I am a
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Art editor

Art editors use images and words to decide what an online or printed magazine looks like.

Average annual salary

£20,000 to £40,000

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Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

It may help to have a higher national diploma (HND), foundation degree or degree in a subject such as:

  • graphic design
  • illustration
  • fine art
  • photography
  • publishing

Work experience at university

Your creative skills will be as important to employers as your degree. It's important to get work experience and build a portfolio to show what you can do.

Your university careers service can help you find relevant work experience, internship and year placement opportunities.

Entry requirements:

  • a foundation diploma in art and design
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could apply for a job as an assistant editor after completing a creative or media related course at college.

Relevant subjects include:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Photography
  • Level 3 National Diploma in Art and Design

Entry requirements:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Entry requirements:

Work

You could get into this job by joining a magazine as a graphic designer or picture editor.

You could then move on to become deputy art editor then editor.

Volunteering

You should get yourself known and build up your contacts in the industry to help find paid work.

To do this you could:

  • create a blog or build your online 'brand' through social media
  • build a website to showcase your work
  • find design opportunities with charities or student organisations
  • follow magazines on social media to find out about events, work experience and jobs

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got the right skills and experience. For specialist magazines, you may have an advantage if you have a special interest or background in the subject.

For example, an interest in science or architecture will be useful if you want to work on magazines covering those topics.

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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:
  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • the ability to read English
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • excellent written communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • active listening skills
  • knowledge of English language
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • administration skills
  • business management skills
  • concentration skills
  • a good memory
  • the ability to work well with your hands
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What you'll do:

Art editors use images and words to decide what an online or printed magazine looks like.

As an art editor, you might:

  • design the layout of pages using graphics and photos
  • discuss your ideas with colleagues
  • manage freelance designers, illustrators and photographers
  • design the cover of the magazine
  • choose an overall look and style for each issue

Location : You could work in a creative studio or in an office.

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Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

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Career Path:

With experience, you could:

  • become an art director
  • work at an advertising agency
  • become self employed as a freelance art editor
  • set up your own design agency

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