Art editor
Picture editor, image editor
Art editors use words and images to make magazines look good and easy to read.
Salary range: £18,000 to £40,000
How to become an art editor
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You can do a degree in:
- graphic design
- illustration
- fine art
- art and design
- publishing
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- a foundation diploma in art and design
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
College
You could apply for a job as an assistant editor after completing a college course. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Photography
- Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Art and Design
- Level 4 Diploma in Interactive Design and Development
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 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
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- funding advice for higher education courses in college
- search for courses
Work
You could get into this job by joining a magazine as a graphic designer or picture editor, then move on to become deputy art editor then editor.
Volunteering and experience
You should look to build up your contacts in the industry to help find paid work. You can do this by:
- creating a blog or having a social media presence
- building a website
- designing published materials such as books, magazines, brochures, leaflets or websites for charities or student organisations
Direct application
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 publication’s subject matter.
For example, an interest in science or architecture will be useful if you want to work on magazines covering those topics.
More information
Career tips
Internships can be a good way to get experience. This will help you to build a portfolio that showcases your print designs and art layout skills to employers. It will also give you a better understanding of the magazine industry.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join the Professional Publishers Association (PPA) for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about working in magazine publishing from Creative Choices.
You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of English language
- knowledge of media production and communication
- the ability to read English
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent written communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- laying out pages using the most suitable graphics and photographs
- discussing ideas with colleagues, like journalists and editorial staff
- hiring, and working with, freelance designers, illustrators and photographers
- producing cover designs
- setting an overall look and style for each issue
- redesigning the publication to keep it up-to-date
- making sure the layout of apps and digital magazines works well
- managing photo shoots
Working environment
You could work in an office or in a creative studio.
Career path and progression
You could become an art director, or move to advertising agency work.
You could use your experience and industry contacts to become self-employed or set up your own design agency.