Creative Director Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What exactly does a creative director do? Im hoping to be a creative director of a video game developing company. What exactly do they do? Do they ACTUALLY sit on their ass all day and think creativley about the game the company is currently making? How much money do they make? What classes should i be taking in high school and college?

Answer: A creative director is usually a game designer responsible for the design, vision and direction of the product. Usually they manage a team of programmers and graphic designers but depending on the size of the team they may also be involved in the programming and/or graphics development. Last time I checked, the game design was very competitive (meaning there a lot people who want the job) and so unless you were very good the pay was not as good as you could get in other field You want to take classes that require or develop creativity. You want develop skills in storying telling, graphics design, simulations, math, software/system design and programming (you don't need to be good in all these but you need to know what involved)

Question: How many things can I do as a career as a creative director ? I'm a very very very creative person. And I noticed that directors of any sort have boundless creativity. So what type of employer would want to hire to be a creative director ?? And for what field of work ???

Answer: The key role in the advertising and design business is the creative director. I'm an art director who reports to one. Yes, it takes ultimate creativity, but it's a lot more than that Learning to apply it and to guide others are essential. It's a long climb up to the position.

Question: What should I major In To Become a Creative Director in the Music Industry? I Want to be a Creative Director for an artist, but I dont know what I could major in or what steps I should take. Any suggestions?

Answer: You definitely can't learn how to be creative in school. Your best bet would be to educate yourself on the proper procedures of a Creative Director in the music specific field. From there, start with local bands. Your goal would be to understand the artists vision and coach them into that.

Question: How can I become a creative director? I have been doing design since 2000. However, I do not have many years at once place. I do have the talent, at least I believe I do. I am wondering what it takes to become a creative director? I very much want to move forward in my visual arts career.

Answer: Lets discuss the obvious first, just seek companies that are in need of a creative director. Now, lets move in to the meat of it all... You have about 9 years experience. Don't worry about jumping around in your first few years. First, it's how the industry works; designers do jump from gig to gig at first. It's good as you gain experience in different areas as each job may require a different style of design, etc. I have worked as a creative director for both ad agencies and on the client side. What you need is knowledge in art and how it all comes together. You are to "go to " person as your team (art director, designers, photographer, etc.) will look to you to call the shots on many projects. So, experience and exposure to a multitude of different things in art, video, photography will help. Understanding design principles, color, form, function, and how it all goes together is key to being successful. Again, it just takes experience and continued exposure (learning). You will also need to be able to be a leader and make decisions and be able to back your decision. I don't know if you are too young to remember, but back in the 90's the Creative Director for Benneton Clothing was fired over his decision to use inmates to sport the clothing line in international advertising. Probably not a good decision, but the point was that he took the responsibility for his creative direction and resigned. I know it's more info than you probably wanted, but my point is that you can achieve being a Creative Direct, you just need to start looking for job opportunities, stay on top of your design, keep learning, and be a leader. Finally, you may also come across the title, Creative Services Manager. It's basically the same thing, but typically on the client side; it's a position in a company rather than an ad or marketing agency. Good Luck!

Question: How can i become "Creative Director"? Im in japan right now and gonna finish my high school in 2009. I want to be a creative director(advertisement) in future and for that im planning to take admission in foreign university. But i dont know much about the creative director. Which course should i choose in university? Which steps are included to become creative director? Plz give me the brief information about it.

Answer: Hi, As a Graphic Designer working for Leo Burnett I can answer your question pretty thoroughly i think, so here goes. Creative Directors are the TOP of the advertising career line for the creative department. Below them are Art directors, Copywriters, Graphic Designers, Desktop Publishers, and other studio personnel like Finalizers. To become a Creative Director in a good, multinational agency you'll need about 7-10 years creative experience in similar agencies. You should be able to design and work with all the appropriate software, not just come up with campaign concepts and design briefs. Software you need to know include: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver (or other webdesign equivalent), Finalcut Pro, After Effects, Premiere Pro, 3d Studio Max and others (these are the ones i know, you need to be a pro in at least the first 4 i mentioned). Needless to say you need to have good advertising ideas that not only meet client objectives but are also visually appealing. In advertising we have 2 metrics for success...advertising awards from our industry peers, and client approval of our work. As a creative director you will have to manage campaigns to achieve both, which is NEVER easy. Hope that helps. To get started in the industry you will have to start at the bottom, but sometimes you can join higher based on your experience and portfolio of design work. Best of luck to you! Cheers Mike

Question: I am going to run for creative director at my school? Ok so I want to run for something at school I want to run for creative director- first what does a creative director do exactly and what would be good things to help me win? Please help me!

Answer: I'm surprised a school would do this outside of student directed one-acts. This title generally means that you would choose the shows, cast them, direct them, and make all final decisions regarding every aspect of the shows. This is an immense responsibility and is very time consuming.

