The Role Of A Creative Director
Tags: Learning And Development, Creative Process, Creative Direction, Art Direction, Apprenticeship

Overview

Creativity means something different to different people. For some, it is the deliberate and intentional act of creating something new and valuable, while for others it is all about connecting with one’s inner self to create awe-inspiring works.

Whichever definition you settle for, the phenomenon has at its center, thought leaders who see the world differently from others and break the rules, to create something that influences the perception of others.

Undoubtedly, a Creative Director plays a crucial function in every stage of the creative life cycle, to create something impactful and thoughtful, which means a lot of responsibilities for them to shoulder.

Not to worry, we’ll lay it all out here. Let’s break it down.

What is a Creative Director?

Creative Directors are typically at the helm of affairs of a creative team. In this position, they use their expertise to guide the team members ensuring they work together in a cohesive manner creating, planning, and delivering engaging content that meets the expectations of clients.

As leaders of the creative department, these professionals do not just provide only creative vision, or come up with funky ideas, but are also receptive to other concepts and make sure the entire creation process matches the set goals and objectives.

The brainbox in the creative process, a Creative Director is the collective conscience at an advertising agency, audiovisuall creative studio, media house or marketing department of a business.

Like a lighthouse, the Creative Director shines the creative torch on members of the creative team, enabling them to see beyond the usual and realise amazing works.

Responsibilities

The duties of a Creative Director may differ depending on the size of the creative agency, media house or company, the number of clients, and creative philosophy, but their responsibilities typically include:

• Leading the affairs of a creative team

As the creative leads of a creative or branding team comprising Art DirectorArt Directoreting plans & individual client requirements.

• Conceive and implement concepts, and strategies for different creative projects and supervise them to completion

The Creative Director position is a blend of two key aspects- being creative and also guiding the launch of new impressive projects. To that end, a Creative Director wears many hats and as such capable of immersing and contributing their experience, knowledge, and expertise to their field. From planning the concepts and layouts for print and digital publications, managing the department’s daily workflow, assigning tasks, revising creative content, approving or rejecting ideas, and providing feedback to the team they remain effective, swift, and efficient.

Differences between Creative Director and Art Director

The position of Art Director & Creative Director is an incredible opportunity to leverage creativity to create something beautiful and visually intriguing.

It is for this reason, that many people may easily confuse both professions. Even though both careers aren’t always completely different, there are some specifics associated with each of them.

An Art Director is more of a master of the craft possessing the necessary technical, artistic, and expertise for the tactical execution of a conceptual idea

The main focus of Art Directors is mainly on aesthetics and actively participates in the process of transforming an idea from imagination to visuals.

Art Directors merge art and design to create awe-striking and visually appealing aesthetics.

While Creative Directors create remarkable concepts and also take time to explain the idea behind them. As big picture thinkers, their focus is mainly on the specific details of a creative project.

A Creative Director will form concepts, handle strategy, provide guidance during the execution of the design process for each campaign, and make sure the outcome reflects the vision of the company and client.

For instance, A Creative Director may want to convey feelings of optimism or sadness using colors; an Art Director will know the exact type of hue to use to convey these emotions.

The main focus of a Creative Director is on developing effective strategies and turnkey solutions on behalf of the client. They also make sure that the goals of the brand fit the demands of the project.

Some agencies and marketing departments may not have both professionals in their organizational structure or employ. Instead, a single creative is expected to weigh in during creative brainstorming sessions, fine-tune strategy, and also deliver on the graphic, and art.

I talk about this and more during my future Creative Director’s M.E.D.I.U.M. Masterclass. The first session begins 20th Nov 2020 and is limited to 5 spaces.

I help small business owners, corporate creatives and creative enthusiasts learn creative direction so they can produce their creative ideas with confidence, turn their creative ideas into quality projects that attract more of the clients want & have a more artistic side to their products and/or services through creative content.

The MEDIUM Framework

Mind & Mentors — Unlock your inner creative, overcome resistance; Gain a wellspring of relevant information and experiences Exercises — the creative process, Scamper, 6 thinking hats Define — Understanding culture, your brand ascension and defining your ideal clients Inspire — Developing your creative brief for clients and collaborators; Sell Your Services to your ideal clients and collaborators Undertake — Directing your creative productions confidently and professionally Monetise — Create your portfolio, rise up the pyramid and carve out your cultural space, Celebrate your wins! Rinse and Repeat

FEATURES

Accountability and mentorship

Digital Tools

Templates for contracts, treatments

Creative thinking Frameworks

Community — expert advice from my network of industry insiders

Case Studies

A project based approach to learning with real results

A bit about me: I’ve done work for the likes of Vogue, GQ, The Face Magazine, Financial Times and a host of globally renowned brands and media houses. My course is aimed at people who want to earn from their creativity and get their work seen by more customers and/or clients.

Contact me via www.baingorjoiner.com/consultations to find out more.