Sr. Web Designer VS. Art Director
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- EPtype
If I am currently an Art Director for a mid to small sized agency would it be an upgrade or downgrade to move to a large sized agency with the title: "Sr. Web Designer"?
or does it really depend on the situation...
- monospaced0
depends on dick size actually
- DRIFTMONKEY0
You shouldn't really concern yourself with titles.
- PonyBoy0
a title is a title... the respect you're looking for should come in the form of compensation
- jfletcher0
Title vary across agencies. We have people who were CD's at agencies and are Sr Designers where I am. Or people who are Sr's who come in as ACD's. All companies are different.... focus on the talent and work of the company and worry less about the title. Figure if you'll be happy :) If title makes you happy, it's something to consider.
- jfletcher0
@PonyBoy - I took paycuts my last 2 jobs, but am a lot happier with the work :D
- sureshot0
I am considering becoming a salmon fisher in canada.
- is that SeniorSalmon Fisher or Fishing Director?monospaced
- lolDRIFTMONKEY
- haha mono!PonyBoy
- mono got my point !sureshot
- lol mono, lol sir. well played.dMullins
- dbloc0
The real question is, are you moving up in pay?
- pixellette0
It depends on how you are. Are you starting out or been it for a while?
I did not think job titles matter till my new job. I went from a pretty big agency as and AD to an even bigger company as a senior designer assuming that the responsibilities is about even. But I have found out that the director does not think anything of titles. So it would completely depend on the responsibilities. I really really regret taking making the switch.
- CALLES0
- I know I'm in the minority, but that is incredibly vile.CyBrainX
- oh my fucking god!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!sureshot
- you eat this on the way to the hospital...prophetone
- CyBrainX0
I made this exact mistake last year and it cost me. (not money but job-wise).
With that title, they gave me fun tasks like formatting video for work not even related to projects I worked on. Also, try dealing with ADs after being one for a while. That can be very frustrating. I would hold my ground.
- EPtype0
Well I am basically asking because I am wondering if the pay would be increased...
would a Sr. Web Designer make 100k+ in NYC?
- there are SO MANY factors that go into this that you can't just ask this forum... sorrymonospaced
- agree.... all depends.jfletcher
- ....but not likely.bulletfactory
- vaxorcist0
clients more important than title... especially what your agency is able to convine clients to allow you to do....
I look at each gig like this as whether or not I'll get work samples I'd be proud of, or if I'll get a bunch of stuff that's too worked-over compromised to ever show in an interview for the next gig...
- WeLoveNoise0
Interactive AD is a higher then a Sr Web Designer
More responsibilities involved and higher salary
- doesnotexist0
it would be a downgrade. art directors generally oversee designers.
- nthkl0
I went from Creative Director to Senior Designer and have a much more healthy life/work balance and still make nearly the same after bonuses + a few freelance gigs on the side. Also get to do what I love most instead of acting like a used car salesman. Salary depends on experience and salary history. I've seen AD's make 70k and Sr Designers make 115k.
So it really depends on what you want and what the agency expectations are of you.
- CyBrainX0
^ There are exceptions like this but on the whole you'll probably loose creative control, get less money and have less say if you have a lower title.
- bumdrizzle0
^^ thinking of making exactly the same move. more design, less pish.
- joshtrix0
Art director is one of the titles that varies from place to place.
In AKQA, they are above senior designers. However I have been in jobs since where Art Directors are just conceptors (or creatives) who are visually led. This means you can have Junior Art Directors.
If i made some disctinction between a senior designer and AD, the senior designer is more hands on with production still. So it depends if you still want that. It is definitely not a downgrade, as we all know that positions are meaningless, and your work is the main thing you should be worried about.
- Usually if you're an AD you can define your role. Hand off as much design/production as you want.CyBrainX
- Frosty_spl0
At my agency, ADs design banners, Sr. Designers build those banners.