[zumojuice]

I think you could do a whole load of things... In terms of art direction, I think there are courses in it or that help with it, or you generally fall into it after lots of experience, which you have... The real cut is normally though that they can see you have experience directing. Now since it's only you, I'd say you have that too, though some employers might mean the directing of other creatives....Whatever way it is, it's your ideas and your communication of those ideas that will get you noticed, which will help you build up though creative positions and to art direction.

The other route is adding a new program or disipline - photography, flash, macromedia stuff, video, animation - something that interests you but is a bit out there, but can be used in your job now...or any job in the future... Flash is often a good one...

On a side note, I'd be careful, this company obviously wants the best for you and them and wants to retain you, so watch talk of routes that might obviously take you out of the company (at least to them). They might be expecting it but still.

It sounds like you may have squeezed all you can from this position and are looking for something fresh, and think you maybe need other skills to boast you. I'd say this is a good step, but can you make extra scope into your job? Maybe a new venture, a newsletter (if they don't do one) or art directing a shoot of new products in a different way (if they have them).

I''d not be too hasty to leave your job just yet, since the recession (Yeah, thanks Bush - you twat) is likely to put strain on the market. So hunt from a job, and don't let them get wind of your actions. why? because they might dump you rather than invest money into someone who's just going to leave - hence was my last experience... (along with thr lack of work)