From Art Director to "Senior" Art Director, how long?
Kilik (80 pencils) | Sat, 2008-02-16 16:27My three year performance review is coming up at the company I work for. I want to ask for my title to be changed from Art Director to Senior Art Director. What do you guys think is an acceptable time to go from AD to Senior AD? I graduated in 03 but I didn't get a job right of of college. I have 1 year experience at another company so that makes 4 years experience. I am becoming increasingly more involved with clients everyday, so my responsibilities are growing too.
Let me know what you guys think!
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I started CALLING myself that after 3 years. But until they OFFICIALLY called me Associate Creative Director after 5 years I was known simply as a Graphic Artist. :)
Then again my company isn't a stickler for titles. . .except for Managing Director of course! lol
We DO live in a Dilbert world. I wouldn't worry about the title, just the pay increase that YOU should get! :)
"Try not, Do! or do not, there is no try."
-Yoda
I know my title isn't too important as far as my current job goes but I'm just thinking ahead. When I leave this company it will look good if I went from AD to Senior AD.
Remember its the work you do and the GREAT pieces that you have determine what happens when you leave the company. :) The name isn't that important, just the work.
"Try not, Do! or do not, there is no try."
-Yoda
I think my work is excellent. I'm very critical of the work that goes into my portfolio. Thanks for the advice.
Production Designer 1-2
Designer 2-4 Years
Senior designer - 4-7 years
Art director - 7 - 10 years
Senior Art Director 10 years plus with at least 3 years managing a team as an Art director.
I'd say you're jumping the gun a bit, but if you can convince them to give you the title and bump in salary, go for it!
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Powerpoint is not a design application
My latest web design work
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Dirt and Rust
Titles can be a goofy thing. I have interviewed at some firms where "Art Director" was an entry level position (and salaried accordingly). I can certainly understand looking to the future, but IMO any firm worth being a part of will look at your book and your accomplishments -- and hopefully references -- to make any decisions about making you a part of their team.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I appreciate it.
It's true. I've even been a Marketing/Graphics Coordinator before. STrange title! Most companies just create their own titles when it's not the board of directors or management team.
More confusion on the web. :)
http://www.designtalkboard.com/design-articles/graphic-designers.php#art
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_design_occupations
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Powerpoint is not a design application
My latest web design work
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Dirt and Rust
Definitely notable how titles really change depending on which company you're at. Thanks for the link natobasso, I had actually came across those before I posted this thread.
Since we're a part of marketing and not sales, we usually end up getting short shrift. Notice how marketing always has layoffs first when things start to so sour at a company? It's because companies want measurable results and most of us designers have a hard time attaching numbers to what we do.
You'll get that raise and title bump if you can prove you add value to the company. Let us know what happens!
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Powerpoint is not a design application
My latest web design work
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Dirt and Rust