Hey man! It’s been a while, so I’m not sure if you remember me, but I’m that high schooler that’s been asking you questions for the past couple of years. I recently got into UMiami and SMU for Advertising. But coolest of all, I’m going to be a LONGHORN next year! I even got into Moody Honors and am a semi-finalist for the Forty Acres Scholarship! You’re the reason why I fell in love with this school and the field. I look forward to letting you know when I get into Texas Creative!
Of course I remember you! That. Is. Awesome. So pumped for you. And please let me know if you make it into Texas Creative. I’ll have to come down for one of the critiques!
Kevin, this is totally random, but I would love your opinion on how you would approach a situation where the company is looking for someone who understands the consumer/strategy behind the why and can speak to that. How would you be able to answer that? What, in your opinion, would the ideal candidate say/show? Especially someone who does not have too much strategy experience?
@@minkadjurasevic7600 hey! Just so I’m totally understanding your question, do you mean a company you’re applying for is wanting to make sure you know the audience and strategy of their brands? That shouldn’t be the case as nobody is expected to know full consumer profile prior to landing a position. They’ll have to learn it right along with the brand. If you mean what you might say in an interview setting on how’d you go about learning the target, you could say something around the following: you’d want to dive deeper into performing a swot (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis and do a deep dive into developing a brand’s archetype to develop creatively how you would speak to your particular consumer segment. Ultimately, you want to narrow in on the target to more successfully message your creative.
Fellow texas creative student here, I just finished your book! It came with very cool content. Thanks for making this resource available to everyone! You should reach out to prof sean abt critiquing one of the Pclasses
Hey! It really depends on the project since an art directors role is so broad. I have many process videos throughout the channel on how to brainstorm ideas, how to create designs from scratch, etc. feel free to poke around and let me know if you have any questions. I also have a book on Amazon called Breaking into Art Direction that dives deeper into the process. Hope it helps!
Unfortunately, I don’t have a kindle version at this time. Hopefully in the future. Many of the pages are formatted with some illustrations so I wasn’t able to upload the manuscript as is. Have to find time to reformat the book. Stay tuned!
Hi there 👋🏼 When art directors go to choose a photographer for their shoots, how do you find them? Word of mouth? Is there an online system with photographers and styles? I’m curious. I’m a Realestate Photographer hitting burn out on my end and looking to switch things up. Thank you for your videos 🙌🏼
Hey! At most agencies, production will typically supply a list to choose from that they have gathered based on nice photography portfolios/people we’ve utilized in the past. It also depends what the shoot is for. Is it lifestyle? Is it product photography? Most photographers seem to have a niche of one particular type that they do very well. Cold emailing is one way but to be honest, I get so many photographer emails a day that they go straight to the spam folder. Wish I had more info for you but reaching out to production is probably your best bet. Also, don’t sleep on stock photography sites. I have some friends that make some nice extra money posting up photos to be licensed out.
Quick question, is it ok to ask this during the interview at the "Do you have any question for us"?: "What impressed you about my portfolio/resume that made you pick me as a candidate?" Is this ok to ask, or not really? I'm just genuinely curious what caught their eye.
@@OpenDoorCreative Ok, thank you for the swift response! I do have a list of other questions regarding more about the role, the team I will be working with, and the job overall, etc. And of course I'm a bit hesitant to ask that specific one; I always like to asks my questions almost at the end of the interview process after they have had a chance to know a bit more about me.
Hey Kevin! Greetings from São Paulo, Brazil! Do you think it's worth it to buy 2015-2018 27" Imac or it will have discontinued versions of Adobe programs making unable to use?
That’s a great question. It depends how amazing of a deal you’re getting on it and if you’re looking to test drive the career or you know this is what you want to do. You can use older Adobe versions of the programs while starting out if you’re just looking to learn. If you know for a fact that you want to pursue the career, I would hold on a little longer so you can make a larger investment in your future. Hope that helps.
Hey Kev, How do you see the role of a Motion Designer in your industry of an advertising agency? Do you guys just rely on contractors for this or ever go in house?
Great question. More and more art directors are adding motion graphics into their set of skills so if it can be accomplished in house, it usually is. If resources are scarce or there is more advanced animation needed, contractors and motion houses will come into play.
