The kick in the ass that you needed.
Aaron Cathey from The Writes turned me on today to Makin’ Ads, a blog that I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know before. While checking this site out, I ran across a post that I feel compelled to include verbatim.
Before I do, some context is in order.
Somehow I’ve been blessed with the fact that some people think that I know what the hell I’m talking about most of the time or they perceive me as being “talented.” In my mind, it all comes down to the hard work I’ve put in over the years.
Regardless, a lot of younger creatives seek me out for career advice. I’ve taken a lot of lunches with people (one just this week, in fact) where I try to help guide their aspirations in the direction they want them to go.
I love helping people in this way because:
- It feels good to help people and give them meaningful advice
- I do it because I really wished that I had someone to guide me and offer advice and encouragement when I was starting out
- Hey, free lunch or beer!
No matter the advice I’ve given (or will give in the future), the following post is a succinct postlude that backs up anything that I could ever say. Without further ado:
Creative directors vs. Creative engines
Don’t confuse being the creative director of an agency with being the creative engine of an agency. Sometimes, they’re one and the same. But not always.
I’ve worked at agencies where the creative director, however well-respected, was not the creative engine. Those who came up with the best work, the killer lines and fresh layouts were not always the ECD, the CCO, or even the CD. They were the people who loved their jobs and worked like crazy to make sure their ideas were as good as they could be. They never settled.
It may take you a few years to be a creative director. But you can be an agency’s creative engine whenever you decide to be.