I’ve had some really good creative directors and I’ve had some utter shockers.
As usual I’ll name no names.
However, they’ve all been good for something. Teaching me how to be a CD myself.
Obviously the good ones have said things to me that’ve been incredibly helpful. Ways of approaching jobs or resolving problems, little tips or pieces of advice.
Those sort of things that we all pick up over the years, adding to our own experience and problem-solving armoury.
Now onto the bad ones… I’ve learnt just as much from them.
By saying ‘If I’m ever a CD I’m not going to do that’.
I hated not being given the reasons behind decisions, so I always give mine.
I detested egos always having to know better, so I work openly and discuss.
I loathed the stinking old school attitude of creatives vs suits vs clients, so we all work together as closely as possible.
I raged about the loose approach some have to yearly reviews, so made sure I gave them proper rigour.
Every CD has a different style and their own quirks.
If it’s a role you want in the future, prepare by looking and listening, ignoring or learning from all the ones you’ve served under.
Cherry pick the best bits and do the opposite of the bad.
I’ve always told anyone I’ve CD-ed to do the same with me. Use the things they like in the future and change up the stuff they hate*.
*please don’t start listing out my bad points in the comments.
