Art Director Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

Gear up to secure your dream job with our art director resume guide and samples, designed for students, interns, and experienced professionals alike. Discover how to craft captivating resume sections tailored for your job application, while enhancing the functionality and sleek appeal of your art director resume.
Julia Belak — Certified Professional Résumé Writer
Julia Belak
Certified Professional Résumé Writer
Last updated: May 17, 2024
Average: 4.9 (159 votes)
Creative Director at Cassette Monkeys Resume Sample
Created with Kickresume

Average: 4.9 (159 votes)

Crafting the perfect art director resume involves sprinkling in the right blend of creativity and professionalism. This guide aims to turn that vision into reality, offering you top-notch tips, real-life examples, and dynamic templates.

The art director's work lives behind every album cover, TV ad, product packaging, or theater poster. Just as each project is distinct, so should your resume be, emphasizing your unique career journey. Nevertheless, no art director resume should be without some essential sections. Let's carve them out.

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Keep on reading and learn all about:

  • Formatting your art director resume
  • Crafting an enticing resume summary or objective 
  • Highlighting the most desirable art director skills 
  • Detailing significant work experience and key art projects 
  • Properly listing education in your art director resume
  • Including relevant extra sections in your art director resume 
  • Steering clear of common resume mistakes
  • Understanding the crucial difference between a resume and a cover letter
  • Learning about the average salary and job outlook for art directors
  • Discovering top resources for job-seeking product designers

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. How to properly format your art director resume

Selecting the right format can make your art director resume easy to read and engaging. Here are three main types of resume formats and when to use each:

  1. Chronological format: Choose this when your work history is consistent, showing clear progression in your art direction career. It starts with your most recent job position and works backward, spotlighting your career history.
  2. Functional format: This one is your go-to if your skills and qualifications outshine your work experience or if there are gaps in your employment history. It focuses on your skills, abilities, and achievements.
  3. Combination format: Pure gold for seasoned art directors with wide-ranging skills and a hefty portfolio. This format blends the chronological and functional formats, giving equal weight to skills and experience.

Here are some golden rules that will help you impeccably format your art director resume:

  • Use white space for readability and navigation.
  • If you opt to use color or graphic elements, make them subtle, so that they do not distract from the content.
  • Use a professional font between 10-12 points.
  • Save your resume as a PDF document unless the job ad states differently. 

Remember, the purpose of your resume format is to present your career story effectively and coherently. Clinch the one that aligns with your career path and goals.

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2. How to craft a compelling art director resume summary or objective

Just as a film needs a teaser that captivates the attention of viewers, your art director resume needs a compelling professional profile.

Both a resume summary and an objective can help map out your art direction career and goals to the hiring manager. 

  • Resume summary is ideal for seasoned art directors who want to highlight their vast experience, unique skills sets, and significant achievements. By summarizing your career's key highlights, you can show you're the undisputed choice for prospective employers.

Bad example of an art director resume summary

I'm an art director who has previously worked on various projects.

Why is it ineffective? This resume summary is vague and lacks specificity. It doesn't show unique achievements or quantify your experience.

Good example of an art director resume summary

Art Director with seven years’ experience leading branding campaigns for high-profile clients. Known for fostering creative collaboration while delivering superior design solutions.

Why does it work? The correct example quantifies experience, highlights strategic skills, and underscores a proven track record of successful campaigns. It showcases what the applicant can bring to the table.

  • Resume objective: This is recommended for those who are either fresh graduates, getting into the field of art direction, or those making a career switch. It's a statement of your career ideals paired with your skills, reflecting why you'd be an excellent fit even if you lack direct experience.

Bad example of a resume objective

Looking to get a job as an art director.

Why is it weak? This objective doesn't show what you bring to the employer. It only states what you want, which surely doesn't provide value to the company.

Good example of a resume objective

Highly creative and passionate recent Fine Arts graduate seeking an entry-level Art Director role. Solid understanding of design principles and keen learner with proven adaptability.

Why is it effective? The correct example presents career ambitions clearly, emphasizes relevant training and skills, and indicates the potential for adaptability and growth within the role. It clearly states what the candidate can offer the company.
   
Choose the tool that best fits your stage in the art direction career, and remember that both serve to hook the hiring manager's interest.

art director resume summary examples

3. How to choose the best skills for your art director resume

As an art director, you supervise all graphics production activities, develop print specifications and deliver creative solutions. 

This clearly indicates your expertise in design software, and that is when listing hard skills in your resume comes in handy. 

