Strategic Art Direction
Online Programme

Create visuals with real impact and build a career on your own terms — no matter your background. This course distills everything I’ve learned working as an art director for top global brands (Jimmy Choo, Adidas, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger & more..) into one focused programme.

It’s about breaking in and growing in today’s industry where the old gatekeeping is gone. I share everything I know so you can master strategic art direction concepts, present work clients can’t say no to, and navigate the creative world with insider insights you won’t find in traditional art/fashion schools.

Designed for aspiring art directors, graphic designers, photographers, stylists, and other creatives ready to own their visual voice and career, this 8-week audio-first course includes practical lessons, theory, personal stories, exercises, templates, and bonus materials.

Lifetime access, 6 lessons per module for 8 weeks, it’s your shortcut to breaking in, standing out, and growing sustainably in art direction today and knowing exactly how to land dream clients.

Launches July 1, 2025.

Registrations close June 25, re-opens in 2026. 
See the lessons inside the course below. They will roll out per week from July 1 once you’ve registered. It is not possible to buy only one module, they are all interconnected.
Learn moreNewsletter
Early Bird
Only 20 spots available.
€799 - €399

SOLD OUT!
Regular
30 spots available.
€799 - €599

Sign me up!
Last Spots
Last chance to join.
€799
Opens soon..

Module 1  - Creative Beginnnings and Building  From Where You Are

Lesson 1: How I found my way to art direction.
Lesson 2: What kind of art director do you want to be?
Lesson 3: Different ways in.
Lesson 4: Art direction vs. creative direction.
Lesson 5: What do art directors do?
Lesson 6: Creative roles glossary.
Available July 1

Module 2  - From Spark to Strategy - Building Ideas with Clarity

Lesson 1: Where ideas come from.
Lesson 2: Connecting to the zeitgeist.
Lesson 3: From idea to visual strategy.
Lesson 4: Dissecting the creative brief.
Lesson 5: Making it relevant without losing yourself.
Lesson 6: Creative brief framework and prompts
Available July 8

Module 3  - Finding Your Visual Voice in a Noisy Industry

Lesson 1: Defining your visual values.
Lesson 2: How to train your eye.
Lesson 3: Editing as a creative act.
Lesson 4: Visual consistency without repetition.
Lesson 5: Visual identity vs. brand identity.
Lesson 6: 7-day Eye training challenge.

Module 4  - Translating Concepts into Real World Images

Lesson 1: Anchoring your vision.
Lesson 2: Pre-production strategy that sets you free.
Lesson 3: Building a shotlist that protects the concept.
Lesson 4: Communication and flow on st.
Lesson 5: Pivoting without panic.
Lesson 6: Art Director’s on-set handbook.
Available July 22

Module 5  - Building Visual Systems that Speak for Themselves

Lesson 1: What makes a visual system strong?
Lesson 2: Crafting styling that tells a story.
Lesson 3: Colour as strategy, not just aesthetic.
Lesson 4: Casting for character and culture.
Lesson 5: Pulling it together across channels.
Lesson 6: System direction framework.
Available July 29

Module 6  - Presenting Work that Feels Like the Answer

Lesson 1: Designing the journey, not just the deck.
Lesson 2: Crafting a moodboard with purpose.
Lesson 3: Knowing what to present and (when)
Lesson 4: Writing that supports the visuals.
Lesson 5: Killing your darlings.
Lesson 6: Deck structure and visual presentation guide.
Available Aug. 5

Module 7  - Shaping Your Portfolio to Attract the Work You want

Lesson 1: Make it easy for people to say yes.
Lesson 2: Show the work you want to be hired for.
Lesson 3: Create strategic breadth (within a niche)
Lesson 4: Writing about your work (without over-explaining)
Lesson 5: Fake it thoughtfully.
Lesson 6: Portfolio setup + self presentation checklist.
Available Aug. 13

Module 8  - Getting the Yes - Building Creative Relationships and Finding Your Way In

Lesson 1: Presenting yourself online without feeling cringe.
Lesson 2: How to reach out
Lesson 3: Finding your people, online and offline
Lesson 4: Pitching your work
Lesson 5: Patience, momentum and trusting the long game
Lesson 6: Outreach kit and templates
Available Aug. 20


All sales are final. No refund possible on digital products. All Rights Reserved ©Zoe Akihary