@@OpenDoorCreative thanks kev! And lastly, Im currently a motion designer trying to know what the future holds for my career path Is being a creative or art director promising in job security? Only reason i ask is i see a lot of lay offs for this role, people that have been art/creative directors for years only to be let go I know this is common in any industry but curious on your take
@@TimandLauren no worries. Job security is always a tricky question. My best advice is to broaden your skill set so you become multifaceted and invaluable to an agency. Like any industry, cuts can always happen depending on a variety of factors. Art directors can be let go for a number of reasons like losing a big client, a client’s marketing budget being cut (especially now due to the recession), and potential advancements in AI (Though I see this more as a tool. This is far less scary if you broaden your current skills and learn how to integrate AI into your workflow). On a positive note, if you’re good, you will continue to get scooped up. I’m friends with many people who have been dropped from one shop and quickly picked up by another. I haven’t known anyone personally who has gotten dropped and been out of the game for long (knock on wood 🤞).
Hey Kevin! Do you still do portfolio critiques? I started watching your videos a few months ago and with your help, finally got enough of a book put together to apply for portfolio school. Your content helped me more than you could know. So thanks a ton, man! I'm still editing what I have but the application deadline is coming up. Would love to hear your feedback if you have the time.
Hey Kevin I recently started watching ur videos I really found them informative as I have an aim of becoming an art director. But I'm just confused a little in which specialization should I take in my degree. . . I'm taking communication design and for the specialization their are 3 options Film and video communication, Graphic design n Animation Film design. So I was just wondering what would be the best option for being an art director ? I would really like to have your suggestion:)
Hey! It seems that the art direction path you seem to be in line for is for the film industry. The art direction job changes per industry. My channel focuses on advertising which would be more in the graphic design specialization but it really depends on which interests you the most. I have a video that goes more in depth on the degree to be an AD on the channel. You can check that out as well.
Great video. I have been out of the design area for a while but want to get back into the creative space. I am older (50's) and wondering how to find a mentor to help get back on track.
Hey man! It’s been a while, so I’m not sure if you remember me, but I’m that high schooler that’s been asking you questions for the past couple of years. I recently got into UMiami and SMU for Advertising. But coolest of all, I’m going to be a LONGHORN next year! I even got into Moody Honors and am a semi-finalist for the Forty Acres Scholarship!
You’re the reason why I fell in love with this school and the field. I look forward to letting you know when I get into Texas Creative!
Of course I remember you! That. Is. Awesome. So pumped for you. And please let me know if you make it into Texas Creative. I’ll have to come down for one of the critiques!
When hiring, passion trumps skill...so true Kevin. Thanks for reminding us.
Kevin, this is totally random, but I would love your opinion on how you would approach a situation where the company is looking for someone who understands the consumer/strategy behind the why and can speak to that. How would you be able to answer that? What, in your opinion, would the ideal candidate say/show? Especially someone who does not have too much strategy experience?
@@minkadjurasevic7600 hey! Just so I’m totally understanding your question, do you mean a company you’re applying for is wanting to make sure you know the audience and strategy of their brands? That shouldn’t be the case as nobody is expected to know full consumer profile prior to landing a position. They’ll have to learn it right along with the brand. If you mean what you might say in an interview setting on how’d you go about learning the target, you could say something around the following: you’d want to dive deeper into performing a swot (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis and do a deep dive into developing a brand’s archetype to develop creatively how you would speak to your particular consumer segment. Ultimately, you want to narrow in on the target to more successfully message your creative.
Fellow texas creative student here, I just finished your book! It came with very cool content. Thanks for making this resource available to everyone! You should reach out to prof sean abt critiquing one of the Pclasses
Haha love it. And I appreciate that. I actually have talked to Sean about it but was busy the last go around. Maybe the next one!
Thanks bro, you gave us excellent resources for our work. Best wishes :-)
Another Gem Brother!!!!
Thank you Femi!
What's the step by step art director design process or creative process for an art director
Hey! It really depends on the project since an art directors role is so broad. I have many process videos throughout the channel on how to brainstorm ideas, how to create designs from scratch, etc. feel free to poke around and let me know if you have any questions. I also have a book on Amazon called Breaking into Art Direction that dives deeper into the process. Hope it helps!
Is there a kindle/text version of your book? I have my computer read books to me aloud and I’d love to buy a copy!
Unfortunately, I don’t have a kindle version at this time. Hopefully in the future. Many of the pages are formatted with some illustrations so I wasn’t able to upload the manuscript as is. Have to find time to reformat the book. Stay tuned!
@@OpenDoorCreative thanks! Looking forward to it!
Hi there 👋🏼
When art directors go to choose a photographer for their shoots, how do you find them? Word of mouth? Is there an online system with photographers and styles? I’m curious. I’m a Realestate Photographer hitting burn out on my end and looking to switch things up.
