[BuddingAD]

I've been looking at different salary sites and the range is ridiculous. AIGA has it at about $60K, payroll says 70K, salary.com says $100K.

Let's say I have a BFA in graphic design from 15 years ago, 4 years working my way up in various design positions, 8 years experience as a manager of a design/prepress department and a new MFA in Advertising Design.

Design skills are proficient and captivating yet not strikingly slick.
Art Direction is clean and clever.
Presentations are strong and professional.
Branding and managing projects/people is my strong suit.

As I finish my degree & start to look for jobs in GA, FL and LA, what am I supposed to expecting/requesting for a salary? I realize these areas are not necessarily the "mecca" of the ad world, but I would like to stay out of Atlanta, Chicago, New York, etc at least at first for other reasons.

What other agency positions should I look at and how much do I expect?

I'm not asking to be greedy, I just need to start planning.

[Nivag]

Converting them prices into Sterling I would say for London it would be at least the $80K mark, all depends on the size of the company and the industry they work in. I know senior designers that get paid $70K+

[Thorzdad]

It utterly depends on where you are located. Out here in my rural neck of the woods, you could easily be making as low as $30-40k as an "art director". Keep in mind, though, that "art director" is just a title. I've been to shops where "art director" was the basic title given to all the designers, even the entry-level people.

Now, if you are talking about the position of Art Director that we all usually associate with, I'd say AIGA is closest to the average. Again, it will depend on the market you are in and the shop.
Currently, I'd say there is some real downward pressure on creative salaries, especially outside the major markets.

[andi*pandi]

^yes. I've seen many jobs advertised that say "art director" when what they really mean is, "you'd be the only designer working here so I guess that means you're in charge of design, except you have to report to the marketing manager for all design decisions, so... yeah, haha, you're really a graphics specialist."

[Chuckit]

Ugh, word, Andi.

[BuddingAD]

I completely understand what you are saying. Let's say for the sake of argument I am applying at an ad agency with 15+ employees as an Art Director that works alongside a Copywriter under the guidance of the Creative Director. Does that help?

[Westbo]

Originally Posted by BuddingAD 

I completely understand what you are saying. Let's say for the sake of argument I am applying at an ad agency with 15+ employees as an Art Director that works alongside a Copywriter under the guidance of the Creative Director. Does that help?

Why is this an issue? Don't worry or get wrapped up about markets, salary.com, AIGA, meccas or any of that stuff. It's all very subjective except for one thing: Creatives will want recognition and maximum compensation. Employers/clients want great work and of course will want to pay as little as possible for it.

How much do YOU think YOU are worth? What kind of work do YOU want to do? I'm sure you have an idea. Think it out. Then go and apply to positions or opportunities that sound creatively rewarding and pay the most. You and the prospective employer will agree or not to whether there's a good match. If the job and salary are or not up to snuff, you'll know.

As an aside, managing a staff ain't what it's cracked up to be. You usually end up being a glorified babysitter and responsible for your staff's screw ups. Avoid the headache.

W2

[art_director]

You've been given good info in this thread. A couple additions:

Education, while nice to have, doesn't always translate to more $. It's seldom a factor. Your book and experience are the keys to the kingdom. Don't get me wrong, a masters is a good thing but don't expect to get a better art director gig because of it and don't think you'll get more money. That's because the real learning in this business comes from experience in the field, not a classroom.

The markets you're looking at have lower wages than larger markets. You may consider doing some information interviews and snooping around to get a better sense of what the going rates are for the gigs you desire.

[BuddingAD]

Thanks to all.

Westbo, you raise a very good point. I know what I used to make and I know what knowledge and experience I have gained, so I should base it somewhat on that. Also, I enjoyed managing people, not always fun, but with the right attitude, incentives and communications, a strong team CAN be built.

Art_Director, I also understand where you are coming from. For me, since the Masters is in advertising vs the bachelors in Graphic Design, I feel like I have gained valuable experience and knowledge that I did not have. No way, I could have gone in as an AD or Jr. AD with just what I had.

I'm gonna start exploring some practice interviews as I need an internship in some months anyway. I'm just excited I guess!

[art_director]

Originally Posted by BuddingAD 

I'm just excited I guess!

You should be. This is a great business and an exciting time given the rapid change.

[Westbo]

[QUOTE=BuddingAD;3435348]Thanks to all.

I enjoyed managing people, not always fun, but with the right attitude, incentives and communications, a strong team CAN be built. /QUOTE]

Aha, you must be young...

Anyway, go for it and never stop having fun doing it!

W2

[BuddingAD]

Not THAT young- you can see when I got my BFA...

I'm just an idealist. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes not.