We will take a ride through the different roles that a director plays in different sectors.

General Role: Directors often participate in different roles such as becoming an art director. An art director is fully in charge with the overall visual appearance of a set that stimulates moods, has contrasting features and psychologically appeals to a target audience. The art director also makes decisions about visual element used, like what are the different artistic styles to be used and when to use motion.

Translating desired moods, messages, concepts, and underdeveloped ideas into imagery is one of the difficult problems that an art director has to face. Not only this, art directors along with his co-workers such as producers, assistance directors, and member of the unit get together and involve numerous of ideas that could create a different scene altogether. At times the art director makes a sole decision to ensure a good shot is taken from a clear angle.

In Advertising: For advertising or promoting his movies or documentaries, an art director typically works in with a copywriter. The team works together to bring out an overall concept which also known as the" big idea" for advertisement, mailer, brochure or other form of advertisement. On one hand the copywriter takes the responsibility for the textual content whereas the art director or the director accepts the responsibility for the visual aspects.

The working method for an art director and a copywriter usually varies; a copywriter is generally involved in the process of gathering information from the client or account executive, while the art director or the director is involved in the production business. Usually a writer submits his hand written text or the copy to the director after which the director gets involved with the visual aspects.

Roles in Films: An art director generally works directly below the production designer, in collaboration with the set decorator, and above the set designer. Art directors are also involved in administrating aspects of the art department. They are also responsible for assigning tasks, keeping an eye on the art department budget and scheduling as well as overall quantity control. The art directors also work for other departments such as for the construction department.

In recent years the title of the art director has become more common as production designer which is used as the title for the head of the art department, although the title actually implies control over every visual aspect of a film, including costumes.

During Publishing: During publication, the art directors generally work along with the publication editors. They work together on a concept for sections and pages of a publication. The art director is sole responsible for the visual look of the publication, whereas the editor has ultimate responsibility for the publications for the verbal and textual content.

In Japanese Animation: During a Japanese animation production, the role of the art director refers greatly to the background artists who are in charge of producing background art for the animation which can be done either personally or by directing a team of artists.