Career Profile: Ad Art Director Creativity Equals Possibility

Creative. High-energy. Expressive. These three words describe just some of the necessary qualities of an advertising art director. Ad art directors get to work in the stimulating world of advertising, which is booming with inspirational talent and imagination. They are involved in creating and designing ads and billboards and work with a large variety of clients all around the world.

Doug Skolrood is the art director at Tag Advertising, and has worked in the industry for over 16 years. He took some time out of his busy schedule to tell Youthink more about this dynamic industry.

YT: What is a basic job description of an ad art director?
DS: As an ad art director, you are responsible for designing and creating
ads and collateral materials, making sure they are clear and communicate the message effectively.

YT: What training is necessary and where could
one fi nd reputable training for this career?
DS: Ideally, post-secondary education with an art and design school such as Alberta College of Art and Design, Sheridan College [in Ontario] or Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver.

(Editor’s note: Courses/programs for graphic design are also available in BC at Capilano College, Kwantlen University College, Malaspina University- College, the University of the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Community College, SFU, Academy of Art University and more. In Alberta, at the University of Calgary, Grant MacEwan College, the University of Alberta, Medicine Hat College, Grand Prairie Regional College, Keyano College, SAIT, NAIT and more.)

YT: What type of personality best suits this career?
DS: There’s not an exact personality type in most creative departments, but it’s safe to say that a key personality trait is to be clever.

YT: What is your daily working environment like?
DS: Advertising agencies are highenergy, playful and exciting places to work. Creativity always adds energy and fun to your day-to-day job.

YT: What are the hours like? How about vacation
time?
DS: The hours can be long. There’s no overtime in this business... creativity comes at odd hours, so do client requests. Holiday times can
vary, but you may find yourself with two weeks after your first year with a company, and from there, that’s between you and the boss.

YT: Is there any travel involved?
DS: Absolutely. TV commercials are shot all over the world, and sometimes face-to-face is the best way to sell really great ideas to clients based in different cities.

YT: What is the salary range for an art director?
DS: It’s different from city to city, agency to agency. (Editor’s note: According to payscale.com, in Canada, an art director would earn an average salary of $60,000.)

YT: What kind of other opportunities can this job lead to?
DS: A job in advertising can creatively dovetail into any number of opportunities... you can start work on small clients, and move up to national and international clients. And if you have good business instincts, you may end up running
your own agency.

YT: Besides schooling, what can a high-school student do to prepare for a career in this field?
DS: Pay attention to advertising around you – not as a consumer, but as an advertiser. What makes ads great or terrible? Try to understand whom the advertiser is appealing to. Is the message clear? Most importantly, can you remember what the key selling feature is?

YT: What advice would you give high-school students regarding a career in this field?
DS: Learn what makes effective advertising. Study up on strategy and
demographics. Don’t rely on ads that “are funny” or “make it pretty.”

YT: How do you foresee the future of this field?
DS: Evolving. New media and new opportunities mean that ads aren’t just on TV or in the newspaper anymore.

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