How you act is just as important as what you say. It’s the different between a snake oil salesman and a brand you can believe in.

A few more tips for how to get ahead in the creative industries. Watch out for trends and learn to keep your ears and eyes open.

The hardest part of being a Creative Director is not the ‘creative’ or ‘direction’, it’s the business part. Get that right and the rest will all fall into place.

The most original creative ideas come from necessity. When you’re backed into a corner and need to find a way out. So put yourself in that spot more often.

Great ideas are answers to briefs that aren’t as obvious as 2+2=4. You need belief in creativity, backed with trust, to make sure they come to life.

Creatives always think they’re right. I know I usually do. Make sure it doesn’t blind you, often, you’ll not be 100% correct and your ideas will suffer because of it.

It’s not always easy to make sure every job is as great as it could be. Especially the little so what ones. But if you don’t they might become a pitch-sized problem.

You often have to navigate your own way in the creative industries. Hopefully these tips will help you find your path through it a little easier.

Great ideas are usually unexpected and different. Which means that they’re not the safe option. That causes trouble, make sure you deal with it the right way.

It doesn’t matter how great you think your creative idea is if the people in the street don’t. You have to create work that they connect with.

The creative industries can be a rough place to work. Creatives always care about what they’re doing, make sure you care for the people involved just as much.

Routine is the enemy of great. If you’re stuck in one you’re not going to discover unique or new ideas. Make sure to avoid getting into the rut.

‘Amends’, a word most creatives dread to hear. It doesn’t have to be that way. When they come in, think about them and try to understand what’s really needed.

Creative Directors have to say ‘no’ a lot more often than they say ‘yes’. You’ll be better at the job if you learn to say it in the right way.

Five more tips for students, grads or those new to the creative industries. From looking after your book to yourself.

The single greatest thing you need to create great ideas is time. It’s also the thing you usually have the least of. Unless you get creative.

It’s easy to get too close to the work, not noticing when you start to go off track or when little inconsistencies creep in. There’s a way to avoid that happening.

In the old days it seems like jingles made up 90% of the ads on-air. They’ve gone out of fashion but maybe it’s time that we brought them back.

Great ideas aren’t always obvious at first. And first thoughts usually aren’t great. But if you write every idea you have down you can look back later and spot things that do lead to great.

Everyone gets stuck now and again. So it’s handy to prep for those moments before they arrive, saving inspiration and interesting creative kickstarters.