How can you best showcase your artistic vision for production design and art direction?

También es muy importante saber quién dirige el proyecto para alinear la visión con esta persona porque una misma historia se puede contar de mil formas diferentes.

I find that creating the emotion story arc is crucial component to help guide your audience with the story. I find using the this approach provides a better outcome with any video project because what drives human generally are emotions.

YOU ALSO need to know that your artistic vision should have a distinct visual language that supports the story. This includes colour palettes, textures, lighting, and the overall aesthetic. Consider historical, cultural, and contextual elements relevant to the story.

Understanding the story is the foundation to any visual project. Comprehending the tone, theme, message of your project takes time to wrap your mind around. Who are your characters? Are they people, objects, a place? Who is the audience? What direction did your client point? Dig into the goals for the project and the goals for your characters. These questions are the compass that will guide your artistic ship through the stormy seas of creativity, helping you anchor your vision with purpose and clarity. Remember, your audience’s reaction is the treasure map, and you are hunting for buried treasure! Once you've answered your questions, try to visualize a full scene, and you'll know what elements you'll need to convey the story visually.

Budget-realistic moodboards and options! It is easy to create a beautiful moldboard to convince the stakeholders but this is a double-edged sword. Often it leads to their disappointment when the realities of their world sets in. So create a budget-realistic mood board AND a "top up" option so that stake holder will know what to prioritize on.

Ah homework! But this is the fun kind! Research is an enjoyable part of the process. Start by diving into the treasure trove of online media. I find it helpful to look at projects without sound when looking for visual building blocks. Take inspiration from a wide net of art, history, culture, and even nature. Look at things similar to your project, and things on the opposite side of the coin. As you gather these pearls of inspiration, organize them for yourself and others. Mood boards, concept art, sketches, and photos – these are your tools for art direction. They'll help you nail down the little design details that make your work pop. It will be a collection you can share with your team and use as a center of discussion.

Diversify your references across various mediums and time periods. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources enriches your visual language, allowing you to craft a production design that feels unique and compelling.

Once you have your ideas down in a sharable format, present them to your team as a whole, or at least the leadership team together. Everyone will have ideas and it’s helpful to lead the conversation and allow the team to share ideas with everyone at once. This will help ensure the that any changes are going to be on track after the first revision. Be ready to justify why you’ve made the choices you did. Take the feedback and provide suggestions and direction options until everyone is on the same page. Art Director is a Leadership role, your fellow team leaders will expect you to have answers to the tough questions about why a decision is the right one. Always be willing to change course based on the feedback of your team.

Hold regular collaborative meetings to foster open communication. Actively listen to team members' insights and concerns, ensuring a shared understanding of the artistic vision. Collaboration enhances cohesion, leading to a more unified and impactful production design and art direction.

You’ve reached the point where props, wardrobe and set materials are in your hands, you’re living the dream today! In production design, balancing artistic vision with practicalities is crucial. Always consider your budget and find ways to save when possible, your producer will thank you :) One way is to questions is it a foreground or background prop? Stick to deadlines ensuring efficiency without rushing artistry is a balance but important to any production. Location choices should enhance, not constrain, your design. Basics like safety and functionality are non-negotiable, so start there when scouting. Test designs on camera beforehand if possible but when it's not, try to test key elements under lights and use your phone camera.

Iterate and refine during the testing phase. Be open to adjustments based on practical constraints and visual outcomes. This hands-on approach ensures that your artistic vision not only looks good in theory but also translates effectively to the practicalities of production.

Be sure to grab photos from your phone during the different processes. Also take photos of any set items placement before filming, as things will get bumped or moved and it's your job to keep continuity. Ask any pro photographers on set to take a few pictures of your work by itself that they can give you later on. You're going to need a book of work when looking for new jobs. Finding a way to showcase your work is your own freedom as an artist. There are so many options online, pick your favorites and focus on them.

It's important to curate a compelling portfolio highlighting diverse projects. It should demonstrate versatility in styles, attention to detail, and your ability to evoke specific atmospheres. Accompany visuals with concise explanations, showcasing your thought process and creative choices.