Art Direction is a fast-paced and varied role where no two days will be the same. You’ll get the opportunity to be creative on a daily basis and enjoy defining the creative vision across a wide range of media.

As part of a creative studio, your job will be conceptual in the main. Depending on team structure, you may work in partnership with a copywriter when crafting ideas but this varies from studio to studio. The Art Director will work closely with the Creative Director to deliver concepts across a variety of channels; these could be digital, DM (direct marketing) or digital. Once an overarching concept is defined, they will work collaboratively with the rest of the creative team (Designers, Artworkers, Copywriters etc.) to finalise the concepts into finished designs ready for launch.

Junior Art Director
Midweight Art Director
Senior Art Director
Senior Creative

Designer
Art Director
Senior Art Director
Head of Art Direction

We’ve outlined the latest salary benchmarks for Design roles in the guides below:

Design Salary Guide South West

An overarching knowledge of design concepts is key, as while you don’t necessarily have to come from a design background, you should have sound knowledge of design to be able to effectively lead creative teams and direct design processes and projects.

You will usually need a foundation degree or diploma within a relevant subject. For example, these could include graphic design, graphic communication, illustration, art, creative writing, marketing or branding.

Salary:

£22k – £28k

What They Do:

Supports the design team by creating visual assets, preparing artwork for print and digital, and assisting in concept development.

Skills Needed:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) proficiency
• Strong understanding of design fundamentals (typography, colour, composition)
• Attention to detail in artwork and file preparation
• Time management and meeting deadlines
• Willingness to learn and take feedback

Salary:

£28k – £35k

What They Do:

Works on design briefs for marketing, advertising, and branding. Produces both digital and print-ready visuals and supports campaign execution.

Skills Needed:

• Creative thinking and problem-solving
• Experience with branding and layout design
• Ability to follow brand guidelines while bringing fresh ideas
• Basic motion design or video editing skills (After Effects, Premiere Pro)
• Collaboration with copywriters, marketers, and developers

Salary:

£35k – £45k

What They Do:

Leads design projects from concept to delivery, mentors junior designers, and works closely with Art Directors and Creative Directors.

Skills Needed:

• Advanced creative and conceptual skills
• Brand strategy and development experience
• Prototyping and user experience awareness
• Presentation and pitching skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Salary:

£45k – £55k

What They Do:

Supports the Art Director in guiding the creative vision. Manages high-profile projects and client relationships.

Skills Needed:

• Leadership and team coordination
• Strong client-facing and presentation skills
• Multi-channel campaign experience
• Knowledge of production processes (print, digital, broadcast)
• Ability to push creative boundaries while meeting commercial objectives

Salary:

£55k – £70k

What They Do:

Owns the creative vision for campaigns, directs design teams, and ensures all visual outputs meet brand standards and business goals.

Skills Needed:

• Visionary creative leadership
• Deep understanding of brand strategy
• Experience directing photoshoots, video, and digital content
• Excellent communication and collaboration with copywriters, strategists, and clients
• Ability to inspire and mentor teams

Salary:

£70k – £100k+

What They Do:

Sets the overall creative direction for an agency or in-house brand team. Responsible for innovation, client relationships, and delivering award-winning work.

Skills Needed:

• Executive-level creative strategy and leadership
• Proven track record of successful campaigns
• High-level client and stakeholder management
• Ability to balance creativity with commercial viability
• Building and leading multidisciplinary creative teams