What Makes a Great Creative Director - and What You Have to Know to Become One of the Best

What Makes a Great Creative Director - What You Have to Know to Become a Creative Director
Great creative leaders don’t just tell designers what to do, their responsibilities go far, far beyond that. Part coach, referee, therapist, peacemaker and storyteller, CD’s are like octopuses with a hundred arms.. Whether you are an aspiring creative professional who wants to one day become one, or are a company looking to assess your agencies lead creative partner, this video will tell you all you need to know about the critical skills that all great creative directors must possess.
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This video is for entrepreneurs, designers, creative professionals and anyone interested in brand strategy, business planning, graphic design, design trend, marketing and communications.
Philip VanDusen is the owner of Verhaal Brand Design, a brand strategy and design agency and the founder of Brand Design Masters, an ecosystem of mastermind groups, courses and networking communities for creative professionals and digital entrepreneurs seeking to build bullet-proof personal brands, agencies and businesses.
Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip gives design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on how to build successful brands for themselves or for the clients and customers they serve.
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[@igobyandrew]

I think you should talk about what makes a great new creative director. What you explained is someone with decades of experience.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

That's a great idea Andrew. I'll add that to my 'new content' list!

[@J4ME5_]

@@PhilipVanDusen Did this happen?

[@PhilipVanDusen]

@@J4ME5_ Not yet, but it's still on the list - are you interested too?

[@J4ME5_]

@@PhilipVanDusen most definitely

[@J4ME5_]

@@PhilipVanDusen I think finding confidence and understanding the first few weeks would be so so helpful. Thank you!

[@worldfamous260dewitt]

Yes well said .. it's a lot of work . To articulate create everything from or create gems from trash .

[@rtbrain]

Spot on Philip. 33 years in the biz…I’ve worked with a few that check the boxes and a lot that (the majority) that don’t. I’ve spent most of my career on the agency side as a CD and I’ve tried to incorporate the good traits of the handful of CDs that do it right as much as possible. Thanks for the video. I’ll be sharing it with several of my account service friends.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

rtbrain! Yes! Share it with the account guys and gals! Second, congrats on surviving 33 years in the biz - you have a couple years on me - and I don't get to say that often ;-)

[@rtbrain]

@@PhilipVanDusen LOL! I shared it and one responded that he thought it was great but then added that behind every great CD there’s a great account executive! Truth!

[@mudengeyvette6376]

Love this video i could rewatch many times and i don't would learn something new !! Thank you

[@Bossfightmedia]

I am not the CD in Big Company Projects, but I can wholeheartedly say that leading any kind of group of creative people - Voice actors and Designers on my end - requires the same tips. A creative Director is everything at once and has like 15 jobs, but only attends 5 at the same time cause you know where your Limits are. Great Video. :)

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thanks so much for your comment! I’m glad you agree and I appreciate your sharing your experience in a slightly different creative discipline.

[@solgast]

Great takes and insights Philip. I come from the background of animation and storytelling I am glad you mentioned storytelling, which is so important. I primarily tend to focus on the psychological aspects and emotional impact of different mediums. Looking forward for more amazing creations.

[@CreativeDirectorStudio]

Philip these are great tips and does a great job of highlighting the value of a CD. We really see it as a role of being a guide and mentor. A great CD is selfless, empathetic, and inspirational. I would also add the measure of a successful CD is in the effectiveness and morale if the teams they lead not just clients satisfaction. Great videos as always! :)

[@PhilipVanDusen]

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

[@CreativeDirectorStudio]

@@PhilipVanDusen sure thing, great content....we are always inspired my other great channels!

[@ChrisProutyVideos]

My big takeaway is the "messenger and translator" roles of a creative director. So insightful!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

...I'd add creative firestarter and disaster fireman...;-)

[@ChrisProutyVideos]

@@PhilipVanDusen Ha! With both those titles and responsibilities, you build fault-tolerant job security!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

@@ChrisProutyVideos If you go by Chris on LI - I just sent you a connection req...

[@rogerbarganier9665]

Spot on!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

You rock @rogerbarganier9665!

[@lasm4424]

Thanks SO much for this information. You helped me narrow down what I need to focus on. 🙏

[@TaylorSmith-tm3sz]

Well said!!!!

[@samsalem6927]

Thank You Philip, you are amazing

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thank you too!

[@ExplodingHaggis]

Fantastic video. This is very accurate as being a CD requires a well versed ability to work both IN and ON the business at the same time.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Hey Daniel - spoken like the truly awesome CD I know you are brother!

[@ExplodingHaggis]

@@PhilipVanDusen 🤜🏻💥🤛🏻

[@marieantoinette6008]

I find you inspiring! I need a mentor and guidance with my career!

