Explore occupational profile

Version:
OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
Search the OaSIS

51120.04 – Art directors

Art directors oversee and control artistic aspects of film, television, video game, radio, dance and theatre productions.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Art director - graphic design
  • Artistic director - motion picture

Core competencies

  • Time Management to allocate resources, coordinate with other departments and oversee the completion of design elements without compromising on quality, while adhering tight schedules
  • Decision Making to ensure critical decisions regarding design choice, material selection and the overall aesthetic align with the project’s vision and goals
  • Fluency of Ideas to think innovatively and adapt their vision to fit the narrative and aesthetic requirements of a project, proposing multiple design solutions and keeping the artistic direction fresh and engaging
  • Spatial Visualization to understand and manipulate three-dimensional space within a two-dimensional medium, helping to envision how sets, props, and costumes will look and function in a scene
  • Attention to Detail to meticulously oversee and refine visual elements, such as scrutinizing designs for consistency, accuracy and quality in colour, typography, layout and overall composition, ensuring every aspect aligns with the creative vision, brand identity and project goals
  • Knowledge in Arts to understand visual elements that convey the setting, era or cultural context of the production by drawing upon artistic influences and techniques

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Plan, organize and direct the artistic aspects of motion pictures, video games, stage productions and television shows by overseeing the design of sets, costumes, furnishings and props to create portrayals of period and setting.

Additional information

  • Membership in a related guild or union may be required.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Announcers and other broadcasters (52114)
  • Audio and video recording technicians (52113)
  • Broadcast technicians (52112)
  • Film and video camera operators (52110)
  • Graphic arts technicians (52111)
  • Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts (50011)
  • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (53111)
  • Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts (52119)
  • Photographers (53110)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

5 – Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

TEER

1 – Occupations usually require a university degree

Major group

51 – Professional occupations in art and culture

Sub-major group

511 – Professional occupations in art and culture

Minor group

5112 – Creative and performing artists

Unit group

51120 – Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations

Occupational profile

51120.04 – Art directors

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.