Jobs / Design, media, and writing / 27-1011.00

Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

US jobs
53,070
Median wage
$114,850 a year
Job family
Design, media, and writing

Can agents do the work of art directors?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Design, media, and writing: Unmeasured (no change in 12 months)

No direct benchmark gives a success rate.

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 18%Create visual designs or displaysNot measured
  • 14%Coordinate artistic or entertainment activitiesNot measured
  • 14%Study details of artistic productionsNot measured
  • 8%Communicate with others about specifications or project detailsNot measured
  • 8%Explain technical details of products or servicesNot measured
  • 7%Research technology designs or applicationsNot measured
  • 6%Confer with clients to determine needs or order specificationsNot measured
  • 6%Direct organizational operations, activities, or proceduresNot measured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in design, media, and writing, not always this occupation's tasks.

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Context only

These benchmarks span many occupations, or they test how agents behave. They give context but do not set the step.

  • GDPvalby OpenAIProject level · Wins plus ties against experts
    84.9%GPT-5.5 · Apr 2026
    Strong
  • GDPval-AAby Artificial AnalysisProject level · GDPval-AA Elo
    1846 EloClaude Opus 5.5 (Adaptive Reasoning, Max Effort, Default Fallback) · 23 Sep 2026
    Unrated
  • Remote Labor Indexby CAIS and Scale AIProject level · Automation rate
    15.8%Claude Fable 5 · 1 Jul 2026
    Open

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.
  • Present final layouts to clients for approval.
  • Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
  • Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities.
  • Confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, and presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.
  • Formulate basic layout design or presentation approach and specify material details, such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound.
  • Review and approve art materials, copy materials, and proofs of printed copy developed by staff members.
  • Create custom illustrations or other graphic elements.
  • Attend photo shoots and printing sessions to ensure that the products needed are obtained.
  • Review illustrative material to determine if it conforms to standards and specifications.
  • Hire, train, and direct staff members who develop design concepts into art layouts or who prepare layouts for printing.
  • Research current trends and new technology, such as printing production techniques, computer software, and design trends.
Other job titles for this occupation (23)

Art Director · Art Supervisor · Creative Director (CD Director) · Creative Manager · Creative Services Director · Creative Services Manager · Design Director · Graphic Design and Art Production Manager · Group Art Supervisor · Presentation Director · Art Administrator (Art Admin) · Art Coordinator · Art Manager · Artistic Director · Brand Creative Director · Creative Art Director · Creative Design Director · Creative Operations Director (Creative Ops Director) · Design Manager · Digital Art Director · Group Creative Director · Magazine Designer · Product Design Director