How to become an art director
Inspire and guide a creative team and enable a studio’s vision to come to life.
What does an art director do?
Duties and tasks
- Oversee the creative and design aspects of media (eg. film, television, stage productions, digital).
- Inspire and manage a team of designers and artists.
- Set the overall creative style and direction of the approach and style of work being produced.
- Review and approve creative output (designs, graphics, copy, photography).
- Present final designs and artwork to clients for feedback and approval (if applicable).
Professional bodies
- Australian Directors Guild
- Performing Arts Connections Australia
- Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance
- Australian Screen Association
Related jobs
Discover related courses
UndergraduateTUA-GDE-DIP
Learn graphic design and craft compelling visuals
Discover the theory and practice of graphic design. You’ll challenge conventional ideas to deliver engaging and original solutions. Use industry-standard graphic design software including the Adobe Creative Suite. This course is DIA approved.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Undergraduate Certificate in Fine Art
UndergraduateCUR-FIA-CTF
Explore your talent and develop your artistic skills
Your introduction to fine art studies at university level. You can use this course to discover the methods, mediums, and media you connect with. Paint the first strokes on your professional career in today’s art industry or work towards further study.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
UndergraduateUNE-MUS-DIP
A unique, fully online music course
Get ready to learn from experienced musicians and researchers. Study music online and cover theory and analysis—and build practical skills in musical performance. Follow your passion with electives including songwriting and electronic music production.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
PostgraduateCUR-ART-GCE
Embrace your creativity and build your expertise
Prepare for creative industries and roles. You’ll choose from topics including creative writing and fine art. Get to know professional publishing. Consider creating online. Add new specialised skills to your resume and watch your career bloom.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Need help making study choices for your career?
Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.
They'll help you with:
- Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
- Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
- Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Step up your career with these resources
The most sought-after skills in the creative industries
Want to future-proof your creative career? Or pivot to a better paying role in the same field? We asked a recruitment expert about the skills employers in this sector are keen to see from candidates right now.
11 fun and engaging short courses for seniors
Retired and ready to challenge yourself? Or just eager to learn a new skill? Here are our favourite short online courses for seniors in 2025. They cover everything from computer skills to genealogy, and only run for 8 to 14 weeks.
6 of the best graphic design short courses to study online
Want to wow people with your logo art, magazine layouts or website designs? These short online courses cover everything a graphic designer needs to know, from Adobe Creative Cloud to user-centred design.
Why you should study art online
Studying art online might sound hard to imagine. But there can be many benefits to exploring your creativity through a virtual university short course or degree.