[@ThisDesignLife]

This is brilliant

[@bboyjohnanytimesoon4862]

I watch this topic because of Min Hee Jin.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thanks @bboyjohnanytimesoon4862!

[@HappinessTheBrand]

So valuable

[@fangyifu3895]

Hi Phillip, can you share the average salary creative director make in an agency and also as a freelancer? Thanks!

[@triaz7]

I got promoted to CD few days ago and kinda scared how Ill be handling stuff. gosh Millions of arms I agree with you man!

[@SkipperTheEyeChild]

Good luck mate. The fact you're watching this at least means you care and so I imagine your team will know that. Lean on them until you're up to speed and bring them up with you. I'm 4 years into CD and still shitting it haha

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thanks @triaz7! Congratulations...I coach a lot of new CD's...see the links in the description if you're interested. I have a lot of success getting the newly promoted CD's company TO PAY FOR THE COACHING, BTW...😉

[@PhilipVanDusen]

I doubt that Skipper!

[@SkipperTheEyeChild]

Really wonderful video. I've been too nervous to even google the questions I've had as a CD (I felt that my wide range of experience should be enough on it's own), so when I finally did today out of desperation, to find this video immediately was incredible. I feel seen, understood and less alone. Your insites gave me a lot to think about and direction on how to improve. I've listed my strengths and weaknesses inspired by the points you made here and it's a really clear road map. Immediately subscribed. Thanks!

[@kabioto]

@SkipperTheEyeChild I'd love to know how you became a creative director? What was your path, if you don't mind me asking

[@PhilipVanDusen]

If you want coaching to help you get better, I offer that. Just see the link in the description.Or consider joining my BONFIRE mastermind community - there are a LOT of CD's in there who are helping each other improve. philipvandusen.com/bonfire

[@tornikeuchava329]

Thank you for that video

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Tornike, You're very welcome. Be sure to check out the other videos in my catalog. There's tons of great stuff there!

[@fionayin6822]

hi philip, watched your another video and thanks so much for your content sharing about the CD. May i ask if i can handle the CD position if i only have online marketing sales work experience and have no design work experience? (but i know the design tools and have some aesthetic and passinate with the design industry)

[@wolfgangk1]

I've been around the block and know what I want. I had a situation with a CD from a university Graphic Design lab who tried to intimidate me into signing off on a design that was unanimously rejected--she even admitted was thrown together because we had passed the deadline and still tried to sell me it, including dropping names of clients that she worked with. It wouldn't have mattered if I had that piece of information--it was a bad design. It ended with bad blood. In short, I have an issue when graphic designers are coached on being "unflappable"

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Understood. But “unflappable” and obstinate or dogmatic are certainly different things. Maybe “not easily flustered” is better.

[@koradelta]

i like this thank you

[@nari1071]

Hello , I have few questions •How to go from marketing to art direction/creative direction ? •Do I need to learn graphic design to a T ?

[@blackalchemy222]

My question is where can someone without any college or professional Creative experience sstart? If you can’t afford to get into a training program or essentially obtain a master teacher/rights of passage to knowing where to gain more experience . Having a lot of amateur experience but not knowing where to start in being taken seriously as a creative director without any backing or support from a mentor or group of producers of different muses.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Hey. Great questions. For someone to work as a creative director they have to usually work in the industry for 5-8 years at more jr. level titles, Jr. Designer, Designer, Sr. Designer, before being promoted. No one starts as a CD - no one I've ever known anyway. You have to learn how to design - or produce creative work and get a intro level job in the industry and work your way up. If you can't afford school, teach yourself design through free tutorials here on KZbin.

[@banglasoftvoice2530]

Great

[@PhilipVanDusen]

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

[@ThisDesignLife]

This could be a mini series

[@real2rek]

Hi, do you know anything about CDs in games industry? Is it similar to what you have told here?

[@kristinazheleva970]

Hello, I have a question about becoming a creative director. You mentioned that creative directors work their way up to that position from other jobs, and I’m curious what those jobs are? And would it be beneficial to start out with a degree because my plan is to get a bachelors of fine arts

[@puqorganicapparel4172]

CD is one of the few creative jobs which requires a degree, so yes.

[@starchild6646]

Junior designer or animator >> Motion Designer / Art Direction >> Creative ?? Senior Creative >> Creative Director

[@whalefridaydigital]

Always good to see your videos Philip, keep it up! I'm a huge fan of your video 🙋‍♂ Btw, Do you guys need a video editor and youtube growth strategist who works specifically with guaranteed results in terms of increased viewers, retention, or CTR on your videos? May I send you a previous work sample?

