Art Editor
What is the work like?
Art editors make sure that magazines or other printed publications look good and are easy to read.
As an art editor your work would include:
- laying out pages and making sure the most suitable graphics and photographs are used
- discussing ideas with colleagues like journalists and editorial staff
- commissioning, and working with, freelance designers, illustrators and photographers
- producing cover designs
- setting an overall style for the publication and making sure that each issue follows this style
- redesigning the publication to keep up with trends
- designing supplements.
In some jobs you would also oversee photo shoots.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
There are no set qualifications to be an art editor – employers may consider your ability and experience more important than your qualifications. You would need a portfolio of work to show to potential employers.
In practice however, many art editors have degrees, HNDs or foundation degrees in subjects such as graphic design, illustration or fine art. Some employers may expect this type of qualification, and completing courses would help you to develop skills, make contacts and start to build a portfolio.
To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. You should check with colleges and universities for their entry requirements.
Several universities also run postgraduate courses in graphic design and similar subjects. To search for postgraduate courses see Hobsons Postgrad.
For specialist magazines you would have an advantage if you have an interest/qualification in the subject of the publication.
D&AD runs workshops for graduates which will help you build a portfolio and make contacts in the design industry – see the D&AD website for more details.
Unpaid work experience will also give you the chance to develop your portfolio, make contacts and impress potential employers. See the Periodical Publishers Association (PPA) website for advice on finding work experience.
What further training and development can I do?
As a starting point to becoming an art editor, you could join a magazine as a designer and perhaps progress to deputy art editor, then art editor.
You may receive in-house training in areas such as copyright and IT packages such as InDesign.
It will be important for you to keep up to date with developments in the industry and in relevant computer software.
Professional organisations such as the Periodical Publishers Association, the Chartered Society of Designers and D&AD run courses and workshops for members which you may find useful for professional development. For example D&AD runs Workout, a range of one-day development courses.
Membership of professional bodies like the Chartered Society of Designers will also give you the opportunity to make contacts in the industry.
Where can I go for more information?
Queens House28 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6JR
Tel: 020 7404 4166
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
Vauxhall Walk
London
SE11 5EE
Tel: 020 7840 1111
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £18,000 a year.
- With experience earnings can be from around £25,00 to over £32,000.
Figures are only intended as a guide.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work normal office hours, Monday to Friday. However, you could sometimes have to work extra hours to meet deadlines, for example when the magazine is about to go to press, which could be weekly or monthly.
You would be based in an office or design studio, and would do most of your work on a computer. There may be some travel, for example, to attend meetings. If your job involves overseeing photo shoots, you could travel further afield, including overseas.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- creativity
- commercial awareness
- confidence to present your ideas
- the ability to work to tight deadlines and within budget
- excellent IT skills, including software such as Photoshop, QuarkExpress, Illustrator and InDesign
- the ability to explain your ideas clearly to other staff
- attention to detail
- organisational and time-management skills
- the ability to work well in a team.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed by magazines and other publications. Larger publishing companies are mainly based in London and the south east.
With experience you could progress to a more senior position such as art director, or move to agency work. You could also use your experience and industry contacts to become self-employed or set up your own design agency.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Design Week
Media Week
Design Jobs
Guardian
journalism.co.uk
ppajobs.co.uk
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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