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Art Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Art Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

They will also commission and art direct assignments. The role may also include occasional work on special projects and the magazine. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of ...

Art Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

They will also commission and art direct assignments. The role may also include occasional work on special projects and the magazine. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of ...

Senior Art Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

The Atlantic is looking for a senior art director to join the newsroom and play a central role in shaping and maintaining the visual identity of our journalism. This person will manage and mentor art ...

Art Director, Revenue Marketing

Adelphi, MD · Hybrid

$126K - $132K/yr

Reporting to the Executive Creative Director, you will work closely with marketing and sales teams in responding to client briefs, and then pitching and art directing inspiring commercial work in ...

Art Director (Future Opportunity)

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$125K - $132K/yr

You'rean art director, andyou'rein the thick of the work. You love the craft, but you knowit'sin service of the idea.You design, build, and refine, bringing ideas to life across campaigns, digital ...

The Associate Creative Director, Art is responsible for turning strategy, audience insight, and culture into original visual ideas that earn attention, build brands, and drive measurable results.

Art Therapist

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

POSITION DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Provide direct art therapy/emotional wellness services to the community * Create and implement art therapy workshops to MT groups according to department goals and ...

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Art Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$46.3K

$126.7K

$152.4K

How much do art director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for art director in Reston, VA is $126,670.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,900.00 and $132,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an art director?

An art director is the head of the art department for a company. As an art director, your responsibilities and duties include overseeing all visual art related tasks and projects for your department, such as publication layouts, photography, or advertising images. You train the junior members of your team, delegate responsibilities to them, and see that their projects are being completed on time and on budget. In this management role, you are responsible for everything your team produces. You must work collaboratively with other teams within the company to meet project requirements.

What does an art director do?

An Art Director is responsible for overseeing the visual style and creative direction of projects in industries such as advertising, publishing, film, and digital media. They collaborate with clients and creative teams to develop concepts, manage visual elements, and ensure that the overall look aligns with the project's goals. Art Directors guide designers, illustrators, and photographers, making key decisions about layouts, colors, and imagery. Their role is essential in creating cohesive and visually appealing final products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an art director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Art Director, you need a strong background in visual design, creativity, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in graphic design, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, and experience managing creative projects and teams, are essential. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help Art Directors convey their vision and lead teams effectively. These skills are crucial for delivering compelling visual concepts that align with client goals and drive brand success.

How does an art director typically collaborate with other creative team members during a project?

An Art Director works closely with graphic designers, copywriters, photographers, and other creative professionals to ensure visual consistency and alignment with the project's vision. They lead brainstorming sessions, provide clear direction and feedback, and often act as the main point of contact between the creative team and clients or stakeholders. Effective collaboration is essential, as the Art Director balances creative ideas with practical constraints like timelines and budgets, ensuring the final deliverables meet both aesthetic and strategic goals.

What is the difference between Art Director vs Graphic Designer?

AspectArt DirectorGraphic Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in art, design, or related field; experience in creative rolesBachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads creative teams, collaborates with clients, oversees visual conceptsCreates visual content, works on design projects independently or in teams
Industry UsageAdvertising, marketing, media, entertainmentBranding, print, digital media, advertising

While both roles require strong design skills and creative vision, Art Directors typically oversee entire projects and manage teams, whereas Graphic Designers focus on creating specific visual elements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the creative industry.

Do art directors get paid well?

Art directors typically earn a competitive salary that varies by industry, experience, and location. According to industry data, the median annual wage for art directors is higher than the average for many creative roles, often exceeding $100,000 in the United States, especially with experience and strong portfolio development. They often work in advertising, publishing, or media companies and may require skills in design software and leadership.

Is an art director a hard job?

An art director's job can be demanding as it involves managing creative teams, overseeing visual concepts, and meeting project deadlines. It requires strong leadership, communication skills, and proficiency with design tools, often leading to long hours during busy periods.

Is there a demand for art directors?

The demand for art directors remains steady across industries such as advertising, media, and entertainment, driven by the need for visual storytelling and branding. Employment is expected to grow as organizations continue to prioritize creative leadership and visual communication, with skills in design software and project management being valuable assets.

What can you do as an art director?

An art director oversees the visual style and creative direction of projects such as advertising campaigns, films, or publications. They collaborate with designers, photographers, and clients to develop concepts, select visual elements, and ensure the final product aligns with the intended aesthetic. Strong leadership, communication skills, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite are essential in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Art jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Art jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Art Director jobs in Reston, VA?

For Art Director jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Art Director jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Art Director jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Art Director jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Art Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Art Director job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 65% In-person, 25% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,670 per year, or $60.9 per hour.

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Atlantic is looking for an art director to join the newsroom. This person will create original illustrations for The Atlantic, with a focus on daily coverage and digital features. They will also commission and art direct assignments. The role may also include occasional work on special projects and the magazine.
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of illustration and design for digital platforms, and an enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced news environment. They should be highly collaborative but also able to work independently to complete tasks.
We are looking for a creative thinker-someone who brings an editorial voice through illustration and design, but is also excited about thinking outside the box in their approach and practice. They should ideally be skilled in digital and traditional mediums. They should also be detail-oriented, ensuring that all work meets The Atlantic's design, production, and editorial standards. The role will at times include later night, weekend, and early morning work.
Qualifications of the ideal candidate:
  • 5+ years of experience working in editorial design, illustration, digital media, or other relevant fields
  • Mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud (experience with motion graphics and video editing preferred)
  • Familiarity with Figma preferred
  • A close attention to detail and the ability to multitask
  • Clear and concise communication skills
  • Experience in journalism or a news-related environment strongly preferred

Salary Minimum: $85,000; Salary Maximum: $100,000
This role is open to remote applicants.
This is a Guild position.
About The Atlantic:
The Atlantic has, for more than 160 years, advanced ideas that matter and sparked global conversation on the most important issues of our time. We aim to bring clarity and original thinking to questions of consequence, on topics ranging from politics, the economy, and global affairs to technology, science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a remarkable moment: one of both continuation and transformation, of upholding our legacy while continuously reinventing ourselves for the future.
The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC ("The Atlantic") is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Atlantic is committed to diversity and encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate's successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy. The Atlantic requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.