Hey team!

One of the most common questions I get is "how do I learn art direction?" It's a tough one. Because unlike learning a software or a specific skill, art direction is more like learning a language. Actually, it's like learning several languages at once. And although I personally attended a fairly affordable undergrad program that taught me how to think like an art director, I didn’t actually take any design classes. I had to learn the craft entirely on my own.

So today, I want to break down how you could learn on your own…

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How do you learn Art Direction on your own?

In partnership with Adobe Digital Academy

I break it down into two categories:

1. THINKING

How to think conceptually and translate ideas to visuals. This is what I teach the most through my videos and bootcamp. I have a growing catalog of longform videos you can dive into.

2. CRAFT

Then there’s the craft. This is the hardest part for me to teach. Art Directors are creatively multilingual. You have to understand a bit of everything: design, photography, lighting, film, marketing, content creation.

I can’t teach you everything. This is a personal pursuit.

That's why I partnered with Adobe to share the courses within Adobe Digital Academy that I think will actually help you become multilingual in your craft.

5 Courses I Wish I Had Starting Out:

1. Design Fundamentals with AI (YouTube)​
Perfect if you're just getting started with design basics. Covers foundational principles and how AI tools can accelerate your workflow.
→ Watch on YouTube​

2. Image Editing (Coursera)​
Level up your compositing skills so you can mockup and pitch your craziest ideas. Essential for any art director who needs to visualize concepts quickly.
→ Explore on Coursera​

3. Graphic Design (Coursera)​
For those of us who never took formal design classes (like me), this will make Illustrator your best friend. Vector skills are non-negotiable.
​ → Explore on Coursera​

4. Presentation Design with Adobe Express (LinkedIn Learning)
​This course helps you turn your ideas into visually stunning, memorable presentations using Adobe Express. BONUS: Adobe Digital Academy courses will be free on LinkedIn Learning through Feb 28!​
​ → Explore on LinkedIn Learning​

5. Multichannel Marketing (YouTube)​
Becoming multilingual also means understanding our clients and the marketing objectives they are trying to reach. I wish someone had shared this one with me sooner.
​ → Watch on YouTube​

What is Adobe Digital Academy?

Adobe Digital Academy is a learning hub that connects you with creative courses across YouTube, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning. They’re self-paced, no experience required.

I never went to design school, but I’ve found what matters most is that you're constantly improving your craft.

Explore all courses at → Adobe Digital Academy​

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Nobody becomes multilingual overnight. But every course you finish, every skill you pick up, every time you try something outside your comfort zone... that's the compounding work that separates good art directors from great ones. Start with whichever course feels most relevant to where you are right now and go from there. Just start learning. And never stop.

Thanks for reading and being a part of the Modern Art Direction community.

Until next time, trust your eye out there.

Jason 🤘

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