How to become an advertising art director
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
- graduate trainee scheme
University
Employers will often expect you to have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- graphic design
- advertising design
- illustration
- fine art
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Work
You can start as a junior creative to develop your skills on the job and work your way up through training and promotion.
Volunteering
You could get some experience before applying for your first job. This will give you a better understanding of the industry and is a good way to make useful contacts.
You can contact agencies directly to ask about placements, and make industry contacts through relevant groups on social networking sites like LinkedIn. You can get more advice on how to approach advertising agencies from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.
Other Routes
In larger advertising agencies, you may be trained through a structured graduate scheme, if you have a relevant degree.
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Career tips
Your creativity and ability in art and design are the most important things to many employers.
When looking for jobs, you'll need to show a portfolio or 'book' of your work to potential employers, as you'll be employed on the strength of your artwork and ideas.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in advertising from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and Discover Creative Careers.