Art directors are responsible for developing the visual style and layouts of print and web publications, advertising campaigns, products and their packaging, visual representation of brands, television and movie sets. As such art directors may work in print publishing, marketing, branding, advertising, movie production, television production, and theater.
The duties of an art director include developing the overall style and design for the projects, choosing or approving artwork, photographs, color schemes, and illustrations, managing graphic designers, photographers, set designers, and other creatives, conducting client meetings and presentations, and creating project proposals and budgets.
To perform these duties effectively, an art director needs strong visual, oral, and written communication skills. They have to be good at leading and managing teams of creative workers and negotiating with clients and collaborators. They also need to be up to date with the professional practices and new developments in their specific industry fields.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Art Directors,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm