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The differences between graphic art designers and art directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a graphic art designer, becoming an art director takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an art director has an average salary of $88,367, which is higher than the $42,598 average annual salary of a graphic art designer.
The top three skills for a graphic art designer include graphic design, web design and design. The most important skills for an art director are graphic design, art direction, and creative concepts.
| Graphic Art Designer | Art Director | |
| Yearly salary | $42,598 | $88,367 |
| Hourly rate | $20.48 | $42.48 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 47,181 | 11,472 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
A graphic art designer specializes in conceptualizing and planning various art projects. They typically work at publishing companies, advertising agencies, tv and film industry, and other commercial art settings, together with graphic artists and other creators. Their responsibilities usually revolve around coordinating with the creative team, identifying the clients' preferences and projects' requirements, utilizing software and programs, developing layouts and drafts, presenting designs to clients, and performing revisions as necessary. Moreover, a graphic art designer must maintain an active communication line with team members for an efficient and smooth workflow.
An art director's duty will vary depending on the line of industry involved. However, most of the responsibilities will revolve in taking charge of the artistic direction and decisions in a project or campaign. Most of the time, it is an art director's call to conceptualize and bring a vision to completion and take the lead in coordinating with various artists and creative staff. Furthermore, an art director must oversee the progress of workflow and workforce, develop plans and strategies, and approve or provide suggestions in every creative output from staff.
Graphic art designers and art directors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Art Designer | Art Director | |
| Average salary | $42,598 | $88,367 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $70,000 | Between $57,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Walt Disney Company |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Technology |
There are a few differences between a graphic art designer and an art director in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Art Designer | Art Director | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between graphic art designers' and art directors' demographics:
| Graphic Art Designer | Art Director | |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.7% Female, 48.3% | Male, 57.4% Female, 42.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 7.8% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 11% |