Best hard skills for an art director resume

  • Adobe Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
  • Branding
  • Print design
  • UX Design
  • Typography
  • Photography
  • HTML & CSS
  • Drawing and painting
  • Project management

Not only is your role defined by your software expertise, but you may as well be best characterized by your soft skills such as creative vision and persuasion. You motivate your team to be original and innovative in order to meet your client’s expectations. 

Best soft skills for an art director resume

  • Creativity
  • Strategic and critical thinking
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Active listening
  • Teamwork
  • Diligence
  • Problem solving
  • Taking criticism
  • Time management
  • Persuasion

Check out for more of the best soft and hard skills to put on your resume in 2021.

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4. How to make your art director work experience resume section shine

Professional experience is undoubtedly one of the most crucial resume sections. Besides allowing space for listing your past roles, it most importantly reveals your capabilities and achievements in given positions.

Start with your most recent role, and mention your most significant accomplishments. Are they measurable? Even better! Quantifying your achievements gives recruiters a better sense of your contribution. Remember to target each work experience to the job you are applying for.

Bad art director job description example

Markem Designs
Lear Art Director
2015–2018

  • Worked on product concepts.
  • Led the design team.
  • Improved client sales.

What's the issue? This example is vague and unimpressive. It lacks specifics, quantification of achievements, and fails to depict the impact created.

Art director job description example

Markem Designs
Lear Art Director
2015–2018

  • Skillfully Developed 25+ concepts for products in partnership with the communication and account teams.
  • Spearheaded the team of 7 designers and production staff to ensure the desired results.
  • Increased client’s sales by 24% in a 3-month period.
  • Enhanced art department and organization reputation.

Why does it work? This example gives recruiters quantifiable facts, shows the impact you've made in your roles, and makes solid claims about improving sales and enhancing the organization's reputation.

Pro tip: Dress your work experience with specifics. Numbers, percentages, and concrete results turn your past roles into a compelling narrative of your professional journey. Remember, recruiters love measurable proof!

5. Make your art director resume education section stand out

An art director would typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a design or art subject. Mentioning your academic achievements turns out to be useful especially if you lack work experience in the field.

Art director education section example

University of Europe
BA in Graphic Design
2010–2013

  • Excelled in Publication and Packaging Design
  • Winner, Student Advertising Competition 2013
  • Area of interest: Marketing & Advertising Graphic Design

6. How to complement your art director resume with extra sections

You know when and where to best invest your energy, and how to most effectively get the job done. Pick the most suitable extra sections to complement your art director resume, depending on your preference and accomplishments in each:

  • Certifications: These provide a stamp of validation to your skills, enhancing your art director resume. 
  • Awards: Achievements like these reveal your recognized talent and distinguish you from the crowd. 
  • Volunteering Activities: Volunteering shows your initiative, dedication, and broader community involvement, which paints an appealing picture of you beyond your professional capabilities.
  • Language Skills: Proficiency in multiple languages can open up opportunities in a diverse, global industry like art direction. It demonstrates your ability to work effectively in multilingual settings or with international teams.
  • Interests: Interests showcase your passion and personal investment in the art field. It not only portrays you as a proactive learner but also as someone who could bring new perspectives drawn from different artistic mediums.

Here's an example of how to list extra sections in your art director resume

Certifications

  • Adobe Certified Expert (ACE), Adobe Systems, 2018
  • Certified Graphic Designer, Graphic Artists Guild, 2019

Awards

  • Winner, American Art Awards, 2019
  • Recipient, ADC Annual Awards for Art Direction, 2020

Volunteering Activities:

  • Volunteer Art Mentor, Art for Kids, 2016-2018
  • Community Art Director, Local Mural Project, 2019

Language Skills

  • Fluent in English, Spanish and French

Interests

  • Photography
  • Abstract painting
  • Art exhibitions

Opt for these sections to enrich your art director resume, showcasing not just your professional talents but also your commitment to continuous learning, excellence, and community engagement.

