Updated June 05, 2023
A creative director, also known as a design director, manages the creative department in marketing teams and advertising agencies. They are responsible for the quality and timeliness of all work produced by the creative team. A creative team can include artists, copywriters, graphic designers, photographers, web developers, and other creative professionals. A creative director needs a combination of hard and soft skills and generally reports to the Chief Marketing Officer or equivalent.
Salary (Median Pay)
For creative directors:
- Salary: $97,270/yr
- Hourly Rate: $46.77/hr
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Duties and Responsibilities
- Apply company marketing objectives to creative strategies;
- Be clients’ main point of contact;
- Create client-specific marketing plans as appropriate;
- Develop ideas for advertising campaigns;
- Establish and maintain procedures for preserving brand authenticity;
- Hire and train creative staff;
- Keep up to date with the latest marketing trends and data;
- Lead brainstorming and creative meetings;
- Manage creative projects from start to finish;
- Monitor brand campaigns;
- Create and monitor project schedules, deadlines, and budgets;
- Obtain new clientele;
- Oversee construction of client proposals;
- Shape brand standards and ensure they are always honored; and
- Supervise and manage the entire creative team on a daily basis.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in art, communications, graphic design, journalism, marketing, or another related field;
- Ability to consistently meet deadlines;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Expert understanding of brand development;
- Expert understanding of copy, design, and web practices;
- Familiarity with common creative tools;
- Five (5) to eight (8) years of relevant work experience;
- Multi-tasker;
- Practiced and proven leadership skills;
- Problem-solving skills;
- Professional interpersonal skills;
- Strategic thinker; and an
- Understanding of industry trends.