[@PhilipVanDusen]

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

[@jarmelo2006]

Hey Philip! ✌🏿❤️

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Hey Jarmelo- awesome to see you here! What's shaking for you?

[@cfaye]

Can a person with a BA in graphic design land a job on a film set with the creative team?

[@creativethinking5567]

Can you. Tell b/w strategy design management and creative director?? .. Both seems similar..?

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Hey CT Thanks so much for checking out my video! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. "Design Strategist" is a fairy new title in the industry and it is often an individual contributor role that is a part of the design group. There are managers in that role but that is not an industry standard as is the CD title.

[@creativethinking5567]

@PhilipVandusen . Please.. Can you elaborate.. I want to explore everything in designing.. Can you make a video on that please.. Difference between designing strategy and CD

[@SafaaSadat]

I didn't get the part about -guiding content but you are originally a designer ?? Can you elaborate more ??

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thanks @SafaaSadat! Yes, I am originally a designer. All CD's come to the position by promotion through the levels of design.

[@M4_PT]

Hey Philip, I want to become a creative director and everyone I know tells me that to do it, I have to follow arts but I don't know how to draw, is there any other area that leads to the job of a Creative Director?

[@puqorganicapparel4172]

Marketing is a good bet

[@rubymilliken9692]

I would be way too perfect for this job

[@mikeasrat2063]

I am fresh general manager in a start up company, can you help find a book for smooth work flow in advertising agency

[@rickharold7884]

Great definition of CD! Hope u had a great tday!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Hey Rick - great to see you here brother! Thanks for the thumbs up.

[@panictryouts]

Would like to know what makes a bad creative director so i can forward it to my CD. She is a micromanager that constantly tells the staff to move things over 1 or 2 pixels when all the team has 10 years of experience. She also doesnt know how to use powerpoint or photoshop and refuses to do any design work when we are short on staff or needs quick fixes.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

You covered 2 of the biggest 'bad CD' traits in your comment. To make it a trio - I'd say that the third would be blaming the team for any missteps or bad client critiques - not stepping up and taking the heat - and instead passing the blame.

[@dan_iel_efs]

You can do two things about it: 1. Do not move things and tell her you did / 2. Intentionally, you misalign things, 1 or 2 px in order she can detect and make it to the right place (in case she doesn't detect, you put it back later). Actually she's not a CD, just a D. Once my boss told me to 'reduce a little' the type, not mentioning "from 26 to 24 points" or so, just "reduce a little". I did it, really. But I took the same print (as a mistake) and that time she said it was "marvelous, great job!" When I returned to my desk I realized I had taken the wrong print.

[@nirmalyaroy2811]

🙂

[@Valkyri3Z]

I had a dream of becoming one but after watching this I just dumped it. LOL

[@goncalocatalao9477]

Hearing all this soft skills: It seems that a Product Marketing Manager (PMM) would make a great creative director. What do you guys think?

[@bruidbarrett]

That’s cap because I just walked in to a CD role

[@lyingeyes5579]

Hey Philip! I'm a BA design graduate. Over the last 4 years of my studies, I've come to love the kind of agile project management aspect involved in steering creative teams in group design projects. In addition, I'm fixated with drawing the best out of a team. And really making sure the design process is implemented as a whole, effectively. I am not concerned with recognition, and I often give all project credit to my fellow team mates. And apparently I have a killer laugh and sense for humour, which goes a long way in keeping folks motivated. And I can't stop learning and reading about all things design/creative oriented, you can call me an addict! Having these attributes, do you think there's opportunity for me? And can you by any chance direct me to a resource which will sketch out what skills or experiences I need to develop in order to draw out the best of a creative team? (regardless of getting the CD title). So far, I've done extra courses in addition to my BA Degree. In agile project management, art direction and a few business subjects. I already have commercial photography (and videography) experience, as I majored in it as well. Next on my bucket list is some more hard skill courses such as copyrighting, ui/ux design and motion design. And also my main concern is, which industry should I step in to more to achieve this goal? I'm think in agency/studio, however is it achievable in house? PS: I love your content, just discovered you. There's a lot of cd youtubers who like to beat around the bush with ladida advice. But yours seems the most direct and straight to the. -21 year old Cape Town, South African designer.

[@mzr457]

TBH most CDs I've talked to are a complete joke. They're either buddy buddy with the CEO or owner or just plain OLD, creepy and uninformed. Many have worthless degrees that have nothing to do with creative and zero design chops. If you ask them about current trends or motion graphics they don't have a clue. And it's always really odd when there so many young, attractive female designers with no talent on the team isn't it.