Basics Advertising: Art Direction is a
comprehensive look at the role of the art director. It examines the key techniques,
approaches and ‘secrets’ involved in the development of creative advertising concepts.
The book emphasizes the importance of seeing
things differently, and providing the audience with something to discover. It provides
tips on how to use surprise, simplicity, provocation and visual drama to communicate the
advertising message. It examines the process of visualizing and exploring different ideas,
and discusses the use of moving image, photography, illustration and typography to realize
these ideas. It also explores the use of different advertising media, from traditional
formats to new and alternative channels of communication.
Nik Mahon is a senior lecturer at Southampton Solent University and
has worked for a number of advertising agencies.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter
One: ART DIRECTION AND THE ROLE OF THE ART DIRECTOR
What Art Direction is (and what it isn’t)
How art direction works
The creative team
The role of the art director
Working with the specialists and seeing the job
through
Chapter Two: THE TOOLS OF ART DIRECTION
Seeing things differently
Doing things differently
Give the audience something to discover
Using ambiguous imagery
Establishing a visual hierarchy
Creating visual impact
Simplicity and understatement
Creating a distinct look for the brand
Chapter Three:
CREATING THE ADVERTS
Getting prepared
From visuals to the finished work
Photography
Illustration
Typography
Planning and Storyboarding commercials
Chapter Four:
MEDIA
Posters
Magazine and Press
Television and Cinema
Online
Direct
Ambient
Other media
Integrated media campaigns
Chapter Five: IDEAS AND INSPIRATION
Creative fuel
Finding inspiration
Emotion and empathy
How to tell whether your idea’s any good
Chapter Six: GETTING YOUR FIRST JOB AS AN ART DIRECTOR
Putting your book together
Planning your campaign
Approaching the agencies
What the agency is looking for
Your first placement and what happens next
Support and resources
Conclusion
Student
resources
184 pages, Paperback