art director

American  

[ahrt di-rek-ter, dahy-] / ˈɑrt dɪˌrɛk tər, daɪ- /

noun

1. Movies, Television. the person who determines the staging requirements for a production and often designs the sets or supervises their building and dressing.

2. Also called art editor.  a person who is responsible for the selection, execution, production, etc., of graphic art for a publication, advertising agency, or the like.

3. artistic director.

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art director British  

noun

1. a person responsible for the sets and costumes in a film

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Etymology

Origin of art director

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Chris Roberts worked as an art director on the first season, but says he was initially offered a lower rate for season two.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

The book cover is an existing painting by Brooklyn-based artist Naruki Kukita, selected by veteran art director Martha Kennedy with Kemp’s input.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

“There’s a lot of anxiety around technology and the way we engage with it,” said Joseph Alessio, a designer and art director in Oakland, Calif.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

The brand's former art director revealed least year he had amyloidosis, a rare incurable condition that affects the body's vital organs and nerves.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2025

Caroline appoints me official art director of the paper chain, which means I’m going to have to do most of it and supervise the rest.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman