What do art directors do, exactly? No one, until now, has offered a satisfying answer to this vexing question. Here, finally, two leading experts on the subject offer a highly informative and entertaining insight into what art direction is, and how to practise it.

Art Direction Explained, At Last! tackles the wide range of roles and environments in which art directors operate – magazines, newspapers, advertising, corporate identity, museums and publishing, to name a few. Revealing case studies explore examples of successful art direction, including Paul Sahre’s posters, Peter Knapp’s photography, Vier5’s websites, Kiehl’s cosmetics and Dave Eggers’ magazines.

In addition, pre-eminent international art directors interpret their own roles and art direct themselves in a dedicated section of the book, resulting in an impressive, revealing and often very funny recollection of diverse perspectives and approaches.

With a handy collection of art director sayings, an ‘art director test’, an analysis of job titles and their places on the career ladder, a historical quiz, a list of vital art direction attributes and more, Art Direction Explained, At Last! provides students with an essential insight into the world of art direction and professionals with a bible to their vocation.