How To Present Creative Work Effectively As An Art Director

Presenting was a massive area in which I sought to improve as an art director and one in which many art directors who I've mentored through the years have also looked to improve. Today, I'm dropping a video about it-one that explores shaking nerves, building creative presentations, and presenting said presentation effectively as an AD. Hope a tip, exercise, or example pops out of the video player and makes even the smallest impact on your presentation chops moving forward. Best of luck!
If you're interested in diving deeper into presenting creative, check out "Perfect Pitch" by Jon Steel here: www.amazon.com/Perfect-Pitch-...
If you're just getting started in the art director career path, check out my book "Breaking into Art Direction" here: www.amazon.com/Breaking-Into-...
I appreciate you.

[@katyastyles]

I very spontaneously ended up doing creative direction and have been kinda winging it for a few months now I`m ready to actually level up and brush my skills - this was very valuable!

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Love that. Best of luck! Happy continued growth!

[@Ledatru]

Kevin! I was looking forward to this video. And I was not disappointed. Such great advice and they all ring true. Especially the points about you being a PARTNER that cares and listens (and not a slick salesman), and setting the groundwork from the BEGINNING to get everyone nodding in agreement and on your side. It’s a great feeling when you can sense people being intrigued and literally leaning in, rooting for you. There’s nothing more satisfying than witnessing a solid, tight presentation. Awesome video!

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Thank you!!! Your opinion means a lot to me. Thanks for the constant support. 🙏

[@AHMEDMOSTAFA77]

Nice work Kevin, I suggest you do more videos in this topic. maybe a full 360 campaign deck. where we have a TVC, activation ideas and social media content. love your stuff man, keep doing!

[@jamesgwyngoodwindavies]

this is what I came here looking for, have you found anything?

[@TiagoRosado]

Great video, very insightful, thanks a lot. I just received your book in my inbox today, can't wait to start reading it.

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Thank you so much for the kind words and purchase of the book. Let me know what you think!!

[@MarwanAWareth]

Dude I really love that video, it gave me a good push and already excited for my next presentation, Thanks

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Love that! Appreciate the kind words. And best to ya!

[@daylezatlin7879]

Kevin, you are a FABULOUS presenter yourself. Great video!!

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Thank you! 😄

[@arabusername]

this was very valuable!

[@swordfishko]

Great point man, this is very helpful.

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Appreciate that!

[@micahalexander]

Nicely done, man!!

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Appreciate it!

[@toddaulner5393]

As a pothead, I saved the world a dozen times over with my ideas but never pushed the ideas forward. Eventually they are all forgotten till someone else does it.

[@jovaanii]

thank you for this!

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Sure thing!

[@erickalungi7273]

You are so awesome man!!!

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Thanks for the love and positivity. I’m sure you’re awesome too!

[@dawidskrzypek1502]

thank you

[@usr2134]

I just discovered your channel and it’s the most helpful thing ever!!! Thank you so much for this content! Quick question tho… I know you have said portfolio beats education but after a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, what Masters program do you recommend in order to enter the AD world? A Masters in Advertising? Or just straight up a Masters in Art Direction?

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Thank you!! If there is a masters in art direction at your university, I would definitely do that. If you are going to go higher education, I would go to a portfolio school or take a portfolio program. OR do it from scratch. I have a book on Amazon called Breaking into Art Direction aimed on doing just that. In the meantime, check out my video titled “What should you major in to become an art director”. Let me know if you have any other questions and I’ll do my best to help.

[@usr2134]

@@OpenDoorCreative You are the very best! Thank you for answering 💕

[@OpenDoorCreative]

@@usr2134 of course. Let me know if you need anything else.

[@femiolotu6482]

fantastic.

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Thank you!

[@mmlg24]

Excellent points. Question: when you pitch the whole design concept, is it usually done with a retainer? I mean, you have to put in a lot of time and skills to create the presentation, are there any compensations for that? Thanks!

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Typically your client is paying on retainer or project based. Developing the presentation is typically billed just the same as concepting, designing, etc. - it’s all part of the same project. Now, if you’re pitching a new business against others/other agencies, that’s another animal altogether. In the past, pitching new clients came at little to no cost (aka the cost of doing business). Nowadays it’s a trickier topic. Pitch fees are much more common as agencies assemble their best people to spend time solving potential client’s business problems. I’ve also seen firsthand an idea get pitched, the agency going with another agency, and implementing the unpicked agencies concept. For that reason, I think it is imperative that the client (whether you’ve landed them or not) pays for the hours and work provided. But, that’s just my opinion. Honestly, a whole legitimate convo for another video. Hope that ramble answered your question haha

[@mmlg24]

@@OpenDoorCreative perfectly. Definitely has to protect intellectual property whether the client decides to commit or not. Pitching a new client is like interviewing for a job. They can sample a portfolio of works already completed but no new concepts without initial design fees. I used to be a custom cake designer and was very firm on how much I gave away on initial designs.

[@mmlg24]

@@OpenDoorCreative also please make a video on fee structures, I see you already like the idea. With all that said I subscribed to your channel because I find it very valuable but don't work in the industry myself. My daughter is interested in an advertising major and I was looking at colleges the more I read the more I liked the profession. Haha.

[@simonagroosa]

But I loved the video - I want to watch it again