Creative Directors oversee the production of communication materials such as advertising for television, film, and radio and publication and packaging design. They are responsible for the quality of work produced by the creative department.
Creative Directors have a strong understanding of information architecture, interactive experience, and audience interpretation. They meet with clients to determine project goals and marketing needs and translate these ideas into an appropriate communication strategy. They motivate, guide, and direct a creative team from design concept to completion of communication materials.
They are employed by graphic design studios, advertising agencies, new media and web-design studios and film, radio, and television production studios. Creative Directors also work within internal corporate design and communication departments.
Skills
The Film & Video industry creates films, TV, documentaries, music video, corporate marketing and training materials and advertisements. This sector employs technicians, artists, managers, communications, marketing, PR, and other business professionals.
Creative Direction
Cultural Management refers to the group of people who design, implement, and maintain the creative direction and strategies of an artistic group. They work in many different areas within organizations. Creative, Artistic, and Program Directors design and establish artistic direction and programming, Editors control editorial publishing style, format, and content. The skill and knowledge of a Cultural Manager is essential to the success of film and theatre production companies, radio stations, advertising agencies, and internal corporate design and communication departments.
The Public Eye
Cultural Managers hold a very important position in the public eye. They are spokespeople for their organizations, they make appearances at public and social gatherings and develop and maintain relationships with other cultural organizations. They play a pivotal role in the development of staff and volunteers, teaching, training, and inspiring others to contribute their best work to the organization. A Cultural Manager is confident, outgoing, and energetic, an enthusiastic team player, working with people of all ages, backgrounds and skill sets.
Concrete Skills
Many aspects of a Cultural Managers job require concrete skills to direct the many facets of an organization. Daily routines include administrative duties such as, planning, coordinating events, promoting, marketing, and delegating responsibility. These skills are crucial to maintaining the smooth flow and progress of productions, events, and publications.
Thinking Creatively
Beyond the administrative duties and leadership skills that are essential to a successful Cultural Manager, is the ability to think and act creatively. Cultural Managers face new challenges everyday; they must draw upon their versatility to meet the needs of a diverse network of creative individuals. They face these challenges with enthusiasm and artistic flare.
A Creative Director typically has a college diploma or university degree in a design field. A strong visual portfolio of work is required. Experience directing others in a creative field is an asset.