noun phrasecreative

art director

A creative professional who leads the visual style and imagery of a campaign or publication.

Definition

An art director decides how a piece of communication looks: layout, photography, illustration, typography, color and overall visual language. In agencies, art directors often work in a pair with a copywriter, developing ideas together. They brief designers, photographers and film crews, and make sure the final result matches the concept. The title differs from graphic designer in that it emphasizes concept and direction as well as execution. In smaller agencies the same person may combine art direction, design and production, so ask who actually makes the final files.

In a sentence

  • The art director chose a warm photographic style for the campaign.

  • She worked in a pair with the copywriter on the concept.

Related terms

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