Art Director Resume Example & Writing Guide
Use this Art Director resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.
Art directors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of visual design in an organization. They define the look and feel of a brand or product, and help shape the image that’s portrayed to consumers. Art directors are usually found in high-end creative agencies or studios, where they work with designers and copywriters to develop compelling campaigns, ads, websites, or other content.
If you’re looking for a new role that will allow you to flex your creative muscles while also collaborating with other talented individuals, then you should consider writing an art director resume. Here are some tips to follow plus an example to look at when writing yours.
How to Write an Art Director Resume
Here’s how to write an art director resume of your own.
Write Compelling Bullet Points
When it comes to writing bullet points, the more specific you can be, the better. Rather than saying you “managed design team,” you could say that you “led a team of 10 designers to create 100+ designs for a new product line in just 6 months.”
The second bullet point is much more impressive because it provides specific details about what you did and the results of your work.
Related: What Is an Art Director? How to Become One
Identify and Include Relevant Keywords
When you submit your resume for an art director role, it’s likely that it will be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords. This software looks for specific terms related to the art director role, like “graphic design” or “advertising,” in order to determine whether your skills and experience are a match for the job. If your resume doesn’t include enough of the right terms, the ATS might discard your application.
To increase your chances of getting noticed, use this list of common art director keywords as a starting point to help you identify the skills and experience most relevant to the role:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Graphic Design
- Logo Design
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Typography
- Advertising
- Branding & Identity
- Brochures
- Photography
- Art Direction
- Illustration
- Web Design
- Corporate Identity
- After Effects
- Poster Design
- Page Layout
- Art
- Art Production
- Branding
- Design
- Corporate Design
- Visual Communication
- Sketching
- Packaging Design
- Brand Development
- Visual Identity
- User Interface Design
- Branding & Graphics
Showcase Your Technical Skills
As an art director, you rely on technology to help you create amazing visuals. That’s why it’s important to list your technical skills prominently on your resume. By doing so, you’ll show that you’re a valuable candidate who is familiar with the essential tools and systems used in your field.
Recruiters are looking for art directors who are proficient in specific design programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. They also want to see that you have experience with specific systems and methodologies, such as the Adobe Creative Suite and the waterfall model. So be sure to list all of your relevant technical skills prominently on your resume.
Related: How Much Does an Art Director Make?
Remember The Basics
As you draft your resume, there are a few basic rules to keep in mind.
Create Easy-to Scan Sections
There are a few things you can do to make your resume look more professional and polished. First, use a standard font type and size throughout the document. You should also left-align your text, and use bullets rather than paragraphs to list your experiences. Additionally, try to keep your bullets to 2 lines or less, and use digits for numbers. Finally, leave some white space on the page to make the document less overwhelming.
Be Concise
A resume should be succinct and focused, with no more than 2 pages for more experienced candidates. It is important to tailor the resume specifically to the role you are applying for, and to focus on the most relevant information. When in doubt, less is more.
Proofread
Proofreading your resume is important in order to make sure it looks professional and error-free. Spell checking is a must, as are punctuation and grammar checks. It is also helpful to have someone else proofread your resume for you, as they may catch mistakes that you have missed. Beware of easily confused words, and make sure that your tense is consistent throughout the resume.
Consider Including a Summary
A resume summary statement is an excellent way to introduce yourself to a potential employer. It can help to clarify your experience and explain how it might translate into the role you are applying for. When writing your own, be sure to focus on your most relevant skills and experiences, and make it clear what your intentions are. Keep it brief and to the point, and make sure to tailor it to the specific position you are applying for.
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