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ESCO occupation

art director

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Art directors shape the visual layout of a concept. They create innovative designs, develop artistic projects  and manage the cooperation between all aspects involved. Art directors may perform creative work in theatre, marketing, advertising, video and motion picture, fashion or online companies. They ensure that the work performed is visually appealing to audiences.

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Competences
82
Groups
4
Essential
26
Optional
56

Competences and skills

82 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 4 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
theatre techniques

The techniques that facilitate a successful presentation of a play.

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Cross-sector

3 competences
business strategy concepts

The terminology related to the design and implementation of major trends and aims which are taken by an organisation's executives, while keeping in mind its resources, competition and environments.

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design principles

The elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.

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health and safety regulations

Necessary health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards and legislation rules in the sector of particular activity.

green
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Essential skills and competences 22 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

15 competences
adapt designers’ work to the performance venue

Reorient the work of performance collaborators, such as musicians, dancers, actors as well as artistic and technical collaborators, such as set designers, lighting operators and stage managers.

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analyse a script

Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

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analyse the need for technical resources

Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.

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assemble an artistic team

Bring together an artistic team, after identifying the needs, looking for candidates, conducting interviews and aligning on the conditions of the project.

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consult with motion picture producer

Consult with a motion picture producer about requirements, deadlines, budget, and other specifications.

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cue a performance

Plan the technical actions and interventions during an artistic performance. Determine when actors go on and off stage. Make sure these cues are followed to ensure a smooth running of the performance.

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determine visual concepts

Determine how best to represent a concept visually.

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develop design concept

Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concepts and plan productions.

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direct an artistic team

Lead and instruct a complete team with the required cultural expertise and experience.

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familiarise with personal directing styles

Understand and analyse the behaviour of specific directors.

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follow time cues

Observe the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.

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provide input to collaborators to guide their work

Discuss and exchange ideas related to the project with the team. Show the raw material to each designer and explain desires, expectations and aesthetic or technical concerns. Review proposals submitted by cooperators.

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read scripts

Read a playbook or film script, not only as literature, but identifying, actions, emotional states, evolution of characters, situations, different sets and locations, etc.

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select artwork developed by staff members

Review and approve designs, artwork, photography, and graphics developed by other staff members.

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work with playwrights

Work with writers through workshops or script development schemes.

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Cross-sector

7 competences
create new concepts

Come up with new concepts.

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create solutions to problems

Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.

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develop creative ideas

Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.

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develop professional network

Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.

Scope note
This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
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finish project within budget

Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.

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keep up with trends

Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.

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manage budgets

Plan, monitor, report on the budget and prepare set production budgets.

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Optional knowledge 20 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

8 competences
audiovisual equipment

The characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.

digital
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cinematography

The science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive materials such as film stock.

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computer equipment

The offered computers, computer peripheral equipment and software products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

digital
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cultural projects

The purpose, organisation and management of cultural projects and related fundraising actions.

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digital marketing techniques

The marketing techniques used on the web to reach and engage with stakeholders, customers and clients.

digital
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film production process

The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.

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history of fashion

Costumes and the cultural traditions around clothing.

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musical instruments

The different musical instruments, their ranges, timbre, and possible combinations.

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Cross-sector

12 competences
advertising techniques

The communication strategies intended to persuade or encourage an audience, and the different media which are used to achieve this goal.

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graphic design

The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.

digital
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lighting techniques

The characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.

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marketing management

The academic discipline and function in an organisation which focuses on the market research, market development, and the creation of marketing campaigns to raise awareness on the company's services and products.

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marketing principles

The principles of managing the relationship between consumers and products or services for the purpose of increasing sales and improving advertising techniques.

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multimedia systems

The methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.

digital
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music and video industry

Players and products available on the market in the video and music industry.

digital
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musical genres

Different musical styles and genres such as blues, jazz, reggae, rock, or indie.

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photography

Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.

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social media marketing techniques

The marketing methods and strategies used to increase attention and website traffic through social media channels.

digital
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technical drawings

Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.

digital
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trends in fashion

New developments and trends in the world of fashion.

