Art Director Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does an Art Director Do?
Art directors shape the visual layout of a concept. They create innovative designs, develop artistic projects and manage the cooperation between all aspects involved. Art directors may perform creative work in theatre, marketing, advertising, video and motion picture, fashion or online companies. They ensure that the work performed is visually appealing to audiences.
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Where Do I Start?
Business Strategy Concepts
The terminology related to the design and implementation of major trends and aims which are taken by an organisation's executives, while keeping in mind its resources, competition and environments.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become an Art Director
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialBusiness Strategy Concepts knowledge
The terminology related to the design and implementation of major trends and aims which are taken by an organisation's executives, while keeping in mind its resources, competition and environments.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialDesign Principles knowledge
The elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialHealth And Safety Regulations knowledge
Necessary health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards and legislation rules in the sector of particular activity.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPersonal Directing Styles knowledge
Understand and analyse the behaviour of specific directors.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialTheatre Techniques knowledge
Understand techniques that facilitate a successful presentation of a play.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAnalyse A Script skill
Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAnalyse The Need For Technical Resources skill
Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCreate Solutions To Problems skill
Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDevelop Creative Ideas skill
Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDevelop Design Concept skill
Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDevelop Professional Network skill
Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFinish Project Within Budget skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Time Cues skill
Observe the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialKeep Up With Trends skill
Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Budgets skill
Plan, monitor and report on the budget.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRead Scripts skill
Read a playbook or film script, not only as literature, but identifying, actions, emotional states, evolution of characters, situations, different sets and locations, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssemble An Artistic Team skill
Bring together an artistic team, after identifying the needs, looking for candidates, conducting interviews and aligning on the conditions of the project.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConsult With Producer skill
Consult with a motion picture producer about requirements, deadlines, budget, and other specifications.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCreate New Concepts skill
Come up with new concepts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCue A Performance skill
Plan the technical actions and interventions during an artistic performance. Determine when actors go on and off stage. Make sure these cues are followed to ensure a smooth running of …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDetermine Visual Concepts skill
Determine how best to represent a concept visually.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDirect An Artistic Team skill
Lead and instruct a complete team with the required cultural expertise and experience.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork With Playwrights skill
Work with writers through workshops or script development schemes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 56 displayed)
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Optional
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OptionalSocial Media Marketing Techniques knowledge
The marketing methods and strategies used to increase attention and website traffic through social media channels.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalHistory Of Fashion knowledge
Costumes and the cultural traditions around clothing.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalTechnical Drawings knowledge
Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
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OptionalActing And Directing Techniques knowledge
Range of training and rehearsal techniches that seek to encourage emotionally expressive performances. Techniques to address all aspects in making a film, play, performance in general.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalCinematography knowledge
The science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive materials …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalCultural Projects knowledge
The purpose, organisation and management of cultural projects and related fundraising actions.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFilm Production Process knowledge
The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalGraphic Design knowledge
The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalLighting Techniques knowledge
The characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMarketing Management knowledge
The academic discipline and function in an organisation which focuses on the market research, market development, and the creation of marketing campaigns to raise awareness on the company's services and …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMultimedia Systems knowledge
The methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAdvertising Techniques knowledge
The communication strategies intended to persuade or encourage an audience, and the different media which are used to achieve this goal.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAudiovisual Equipment knowledge
The characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalComputer Equipment knowledge
The offered computers, computer peripheral equipment and software products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMarketing Principles knowledge
The principles of managing the relationship between consumers and products or services for the purpose of increasing sales and improving advertising techniques.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMusical Genres knowledge
Different musical styles and genres such as blues, jazz, reggae, rock, or indie.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMusical Instruments knowledge
The different musical instruments, their ranges, timbre, and possible combinations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPhotography knowledge
Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMusic And Video Industry knowledge
