r/graphic_design • u/lemoncry_ • 1d ago
Asking Question (Rule 4) 7 years designer to art director?
A person reached out to me vía linkedin for a job offer and we had a meeting.
I thought the position was for a graphic designer (as that's what I market myself as on Linkedin) but turns out it's for a (Jr.) Art Director at an agency.
I explained to him that most of my experience has been as an in-house designer, and that I don't have experience in art direction or at agencies (I'm lowkey scared of that work environment). He said that that wasn't a problem, as they were okay with a junior.
He asked for my expected salary and said he'd sent out my info to the hiring manager and would reach out to me soon.
Now, impostor syndrome aside, being realistic I don't think I'm qualified for that type of job— not only experience wise but I feel like an AD has to be very extroverted and knowledgeable in things like photography, video, mentorship, etc, which I'm not. I googled the company and they seem to be legit, they are a small agency.
Assuming they want to hire me and oay what I requested, I don't want to be stupid and decline a good opportunity, but I personally don't want to end up in a horrible job or fired because I can't perform.
Any thoughts?
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u/gradeAjoon Creative Director 1d ago edited 1d ago
Assuming this is not a scam, which let's be honest it's best to watch out for if you're contacted randomly from someone you don't know for a job you didn't apply for, they usually don't turn into anything anyway.
It could be a 3rd party recruiter who collects a commission also. Keep in mind those people don't know a whole lot about titles, hierarchy, nor design. They don't work for the company hiring, but instead are sometimes hired to recruit, or, simply send unsolicited emails back and forth all day long.
If that person does work for the company, they'd likely work in HR or something. It's still weird they'd be soliciting random people when an job posting can potentially garner dozens of applicants on LinkedIn.
I get the occasional solicitation like this, for photographers, designer, copywriters, but I'm the side that receives these emails from recruiters saying "they have someone to consider". And it's done all the time, whether I have a job opening or not (I haven't had to hire anyone in 8 years).
Your best bet is to see if they actually have a job opening, then apply through the method they prefer if it turns out it's turning into anything. If you need a job, take it. You'll still be interviewed and vetted for qualifications, where this stuff can be addressed if you care to mention your concerns.
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u/lemoncry_ 1d ago
Thank you.
The person that spoke with me did say they worked for the agency, and explained he had reached out to other people on linkedin for that same position. Ngl this felt like a red flag because he said "I just went to linkedin and looked on the search bar with key words to see who showed up and picked those that said open to work" sounds a little disorganized to me, but I understand some places work that way.
On the company's website or linkedin there are no openings for that job, I only found one and it was for a videographer.
Ideally, if they do reach out, I really want to ask more questions.
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u/Professional_Ad_5437 1d ago
Just go for it, if it doesnt work out, leave. If it works out, work hard and enjoy it.
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u/MaverickFischer 1d ago
I would go on the interview, if offered one, to get a better feel for the manager and company. That should tell you enough.
Edit: As others said, it could be a scam or something else. If so, then you know to drop out.
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u/lemoncry_ 1d ago
Thank you, I definitely want to ask more questions.
Now I'm wondering, how could I really know it's a scam? The company does seem like it exits and the website has some of the clients they work with which are also real companies, I'm not sure what else should I look out for?
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u/MaverickFischer 1d ago
One big red flag is if they ask to do a complicated design assignment.
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u/lemoncry_ 1d ago
Got it. That wasn't mentioned, but they did say they wanted someone ASAP which I wouldn't consider a super red flag, but they sounded desperate haha
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u/grapepastaranch 1d ago
If it’s a junior AD position it should be an entry level role. I’m currently on the art director track and I would say there’s a lot more creative and conceptual thinking involved with the role. I still do a bunch of designing in my day-to-day, but I’ll also brainstorm activation and campaign ideas. So it’s bigger than just the design.
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u/lemoncry_ 1d ago
Yes, the person said "I'm aware you don't have experience, but that's okay". I am a little nervous because I don't feel qualified, but we'll see if they think if I'm a good fit.
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u/grapepastaranch 1d ago
I got my Jr AD job out of college, so you’re already ahead of the game with 7 years of design experience! I’m sure you have the technical part down, so you’ll be able to focus on developing other skills that you haven’t been able to explore yet. You’ll also be mentored by more senior ADs, so be a sponge and just absorb everything. You’ve got this!
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u/mimale Art Director 1d ago
I think as long as you're honest about your lack of experience in those areas but that you're interested in the role and would like to grow into it, there's no harm in trying. It's possible you're a good company culture/personality fit, and they like your work enough to see that you have the base skills necessary to be successful. If it progresses to interview, I'd recommend talking with them about the opportunities for growth and asking if you'll be working with direct supervisors like Senior Art Directors, Creative Directors, etc., and if you will be able to lean on them for some training and advice throughout your journey.
