Advice for New Creative Directors - What Every Creative Director Needs to Do to Succeed

[@mmschs]

As a newly minted CD, I’m nervous, worried about all the new responsibilities. I have lots of questions about how other designers will see me, and whether they’ll act jealously and potentially give me a little pushback. However, watching some of your videos today have me the confidence and direction I needed to make sure I can do the job. Thank you for what you do.

[@Bestinfo3434]

I have same question . I just got promoted😢

[@kinematics4999]

Very True.... a CD in my opinion spend most of the time in meetings, reporting to corp., talk to clients and finally the team designers, so there is not much time left for design, only concepts, Yes more money, but dealing with people who don't understand design in general. In my experience time ago creativity, innovation was important, now days most important is fast production, cookie cutter factory. So many just use/copy the new trends,. No innovation. Designers who receive Awards can apply their Style, other wise will be following instructions. Very Creative Designers, Directors need to express their Ideas, working in Studio/Agencies can be frustrating if the firm priorities are Deadlines sacrificing Creativity and Quality. What I found is: the best CD/Designers are hire for a few weeks or months for One Project, as a consultant not as employee, of course needs the Best Credentials. Great Video !!!!! Thank you

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thanks for sharing your POV

[@Benandkyoko]

Great video. Your advice can be applied to almost any managerial position.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Very true!

[@steakbeard]

From someone who made the leap not so long ago - great advice all around.

[@adevikthur]

Well done, Inwan. God keep you

[@Bestinfo3434]

Thank you sir for this tutorial❤

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Welcome 😊

[@mbiegun]

I'm a new CD over Marketing Creative Services. My wheelhouse is video and creative ideas/solution. Graphic design? Not so much. So much to learn to strengthen the brand.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Hey @mbiegun! Thanks so much for checking out my video! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Keep tuning in!

[@kabioto]

Hey @mbiegun I'm a filmmaker/video artist looking to have more stability. How did you become a creative director? I like how you described your wheelhouse. Thanks

[@sarahrhein810]

This was great, thank you so much for your insight and suggestions 🙏

[@cademonteiro]

Hi Phillip, thank you very much for another top-quality video (as always), love your channel, just rocks! cheers 💯

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Many thanks

[@paweex3655]

Best video on the subject I can recall. (subject being 'the life of creative director')

[@Bluemeaneyes20]

Love your content! As someone looking to start studying in design, do you recommend going for a broader range of studies or a more specialised approach?

[@PhilipVanDusen]

If you’re going to study design, study, graphic design, and marketing. But in the beginning, more specialized is better.

[@richard-leech]

Hi Philip, thanks so much for the value in your videos. A question if you can spare the time - In your many years as a creative director, how involved were you in the project management side of things? Did you manage every task to the smallest detail, or did you leverage others to help keep on top of tasks and deadlines? For context - my company has shifted it's focus to branding and creative, and I've been given the role of cd due to my knowledge in those areas. Although we still have a project manager, I'm keen to take most of that work off of him so I can streamline the process, as I'll handle most (if not all) of the client communication. This should let him focus more on operations and resources which I know he has a passion for. I'd absolutely love to hear your thoughts on the project management as a cd in more detail. Perhaps it has merit for a full video? Thank you!!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Creative Director’s also have to be great project managers. It depends on how many people are in your organization and what their job descriptions are. You don’t wanna be doing someone else’s job. That said you also want to make sure that you are learning how to delegate effectively and not take everything onto your plate that should be on someone else’s. There’s a delicate balance to be had between trying to control everything and And being a truly effective manager.

[@wajahatnet]

A Very Great Motivational & Info Video To Become A CD. Great Video Sir 🤩👍👍

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Hey Wajahat! Great to see you back. Thanks for the props on the video. It was hotly requested by the commenters in another video on CD's that I did. They wanted to see a more newbie CD How To video.

[@wajahatnet]

@@PhilipVanDusen Please also make a YT Short of this Video, It's a Great Video 😀

[@bphet]

This was very helpful! Thank you!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@moniquejones5085]

Phillip, I recently took a project that has been very difficult in to complete. I’ve been contracted to do work for 12 weeks. The Sr. program manage sabotaged the entire project by not communicating & denying every motion to accomplish the Directors Top 3 directives. I accomplished two , but when it came down to the main reason why I came into the team. She denied the motion. 1 week to completion ( final deliverable : “strategy plan” ) and still no payment ! What should I do!?

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Without more details, I can’t advise you with certainty. Reach out to me on LinkedIn. I offer 1-1 coaching. Links in the description.

[@guymicciche144]

Love your videos! I've been applying for CD positions, and I would love a little coaching. How can I reach out to you? Thanks!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Yes..If you are interested in working with me, you can learn more about what I offer here: philipvandusen.com/oneonone I hope to have the opportunity to work with you.

[@tuma0000]

I’ll be back when I achieve this❤

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Please do!

[@honeymnkrl]

what degree should I study to be a creative director?

[@PhilipVanDusen]

BFA in Graphic Design or whatever field (maybe video…etc) that you want to be a CD in.

[@m.ehtizan]

Hey Philip, I just watched your video and I must say that it was really informative and well-made. I loved your videos. I was wondering if I could help you edit your videos and also make highly engaging shorts for you.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@m.ehtizan]

@@PhilipVanDusen Can I help you regarding short form or long form video edits?

[@marydavis8012]

Do you offer one on one consultations?

[@PhilipVanDusen]

@marydavis8012 Yes, I do. see the links in the video description.

[@TheJ923]

Do you have any advice for someone that wants to be a CD but is a project manager by skill and understands design at a high level but doesn’t have the skills to design at a high level?

[@PhilipVanDusen]

The feedback you’re seeking is more nuanced than a one-off email could do justice to, and without knowing more about your current situation and goals, I don’t want to give you incomplete guidance. But the good news is I offer coaching for creative pros and I’m confident that by working together you’ll gain clarity on your decision-making and we can craft an action plan to help you achieve your goals. If you are interested in working with me, you can learn more about what I offer here: philipvandusen.com/oneonone I hope to have the opportunity to work with you!

[@DESiSAUR]

what if i want to be a creative director? i haven’t done anything related to that because it’s been hard looking for entry level graphic design jobs that not only pay well but are willing to give me a chance:(

[@grammar_shark]

When my career was stalled around 2016 and I simply wasn't being offered opportunities that would be a step forward for my career, I decided to simply freelance for a couple years. I had to significantly reduce my expenses to do so, but it gave me the flexibility to work on projects that were beneficial to my résumé. I didn't get paid to do the most interesting of these projects, but I learned a lot doing them. It took three years, but then I started getting offered full-time jobs that were big steps forward for my career. If you feel stalled, write out the résumé you'd like to have in three years and figure out a way to have that résumé, even if no one ever gives you the job you want.

[@CRJpod]

What’s been your most impactful 30 day goals as a CD at a new company? 🤔🤔

[@carlmov1]

excellent

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Hey carlo mov! Thanks so much for checking out my video! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Keep tuning in!