Advertising professionals can expect to find jobs in advertising agencies or with mass media as advertising sales representatives. Usually advertising agencies have four different departments which include account services, media, research, and creative. The Advertising Creative Department consists of many different positions from art direction to direct response advertising. All of the creative positions require knowledge of current advertising trends, strong communication skills, and the ability to oversee a project from beginning to end to the client’s satisfaction.
Art Direction positions include assistant art director, junior art director, art director, and senior art director. These positions require knowledge of advertising trends and strong skills in visual communication. Art Directors oversee the progress of an advertising campaign from conception to final production. They are also responsible for developing and recommending an artistic strategy (creating content for both print and broadcast) to the client. Art directors often work with the copywriting department.
Positions in copywriting include junior copywriter, copywriter, senior copywriter and copy chief. Copywriters are responsible for writing and developing ads and concepts for advertising campaigns. Copywriters need to have strong writing skills. They work alongside art directors and also require knowledge of advertising trends.
Positions in production include layout worker, graphic artist, and production manager. These individuals are responsible for the visual impact of an ad and may select photographs, drawings, illustrations, size and shape to go with the ad copy. They may also be responsible for designing logos, trademarks and symbols. The production manager is responsible for overseeing the actual printing, filming or recording of ads.
There are also many new departments that are being created within agencies. Specialty Advertisers recommend and acquire imprinted merchandise. Internet Advertisers develop visual and written content for the internet. Outdoor Advertisers develop content for outdoor or transit advertisements. And Direct Response Advertisers develop content for direct response advertisements such as direct mailings or infomercials.
Although a degree is not essential for all positions in this field it could be a determiner in the compensation. The average salary for creative advertisers is $47,000. The education and skills needed depend on the department being sought. However, skills in communication and organization are necessary to all departments of advertising and experience is always beneficial.
