Art directors supervise workers who produce artwork for magazines, ads, or products.

Art directors supervise the work of:

• Artists
• Graphic designers
• Photographers
• Copywriters
• Production staff

Together these workers produce artwork for their employer or customers. They begin new projects by meeting with clients to discuss the project. They learn the purpose of the artwork. They also ask clients about their budget, preferred styles, and timeline.

Art directors discuss the client's project with their staff. They lay out a broad design concept and assign work to artists and graphic designers. They review rough ideas with artists, and have them do additional work on select ideas.

Once the ideas are developed, art directors meet with clients to get feedback. Art directors usually go through several rounds of meetings with clients as ideas are refined.

Art directors present the final piece to the client for approval. They make sure projects are completed on time and to the client's satisfaction.

Producing finished projects for clients may require workers other than artists including photographers, camera operators, film editors, and printers.

Art directors occasionally do some of the artwork themselves. However, their time is usually taken up by supervisory and administrative duties.

For example, they resolve conflicts between workers and negotiate with clients. They also prepare budgets, evaluate employees, and estimate how much projects will cost.