How to become an art director or creative director?

Do you need a Bachelors Degree to become an Creative/Art Director?

• Do you need a Bachelors Degree to become an Creative/Art Director? K, so im in my first year right now at a university here in Canada, taking BA, majoring in communication and information technology. I really want to become an Art Director in the future. I heard from other people that I can just take a 2-year course that will get me a diploma in graphic design or any design-related program to become an Art Director. They say that design firms don't really care if you have a degree, as long as you have a good portfolio. I am aware that it takes a while to become an Art Director-- that you'll have to become a designer first before getting to that position. So i was just wondering if I actually need a Bachelors degree to become an Art Director? I was just wondering because I am having a hard time right now whether to choose the 2-year program or the program that I am currently taking right now (which is a 4-year program). I need you guys' opinion.

• Answer:

  Education & Training Most employers require prospective art directors to have a combination of education and experience. A degree or diploma in a visual communications subject, such as graphic design, visual arts, general design, or photography is usually the minimum educational requirement. These programs are offered at universities at colleges across the country. Some programs, such as fine and visual arts, provide students with a general background in art and design. Others provide more specific training. For example, some graphic design programs deal with print and website design, while others focus on advertising. Education requirements can also depend on the industry in which you’d like to work. For example, to work as an art director in the movie industry, you may be required to have post-secondary education in film and video production or a related subject. Certificate and diploma programs can be excellent ways of entering the field of design. However, as is the case in most fields, those with bachelor’s and master’s degrees generally have more career choices available to them. Bachelor’s degrees usually take between 3 and 4 years to complete. A master’s degree can take an additional 1 to 2 years. Experience requirements vary depending on the employer and the type of media. Though art directors working on large successful productions or publications are usually required to have at least 5 to 7 years of experience, some employers will consider those with 2 to 5 years of experience. Hope this helps