So you want to be an art director? Digital Media Arts College in South Florida presents: The Day in the Life of an Art Director Visit DMAC.edu if you are interested in getting a degree in graphic design or computer animation. http://www.dmac.edu/blog/day-in-the-life-of-an-art-director/ https://youtu.be/EZFm6bEnsI8

2. So you want to be an art director?

3. Digital Media Arts College in South
Florida presents:
The Day in the Life of an Art Director

4. Visit DMAC.edu if you are interested in getting
a degree in graphic design or computer
animation.

5. 5:30 am Walk the dog and Run
6:15 am to shower
6:30 am Eat Breakfast, Check Email
6:45 am Drive to work listen to voicemails, return early calls
7:00 am Check email again, prep for meeting, grab coffee
7:30 am Meet with Team to discuss Accounts
8:00 am Delegate new tasks to appropriate team members
8:30 am Fix problems with the current team

6. 9:00 am Call Client to discuss new concepts
9:15 am Secure all assets from the client
9:25 grab coffee 9:30 Interview potential Graphic Designer
10:00 am Create Color Schemes 10:30 Check work of designers
11:00 am Write Copy for Ad
11:30 am meeting with Top Team to discuss Budgets

7. 12:00 get coffee choke down a sandwich
12:30 Check Emails and Voicemails
12:45 Respond to emails
1:00 Return phone calls
1:30 Put out fires
1:40 Grab Coffee
1:45 Organize photo shoot for the next day

8. 2:00 Secure location for shoot
2:20 Find props for Photo Shoot
2:40 Hire models for Photo Shoot
3:00 Send over proof to clients for approval
3:30 Change designs with Graphic Manager
4:00 Get approval from Client for Revisions
4:15 Return client phone call

9. 4:30 Change Color Scheme and Concept Per Client Request
5:00 Find new location for Tomorrow’s Photo Shoot
5:15 Call models and give update for tomorrows shoot
5:30 Check designs and make recommendations
6:00 Send ads to Media Center
6:30 Check emails and return phone calls
6:45 Make last minute changes to the design
7:00 Correct Copy for Ad per Client Request
7:30 Double check for tomorrow’s shoot everything has been done.
8:00 Head Home

10. In a busy agency or firm everyone is extremely busy. None are
more pressed for time than the Creative Art Director. And while
our ‘mock’ schedule may seem a bit daunting this is mild for an
“A” listed ad agency, but something that you can expect if you’re
pursuing a career in this field.

11. The smaller the agency, the more hats the Art Director will have to wear. Regardless of
whether there’s enough people on staff, the work still must get done. As the person
managing the projects, it’s not only the vision that must be conveyed it’s all tasks that
must be managed from A-Z.

12. If you’re pursuing a career in this field and you have the
opportunity to shadow someone at a busy agency, you’ll get a feel
for your desire to pursue this position. Keep in mind that every
agency is different. Boutique agencies and collectives often work
from home, which may mean that you’ll be doing the same.

13. Working from home can have its benefits, but it’s also harder to
manage projects since you aren’t able to look over someone’s
shoulder. If the work is going sight-unseen, then make sure that
you have all the proper tools to facilitate the work.

14. Proper tools also include communication. Agencies that have to meet strict deadlines
can often times be a scramble and a race against the clock. It’s imperative that you are
able to communicate with each team member and deal with any hurdles that need to be
overcome.
With each problem comes a new opportunity. It’s good to embrace the difficulties. Once
you’ve found a way to fix the dilemma’s then you’ll find that the job is one of the most
satisfying.

15. Everything from delegating the jobs to writing copy makes an Art Director a well-
rounded individual. Learn as much as you can. Spend quality time during your intern
work or volunteer work. Make sure that you are ready to handle the many tasks that this
position entails.
The more experience you gain the easier the job will become. Get involved with your
team. Communication is key to a project’s success. Be realistic about your time and the
position. This isn’t a job, it’s a career that can be very rewarding whether you work from
home or off-site. There is no trick to becoming a great director, it’s passion and
cognizance.
So get out there and Get Em!

16. Get Your Degree In Graphic Design in Florida
at DMAC – Digital Media Arts College in South
Florida
Art Director, computer animation, graphic design
VISIT DMAC.EDU FOR MORE INFORMATION