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Guide to Illinois Arts School Programs

Do you find yourself reading magazines and thinking about how you might have designed your own advertisements and layouts?  Do you watch television commercials and notice all the details, colors and props in the images?  Then you might be a perfect candidate to become an art director.  Students looking to pursue a career in this area may choose to pursue a two-year degree that focuses on design and layouts. Those who opt for a four-year degree will likely earn a bachelor’s in fine arts.  There are many quality options in Illinois for obtaining the education you will need to secure a position as an art director.  Students in this state have the choice of both online and traditional programs.

Illinois Arts Job Outlook and Salary

Art directors are generally salaried positions.  To reach this level of employment, several years of experience in the field are necessary. Many entrants into this area will start as an assistant art director.  In Illinois, assistant art directors can expect to earn a starting annual salary of around $34,000.  Art directors in the state typically earn salaries that range from $60,000 to $152,000 per year.

The job outlook for art directors in Illinois is slightly higher than those in other occupations.  The growth rate is expected to be fourteen percent over the next five years. However, competition for these jobs is high as there tend to be more applicants than available positions. More opportunities will be found in Chicago than in other parts of the state. Some new graduates may opt to take an unpaid internship that could lead to a salaried position in a desirable firm. Art directors are typically employed by publishing companies, advertising agencies, or design firms.  Those working in this area will likely be expected to a normal workweek, with overtime hours to meet tight deadlines.

To become an art director, the employee must demonstrate not only a keen eye for design, but also must display leadership skills.  The art director will often have to manage employees and other critical aspects of a project.  Therefore, many art directors will achieve advancement in their careers by taking additional courses in business programs with an emphasis on management.

Local Art Festivals & Events

Fox Valley Art and Craft Show - February 5th -7th, 2010
Saint Charles Festival of Arts and Crafts - March 6th - 7th, 2010
Fresh Ideas Art Spree - April 15th - 16th, 2010
Old Town Art Fair - June 12th - 13th, 2010

Largest Cities in and Around Illinois

Chicago, Rockford, Aurora, Naperville, Peoria, Springfield, Joliet, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero…

Illinois State ZIP Codes

60601, 61101, 60502, 60540, 61602, 62701, 60403, 60120, 60085, 60804…

Top Art Schools for Illinois

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