What is a Creative Director and What Do They Do?
If you’ve ever wondered what a Creative Director does, you’re probably not alone. This vital role within the creative hierarchy can often seem shrouded in mystery—part strategist, part visionary, Part Coach, and part translator.
Succinctly, the creative director (CD) sets the overall creative vision and strategy for projects and sees them through to completion. Think of them as an orchestra conductor: their job is to ensure all parts—whether design, copy, or visuals—harmonize to create a compelling final masterpiece. Now, the nuances of the role can differ by department or organization, but essentially creative directors:
Collaborate with marketing and sales to pitch ideas and win business
Establish the creative vision for the execution
Oversee projects from start to finish
Write creative briefs to translate creative vision into creative strategy
Manage stakeholder project expectations and relationships
Ensure creative executions align with marketing or business goals
Give final review and approval of creative
Present concepts to stakeholders and defend the creative vision
However, being a creative director is about far more than just creative excellence. It’s a role that requires sharp leadership, acute operative acumen, emotional intelligence, organization skills, and the ability to balance competing priorities and stakeholder demands. A successful CD bridges the gap between the creative team and business partners, ensuring every campaign achieves its artistic and strategic objectives.
Learn More About Creative Direction
The Art of Direction by Vincent Wanga dives deeper into what it takes to become and succeed as a creative director, offering unique actionable insights from a seasoned industry leader.