Players and products available on the market in the video and music industry.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTrends In Fashion knowledge
New developments and trends in the world of fashion.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalCheck Material Rescources skill
Verify that all requested resources are delivered and in good working order. Notify the appropriate person or people of any problems related to technical and material resources.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCoordinate Advertising Campaigns skill
Organise course of action to promote a product or service; oversee the production of TV advertisements, newspaper and magazine ads, suggest mail packs, email campaigns, websites, stands and other advertising …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCoordinate Artistic Production skill
Oversee the day-to-day coordination of production tasks so that the organisation fits within the desired artistic and business policies and in order to present productions in a uniform corporate identity …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Visual Quality Of The Set skill
Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEstimate Duration Of Work skill
Produce accurate calculations on time necessary to fulfil future technical tasks based on past and present information and observations or plan the estimated duration of individual tasks in a given …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEvaluate Advertising Campaign skill
Assess the performance of the advertising campaign after implementation and conclusion. Check if objectives were met and if the campaign was successful.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEvaluate Art Quality skill
Correctly evaluate the quality of art objects, artefacts, photographs and documents.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLiaise With Cultural Partners skill
Establish and maintain sustainable partnerships with cultural authorities, sponsors and other cultural institutions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Contracts skill
Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Staff skill
Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOrganise Rehearsals skill
Manage, schedule and run rehearsals for the performance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Project Management skill
Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPromote Cultural Venue Events skill
Work together with museum or any art facility staff to develop and promote its events and programme.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSearch Databases skill
Search for information or people using databases.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSelect Music For Performance skill
Select pieces of music for a live performance. Consider factors such as ensemble abilities, availability of scores and the need for musical variety.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalTranslate Artistic Concepts To Technical Designs skill
Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Technical Documentation skill
Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApprove Advertising Campaign skill
Check all advertising material such as leaflets, websites, television commercials and newspaper ads to make sure they comply with the advertising strategy and customer requirements. Approve the way of distribution.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCarry Out Auditions skill
Hold auditions and assess and select candidates for roles in the productions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCarry Out Interviews To Select Artistic Team Members skill
Determine the content, physical and material conditions of the interview. Describe the project parameters. Evaluate personal, artistic and technical skills according to casting requirements, and candidates' interest in the project.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalContact Talent Agents skill
Contact agents in charge of finding jobs for writers, actors, musicians, and other professionals in the entertainment and broadcasting businesses and maintain good relations with them.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCoordinate Technical Teams In Artistic Productions skill
Plan, coordinate and supervise the work of the technical teams such as scene, wardrobe, light and sound, make-up and hairdressing and props during set-up, rehearsals, performances and dismantling.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCoordinate With Creative Departments skill
Coordinate activities with other artistic and creative departments.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate Production Schedules skill
Create the timeline for the production of a motion picture, broadcast program or artistic production. Decide how long each phase will take and what its requirements are. Take into account …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDefine Artistic Vision skill
Continually develop and define a concrete artistic vision, starting from the proposal and continuing all the way through to the finished product.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDiscover Acting Talent skill
Identify existing talented actors or discover new ones.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLead Cast And Crew skill
Lead a film or theatre cast and crew. Brief them about the creative vision, what they need to do and where they need to be. Manage day-to-day production activities to …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Blocking Notes skill
Create and update blocking notes recording the position of actors and props in every scene. These notes are shared with the director, technical director and cast.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Prompt Book skill
Prepare, create and maintain the prompt book for a theatrical production.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalNegotiate With Artists skill
Communicate and negotiate with artist and artist management about prices, terms and schedules.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPlan Musical Performances skill
Schedule rehearsals and music performances, arrange details such as locations, select accompanists and instrumentalists.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSupervise Equipment skill
Start up and shut down equipment; identify and troubleshoot technical problems and conduct minor repairs. Monitor control equipment in order to identify safety and environmental hazards.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork With Motion Picture Editing Team skill
Work together with the motion picture editing team during post-production. Make sure the finished product is according to specifications and creative vision.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork With Pre-Production Team skill
Consult with the pre-production team about expectations, requirements, budget, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork With Video And Motion Picture Production Team skill
Work with the cast and crew members to establish requirements and budgets.
Course recommendations coming soon.