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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 27-1011 Art Directors
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches, and direct workers engaged in art work, layout design, and copy writing for visual communications media, such as magazines, books, newspapers, and packaging.
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Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
OJT: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Tasks: Formulate basic layout design or presentation approach and specify material details, such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound. Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements. Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities. Present final layouts to clients for approval. Review and approve art materials, copy materials, and proofs of printed copy developed by staff members. Work with creative directors to develop design solutions. Create custom illustrations or other graphic elements. Confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, and presentation approaches, styles, and techniques. Review illustrative material to determine if it conforms to standards and specifications. Negotiate with printers and estimators to determine what services will be performed. Attend photo shoots and printing sessions to ensure that the products needed are obtained. Research current trends and new technology, such as printing production techniques, computer software, and design trends. Hire, train, and direct staff members who develop design concepts into art layouts or who prepare layouts for printing.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $26.51   Entry $55,149.00
Mean $40.32   Mean $83,868.00
Experience $47.22 Experience $98,222.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
67069055.29
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Alabama A & M University
Alabama State University
Athens State University
Auburn University at Montgomery
Birmingham Southern College
Jacksonville State University
James H Faulkner State Community College
Judson College
Lawson State Community College-Birmingham Campus
Oakwood University
Samford University
Stillman College
Troy University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of Mobile
University of Montevallo
University of North Alabama
University of South Alabama
Occupational Videos
27-1011.00 Art Directors