how to become an art director in film
Depending upon the industry, they may have spent some time working as a graphic designer, fine artist, editor, photographer, or in another art or design occupation before becoming an art director. Higher education courses in TV or Film production may also be beneficial, but in this role on-the-job experience is what really counts. To become an art director you usually need to have progressed through other roles within an art department to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and experience. Art director is the title for a variety of similar job functions in theater, advertising, marketing, publishing, fashion, film and television, the Internet, and video games.. Getting experience working in the art department of company in one of these fields would be a good way to gain relevant experience which you can translate into animation. The median annual wage for art directors is $92,780. Many of the positions in film production are rather straightforward, but directing isn't one of them. Get certified in an art specialty other than your own. For instance, a certificate in film-making might qualify an art director specializing in graphic design for the top slot in a film department. It is the charge of a sole art director to supervise and unify the vision of an artistic production. Most Art Directors I’ve worked with studied art in school or have some sort of a portfolio that showcases their foundations in color, light, composition, etc. There are a few steps and requirements to be an Art Director according to Education-Portal.com: “…students can work for advertising, design or publishing firms by having a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Great news! A driver's licence is usually required. ... Art directors usually specialise in film, short videos, or stage productions. Art directors work with producers and directors of theater, television, and movie productions to develop the concept for set designs, and then oversee the production of set elements. This strategy provides the credentials you need to transfer to, or head up, other creative operations. So, you’re interested in becoming a film director. You're part DP, producer, production manager, peace-maker, lunch decider, therapist, priest, and so much more. Art directors will, of course, be extremely creative—but leadership and interpersonal skills are equally important traits. It takes years of experience, advanced technical skills, and advanced knowledge in the areas of art and management to become an art director. Art directors are needed in many industries outside of animation, including advertising, theatre, print magazines and product design, as well as live action film. How Much Do Art Directors Make? As such, art directors are among the highest paid artists in the art and design world. As an indie director, you wear many hats and divide your time between so many duties. The end goal of an art director is to ensure that the final product is pleasing to the eye and clearly communicates a message. Most art directors will have worked for several years in another occupation before being hired as an art director. It’s a fulfilling career path, but, like anything else, it will be filled with challenges, ups and downs, and hard work. While many art directors are self-employed, all art directors collaborate with a team of designers and artists. How to become an Art Director This role usually requires a qualification such as a degree in Art, Architecture, Theatre, Interior or 3D Design. To start, it’s great to have a background in art, design, or film.