Art Directors in Virginia
Want to work as an Art Directors in Virginia? Below are the key facts. Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design. Excludes “Set and Exhibit Designers” (27-1027).
What do Art Directors Make in Virginia?
The art directors working in Virginia, the typical annual salary is $95,680 per year (or about $46.00/hour).Earnings range from $61,840 at the 10th percentile to $129,050 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,840 | $29.73 |
| 25th percentile | $78,010 | $37.50 |
| Median (50th) | $95,680 | $46.00 |
| 75th percentile | $111,050 | $53.39 |
| 90th percentile | $129,050 | $62.04 |
The job concentration index in Virginia nationwide is 0.65, meaning fewer art directors per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, art directors earn a median of $103,285 per year ($49.66/hour), lower than the Virginia median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 104,079 art directors across the United States. In Virginia alone, approximately 860 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 370 art directors.
Top Virginia Metros for Art Directors
The largest metro-area employers of art directors in Virginia.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA | 180 | $94,990 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 130 | $84,710 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 40 | $81,950 |
Top States for Art Directors Employment
The table below shows the states where the most art directors work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 12,540 |
| New York | 8,300 |
| Illinois | 2,750 |
| Texas | 2,690 |
| Florida | 2,240 |
| Massachusetts | 1,810 |
| Washington | 1,740 |
| New Jersey | 1,620 |
| Ohio | 1,140 |
| Minnesota | 1,120 |
| Georgia | 1,050 |
| Oregon | 1,040 |
| Michigan | 1,020 |
| Pennsylvania | 890 |
| North Carolina | 880 |
| Virginia | 860 |
| Tennessee | 750 |
| Missouri | 740 |
| Connecticut | 680 |
| Colorado | 680 |
Highest-Paying States for Art Directors
The highest-paying states for art directors.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $148,410 |
| Washington | $143,490 |
| New York | $136,610 |
| California | $133,930 |
| Georgia | $131,620 |
| Massachusetts | $131,050 |
| District of Columbia | $126,520 |
| New Jersey | $126,030 |
| Hawaii | $108,420 |
| New Hampshire | $101,890 |
Skills
The most important art directors skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for art directors, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Art Directors typically:
- Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.
- Present final layouts to clients for approval.
- Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
- Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities.
- Confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, and presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.
- Formulate basic layout design or presentation approach and specify material details, such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound.
- Review and approve art materials, copy materials, and proofs of printed copy developed by staff members.
- Create custom illustrations or other graphic elements.
- Attend photo shoots and printing sessions to ensure that the products needed are obtained.
- Review illustrative material to determine if it conforms to standards and specifications.
- Hire, train, and direct staff members who develop design concepts into art layouts or who prepare layouts for printing.
- Research current trends and new technology, such as printing production techniques, computer software, and design trends.
Work Activities
- Thinking Creatively
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud software In-demand technologies: Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Design & Applied Arts
- General Visual & Performing Arts
- Fine & Studio Arts
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to art directors include:
- Project Management Specialists
- Web and Digital Interface Designers
- Video Game Designers
- Information Technology Project Managers
- Craft Artists
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Also Known As
Art Administrator (Art Admin), Art Coordinator, Art Director, Art Manager, Art Supervisor, Artistic Director, Brand Creative Director, Creative Art Director, Creative Design Director, Creative Director (CD Director), Creative Manager, Creative Operations Director (Creative Ops Director), Creative Services Director, Creative Services Manager, Design Director.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 27-1011.00