing your skills and proactively stay up to date on the latest trends and happenings in your field. Darcy Moore is a graphic designer and art director currently works for Apple in California. We have included junior art director job description templates that you can modify and use. You may also be asked to perform the following duties: Art director Marco Cvijetic describes his role in a nutshell: "I currently work as an Art Director at IKEA with a focus on Product Pictures & Films. A good testimonial should answer the following questions: These are the hero stories of your leadership skills. Louder than words. Bath Entertainment, including TV, movie, theater, animation, and gaming. Here's what a junior designer isn't: someone who solely pours the coffee, organises the stationery drawer, answers the telephone or runs errands. As an art director, youre both an artist and a leader. "I did a string of terrifying placements, and when I graduated I was ready to make the most of my final placement, which became my first job.". JOB GUARANTEED! Sure, most banners say subscribe. What would your banner look like? Create an art director portfolio that fascinates clients and recruiters. Temporary junior art directors work on actual client projects and are prioritized candidates for full time entry-level staff positions in the creative . If you're interested in becoming a creative director instead of an art director, you should have the most important skills needed: leadership, facilitation, artistic eye, team-building skills, inspiration, and passion. You need to get out of your comfort zone, push yourself to be better and learn from those around you. The cons? Do you want it to be audaciously confident or elegantly restrained? Mar 21, 2017 - Junior Art Director. If this sounds like you, drop us a line with your CV and portfolio. "A great art director should be able to tackle two main aspects of a projectthe creative and the emotional." Iancarlo Reyes from Puerto Rico, PR ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER / 3D ARTIST/ HIGH-END RETOUCHER Available for work. Establish their process and review their work. "You need to be hard working, passionate and reliable, as well as prepared to do the less desirable jobs," advises Ben Topliss (opens in new tab), a freelancer creative who previously worked at LOVE (opens in new tab), and quickly rose through the ranks after graduating. Variety and creative stimulation. An innovative approach to the ways in which advertising is executed Turn ideas into concepts, and concepts into final products. Heres how it works. Our guide to becoming a junior designer brings you everything you need to know. While this is our ideal list, we will consider candidates that do not necessarily have all of the qualifications, but have sufficient experience and talent. David Brenner is an award-winning freelance art director living and working in Hamburg, Germany. In this post, we bring together some beautiful examples of portfolios by art directors, to inform and inspire your own portfolio designs. BT: It was a struggle to get a job after graduating. CB: What was the job market like after you graduated? To join our growing team, please review the list of responsibilities and qualifications. Graphic Designer / Art Director / Illustrator, ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER / 3D ARTIST/ HIGH-END RETOUCHER. Make your portfolio website a representation of your brand and talent. Please review the list of responsibilities and qualifications. Placements and internships show that you have valuable real-world experience and, crucially, that you've started to translate your hard-won skills and knowledge of design theory into practice. Lets take a closer look at the main responsibilities of an art director. Youll be astonished to see what you can achieve. Testimonials should focus on the results you bring. Iva Ilieva is a senior art director currently working and living in San Francisco. Register for our 8 week Product Design Career Preparation course. Taking this also route taught me about the other side of design - dealing with clients, and managing my time and finances - which can be just as important as the actual work. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). It's also critical to have experience as a designer or artist of some sort. The key is, of course, practice. You can always polish up your portfolio later. BA/BFA in Design or Advertising, or equivalent work experience., Management of projects (small working up to larger) and provide design support and administration during the process of design through to installation.. If the situation doesn't improve, it might be time to move on. Sign up below to get the latest from Creative Bloq, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! The 3D tilt on the homepage along with the four-corner nav made this an instant favorite for our Semplice team. SEE PORTFOLIO Darcy Moore Darcy Moore is a graphic designer and art director currently works for Apple in California. Page Layout Design. If you havent archived your achievements, reach out to past clients and coworkers and ask for veritable feedback. You may also be well-suited for a creative director position if you excel at storytelling because a creative director must be able to develop designs that tell a compelling story. Sign up below to get the latest from Creative Bloq, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! Do the jobs no-one else wants to do - make yourself indispensable. Thank you in advance for taking a look at the list of responsibilities and qualifications. BT: Work hard, ask questions and soak up as much as you can from more the experienced people you are working with, whatever their job role. Amanda Hakim is living her dream as a Junior Cinematic Artist at Massive Entertainment - a Ubisoft Studio, with a love of all things science and tea. include: Desired experience for Get the right Entry level art director job with company ratings & salaries. To become an art director, follow the rule of the three Es. Working on a single brand for too long can limit your portfolio this is a particular risk for junior designers and numb your creative juices. Grow your audience & attract more opportunities with Dribbble Pro. Iancarlo Reyes from Puerto Rico, PR ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER / 3D ARTIST/ HIGH-END RETOUCHER Available for work. Led and oversaw over 200 successful projects from start to finish. Just dont forget to check the spelling! Keep in touch with clients and/or stakeholders, understand and adapt their needs and be able to communicate the projects current state. Art Direction Portfolios. If you are looking for an exciting place to work, please take a look at the list of qualifications below. You may also develop a reputation as a skilled leader, creating more opportunities to share your creativity with the world. How to Create an Art Director Portfolio Online? If you're searching for your next opportunity, try some of these tactics: The difference between an art director and a creative director is quite subtle. Presenting images in a slanted rhombus, rather than the usual rectangle, adds another touch of originality. Leverage your professional network, and get hired. Pro tip: If you work in various fields, take extra care to keep your portfolio cohesive. Employers hiring for the junior art director job most commonly would prefer for their future employee to have a relevant degree such as . I love the typography pairings on this site, as well as the scattered grid layout on the homepage with the unexpected hover effects.