How To Steal My Job: Art Director at Men’s Fitness Magazine

Leonard Foster

8 years ago

Creativity, forward thinking and a passion for design & photo shoots are some of the skills needed to be an Art Director of a magazine.

Ped Millichamp is that person. We spoke to Ped, about his role at Men’s Health Magazine and how we can steal his job.

Name: Ped Millichamp

Job Title: Art Director

Company: Men’s Fitness magazine

What does your job role entail?

I oversee the design of the magazine from initial concepts, through to photo-shoots, illustration commission and typographic layout.

Describe your working day or week?

45% of my time is spent dreaming up ideas for features and shoots. 45% of my time is spent following these out, whether its art directing a shoot or laying out a page. 10% of my time is spent drinking copious amounts of black coffee.

What key skills do you need to do your job?

You need to know your way around In-Design, Photoshop and ideally Illustrator on Creative Suite. A good understanding of photography is paramount to directing a photoshoot too, as well as good communication and people skills.

What made you decide to go for this job role?
Design was the only thing that excited me at school. I was lucky enough to have a teacher that recognised my potential and gave me the confidence to progress.

Best part of your job?

There is no better feeling than when you pull off a great photo shoot. Mini fist pump!

Worst part of your job? The initial flick through the latest issue of a magazine that’s hot of the press – there’s no going back if you spot a mistake!

Most memorable moment at work?

Being dragged into a photo by Noel Gallagher whilst art directing Oasis or doing keep-uppies on a recent shoot with JackWilshere.

If I’m choosing a course to study, what type of course suits this job best?

There are many Design orientated college/uni courses out there. Choose carefully. If, like me, you’re unsure of which area of design you want to enter into, opt for a more general design course that will give you a flavour of each of them. My Design Studies degree (LondonGuildhall University) covered product, packaging, photography, marketing and graphic design.

Does work experience really help you to get the dream job?

It’ll give you a real insight into what life is really like in a design/ magazine agency. It’s not all glamorous shoots, it can be hard work.

Give us a tip on how to steal your job.

Get your name out there. Be full of ideas and MAKE THEM HAPPEN. Hide any negativity and be confident in what you do and say – as an art director people will be looking to you for confidence