Did you know designers and art directors are totally different careers? And what’s expected of those positions are entirely separate. A lot of people get Art Directors vs Graphic Designers confused. I know I did when I was just starting my career in design. Let’s break down the basics.

Graphic Designer:

The simple difference is that a graphic designer is focused on the execution. They often obsess over every pixel and get into the nitty gritty of a design. They focus on layout, typography, color, illustration.. the list goes on and on.

Art Director:

The art director is involved in the concept of the project. It’s less about “how” it looks, and more “what” the idea is. They are often brainstorming, putting together the presentation, and pitching the big ideas to the client.

In reality, an art director works with a designer. But you also work with photographers, illustrators, animators, colorists, editors, mixers, and pretty much anybody who’s involved in the creation of a project.

Job Titles:

Now here is where it gets confusing. In an ad agency, an “art director” is half of a creative team with a copywriter and they primarily do all of the brainstorming I was just talking about. But in design, it’s a level of the hierarchy, someone who’s leading a team of designers.

For instance, this is how you work your way up in a traditional advertising agency:

• Junior Art Director
• Art Director
• Senior Art Director
• Associate Creative Director
• Creative Director

VS a Design firm:

• Junior Designer
• Designer
• Senior Designer
• Art Director
• Design Director

Not every graphic designer is an art director and not every art director is a graphic designer. They each have a special skill set that they bring to the table… but there are a few people who are both! Like me.