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.

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