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How an art director can use AI, task by task

O*NET 27-1011.00: Art DirectorsMedian pay $114,850/year (BLS, May 2025)16 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Art Director, Art Supervisor, Creative Director (CD Director), Creative Manager, Creative Services Director, Creative Services Manager, Design Director, Graphic Design and Art Production Manager, Group Art Supervisor, Presentation Director.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 20%AI-assist 55%Stays human 25%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 3 AI-ready, 9 AI-assist and 4 human-led tasks out of 16. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.Coordinate & message · Daily
Create custom illustrations or other graphic elements.Create & design · Daily
Formulate basic layout design or presentation approach and specify material details, such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound.Create & design · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities.Lead people · Daily
Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.Lead people · Several times a day
Hire, train, and direct staff members who develop design concepts into art layouts or who prepare layouts for printing.Lead people · Weekly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 3

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Create custom illustrations or other graphic elements.

Daily

AI generates ideas and first drafts to choose from.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 66% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person. This label was updated from real usage data.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a brainstorming partner and first-draft machine for copy, concepts and variations. Your taste and judgment pick the winner.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to create custom illustrations or other graphic elements.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Subject: [device, fixture, product]
Purpose: [manual, plan, marketing]

Suggest views, labels and style. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Technical illustration plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create custom illustrations or other graphic elements (today).

Step 2Fill in [Subject] and [Purpose] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Draw detailed or technical illustrations..

Research current trends and new technology, such as printing production techniques, computer software, and design trends.

Weekly

AI maps out the topic and options; confirm with real sources.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 39% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a fast research assistant. Ask it to map out a topic, compare options or list what to check. Use a tool with web search and ask for its sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to research current trends and new technology, such as printing production techniques, computer software, and design trends.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Field: [my craft or work area]
What I want: [new tools, techniques, trends]

List current trends and techniques with examples, how to try each, and where to learn more.

10-minute exercise: New technique scan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you research current trends and new technology (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Field] and [What I want] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Try one technique it suggests this week.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Research new technologies..

Mark up, paste, and complete layouts and write typography instructions to prepare materials for typesetting or printing.

Weekly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 40% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to mark up, paste, and complete layouts and write typography instructions to prepare materials for typesetting or printing.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Subject: [property, layout, item]
Details: [paste notes]
Reader: [describe]

Write a clear description for the reader. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Informational write-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you mark up and paste (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Subject], [Details] and [Reader] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Write informational material.. Also involves: Design layouts for print publications..

AI can help you prep these 9

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.

Daily

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to work with creative directors to develop design solutions.

Context: We use Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Design: [describe]
Issues: [changes, methods]

Draft discussion points and options. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Design refinement discussion

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop design solutions (today).

Step 2Fill in [Design] and [Issues] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to develop or refine designs..

Formulate basic layout design or presentation approach and specify material details, such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 48% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to formulate basic layout design or presentation approach and specify material details, such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Exhibit: [topic, space]
Audience: [visitors]

Suggest a layout, flow, and display ideas. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Exhibit layout

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you formulate basic layout design or presentation approach (today).

Step 2Fill in [Exhibit] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design layout of art or product exhibits, displays, or promotional materials.. Also involves: Determine technical requirements of productions or projects..

Present final layouts to clients for approval.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to present final layouts to clients for approval.

Context: We use Apple Final Cut Pro; the work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Deliverable or plan: [describe]
Client: [what they care about]

Structure a short presentation: the headline, 3 key points, visuals to show, and answers to likely objections.

10-minute exercise: Client presentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you present final layouts (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Deliverable or plan] and [Client] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Rehearse once and check every number on the slides.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Present work to clients for approval..

Review and approve art materials, copy materials, and proofs of printed copy developed by staff members.

Weekly

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to review and approve art materials, copy materials, and proofs of printed copy developed by staff members.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
The brief or style guide: [paste the goals, brand rules, specs]
The material to review: [describe or paste the copy, layout or proof]

Check the material against the brief point by point. List what matches, what drifts from the brief or brand rules, and any typos or spec problems. End with 3 specific change requests I could send back.

10-minute exercise: Review art against the brief

Step 1Pick one proof or layout waiting for your sign-off and dig out its brief. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Paste the brief into [The brief or style guide] and describe the work in [The material to review].

Step 3Compare its change requests with your own notes. Send only the ones you agree with, in your words.

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review art or design materials..

Review illustrative material to determine if it conforms to standards and specifications.

