What Does a Creative Manager Do?
A creativity manager oversees creative projects from start
to finish at a company or advertising agency. They supervise a creative team
and ensure that all aspects of the development and creation processes run
smoothly.
A creative manager, also known as a creative services
manager or creative services director, is in charge of the production and
processes involved in creating a creative product. They serve as a project
manager, developing action plans and problem-solving strategies as they guide
team members toward a company's finished product. A creative manager may work
for an agency or in-house for a company; this role typically collaborates with
the creative director, who ensures that the project does not deviate from the
original creative vision.
Creative Manager vs. Creative Director
While a creative manager acts as a facilitator in initiating
and developing a creative product, the creative director's primary
responsibility is to monitor the project to ensure it adheres to brand
standards or achieves the creative vision it set out to achieve. The creative
director's job description includes overseeing and managing all aesthetic and
functional aspects of a project, ensuring that each discipline works cohesively
and smoothly from start to finish. They typically have a bachelor's degree in a
creative field (such as marketing, graphic design, or a related job field) and
at least seven to ten years of experience.
What Does a Creative Manager Do?
A creative manager has many responsibilities as they work to
bring a creative product from concept to completion. These are some examples:
Brainstorming at the start of a project: A creative manager
will serve as a project facilitator and will brainstorm and develop project
concepts. They may be in charge of brainstorming and working with other
creative departments, such as copywriters and illustrators, members of the
digital marketing team, or the art director and creative director.
Client and stakeholder meetings to discuss needs: Before
beginning a project, the creative manager may meet with clients, stakeholders,
or others at higher levels in the workspace to determine what type of product
they require.
Supervising daily tasks: A creative manager is similar to a
product manager. They must have interpersonal, communication, and multitasking
skills to ensure that team members have fulfilled their responsibilities and
that the creative project workflow runs smoothly. To keep projects on track,
they will also need to manage budgets and timelines.
Problem-solving issues during development: During the
creative process, many issues can arise, such as tight deadlines or team
members struggling to complete a task. A creative manager must have
problem-solving skills in order to deal with any issues that arise during the
creative process.
How to Become a Creative Manager
Creative managers work on a variety of projects with teams
of creative people. Consider the following tips to prepare for a part-time or
full-time job at a start-up or company where you will work with stakeholders or
clients:
1. Develop a portfolio. Potential employers will be
interested in seeing what you can do. Showcase your design skills or how you
implement an idea to demonstrate how you work. A portfolio of work samples will
highlight your skills and demonstrate what you can offer.
2. Improve your abilities. Creative managers must work with
a variety of creative teams, so make sure you are comfortable managing multiple
departments. Extend your knowledge and abilities by honing your skills in
various creative areas. Make yourself a must-have asset for any advertising
agency.
3. Get a degree. A bachelor's or master's degree in a
creative field, such as marketing, graphic design, or fine arts, is usually
required for the position of creative manager.
4. Become a member of a professional organization. You can
demonstrate your commitment to the industry by joining a professional
organization or guild. Members of these groups frequently receive valuable
resources and additional opportunities for professional development.
5. Start small. Apply for an internship, entry-level
position, or junior position at an advertising agency. This will expose you to
a variety of brands, which will help you build your reputation and experience.
It also allows you to network with members of the creative team and learn as
much as possible from your coworkers in a professional setting.