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Optional skills and competences 36 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

21 competences
assess each stage of the creative process

Assess and keep track of the work accomplished, analysing it for the artistic intent.

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carry out auditions

Hold auditions and assess and select candidates for roles in the productions.

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carry out interviews to select artistic team members

Determine the content, physical and material conditions of the interview. Describe the project parameters. Evaluate personal, artistic and technical skills according to casting requirements, and candidates’ interest in the project.

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contact talent agents

Contact agents in charge of finding jobs for writers, actors, musicians, and other professionals in the entertainment and broadcasting businesses and maintain good relations with them.

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coordinate artistic production

Oversee the day-to-day coordination of production tasks so that the organisation fits within the desired artistic and business policies and in order to present productions in a uniform corporate identity to the public.

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coordinate technical teams in artistic productions

Plan, coordinate and supervise the work of the technical teams such as scene, wardrobe, light and sound, make-up and hairdressing and props during set-up, rehearsals, performances and dismantling.

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coordinate with creative departments

Coordinate activities with other artistic and creative departments.

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define artistic vision

Continually develop and define a concrete artistic vision, starting from the proposal and continuing all the way through to the finished product.

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discover acting talent

Identify existing talented actors or discover new ones.

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ensure visual quality of the set

Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.

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evaluate art quality

Correctly evaluate the quality of art objects, artefacts, photographs and documents.

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liaise with cultural partners

Establish and maintain sustainable partnerships with cultural authorities, sponsors and other cultural institutions.

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maintain blocking notes

Create and update blocking notes recording the position of actors and props in every scene. These notes are shared with the director, technical director and cast.

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manage prompt book

Prepare, create and maintain the prompt book for a theatrical production.

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organise rehearsals

Manage, schedule and run rehearsals for the performance.

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plan musical performances

Schedule rehearsals and music performances, arrange details such as locations, select accompanists and instrumentalists.

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promote cultural venue events

Work together with museum or any art facility staff to develop and promote its events and programme.

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select music for performance

Select pieces of music for a live performance. Consider factors such as ensemble abilities, availability of scores and the need for musical variety.

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work with motion picture editing team

Work together with the motion picture editing team during post-production. Make sure the finished product is according to specifications and creative vision.

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work with pre-production team

Consult with the pre-production team about expectations, requirements, budget, etc.

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work with video and motion picture production team

Work with the cast and crew members to establish requirements and budgets.

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Cross-sector

15 competences
approve advertising campaign

Check all advertising material such as leaflets, websites, television commercials and newspaper ads to make sure they comply with the advertising strategy and customer requirements. Approve the way of distribution.

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check material resources

Verify that all requested resources are delivered and in good working order. Notify the appropriate person or people of any problems related to technical and material resources.

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coordinate advertising campaigns

Organise course of action to promote a product or service; oversee the production of TV advertisements, newspaper and magazine ads, suggest mail packs, email campaigns, websites, stands and other advertising channels

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create production schedules

Create the timeline for the production of a motion picture, broadcast program or artistic production. Decide how long each phase will take and what its requirements are. Take into account the existing schedules of the production team and create a viable schedule. Inform the team of the schedule.

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estimate duration of work

Produce accurate calculations on time necessary to fulfil future technical tasks based on past and present information and observations or plan the estimated duration of individual tasks in a given project.

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evaluate advertising campaign

Assess the performance of the advertising campaign after implementation and conclusion. Check if objectives were met and if the campaign was successful.

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lead cast and crew

Lead a film or theatre cast and crew. Brief them about the creative vision, what they need to do and where they need to be. Manage day-to-day production activities to ensure things run smoothly.

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manage contracts

Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes in line with any legal limitations.

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manage staff

Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.

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negotiate with artists

Communicate and negotiate with artist and artist management about prices, terms and schedules.

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perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

research
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search databases

Search for information or people using databases.

digital
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supervise equipment

Start up and shut down equipment; identify and troubleshoot technical problems and conduct minor repairs. Monitor control equipment in order to identify safety and environmental hazards.

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translate artistic concepts to technical designs

Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

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use technical documentation

Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

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