Question: What does it take to be a creative director? I'm at ground zero here, and am wondering what does it take to be a creative director. What courses to take, where would be an idea place to study. I understand that it also takes a certain kind of person to make it to that level and would like to know the skills to do so. Thanks

Answer: The title says it all CREATIVE...BE CREATIVE, look at what the zoo goals are..look at where they've been be creative and draw a map. Its called projections, you monitor the projections weekly or monthly, but work your plan daily. If it seems to be going off track do your assessments and re map the track if need be.

Question: what high school and college classes should i take to be a creative director? i want to be the founder and creative director of a fashion empire....just like kimora lee simmons.help me on what i need please.im just 14 years old.

Answer: if your highschool has any classes like fashion or even interior design, take those. you can go ahead and search colleges and fashion schools to see what the prerequisites are. in college, you can talk to your advisor and they will help you choose the right classes. i would also get a business degree; you'll need it to be a creative director, and it will also be there in case your plans fall through (which i dont hope that happens!) you've got a long way ahead of you, but good luck!

Question: Where can I find a Toni and Guy Tech Creative Director V near Dallas, Texas? I'm trying to look my best because I have a lot of events coming up, and I need my hair dyed again because the roots have grown in too much. I called the Toni and Guy at Northpark mall, and they said that the highest creative director they had was a II. I've had bad experiences getting my hair dyed at salons because it never comes out the way I want it, so I need the most professional and experienced person I can find. Please help me!

Answer: Check out http://ztechworld.com for more information on this topic.

Question: Write a CV for the given job Creative director qualities can apply? Pakistan Horticulture Authority is looking for a qualified, self motivated and talented professional for the job of “Creative director�. Pakistan Horticulture Authority offers competitive and bright career opportunities under creative working environment with attractive salary package. Those who possess these qualities can apply. Write a CV for the given job advertisement

Answer: Hi, Alot of people see creative as being 'arty' or being able to do something 'creative'. Quite often in employment situations, being creative means being able to think on your feet and make the most out of what resources you have. Being creative to me is also a way of expressing myself, whether it be using colours (company/corporate) or themes etc.

Question: Jay Manuel (From ANTM) is a creative director isn't he ? I've been taking great interest in a career as a creative director lately, and I figured i could learn many things by simply watching Jay Manuel at work.

Answer: He is indeed. Best of luck on your chosen career. =]

Question: What does a Creative Director do? OK so there is a school magazine that my school had that started in 1972 and ended in 1999, but now they're bringing it back and one of my friends has already been appointed editor and my teacher said that i could make a good Creative Director. But....What does a Creative Director do?

Answer: I would like to know the answer too

Question: Fashion photographer of Creative Director? I need to know exactly what the two do. At first I wanted to be a fashion photographer, but then I read a resolved question about the difference between fashion photographers and creative directors, and I am confused, because the lines seem very blurred. So if I were a photographer on the set of say, a Vogue fashion shoot, would I only have control over the poses of the model, or the lighting, set, clothihng - please help and be very specific.

Answer: If you were shooting for Vogue, they would be hiring you for your "style" ... the Creative Director is just insurance to make sure you get what the client wants ... In the middle of a shoot, the shoot can take on their own personality and if an adult is not there to make sure you complete the "punch list" you can finish the shoot missing a couple of the shots originally requested. The Creative Director is the person the photographer meets with prior to the shoot to discuss the lighting, set, models, clothing and other details well before the actual shoot. If there are any personality issues with any of the models, this is where you find out about it and get some guidance on how to avoid conflicts The younger and less experience the CD is, the more control they will try to impose on you. I just shoot the shot list and pretty much ignore those CD's ... However! If you get a really experienced director you can always learn from them.

Question: What's the difference between Art Director and Creative Director? On the Designer field. (preferably graphic)

Answer: An art director directs the art in a project but he might not have total creative control over said project. Creative director controls the entire creative direction of the project. This include copy, art and film photos etc.

Question: How do you become a Creative director? I read somewhere that you have to become a copywriter first and work your way up, is this true?

Answer: I am not a Creative Director, nor do I work with any at the moment or in years past. However, from what I read in publications and articles is that creative directors are not born or made, but most creative directors are "named." One day you are a designer, an art director or a copywriter and the next day you may be a CD. Four key attributes shared by great creative directors are accountability, responsibility, creativity, and leadership since it is a position that mixes upper-management skills and creativity. I know that my answer is pretty basic, but if you have any questions I will be more than happy to try and find answers for you. Otherwise, I may alter break down ways you can be resposible, creative, accoutnable, and a leader in your role as Creative Director.

Question: Tips for creative director interview? I have a phone interview for a creative director position in the morning. Any tips? Or questions they will probably ask me? Thanks!

Answer: Questions you may be asked: 1. Your strengths and weaknesses. 2. Name a time when you were faced with a difficult situation and how you handled it. 3. Name some things you've accomplished - such as ideas you've come up with and the outcome as far as the end result they've had in the workplace. In other words, what's your most noteable accomplishment. 4. What's your ideal work environment? 5. How do you handle mistakes? One more thing...remember to SMILE. They can hear that on the other end of the phone. And, if you feel your confidence waning, Stand Up while you're talking. It helps!...and, remember...keep smiling! Hope this helps get you started. Good luck on your interview!