Art Director
Lead the visual direction of campaigns, products or publications - shaping look, feel and quality.
This UK art director career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £40,000 - £55,000
- Mid-career salary
- £60,000 - £85,000
- Senior salary
- £90,000 - £140,000+
- Work environment
- Agency, studio or in-house; lots of meetings
- Time to entry
- 5 - 10 years (usually senior designer first)
- Degree required
- Not required - portfolio + leadership track record
- Category
- Design and Creative
What a Art Director does
Lead the visual direction of campaigns, products or publications - shaping look, feel and quality.
How to become a Art Director
- Look up Art Director roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Art Director - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Visual taste
- Design leadership
- Concept development
- Briefing
- Presenting work