Clearly defined roles among team members are imperative for efficient workflow. While employee responsibilities often cross over several areas, there are a few underlying roles that should remain static.
The primary responsibility of the Art Director (AD) is to produce advertising and marketing campaigns. S/he often works as a team with a designated copywriter or receives written copy and translates it into a specific form of advertising (e.g. logo, web site, print ad, storyboard, etc.). The AD sometimes works in conjunction with another AD as part of a larger design team.
The AD reports directly to the Senior Art Director or Creative Director (CD).
Responsibilities:
• Attends daily (or weekly) production meeting
• Brainstorms with CD and other team members regarding campaign concepts
• Gains an understanding of client’s target audience and competitive landscape
• Designs creative materials according to instruction provided by CD or Account Executive (AE)
• Meets with account service and interactive teams to ensure consistency across all media forms
• Collaborates with CD on design elements and outside sources (e.g. paper, talent, vendors, etc.)
• Alerts CD and Traffic Manager if deadlines cannot be met
• Provides project specifications to Production Manager (PM) (e.g. colors, fonts, dimensions, etc.)
• Attends photos shoots, video recording sessions, press-proofing, et. al (as requested)
• Assists with new business presentations (if applicable)
• Informs CD of need for upgraded design-related hardware and software
• Possesses a working knowledge of design technologies and a desire for continuing education
• Reviews assigned project proofs before being routed to outside vendors
• Writes copy, headlines and scripts (as requested)
• Makes text corrections to creative materials (as requested)
• Retouches creative materials (as necessary)
• Submits a daily Time Sheet detailing work execution
• Develops the skills necessary to advance to the position of CD