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The differences between studio directors and freelance art directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a studio director and a freelance art director. Additionally, a studio director has an average salary of $99,189, which is higher than the $85,453 average annual salary of a freelance art director.
The top three skills for a studio director include business development, studio operations and video production. The most important skills for a freelance art director are photography, strong work ethic, and creative development.
| Studio Director | Freelance Art Director | |
| Yearly salary | $99,189 | $85,453 |
| Hourly rate | $47.69 | $41.08 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 9,277 | 9,215 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A studio director is a multi-disciplined leader with a depth of experience and pragmatic skills. They are responsible for running the studio and work in a team.
As a freelance art director, you will work hand-in-hand with the production designer to procure works of art for your organization. Note that your duties will depend on your particular industry. Generally, though, you will determine the artistic tone of various projects and use visuals to give life to magazines, websites, ad campaigns, and lots more. You may also lead a team of artists, evaluate the art, and approve copies. In this role, it is very likely you will work for an advertising agency, publisher, or media production company.
Studio directors and freelance art directors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Studio Director | Freelance Art Director | |
| Average salary | $99,189 | $85,453 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $211,000 | Between $51,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, OR | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | Saks Fifth Avenue | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a studio director and a freelance art director in terms of educational background:
| Studio Director | Freelance Art Director | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Communication | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between studio directors' and freelance art directors' demographics:
| Studio Director | Freelance Art Director | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.0% Female, 48.0% | Male, 59.1% Female, 40.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |