As an Art Director, you will need to master following:

• analyse a script
• analyse the need for technical resources
• assemble an artistic team
• consult with producer
• cue a performance
• determine visual concepts
• develop design concept
• direct an artistic team
• follow time cues
• personal directing styles
• read scripts
• theatre techniques
• work with playwrights

More generally, an art director is also versed in:

• business strategy concepts
• create new concepts
• create solutions to problems
• design principles
• develop creative ideas
• develop professional network
• finish project within budget
• health and safety regulations
• keep up with trends
• manage budgets

It also helps to know the following:

• acting and directing techniques
• audiovisual equipment
• carry out auditions
• carry out interviews to select artistic team members
• cinematography
• computer equipment
• contact talent agents
• coordinate artistic production
• coordinate technical teams in artistic productions
• coordinate with creative departments
• cultural projects
• define artistic vision
• digital marketing techniques
• discover acting talent
• ensure visual quality of the set
• evaluate art quality
• film production process
• history of fashion
• liaise with cultural partners
• maintain blocking notes
• manage prompt book
• musical instruments
• organise rehearsals
• plan musical performances
• promote cultural venue events
• select music for performance
• work with motion picture editing team
• work with pre-production team
• work with video and motion picture production team
• advertising techniques
• approve advertising campaign
• check material resources
• coordinate advertising campaigns
• create production schedules
• estimate duration of work
• evaluate advertising campaign
• graphic design
• lead cast and crew
• lighting techniques
• manage contracts
• manage staff
• marketing management
• marketing principles
• multimedia systems
• music and video industry
• musical genres
• negotiate with artists
• perform project management
• photography
• search databases
• social media marketing techniques
• supervise equipment
• technical drawings
• translate artistic concepts to technical designs
• trends in fashion
• use technical documentation