Art Directors
Art directors create visual concepts and oversee design for print, broadcast, video, and film projects. They develop presentation approaches and direct workers who execute artwork and layouts. Art directors work in advertising agencies, production companies, publishing firms, and in-house creative departments across industries.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against art directors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
An art director might spend a morning sketching layout concepts for a print campaign, then meet with the creative team to present ideas. Afternoons often involve reviewing designer work, providing feedback on color and composition, and communicating with clients about revisions. Much of the week includes collaborating with copywriters, photographers, and production staff to ensure the visual direction aligns with project goals.
Who this work suits
Holland code AEC. Artistic work is creating and designing, with room for self-expression. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're drawn to both creative problem-solving and leading projects. You enjoy initiating new ideas and seeing them through to completion, and you're comfortable directing others' work while staying involved in the details of visual design.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Art Director · StackAdapt · Canada, USA · Remote
- 21GRAMS- Associate Creative Director, Art · Real Chemistry · United States · Remote
- Conceptual Art Director · Superside · Anywhere · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $101,290 | $149,320 | $169,710 | 1,850 |
| California | $106,470 | $137,780 | $192,380 | 12,430 |
| New York | $105,750 | $137,320 | $198,330 | 8,720 |
| Oregon | $103,310 | $133,840 | $185,240 | 1,040 |
| New Hampshire | $83,020 | $132,000 | $134,520 | 160 |
| Vermont | $96,270 | $129,260 | $153,890 | 80 |
| New Jersey | $101,450 | $129,200 | $163,540 | 1,840 |
| Washington | $82,790 | $121,170 | $157,140 | 650 |
| Georgia | $52,900 | $110,430 | $157,750 | 1,420 |
| Minnesota | $89,380 | $109,700 | $134,990 | 920 |
| Utah | $75,900 | $106,500 | $132,130 | 290 |
| Indiana | $82,960 | $105,690 | $141,460 | 350 |
All 46 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against art directors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-1011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.