7. How to avoid common mistakes in an art director resume

An art director's resume can trip up if common mistakes aren't avoided. Here's a checklist to ensure you're not tripped up:

  • Errors in spelling and grammar: A single typo can cause your resume to stumble. Suspect every line, double-check everything. Lean on grammar and spell-check tools. Better still, get a second pair of eyes to review your resume.
  • Generic descriptions: Engage recruiters with specifics. What tasks were you responsible for? Did you lead teams? How large? Did you meet/exceed targets? By how much?
  • Ignoring ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems): Many hiring processes now deploy ATS — a software system that screens and ranks resumes. Make it ATS-friendly using relevant keywords from the job description and avoiding fancy formatting.
  • Omitting important information: Don't skimp on the details. Your contact information, qualifications, work history, skills — all crucial information that should be crystal clear on your resume. 
  • Forgetting customization: A generic 'one-size-fits-all' resume is forgettable. Map each resume to the specific art director role you're applying for. 

Keep these pitfalls in mind as you craft your art director resume. Let your narrative unfold error-free, specifically tailored, ATS-friendlily, and omitting nothing crucial.

8. How to pair your art director resume with a relevant cover letter

Alongside your art director resume, a well-composed cover letter adds depth to your application. It offers a narrative opportunity to connect your experience and skills directly to the job's requirements. Don't forget to include it, especially when the job posting specifically requests one.

While the resume is like a factual snapshot — clear, concise, specific — the cover letter is a persuasive portrait. It weaves your skills, experience, and achievements into a compelling story that aligns with the job requirement.

Art director cover letter introduces you and expresses your interest in the role. Explains why you're the perfect candidate by drawing unique connections between the job requirements and your specific experiences and accomplishments. 

In essence, your resume answers "what have you done" while your cover letter answers "why you're the perfect fit for the role". Always pair your art director resume with a tailored cover letter to provide the comprehensive picture of you as a candidate.

9. Average salary and job outlook for art directors

Being an art director is not just creatively rewarding, but also offers competitive financial compensation. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for art directors was $105,180 as of May 2022.

But that's not all. The field itself is on a promising growth path. Employment of art directors is projected to grow by 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. 

This progression in the field opens up ample opportunities annually. Precisely, about 13,800 openings for art directors are projected each year over the decade. 

So, if your dream is framed in the art director's canvas, both the salary and job outlook promise a pretty encouraging picture. Keep honing your skills, crafting compelling resumes, and be ready to grab the opportunities as they come.

art director salary and job outlook

10. Best resources for job-seeking art directors

Navigating the art direction job market can be a tad challenging. But knowing where to look and how to hone your skills gives you an edge. Here are some resources to keep in your toolbox:

  • Job boards: Some sites cater specifically to creative industries. Look into job boards like Behance, Krop, and Creative Hotlist. Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn are also gold-mines with numerous art director listings.
  • Networking events: Events like graphic design or art director summits and networking nights offer the opportunity to meet industry leaders and potential employers. Check out Meetup, Eventbrite, or industry-specific associations for events.
  • Online courses and webinars: Hone your skills and keep up-to-date with industry trends. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare offer a plethora of courses covering different facets of art direction.
  • Industry publications: Stay informed about the industry, emerging trends, and insights. Read publications like AdAge, Print Magazine, and Communication Arts.
  • Social media: Follow influential art directors, design firms, and industry leaders on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. This both keeps you updated on industry trends and gives visibility to potential job openings.

Remember, the right resource can give you an unparalleled advantage. So arm yourself with these tools and keep one eye trained on the pulse of the industry.

Art Director Resume FAQ

Is a tailored resume better than a generic one while applying for art director positions?

Yes, a tailored resume is always better than a generic one as it allows you to showcase your skills and experiences that are the most relevant to the specific role. 

Should I include soft skills in my art director resume?

Absolutely! While technical skills are crucial, your soft skills, like communication, leadership, and problem-solving can distinguish you from other candidates. 

How can I optimize my art director resume for ATS systems?

Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your resume. Avoid intricate designs and focus on standard fonts and formatting to ensure it is easily readable by the ATS. 

What's the difference between a resume summary and a resume objective?

 A resume summary is for experienced professionals and focuses on your core skills and career highlights. A resume objective, on the other hand, is suitable for fresh graduates or those new to the field, emphasizing career goals and potential. 

What extra sections could I add to my art director resume?

Certifications, awards, volunteering activities, language skills, and interests are all valuable extras. Choose those that present you as a versatile and accomplished candidate. 

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Average: 4.9 (159 votes)

Julia is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) and an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC™). She is also a passionate translator and graphic designer. Julia holds degrees in translation and interpretation and has international work experience in various countries across Europe, as well as in China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and contributed as a graphic designer to outlets such as The Business of Business. You'll often find her with a book in one hand and a specialty coffee in the other, always on the lookout for new insights.

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