Weekly

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 55% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to review illustrative material to determine if it conforms to standards and specifications.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
The brief or style guide: [paste the goals, brand rules, specs]
The material to review: [describe or paste the copy, layout or proof]

Check the material against the brief point by point. List what matches, what drifts from the brief or brand rules, and any typos or spec problems. End with 3 specific change requests I could send back.

10-minute exercise: Review art against the brief

Step 1Pick one proof or layout waiting for your sign-off and dig out its brief.

Step 2Paste the brief into [The brief or style guide] and describe the work in [The material to review].

Step 3Compare its change requests with your own notes. Send only the ones you agree with, in your words.

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review art or design materials..

Confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, and presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare questions; the listening is yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 57% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare better questions and to organize your notes afterward. Listening to the person in front of you is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, and presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides; the work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Project: [design, craft, presentation]
What I need to know: [goals, budget, audience, constraints]

Write brief-taking questions and a summary template. Order the questions sensibly, add follow-ups for vague answers, and give me a note-taking template.

10-minute exercise: Client brief interview

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with clients. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [What I need to know] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Read the summary back to the client to confirm.

Don't record people or paste their answers into AI without consent and your employer's approval.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Confer with clients to determine needs..

Conceptualize and help design interfaces for multimedia games, products, and devices.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 35% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to conceptualize and help design interfaces for multimedia games, products, and devices.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Project: [interface, craft, exhibit]
Brief: [goals, audience]

Generate 10 concepts and develop 2. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Design concepts

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conceptualize and help design interfaces.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Brief] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes..

Prepare detailed storyboards showing sequence and timing of story development for television production.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 51% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to prepare detailed storyboards showing sequence and timing of story development for television production.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Project: [ad, show, animation]
Story and length: [summary, seconds]

Give me a shot-by-shot storyboard outline with timing and notes. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Storyboard

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare detailed storyboards showing sequence and timing of story.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Story and length] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Prepare production storyboards..

Negotiate with printers and estimators to determine what services will be performed.

Monthly

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to negotiate with printers and estimators to determine what services will be performed.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Service: [printing, casting, vendor]
Goals: [scope, price]

Prepare and role-play. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Service negotiation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you negotiate with printers and estimators.

Step 2Fill in [Service] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Negotiate for services..

These stay human 4

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: constant contact with others · Using hands on tools and objects: more than half the time · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day

Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities.

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Project: [shoot, campaign]
Teams: [art, copy, production]

Plan a coordination meeting. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Creative team coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with creative and art (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Teams] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate artistic activities..

Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.

Several times a day

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Department: [art, production]
Issue: [budget, schedule]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Managing a creative department

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you manage own accounts and projects. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Department] and [Issue] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Manage operations of artistic or entertainment departments or organizations..

Hire, train, and direct staff members who develop design concepts into art layouts or who prepare layouts for printing.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to hire, train, and direct staff members who develop design concepts into art layouts or who prepare layouts for printing.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Team: [designers, artists]
Project: [describe]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Coordinating designers

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you hire, train, and direct staff members who develop design concepts (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Team] and [Project] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate design activities.. Also involves: Train others on work processes.; Select staff, team members, or performers..

Attend photo shoots and printing sessions to ensure that the products needed are obtained.

A few times a year

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as an art director. Part of my job is to attend photo shoots and printing sessions to ensure that the products needed are obtained.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, design and communications and media.
Project: [shoot, campaign]
Teams: [art, copy, production]

Plan a coordination meeting. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Creative team coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you attend photo shoots and printing sessions.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Teams] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate artistic activities..

Get the full prompt pack for Art Directors

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Coordinationimportance 3.6/5
Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Time Managementimportance 3.6/5
Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Persuasionimportance 3.4/5
Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Monitoringimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Critical Thinkingimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Thinking Creatively
Active Listeningimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Getting Information
Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Getting Information
Speakingimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Graphic Designers9% human-led · Same preparation · $62,960/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Your skills already line up
Special Effects Artists and Animators10% human-led · Same preparation · $102,030/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Your skills already line up
Film and Video Editors30% human-led · Same preparation · $75,420/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Your skills already line up
Producers and Directors28% human-led · Same preparation · $90,360/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Management of Financial Resources, Management of Personnel Resources, Monitoring

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (68% of workers)

High school or less 10%
Certificate or some college 6%
Associate's 5%
Bachelor's 72%
Graduate degree 8%

On-the-job training: 1–3 months
Related experience: 4–6 years
Professional certification: important (3.1/5)

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe AcrobatAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAJAXApple macOSAtlassian ConfluenceAtlassian JIRACascading style sheets CSSFacebook