Specialization Course in Art Direction Lab - IED MIlano

Language

Italian

Start date

November 2026

Frequency

Evening

Fruition

Blended

Duration

5 Months

Course Coordination

Valentina Stucchi

Price

3.300 €

This is an intensive course to gain in-depth knowledge on the role of the Art Director in a creative agency

To learn the creative, organisational and production logics and languages of an all-round communication project.

The course aims to train future Art Directors who will be able to study and convey winning concepts in line with the brand image and understand the needs of the target audience. You will also understand how to work closely and communicate effectively with different professionals, such as Copywriters, Graphic Designers and Producers.

Through the partnership with the creative agency DUDE, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics and peculiarities of your future profession. In addition, you will be able to participate in various workshops in order to put your theoretical knowledge into practice through the development of original and innovative projects.

Information to decide

You will improve your problem solving and teamwork skills

The course objectives include presenting today's production logics in an advertising agency as well as diving into all the tools of art direction: media, photography, illustration, copywriting. During the five modules, you will learn how to design the different phases of a communication campaign, from the idea to the setting up of an innovative strategy, through to its approval and production, and the realisation of creative content, such as illustrations, copy, photos and videos.

As part of the course's final module, you will be given the opportunity to create an original portfolio of work to present your skills in future interviews.

The course is designed for all those who have already gained experience in the industry or who wish to enhance their skills in the specific areas of advertising and communication in order to become qualified Art Directors. The advanced level of the course involves mastering basic technical knowledge related to the digital and printing world. It also includes basic training  in the main graphic design tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Thanks to its vertical development approach, this training programme allows you to acquire advanced and employable skills within a short period of time. There are several important and competitive aspects to consider, including:

●      The chance to participate in the D&AD New Blood. This is a worldwide competition that annually rewards creative excellence in digital advertising and advertising;
●      An overview of the latest developments in the sector and particularly the profession of the Art Director, from tools to communication logics;
●      An in-depth look at winning case histories to gather insights and best practices.

Syllabus

The following topics will be addressed during the course of study: agency organisation and art direction, the tools of art direction, integration and the new languages of the profession, and finally the creation of a work portfolio and CV.

Faculty

Valentina Stucchi

Communication Strategist e Educational Designer

Luca Riva

Sebastiano Morando

Post Production Manager and Supervisor

Davide Barco

Laura Boy

Lorenzo Picchiotti

Executive Creative Director - DUDE

Lorenzo Del Bianco

CEO & Founder - DUDE

Elena Panza

Mirko Mantellato

Davide Labò

Creative Director - Dude

Federica Avanzi

Head of Editorial, Branded Content & Entertainment - DUDE Originals

Projects

Creative and Art Direction

Milan

Didactic projects
Swap On

Creative and Art Direction

Milan

Beat Your Mum

Creative and Art Direction

Milan

The CheersBox

Creative and Art Direction

Milan

Back to the city - GiffGaff

Creative and Art Direction

Milan

The Eternal Influencers - Penguin

News

Forbes Next Leaders – IED Student designs the February cover of Next Leaders

12 March 2026

Forbes Next Leaders – IED Student designs the February cover of Next Leaders

Forbes Next Leaders and IED come together to promote the creativity of a new generation: the partnership dedicated to the covers of Next Leaders begins.

IED Expands Its English-Language Offer with New Courses in Design, Fashion and Film

27 February 2026

IED Expands Its English-Language Offer with New Courses in Design, Fashion and Film

IED – Istituto Europeo di Design is broadening its international offer with a new range of English-taught courses. A strategic move that strengthens IED’s position as Europe’s largest design network, opening its doors to students and creative professionals from across the globe.

10 February 2026

Tíscar Espadas, alumni and teacher at IED Madrid, semifinalist of the LVMH Prize for Young Designers

Tíscar Espadas, alumni and teacher at IED Madrid, semifinalist of the LVMH Prize for Young Designers

04 February 2026

punto—trama LAB: workshops for young designers

After its first edition, punto—trama continues its journey as a space for dialogue and experimentation dedicated to young designers.

Valentino: Après moi, le déluge!

30 January 2026

Valentino: Après moi, le déluge!

In January and February 2026, a small exhibition will be held in the Franca Sozzani Fashion Reading Room at IED Milan, paying tribute to Valentino, a great master of Italian fashion, who passed away on January 19.

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) University of Westminster and IED Madrid

22 January 2026

IED Madrid launches two University of Westminster BA (Hons) degrees

The first intake of Creative Media Arts and Fashion Marketing and Promotion begins in September 2026

Virtual Production: what it is and how it is transforming Visual Design

07 January 2026

Virtual Production: what it is and how it is transforming Visual Design

A shift that is redefining creative processes, roles and skills in the audiovisual sector.

Fashion communication strategy: a comprehensive guide

31 December 2025

Fashion communication strategy: a comprehensive guide

Market analysis, brand identity, storytelling, emerging trends and best practices for building value and cultural impact.

Communicating art from the museum to social media: skills required today

19 December 2025

Communicating art from the museum to social media: skills required today

What new skills, emerging professions and strategies are needed to engage audiences today.

Don't miss it

Exhibitions and Festival

11 March 2026 - 15 March 2026

Madrid

AULA 2026

From 11 to 15 March, come and see us at Stand 10A12 in Hall 12 at IFEMA

Open Day

18 March 2026 - 21 March 2026

Multiple

IED Open Day Italy

A calendar of appointments to discover all IED Italia courses in the areas of Design, Fashion, Visual Arts, Cinema, Communication, Art and Restoration.

Exhibitions and Festival

18 March 2026 - 22 March 2026

Barcelona

Saló de l’Ensenyament 2026

From 18 to 22 March, we look forward to welcoming you at stand D-453 at the Montjuïc venue of Fira de Barcelona, where you will be able to discover our educational offer in Design, Fashion, Visual Arts, Marketing and Communication. Come and visit us!

IN-SONORA 2026
Exhibitions and Festival

19 March 2026 - 21 March 2026

Madrid

IN-SONORA 2026

From 19 to 21 March, IED Madrid Design District will host installations and performances from this international exhibition of sound and interactive art