This job description will provide you with guidelines for understanding your responsibilities. These guidelines may change to meet the specific business needs of the Agency.
REPORTS TO: Group Art Supervisor
SUPERVISES: Graphic Designers, Freelance Graphic Designer(s)
QUALIFICATIONS:
The qualifications for Art Director are:
• A minimum of an associates (2 year) degree in advertising, communication design, or visual arts. A bachelor (4 year) degree is preferred.
• 3+ years design experience in an agency setting is required.
• If no degree is possessed, then 6–8 years related experience in agency setting is required.
• 1-2 years of supervisory experience required.
• Must possess exceptional computer skills. Macintosh operating platform a must. PC knowledge a plus. Thorough knowledge of the following software applications is required, Quark X-press, Adobe Illustrator, scanning software, Adobe Photoshop, and any widely utilized word processing application.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and provide marketable solutions in conceiving, developing, and producing tactics.
OBJECTIVE:
To routinely conceptualize creative solutions that effectively communicate the strategic intent for each tactic within the assigned product(s).
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Primary Responsibilities: Art Direction/Graphic Design
• Personally work on the graphic development of at least one product.
• Interact with Copywriters to develop creative concepts and executions of assigned product(s).
• Possess solid understanding of the science and market dynamics of assigned product(s).
• Work closely with account executives to schedule and monitor all projects.
• Provide accurate time and cost estimates for each tactic.
• Perform miscellaneous tasks, as directed by Creative Director.
Secondary Responsibilities: Client Relationships
• Advise client on all technical visual recommendations and/or issues.
• Help facilitate both the input and creative meetings.
• Assist in making presentations to client.
Tertiary Responsibilities: Staff Development
• Provide detailed direction to designers.
• Assist in the education and development of designers.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
• Mastered composition techniques (multiple elements and interactive pieces) in producing polished final pieces (i.e., attention to detail, good knife).
• Comprehensive computer photo-retouching and image development skills.
• Demonstrated complete understanding of:
• Color theory and color relationships.
• Typographic terms that identify type forms and the specifications required to refer to typographic settings (i.e., points, leading, picas, kerning, tracking, cap-height, x-height etc.).
• Perspective and space relationships.
• Page composition and grid structures.
• Print production process, knowledge of production techniques, and correct disking procedures.
• Photography and the photographic process.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Communicate thorough knowledge of assigned product(s).
• Provide effective direction at photo shoots.
• Effectively check and approve work on press.
• Effectively collect electronic materials for output.
• Effectively handle multiple assignments at one time.
• Manage challenging situations both internally and with the client.
• Command respect of freelancers and designers and be able to effectively oversee their work.
GROWTH PATH:
Increased responsibilities and direct reports as the Agency and its affiliates continue to grow. As a general guide, Art Directors will be trained and developed to become Senior Art Directors.
Download this job description.doc
