Books for Art Directors 1010 Responses

Last post: 1 year, 2 months ago | Thread started: Apr 10, 12, 8:37 p.m.

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• dMullins

  I have a guy who we just promoted to Junior Art Director, real spunky and creative guy, but he has zero management experience. He's a great creative leader, but he wants some stuff to read to improve his studio and people management skills. I have what I know over the years in my head that I've been imparting over time, but was having a hard time pin-pointing specific books for him to read tonight. It's been a while since I've even had time to look at my own bookshelf! "The War of Art" is on my list for him, as well as "The Seed," but could use some other good references. I know there are a few that I've read out there, but for some reason I simply can't think of any of them right now. Hoping you guy can assist!

  Thanks!

  Apr 10, 12, 8:37 p.m. – Permalink

• Miguex

  I think Art Director is not something you can teach, its an agency term for a more experienced graphic designer, that won't be doing so much production work and will be delegating/ overseeing his concept with less experienced designers.

  If you ask me, it should be the same books that you would recommend a graphic designer to read, but is just going to experience it at the job.

  We are all creative directors these days anyways right?

  • less experienced at that job, which does not necessarily mean "less talented"– Miguex

  

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  Dog-earApr 10, 12, 8:44 p.m. – Permalink

• _niko

  this one is great:

  

  http://www.amazon.com/Helmut-Kro…

  

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  Dog-earApr 10, 12, 9:06 p.m. – Permalink

• dMullins

  I disagree, Miguex. I believe there's a unique psychological characteristic to the management of creatives. My one go-to the last few years for structuring, process, roles management, client expectations vs. design license has been "Designing for the Digital Age." I was hoping there were more similar ("Studio Culture" for example).

  Thanks, I'll bump in the morning.

  • +1
    I have had shitty and great mngs.– ksv123

  

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  Dog-earApr 10, 12, 9:30 p.m. – Permalink

• 2002

  Dont kid your self with management style.

  You can be the biggest asshole but if you do great work, no one will question your management style.

  You can't please your boss and please your underliings at the same time. Pick one.

  • On the other hand, nothing's so clear cut in practice. The skill is in balancing both sides.– ismith1/2

    says the frizzy hair– 20022/2

  

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  Dog-earApr 10, 12, 9:38 p.m. – Permalink

• 2002

  When you become a creative director, start thinking about management style, process etc.

  

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  Dog-earApr 10, 12, 9:40 p.m. – Permalink

• monNom

  this is a good read: http://designprofessionalism.com…

  beyond that, most of it is learned by doing and being in the role.

  • nice & thanks!– d_rek

  

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  Dog-earApr 10, 12, 11:01 p.m. – Permalink

• vaxorcist

  I'd be curious what people think of...

  http://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Ho…

  

  • it's a fifteen minute read that's worth it, although what he says is basic commonsense often forgotten within creative agency walls.– Bluejam1/4

    ...walls.– Bluejam2/4

    this good– doesnotexist3/4

    i have this - havn't cracked it open yet– timeless4/4

  

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  Dog-earApr 11, 12, 6:34 a.m. – Permalink

• bulletfactory

  is this person your direct report?

  

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  Dog-earApr 11, 12, 6:40 a.m. – Permalink

• Bluejam

  • take a look at your computer, it's a dumb object, you can't expect a great idea to pop out of it– vaxorcist

  

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  Dog-earApr 11, 12, 6:49 a.m. – Permalink

• Josev

  I've skimmed this and was curious about the content:

  Art Direction Explained
  http://www.amazon.com/Art-Direct…

  

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  Dog-earApr 11, 12, 6:57 a.m. – Permalink