Thank you for your videos 🙌🏼
Hey! At most agencies, production will typically supply a list to choose from that they have gathered based on nice photography portfolios/people we’ve utilized in the past. It also depends what the shoot is for. Is it lifestyle? Is it product photography? Most photographers seem to have a niche of one particular type that they do very well. Cold emailing is one way but to be honest, I get so many photographer emails a day that they go straight to the spam folder. Wish I had more info for you but reaching out to production is probably your best bet. Also, don’t sleep on stock photography sites. I have some friends that make some nice extra money posting up photos to be licensed out.
@@OpenDoorCreative Thank you for taking the time to comment back with the info. I appreciate it 🙏🏽
Your copywrited introduction is on point
Quick question, is it ok to ask this during the interview at the "Do you have any question for us"?: "What impressed you about my portfolio/resume that made you pick me as a candidate?" Is this ok to ask, or not really? I'm just genuinely curious what caught their eye.
@@jenniezhu7905 think it would be fine to ask but I think questions that allow them to get to know you more are more beneficial in their decision.
@@OpenDoorCreative Ok, thank you for the swift response! I do have a list of other questions regarding more about the role, the team I will be working with, and the job overall, etc. And of course I'm a bit hesitant to ask that specific one; I always like to asks my questions almost at the end of the interview process after they have had a chance to know a bit more about me.
Hey Kevin! Greetings from São Paulo, Brazil! Do you think it's worth it to buy 2015-2018 27" Imac or it will have discontinued versions of Adobe programs making unable to use?
That’s a great question. It depends how amazing of a deal you’re getting on it and if you’re looking to test drive the career or you know this is what you want to do. You can use older Adobe versions of the programs while starting out if you’re just looking to learn. If you know for a fact that you want to pursue the career, I would hold on a little longer so you can make a larger investment in your future. Hope that helps.
Very helpful and informative
Hey Kev,
How do you see the role of a Motion Designer in your industry of an advertising agency?
Do you guys just rely on contractors for this or ever go in house?
Great question. More and more art directors are adding motion graphics into their set of skills so if it can be accomplished in house, it usually is. If resources are scarce or there is more advanced animation needed, contractors and motion houses will come into play.
@@OpenDoorCreative thanks kev!
And lastly,
Im currently a motion designer trying to know what the future holds for my career path
Is being a creative or art director promising in job security?
Only reason i ask is i see a lot of lay offs for this role, people that have been art/creative directors for years only to be let go
I know this is common in any industry but curious on your take
@@TimandLauren no worries. Job security is always a tricky question. My best advice is to broaden your skill set so you become multifaceted and invaluable to an agency. Like any industry, cuts can always happen depending on a variety of factors. Art directors can be let go for a number of reasons like losing a big client, a client’s marketing budget being cut (especially now due to the recession), and potential advancements in AI (Though I see this more as a tool. This is far less scary if you broaden your current skills and learn how to integrate AI into your workflow). On a positive note, if you’re good, you will continue to get scooped up. I’m friends with many people who have been dropped from one shop and quickly picked up by another. I haven’t known anyone personally who has gotten dropped and been out of the game for long (knock on wood 🤞).
@@OpenDoorCreative thanks so much kev, thats encouraging to hear! Time to learn and improve
Hey Kevin! Do you still do portfolio critiques? I started watching your videos a few months ago and with your help, finally got enough of a book put together to apply for portfolio school. Your content helped me more than you could know. So thanks a ton, man! I'm still editing what I have but the application deadline is coming up. Would love to hear your feedback if you have the time.
Always willing to provide feedback! Throw me a link at the contact form on opendoorcreative.com
@@OpenDoorCreative Thanks! Just sent it.
Hey Kevin
I recently started watching ur videos I really found them informative as I have an aim of becoming an art director.
But I'm just confused a little in which specialization should I take in my degree. . . I'm taking communication design and for the specialization their are 3 options Film and video communication, Graphic design n Animation Film design.
So I was just wondering what would be the best option for being an art director ? I would really like to have your suggestion:)
Hey! It seems that the art direction path you seem to be in line for is for the film industry. The art direction job changes per industry. My channel focuses on advertising which would be more in the graphic design specialization but it really depends on which interests you the most. I have a video that goes more in depth on the degree to be an AD on the channel. You can check that out as well.
Thank you so much for the terrific video Kevin. This Q&A was really helpful!
Love to hear that. Thank you!
Great video. I have been out of the design area for a while but want to get back into the creative space. I am older (50's) and wondering how to find a mentor to help get back on track.
This is really true content about art direction. Amazing!
Thank you!! 🙏
Great as always, Kevin.
Thank you man. And appreciate you sending questions for the video.
Hot Damn 🔥 🔥🔥 Goood
Thanks!!
You're terrific, Kevin. Have I told you that?
Thank you!!! 😊
😜 'promo sm'