I work at a small agency, started as an entry-level junior designer and worked my way up to Design Director (basically Art Director). I definitely felt under qualified when my boss told me they wanted me to start mentoring and leading, but it was a learn-on-the-job thing, and I already had a lot of the soft skills and communication skills I needed. I do have a little bit of background in photography and video, so that helped, but depending on the agency you can ask them how necessary those skills are or if you'll be able to learn on the job from the CD, etc.
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u/rocktropolis Senior Designer 1d ago
There could likely be no difference in the skillset needed or required. These titles don't mean a lot, especially in small agencies.
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u/qnzefgrvsfvmlfrswk 1d ago
The longer you do this job the more you realize how meaningless titles can be. I was promoted from Senior Designer (which was really an Art Director role) to Design Manager (which was really a Senior Art Director role). They’re org structure didn’t allow for more titles w “director”
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u/rocktropolis Senior Designer 7h ago
In my experience, at small agencies in particular, the titles are more for clients than anything. Would you rather be meeting with an Art Director or just the Graphic Designer? I was at an agency with 6 Art Directors, no jrs, no srs, no Graphic Designers, and only a Creative Director. After that I went into what might normally be called a Creative Director role, but my title was Sr Graphic Designer. I've also been a Jr and Sr Graphic Designer at an agency with no Art Directors or Creative Director and we all answered to a Chief Marketing Officer. At another agency we were told we could pick whatever we wanted as a title since it wasn't going to make any impact on our salary and we weren't client-facing. My business card said "Design Monkey" and a co-worker's was "Señor Pixel Pusher".
The points don't matter and the rules are made up.
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u/pip-whip Top Contributor 1d ago
The term art director means different things to different people.
I've known designers who think that all designers are essentially art directors because they are leading the direction in which the art is headed. Or they insist on being given an art director title when hired because they want it to look good on their resume, and the employer doesn't care because titles don't cost them anything. Or the company actually wants their employees to have exaggerated titles to make clients feel special that they are interacting with a big wig.
Most places I have worked the term art director is reserved for two types of managerial positions. Project or brand leads who are responsible for overseeing the work itself, but not managing the people. Or department managers who oversee both the people and the projects.
So to me, the title Jr. Art Director is failing to serve any purpose. The junior would negate any gravitas … unless they only put Art Director on your business card and then, it is most likely going to be there to impress clients so they don't feel slighted when having someone who is "only" a designer working on their projects.
Take the title, but don't let it go to your head or read too much into it. If you take this job, don't show up strutting your stuff and acting like you're top dog only to find out that everyone is an art director. But also don't let it intimidate you or make you feel pressured to perform at a higher level than you're ready for. If the job does entail tasks or requires skill sets you don't feel you have, let your manager know that you feel that you're lacking experience in those areas and figure out a plan for how to get yourself up to speed.
But do make sure to have a very clear understanding of what the expectation is for the roles you will be expected to play before signing on and again after you start. This isn't a list of the only things you'll be expected to do, but you do want to make sure it isn't a bait and switch, promising one thing then expecting another, or includes tasks that would make you turn down the job.
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u/whimsicalfemme 17h ago
OMG OP going through the exact same situation. It feels like this post was written by my subconscious (except for the meeting part) 😭 Please keep us updated on how it turns out. Good luck! 🤞
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u/rob-cubed Creative Director 11h ago
Congrats! We've all been there (impostor syndrome), if they see the potential for you to succeed in that role, take it!
The longer you stay in GD the more you'll get pushed to take a series of director's roles, lead projects, eventually run a team. You'll adjust to the extra responsibility.
Personally I loved agency work, it was so much more fun than in-house stuff, and a lot more varied and the budgets were generally bigger. The pace can be a little more frantic but there's a lot less BS politics and it's wonderful to be able to work with other professionals. Good luck!
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u/Grouchy_Proof_5753 10h ago
Statistically there are 1000 “Art Directors” that are worse than you. And they are doing just fine. 🤷
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u/AllHailAlBundy 9h ago
I went from Designer to Art Director (many years ago) at the agency I worked at, and I feel that it's very much an extroverted job that does require a lot of knowledge of other areas. However, if you are the kind of person that enjoys learning and can pay attention to details - I feel that you could grow into that.
I did not have a lot of experience in photography, video or presenting to clients and driving ideas - but I was a quick study. I learned those things as I worked through, wasn't afraid to ask questions and talk to people. Life is boring when you're not being challenged, and this sounds like a good opportunity to challenge yourself with a new position that you have a good foundation of experience as a designer to build on. Go for it!
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u/Fun-Avocado-4427 1d ago
If the hiring manager sees your work and is aware you’ve never done the role before and still wants to hire you, take the job!!
It sounds like they are looking for someone who can grow into the role and who they can mold into what they want.
If they offer the job at the salary you want, don’t let fear stop you from taking it! It sounds like an amazing learning/growth opportunity.
But if ultimately you don’t want the job because you don’t want to do art direction, you can consider other options.