So you really want to be a CD?
They’ve given you raise. They’ve given you a corner office (on lower floor-remember, you’re only the Creative Director). They’ve given you new stationery and new business cards. If you’re extremely lucky, they’ve given you an administrative assistant. But have they given you the job … or just the title?
Creative Director is not just a title, it’s a job description. And everyone, not just only creative people, should know exactly what that job entails.
When you hire a contractor to build a house, you review other work he’s done, compare his prices, and discuss the plans before he starts. But when he’s on the job, you don’t start telling him how to nail the timber. Give your creative director the same proffesional courtesy.
It’s amazing how many people who speak english think that qualifies them to critique writing. Or how many people who slept through one art history class in college think that qualifies them to talk about design.
Being creative director means being in charge of the creative product. Totally in charge. If you learn how to work well with one, he or she can take your advertising to place you never imagined.
And if you are one - but now you want the job, not just the title - well here are some tips that can put you on the road to real power.
…(for more, read The Little Blue Book Of Advertising, 52 small ideas that can make a big difference, by Steve Lance and Jeff Woll)
