Securing a standout position as an art director necessitates a CV that not only showcases your creative flair but also underscores your leadership skills and project successes. Our guide is designed to help you tailor your CV, ensuring it highlights your unique blend of artistic vision and managerial prowess, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
- Design and format your professional art director CV;
- Curate your key contact information, skills, and achievements throughout your CV sections;
- Ensure your profile stays competitive by studying other industry-leading art director CVs;
- Create a great CV even if you happen to have less professional experience, or switching fields.
When writing your art director CV, you may need plenty of insights from hiring managers. We have prepared industry-leading advice in the form of our relevant CV guides.
How to ensure your profile stands out with your art director CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your art director CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your art director CV:- list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
- include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
- organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
- use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
- format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.
Once you've completed your information, export your art director CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:
- Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
- Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS;
- Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.
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For certain fields, consider including infographics or visual elements to represent skills or achievements, but ensure they are simple, professional, and enhance rather than clutter the information.
The top sections on a art director CV
- Personal Statement outlines your creative vision and leadership style, crucial for assessing cultural fit.
- Portfolio Link showcases your best work and gives a tangible sense of your aesthetic and capabilities.
- Professional Experience details past roles and relevant achievements, displaying your industry trajectory.
- Key Projects highlight significant contributions to campaigns or initiatives, reflecting your impact and expertise.
- Technical Skills lists software and tools proficiency, revealing your ability to create and execute designs.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your creative process and conceptual thinking by giving examples of previous campaigns or projects where your artistic vision and leadership drove success.
- Detail your experience in managing design teams, including how you have motivated and directed artists to produce cohesive and aesthetically pleasing work.
- Showcase your proficiency with industry-standard design tools and software, but also emphasise any unique techniques or mediums you excel in to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
- Include a succinct section on your understanding of brand development and how you've successfully maintained or evolved brand identity through visual design.
- Provide a link to your online portfolio and ensure it's up to date with your latest work, demonstrating the breadth and depth of your capability as an art director.
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Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning art director CV header
The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:
- Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details, and not your current work email or telephone number;
- Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
- Don't include your CV photo, if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
- Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.
In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.
Examples of good CV headlines for art director:
- Creative Lead | Brand Development Specialist | MA in Design | 10+ Years in Visual Storytelling
- Senior Art Director | Multi-channel Campaign Expert | BFA in Graphic Design | Adobe Certified
- Conceptual Strategist | Latest Role: Global Advertising Lead | UX/UI Enthusiast | 15 Years’ Experience
- Junior Art Director | Graduate of BA Illustration | Passion for Digital Media & Animation
- Visual Innovation Consultant | Head of Art Department | Expert in Typography | 8 Years in Creative Industries
- Artistic Visionary | Senior Creative Director | Photography & Film | Member of D&AD | 20+ Years of Crafting Narratives
Your art director CV introduction: selecting between a summary and an objective
art director candidates often wonder how to start writing their resumes. More specifically, how exactly can they use their opening statements to build a connection with recruiters, showcase their relevant skills, and spotlight job alignment. A tricky situation, we know. When crafting you art director CV select between:
- A summary - to show an overview of your career so far, including your most significant achievements.
- An objective - to show a conscise overview of your career dreams and aspirations.
Find out more examples and ultimately, decide which type of opening statement will fit your profile in the next section of our guide:
CV summaries for a art director job:
- Seasoned Art Director with over a decade of experience crafting visually compelling campaigns in the bustling London advertising landscape. Excels in brand development and strategic thinking, with a remarkable track record of award-winning projects, including a Cannes Lions Grand Prix. Adept at leading skilled creative teams to exceed client expectations through innovative design concepts.
- Dynamic Art Director with 15 years of dedicated experience in the New York fashion industry, transitioning to a broader creative role. Expert in visual storytelling, trend forecasting, and curating distinctive brand aesthetics. Renowned for orchestrating iconic Vogue magazine covers and leading design teams towards cohesive and impactful visual narratives.
