Why Subscribe to Art Direction?
Hi and welcome to the Art Direction newsletter ❤️
I’m Zoë Akihary, a freelance art director working across fashion, photography and creative campaigns. I’ve worked with clients like Nike, Jimmy Choo, Estrid, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas and many more.
I started this newsletter because when I first entered the industry, I had no idea what an art director really did, or any creative job role really. I thought it was about creating beautiful moodboards or knowing the right people. Turns out, it’s about much more.
Art direction isn’t just about creating beautiful visuals. The strongest brands in the world don’t just look good. They feel intentional. There’s strategy, research and cultural thinking behind every visual decision they make. From casting and styling to set design, brand collaborations and ambassadors. It’s not aesthetic for aesthetic’s sake. It’s storytelling with intention, and a lot of it!
That’s what I share here. I help the next generation of art directors build more meaning behind their visuals and concepts, get them in the know, inspire them with references and help navigate a very gate kept industry.
This is for you if:
You’re a creative who wants to transition into art direction but don’t know where to start.
You’re already working in the industry and want to sharpen your voice and creative thinking.
You want to understand what makes a concept strong, a visual unforgettable, and a campaign effective.
Whether you’re looking to develop your eye, understand strategy or navigate the industry, this space is here to help you grow as an art director.
What You’ll Get
Free subscribers:
One newsletter per week.
Inspiration, creative breakdowns and industry insights.
Ongoing series like Breaking Into the Industry and Personal Essays and Brand Breakdowns and more..
Access to thought-provoking posts on styling, casting, brand campaigns, and creative direction.
Access to the ART DIRECTION chat where you can submit questions, talk to a community of other creatives worldwide and connect with each other.
Paid subscribers:
Two posts per week.
Full archive access with over 80 posts.
Concept Labs where I break down how I’d approach a full creative brief.
Visual Playbooks with curated image references, insights and techniques.
Fictional monthly briefs to practise your art direction skills and get feedback from me.
Guides on where to work, salaries, what each creative role actually does and how to build your path.
Why it matters
Art direction can feel confusing or exclusive, especially if you didn’t go to fashion school or work in a big city. The reality is, you can build a strong career in art direction by learning to think critically about visuals, understanding culture, and developing a unique point of view.
This newsletter exists to make all of that more accessible. It’s part education, part inspiration, part playbook.
If you’re ready to lead with meaning, strategy and vision, you’re in the right place.
Scroll down to explore the most popular posts and free series. And if you’re new, feel free to message me or start a thread in the chat. I’m always around to help.
xx Zoë
