Breaking Into Art Direction: How To Build Your Portfolio and Land a Job In Advertising

Breaking Into Art Direction is more than an open and honest insider’s guide into the creative advertising field; it’s an actionable syllabus—a portfolio school in a book—equipping aspiring entry-level art directors with the tools, tips, and assignments needed to build their portfolio from scratch and get the job.Snapshot of what you’ll find inside: What an art director is and if it’s the right position for you The career secrets rarely discussed in a university classroom A look into the creative process and how to develop ideas of your own A portfolio builder filled with campaign-constructing assignments, mini creative briefs, and design challenges to build your body of workHow to search for, track, and secure a job as a junior art director or art direction intern at an ad agency More detail:Take a closer look at the ad career pathWhat even is an art director? Is it the right career for you? And what do you need to do to become one? The first section of Breaking into Art Direction dives deep into the career that is often hard to define—detailing out the responsibilities of the job, the common misconceptions you may not learn from the seat of a university classroom, the necessary headspace needed prior to getting started, and that whole portfolio thing (your ticket into the field). Develop creative ideas of your ownJumping head first in the creative process, section two is dedicated to taking you from the conceptual phase all the way through the executional one—from developing big ideas with the Idea Generator and Concept Test to what you will need to make your campaigns a reality. Build your portfolio from scratchWith an extensive library of mini campaign briefs and design assignments, these pages are jam-packed with a syllabus that improves your skills while building your first portfolio from the ground up. So whether you lack the means to attend portfolio school or are looking for a complementary resource to strengthen your book, this section has everything you need to remain competitive in the job market. Find and secure the jobEntering the industry can be a battle. Here's your leg up. Breaking into Art Direction reaches its conclusion by ... well ... helping you break into art direction. From creating your personal brand and résumé to hunting for, interviewing, and grasping a position at an ad agency, you are closer than ever to reaching your goal. Whether you’re a curious student questioning potential career paths, a laser-focused creative anxious to get started, or a senior professional who kinda sorta hates their job and wants to make a change, the door is wide open to learn, grow, and make things happen. Your move. Read more