Odds of Getting In
The chances of your becoming an art director for a movie are slim. There are many talented people out there doing design work in film, and all of them are gunning for this job as the next step up the ladder.
To give you some perspective, there are approximately 2,200 art directors employed by the film industry in the United States. That's just not a lot of folks. Moreover, there really isn't any room in the industry for more art directors.
Of course, if you're still super-keen on this career, then there are some things you can do to improve your chances of making it as an art director:
- It can't be said enough: never stop working. Seriously, if you aren't doing something that builds your résumé or skill set, then you're in deep trouble.
- Put together an incredible portfolio. You're going to have to prove (via photographs, reviews, and maybe even film footage) that you've got what it takes to be an art director.
- Take any set design-related job that will get you in with a studio.
- Network like crazy. In Hollywood, it really is all about who you know.