Duties: Manages all layout for a magazine; oversees art and design departments
Alternate Title(s): Art Director, Design Director
Salary Range: $50,000 to $100,000 and up
Employment Prospects: Fair
Advancement Prospects: Fair
Best Geographical Location(s): Major cities
Prerequisites:
Education or Training—Some jobs may require a bachelor’s degree in art, graphic design, or related field; portfolio more important than formal education
Experience—At least five to seven years of experience in art or design for a magazine
Special Skills and Personality Traits—Creativity; good artistic sense; strong
management and organizational skills; knowledge of graphic design and related computer programs; understanding of magazine journalism
CAREER LADDER
Creative Director, larger magazine
Creative Director
Art, Design, or Photo Director or Editor
Position Description
Magazine journalism offers a wide range of positions. In addition to writers and editors, there are other creative professionals that contribute their talents to produce a quality publication. One of these professionals is the Creative Director.
The look of a magazine has much to do with the image it projects to readers. Before they even have the opportunity to open it up and scan the contents, consumers see a magazine cover and make a quick judgment as to what it is all about. Together with the editorial staff, the Creative Director leads the artistic team to create a product that will meet its goals and be a success. They strive to create a format that is eyecatching, appealing, and targeted to the magazine’s market.
For each issue of a magazine, the writing is only part of the picture. In order for readers to connect with the contents and articles, the design, illustrations, and photographs play a crucial role. Creative Directors are responsible for the overall look of each issue. They oversee every page to make sure the layout is flawless. It is their artistic sense and creative vision that determines the structure of the pages.
As managing editors and executive editors determine the editorial direction, Creative Directors guide the artistic direction for their magazine. Their realm includes the art, photography, and design departments where they supervise all staff. This staff can be comprised of full-time art editors and directors, photo editors and directors, designers, and freelancers.
For each story that comes in, the creative team gets to work. Creative Directors assign illustrations and photography to appropriate staff members and freelancers, determining who would be the right artist for each piece. Working together with these professionals, they decide how the art should be approached and what the final copy should look like. Along the way, Creative Directors may approve sketches, check in, and oversee the work process.
Once the artwork and photographs are complete, Creative Directors and their teams begin the layout process. In order to create a story, they must interpose art with words in a way that makes the copy clear and readable. The art serves to enhance the words and draw the reader in. Most of this work is done via computer, and Creative Directors and their teams are experts on these systems.
Additional duties may include:
• Managing online layout and Web design
• Designing specific magazine departments
• Overseeing the art and design budget
• Running regular meetings
• Hiring freelance and full-time staff
• Collaborating with the editorial department to combine stories and art
• Planning photo shoots
• Following through with the production process
• Designing other media contents such as brochures, press kits, and inserts
Creative Directors often serve as leaders and mentors. They run their departments using a combination of artistic sensibility and savvy management. Good Creative Directors help to develop the talent of their artists, designers, and photographers by helping them to express their vision. They have both the big ideas and the ability to engage in the process of getting them realized.
While they may not have journalism training, those Creative Directors who choose to work at magazines are interested in journalism. They enjoy the flow of words and ideas and the idea of collaborating to publish something tangible.
Long hours may be required for Creative Directors, especially close to deadlines. Some travel may also be necessary for photo shoots or other on-site features.
