20 Tips for Landing a Creative Director Job
As explained at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, creative directors are found in many industries. They serve as the head of creative departments at film studios, magazines, marketing and advertising agencies, nonprofits, and private companies. The job of a creative director is to develop and oversee creative projects from concept to execution. If you are interested in getting into this industry, here are 20 tips for landing a creative director job.
Get the requisite education
To learn how to become a creative director in any field, you usually need to start by getting a bachelor’s degree in a specific creative field like art, marketing, graphic design, photography, or fashion as articulated at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. If you want to become a creative director, this is usually the first step in your journey.
Consider a master’s degree
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, some creative directors also choose to earn a master’s degree with a focus on fine arts or business administration. While a master’s degree isn’t required, it could give you a competitive advantage over other candidates.
Get professional experience
As per RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, in creative fields, experience outweighs education, which is why you will need to gain in-field experience. You need to gain anywhere between five to 10 years of experience before becoming a creative director and may start as a graphic designer, photographer, or artist to gain creative experience. Start by applying for an internship, fellowship, entry-level job, or junior role.
Don’t obsesses over following a specific formula
While the route described in the previous point is the typical progression, don’t obsess over following a specific formula. Often, indirect career paths make for diverse and valuable experiences, so don’t worry if yours doesn’t match anyone else’s.
Create a portfolio
While other professions require a resume, a creative director portfolio is more important in this creative field. All potential employers will want to see your creative director portfolio, which will highlight your talents and past work.
Hone your skills and gain expertise
The best creative directors constantly pursue opportunities that allow them to expand their knowledge, stretch their skills, and spot nuggets of inspiration everywhere as articulated at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. This is something you should continuously do if you want to be an attractive candidate in the job market.
Network
Creatives need to forge meaningful connections with other creatives. Networking gives you the chance to gain inspiration and learn new techniques from experienced professionals, and potentially hear about or land new opportunities.
In-person and online networking
As already mentioned, networking is important if you are looking for employment as a creative director. As captured at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, connecting on social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn is a friendly, low-pressure networking method, but in-person events like conferences, workshops, and art fairs can pave the way to valuable connections too.
Professional organizations
There are also professional organizations for every creative field, offering resources, events, and award competitions. While creative directors aren’t required to join a professional organization, becoming a member can provide access to valuable networking opportunities.
Know how to craft a portfolio
If you are looking to become a creative director, you will need to put together a creative director portfolio as already mentioned. When crafting your portfolio, be sure to include published work samples like photography, design, and videography, as well as case studies that show the results of your creative endeavors, like increased brand awareness or client testimonials.
Know where to find jobs
There are plenty of job boards out there designed just for creatives as covered at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. They include Dribble, Working Not Working, We Work Remotely, and AIGA Design Jobs.
Get recommended or promoted
While there are plenty of job boards for creatives as mentioned in the previous point, you need to keep in mind that creative directors and art directors are typically executive-level roles, which means many land creative director jobs by being promoted from within or hearing about opportunities through their networks.
Get headhunted
Another path to landing a creative director job is building your value so high in the industry that you are pursued by prospective employers as described at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. This route is, however, only available to the top talent in the industry and you will have to build your value and name in the community for this to happen to you.
You can break the mold
Even though most producers and directors have a bachelor’s degree, you can become a creative director without a degree. To become a creative director without a degree, you will need to have ample work experience in your chosen field. And most importantly, a creative vision that is so good, that it can’t be ignored.
Look for mentors
Look for the top people in your field that share your role. Make a list and follow them on social networks, and put their blogs in your RSS feed reader. Look for them in professional Q&A sites like Quora and the Stack Exchange network. This will not only help you get better as a creative, but also open you up to any job opportunities that may be out there.
Study the business side of creativity
Employers are looking for more than just creatives when they hire a creative director as discussed at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. They want someone who can also understand the business side of creativity as this means the creative director will be able to understand things from the client’s perspective.
Work on your writing skills
Great creative is all about telling stories. The written word is one of the oldest forms of self-expression and there isn’t an app or Photoshop effect that will ever replace it. Therefore, as a creative director, you need to work on your writing skills to improve your chances of getting employed.
Build an online presence
One of the most important things you can do when looking to land a creative director job is to build a presence for yourself online as outlined at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. A website that showcases your work, a blog where you write about creative topics and industry trends, and a portfolio site that allows potential employers to view your past projects are all essential tools for building credibility as a creative professional.
Freelance projects
Taking on freelancing projects will help you build up your experience in areas where you are weak or unfamiliar with technology or processes. This will also help you build up your portfolio and make you a more attractive prospect to employers.
Show that you are eager to learn from others
You must show that you are eager to learn from others. This means being open to criticism and willing to take on new challenges. It also means being a team player and a good listener, as well as being able to take initiative and be willing to learn from others.
As always, if you are looking for more tips as well as more from this topic and much more, then look no further than RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.