Disclaimer: These days gloss over the inevitable low points—no day, person, or life is perfect. Unfortunately, I’m contractually bound to keep the juicy gossip to myself.
Very interested in your coffee chat with the photographer! What would you recommend for aspiring art directors (or any industry) for reaching out and building connections with seasoned industry professionals. How do we navigate this interaction and make it mutually beneficial? What are some things that people have done/ shown you that has inspired you to work with them later on?
Great question! First off, don’t overthink it—just go for it. If you have a creative account (or an account you don't mind people looking at), reach out, follow up, and keep trying. People are often so busy that they either forget to respond or miss the message entirely.
As for making the interaction itself mutually beneficial, focus on making the other person feel genuinely heard. Ask thoughtful questions to learn more about them, what they do, and how you might help. Build a connection by showing genuine interest—it’s about getting them to like and trust you. And then when speaking about yourself, give them insights to you that they can't read online. Your thinking behind a project, the process, your passions.
Then, when opportunities arise, they’ll be more likely to think of you. Better yet, you might identify ways you can be valuable to them, whether immediately or down the line. Relationships are key, so focus on creating a rapport that lasts.
Thanks, Kate! That’s a tricky question. Typically, I’d say no—it’s not an area I’ve actively worked in over the past seven years. However, this year has been an exception. While it’s not within the traditional scope of an art director’s role, I’ve picked it up through working closely with producers over the years. Which has allowed me to take on this role to support being part of a small team at a brand. Hope that clarifies things!
This was so much fun! Huge proponent of the instagram connection... I've met some of my favorite creatives through cold DMs! Also, that tablescaping is insane next level work
So glad you enjoyed it! Yes me too—I love when people reach out to me and vice versa. It's such a good way of making new connections. And yes, Georgia Currell is incredible at set design. 10/10 recommend.
Just a few months ago, I graduated as a graphic designer. Currently, I work at a company creating social media designs, and after only a few months, I realize that my creativity is becoming more and more limited. Throughout my degree, I didn’t know which area I preferred, but thanks to posts like this, I’m discovering my passion for art direction, photography, set design, and even production design. Thank you for making these posts. Although I’m from a country where this industry doesn’t exist (Mexico), I hope to reach it one day. It’s a bit sad to want to pursue a field that isn’t known or promoted at all in my country, and where it’s not easy to study it due to the lack of universities that take these creative fields seriously. Thank you so much for writing these articles and letting us, who don’t have access to it, see even a little of it! I hope to achieve it one day.
Thank you so much for leaving such a beautiful comment Dani! It makes my heart so warm knowing that what I write can have such a strong impact on someone. So interesting to hear about Mexico not having a market for art directors—I had no idea. It could even be worth looking for remote experience to begin with or perhaps a gap year somewhere? I’ve heard of a lot of people going to Mexico for location shoots so I wonder if there’s some production agencies that would offer set design/ production design etc that you could look at. At least now, you’ve found an area you’re passionate about. That’s the first step!! X
I absolutely loved reading this! As an aspiring creative who just scored a new job where I’ll be working closely with an AD, it was really valuable for me to have this peek into the day to day. Would love to see more!
Oh amazing!! Thank you so much❤️ so glad it was useful. I’m thinking about doing a behind the scenes of my portfolio soon. Taking you through the concept, pitch, shoot and post production. Might be fun!
Very interested in your coffee chat with the photographer! What would you recommend for aspiring art directors (or any industry) for reaching out and building connections with seasoned industry professionals. How do we navigate this interaction and make it mutually beneficial? What are some things that people have done/ shown you that has inspired you to work with them later on?
Great question! First off, don’t overthink it—just go for it. If you have a creative account (or an account you don't mind people looking at), reach out, follow up, and keep trying. People are often so busy that they either forget to respond or miss the message entirely.
As for making the interaction itself mutually beneficial, focus on making the other person feel genuinely heard. Ask thoughtful questions to learn more about them, what they do, and how you might help. Build a connection by showing genuine interest—it’s about getting them to like and trust you. And then when speaking about yourself, give them insights to you that they can't read online. Your thinking behind a project, the process, your passions.
Then, when opportunities arise, they’ll be more likely to think of you. Better yet, you might identify ways you can be valuable to them, whether immediately or down the line. Relationships are key, so focus on creating a rapport that lasts.
Thank you for such a thoughtful answer Lottie! This has been something I’ve been thinking about a lot recently so this helps me so much 🫶🏼
So glad it was helpful! Genuinely, my DMs are always open to you. If there’s anything you’re curious about, just shout! X
Lottie! This was so interesting. Absolutely love this type of behind the scenes post :)
So good to know! I think I’m going to do a behind the scenes of a photoshoot next! Might make it a series, something like behind the portfolio✨
This is so ca-ute! How come you do both producing and art direction? Would you say that's normal?
Thanks, Kate! That’s a tricky question. Typically, I’d say no—it’s not an area I’ve actively worked in over the past seven years. However, this year has been an exception. While it’s not within the traditional scope of an art director’s role, I’ve picked it up through working closely with producers over the years. Which has allowed me to take on this role to support being part of a small team at a brand. Hope that clarifies things!
This was so much fun! Huge proponent of the instagram connection... I've met some of my favorite creatives through cold DMs! Also, that tablescaping is insane next level work
So glad you enjoyed it! Yes me too—I love when people reach out to me and vice versa. It's such a good way of making new connections. And yes, Georgia Currell is incredible at set design. 10/10 recommend.
Aww Lottie this is such a sweet post! Really enjoyed reading and getting a glimpse into a DITL! Also those croissants look 🔥
I was actually a little—okay, no, very—scared to get this personal about me and my little life, so I'm so glad you enjoyed it, thank you!!
loved going behind the scenes with you + i have a million vegetarian recipes hmu
I might have to take you up on that! 😅
Just a few months ago, I graduated as a graphic designer. Currently, I work at a company creating social media designs, and after only a few months, I realize that my creativity is becoming more and more limited. Throughout my degree, I didn’t know which area I preferred, but thanks to posts like this, I’m discovering my passion for art direction, photography, set design, and even production design. Thank you for making these posts. Although I’m from a country where this industry doesn’t exist (Mexico), I hope to reach it one day. It’s a bit sad to want to pursue a field that isn’t known or promoted at all in my country, and where it’s not easy to study it due to the lack of universities that take these creative fields seriously. Thank you so much for writing these articles and letting us, who don’t have access to it, see even a little of it! I hope to achieve it one day.
Thank you so much for leaving such a beautiful comment Dani! It makes my heart so warm knowing that what I write can have such a strong impact on someone. So interesting to hear about Mexico not having a market for art directors—I had no idea. It could even be worth looking for remote experience to begin with or perhaps a gap year somewhere? I’ve heard of a lot of people going to Mexico for location shoots so I wonder if there’s some production agencies that would offer set design/ production design etc that you could look at. At least now, you’ve found an area you’re passionate about. That’s the first step!! X
I absolutely loved reading this! As an aspiring creative who just scored a new job where I’ll be working closely with an AD, it was really valuable for me to have this peek into the day to day. Would love to see more!
Oh amazing!! Thank you so much❤️ so glad it was useful. I’m thinking about doing a behind the scenes of my portfolio soon. Taking you through the concept, pitch, shoot and post production. Might be fun!