- IT Project Manager with 8 years of rich experience in the Silicon Valley tech industry, making a strategic move to art direction. Brings a unique blend of technical prowess and creative flair to the table. Skilled in managing cross-functional teams and eager to apply analytical skills to drive design excellence and brand innovation in a new arena.
- Architect with remarkable visionary insight, seeking to transition into art direction after 7 years of designing award-winning sustainable buildings in Dubai. Eager to harness a deep understanding of space, form, and colour to deliver extraordinary visual concepts in a more dynamic, graphic-based industry.
- Highly motivated graduate from the Royal College of Art, eager to embark on a career as an Art Director. Dedicated to developing a profound visual language and mastering the art of design. Passionate about combining contemporary digital techniques with traditional artistic values to create memorable visual experiences.
- Eager to take the first steps in the world of art direction after years of honing conceptual thinking and visual communication skills through a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design. Keen on fusing fresh ideas with strategic design principles to produce innovative artwork that resonates with diverse audiences.
Narrating the details of your art director CV experience section
Perhaps you've heard it time and time again, but, how you present your experience is what matters the most. Your CV experience section - that details your work history alongside your accomplishments - is the space to spotlight your unqiue expertise and talents. So, avoid solely listing your responsibilities, but instead:
- adverts' keywords and integrate those in your experience section;
- Use your CV to detail how you've been promoted in the past by including experience in the reverse chronological order.
Before you start writing your art director CV experience section, dive into some industry-leading examples on how to structure your bullets.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Conceptualised and executed innovative design projects, leading a team of designers and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with brand vision and project objectives.
- Managed art department budgets efficiently, reducing costs by 15% while maintaining high quality and meeting deadlines consistently over a 3-year period.
- Orchestrated the visual style and images for print, digital, and video media, ensuring that the aesthetic language communicated the desired message effectively and engaged the target audience.
- Liaised with marketing, product, and management teams to define branding strategies, resulting in an increase in brand recognition by 25% within a year.
- Supervised photoshoots and directed the photographic style, which enhanced product presentation and contributed to a 20% increase in sales following marketing campaigns.
- Oversaw a diverse range of projects, from initial concept to final delivery, ensuring all art output was of the highest standard and reflected the latest design trends.
- Implemented new design software and technologies, which increased department productivity by 30% and allowed for more creative experimentation.
- Mentored and developed a team of junior designers and interns, fostering professional growth by organising workshops and providing regular, constructive feedback.
- Presented and pitched creative ideas to clients and stakeholders with a 90% approval rate, translating complex concepts into understandable visual narratives.
- Led a team of designers and illustrators in developing a rebranding strategy for a major lifestyle magazine, raising its profile by 25% in the target demographic.
- Supervised the launch of a new mobile app design which received the 'Best User Interface' award at the Digital Arts Festival.
- Streamlined creative processes by implementing new collaboration software, improving team productivity by 40%.
- Executed a pivotal role in a cross-functional team that developed an ad campaign for a leading automobile brand, contributing to a 30% surge in year-end sales.
- Revitalised brand image for an international cosmetics company, overseeing the art direction that increased online engagement rates by 70%.
- Cultivated a partnership with renowned photographers, securing exclusive content for key marketing campaigns.
- Directed visual brand strategies for high-profile tech startups, consistently delivering projects that resonated with the millennial market.
- Championed the creative direction for a viral marketing campaign, which led to an unprecedented 2 million views in the first 48 hours.
- Enhanced team capabilities by conducting quarterly workshops on the latest design trends and technologies.
- Conceptualised and executed a multi-channel marketing campaign for an international beverage brand, resulting in a 50% growth in market share.
- Built and managed a cohesive design team that consistently produced high-calibre work for a wide range of clients.
- Negotiated with vendors to obtain high-quality materials for print campaigns, saving the company 15% on production costs.
- Spearheaded the rebranding project for a heritage fashion label, enhancing its appeal to a younger audience and resulting in a 35% increase in social media following.
- Guided the artistic vision for a flagship international event, attracting over 100,000 attendees and securing extensive media coverage.
- Liaised with interdisciplinary teams to ensure consistent branding across print, web, and video platforms.
- Headed the art department for a suite of industry-leading gaming apps, pushing the boundaries of visual design and enhancing user engagement.
- Designed a dynamic art strategy that adapted to rapidly changing market trends, allowing the company to stay ahead competitively.
- Mentored junior designers, resulting in two team members winning the Young Artist of the Year Award.
- Orchestrated the visual concept for a groundbreaking furniture line, contributing to a 40% boost in the brand’s home goods sales.
- Collaborated with international artists to introduce a series of exclusive artwork for a luxury hotel chain, enhancing guest satisfaction scores by 25%.
- Implemented a real-time feedback loop with clients, ensuring project deliverables met the highest standards of creative excellence.
- Revolutionised the brand strategy of an eco-friendly startup resulting in a tripling of their online community and a successful IPO.
- Pioneered the integration of augmented reality in advertising campaigns, making the company a market leader in innovative marketing solutions.
- Evaluated and optimised creative workflows, improving delivery speed for design projects by 35%.
How to ensure your art director CV stands out when you have no experience
This part of our step-by-step guide will help you substitute your experience section by helping you spotlight your skill set. First off, your ability to land your first job will depend on the time you take to assess precisely how you match the job requirements. Whether that's via your relevant education and courses, skill set, or any potential extracurricular activities. Next:
- Systematise your CV so that it spotlights your most relevant experience (whether that's your education or volunteer work) towards the top;
- Focus recruiters' attention to your transferrable skill set and in particular how your personality would be the perfect fit for the role;
- Consider how your current background has helped you build your technological understanding - whether you've created projects in your free time or as part of your uni degree;
- Ensure you've expanded on your teamwork capabilities with any relevant internships, part-time roles, or projects you've participated in the past.
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If you have experience in diverse fields, highlight how this has broadened your perspective and skill set, making you a more versatile candidate.
The CV skills' divide: between hard and soft skills
Of course, you may have read the job requirements plenty of times now, but it's key to note that there is a difference between technical and personal skills. Both are equally relevant to your job application. When writing about your skill set, ensure you've copy-pasted the precise skill from the job requirement. This would not only help you ensure you have the correct spelling, but also pass any Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessments.
- Hard skills show your technological capabilities. Or whether you'll be a good technical fit to the organisation. Ensure you've spotlighted your hard skills in various sections of your CV (e.g. skills section, projects, experience) by including the technology and what you've attained;
- Soft skills pinpoint your personality and people or communication skills, hinting at if you'll easily accomodate into the team or organisation. Quantify your soft skills in your CV achievements, strengths, summary/objective, and experience sections. Always support your soft skills with how they've helped you grow as a professional.
Top skills for your art director CV:
Graphic Design
Typography
Branding
Art Direction
Adobe Creative Suite
Web Design
Photography
Illustration
3D Design
Storyboarding
Creativity
Leadership
Communication
Decision Making
Time Management
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Project Management
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If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your art director CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your art director CV:
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Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
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Key takeaways
Here are five things you need to remember about writing your art director CV for success:
- Sort your experience based on the reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent career items, to showcase how you've grown your career;
- Include within your CV header your relevant contact details, a headline that could spotlight your unique value, and a photo - if you're applying for roles outside the UK or US;
- Decide to use the CV summary, if you happen to have more professional experience, and an objective, if you want to showcase your career goals;
- Within the experience section, write your bullets using action verbs, skills, and success, instead of just merely listing your on-the-job responsibilities;
- Prove your technical skills, using your education and certificates, and your soft skills, with your achievements and strengths sections.
