{"id":7278,"date":"2017-07-19T06:46:59","date_gmt":"2017-07-19T06:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/?p=7278"},"modified":"2025-08-22T14:04:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T12:04:29","slug":"become-creative-director","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/become-creative-director\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Become A Creative Director"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Through the rapid and holistic evolution powerhouse branding corporations coupled with the demand for data-driven consumer engagement strategies, skills like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-social-media-marketing-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">social media marketing<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-user-experience-design-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">user-experience design<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-web-design-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">web design<\/a> are now commonplace role requirements for marketing creatives and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-graphic-design-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">graphic designers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div>\n            <!-- Responsive picture tag -->\n        <picture class=\"picture-block\">\n            <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Creative-Director-01.jpg\" >\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/CreativeDirector_Mobile-01.jpg\" alt=\"\">\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<p>In 2016 an ad agency in Japan hired a robot, called AI-CD \u03b2, to be their new Creative Director.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n<div>\n            <!-- Responsive picture tag -->\n        <picture class=\"picture-block\">\n            <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/CreativeDirector_Infostat.png\" >\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/CreativeDirector_Infostat-Mobile.png\" alt=\"\">\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<p>Shortly after settling into the company the robot produced its first advert for a breath mint brand. The ad featured a shaggy dog who learnt to fly after eating the mint and gaining powerful minty-fresh breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The robot\u2019s daily duties were set to include support on client accounts and general creative direction. The robot\u2019s creative inspiration would stem from data, more specifically, through its evaluation reports from in-depth analysis of successful TV commercials from a database spanning over 10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This peculiar and widely criticised hiring decision provides a realistic and honest vision of the future workplace. The shift to use data to inform conceptual creative thinking, follows on from the use of artificial intelligence, for the automation of the manufacturing industry production lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where does this place the future career path of a Creative Director?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your ability to become more than just company human capital, will require a unique combination of the following Creative Director skills being favoured for the future:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Management of projects and products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ownership of creative brand vision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proactive support within teams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Active leadership and direction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knowledge of trends and market shifts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creative principles and standards development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overall innovation and strategic guidance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-key-responsibilities-of-nbsp-a-creative-director\"><strong>What are the key responsibilities of &nbsp;a Creative Director? <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>A Creative Director\u2019s daily demands will be influenced by the specific industry and role they work in. Some Creative Directors prefer to straddle both a managerial role and creative conceptual role, whilst others favour a finer focus on either big idea generation or creative team leadership. But in most cases, the following three key areas of responsibility can be expected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>\n<h5><strong>Art direction and graphic design<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li>Guide all creative projects and champion responsibility for the overall quality of work produced by the creative department<\/li>\n<li>Lead and direct the creative team in the production of all marketing collateral<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Want these skills?<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n<h5><strong>Brand management&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li>Translate marketing objectives into clear creative strategies by creating campaign concepts and directing it to completion<\/li>\n<li>Ensure all visual communication and brand standards are always maintained<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-brand-management-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Want these skills<\/a>?<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n<h5><strong>Training and development&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li>Cultivate the career development of staff members, including designers, art directors, copywriters, photographers and web developers<\/li>\n<li>Challenge traditional methods of training and development by championing the most relevant and up-to-date techniques<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-training-and-development-management-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Want these skills<\/a>?<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The expectations given to Creative Directors will vary depending on the priorities of the brand or business. In order to maintain an in-demand contribution to any bottom-line, you should be able to achieve the following overall creative direction requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Five Questions every Creative Director should be able to answer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are you able to bring talented individuals together to work towards a common creative goal?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are you able to create clarity within a cluster of creative visionaries?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are you able to convince others to believe in your innovations and ideas?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are you able to transform a strategic concept into a campaign that champions support to an overall marketing plan?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are you be able to connect with consumers on an emotional, educational and inspirational level?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-career-path-of-a-creative-director\"><strong>What is the career path of a Creative Director? <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>This career path develops as you begin work on small campaigns and a variety of brands in a junior creative role. &nbsp;You\u2019ll begin to earn your reputation and experience and progress from middleweight to senior and onward to executive before becoming a Creative Director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ian Liddicoat, global head of data technology and analytics at media agency Zenith, predicts that AI technology will soon permeate all aspects of the customer journey, changing the way marketers do their jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The daily tasks of a Creative Director will transform to keep up with the fast-paced adoption of technology which influences all consumer engagements. It\u2019s important to predict what potential space and skills the future Creative Director will own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Related content: <strong>Why Learn Web Design?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/why-learn-web-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/CreativeDirector_PinkButton.png\" alt=\"CreativeDirector_PinkButton\" class=\"wp-image-7285\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>The adoption of artificial intelligence in the workplace will encourage the scrutinisation of large quantities of data relating to trends and market changes. The speed of creative optimisation will catapult all project performances to a far more dynamic and decisive space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A report by ManpowerGroup states that \u201ccreativity, emotional intelligence and cognitive flexibility are skills that will tap human potential and allow people to augment robots, rather than be replaced by them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div>\n            <!-- Responsive picture tag -->\n        <picture class=\"picture-block\">\n            <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/CreativeDirector_Quote-1.png\" >\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/CreativeDirector_Infostat-Mobile_InfoQuote_Mobile.png\" alt=\"\">\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<p>Automation will remove mundane processes like choosing which time of day or location to run an advertisement. &nbsp;The role of a human creative director will then shift to focus on using this information influx with the brand\u2019s identity to successfully lead high performance multi-skilled creative teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ever-shifting consumer markets will demand Creative Directors to hold strong user experience (UX) design knowledge that is both cross-platform compatible and unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Related content: <strong>From Magic Markers to Macs: One Creative Director&#8217;s Story of Embracing Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/graphic-design-lifelong-learning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"146\" height=\"43\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Social_Media_Specialist_Button.png\" alt=\"Creative_Director_Button\" class=\"wp-image-11464\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to adopt holistic campaign management skills that encompass both creative foresight and memorable messaging. To combat consumer fatigue and failed brand resonance you\u2019ll need to know how to apply innovative creative solutions that will take advantage of integrated communication systems to add engaging value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-potential-salary-for-a-creative-director\"><strong>What is the potential salary for a Creative Director? <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Your salary will be influenced by both the industry and competitive brand your role is linked to. Your earning potential will be promoted by the experience and skills you gain as you progress from entry-level positions into the role of a Creative Director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The skills you\u2019ll need to advance and increase your earning potential?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Project Management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Team Leadership<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Copywriting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Illustration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-click-on-a-country-to-see-what-you-can-expect-to-get-paid-as-a-creative-director-nbsp-in-either-south-africa-the-united-kingdom-or-the-united-states-of-america\"><strong>Click on a country<\/strong> to see what you can expect to get paid as a Creative Director&nbsp;in either South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"show-for-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/graphics.getsmarter.com\/Blog+Post\/Interactive+Graphs\/Creative+Director\/Creative+Director+Line+Graph.html\" width=\"970\" height=\"580\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"show-for-small-only\">\n<ul class=\"accordion\" data-accordion=\"\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion-item is-active\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a class=\"accordion-title\" href=\"#\">RSA<\/a>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content=\"\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Entry-Level<\/td>\n<td><strong>R305,209<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mid-Career<\/td>\n<td><strong>R474,574<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>15 Years Experience<\/td>\n<td><strong>R589,581<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a class=\"accordion-title\" href=\"#\">UK<\/a>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content=\"\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Entry-Level<\/td>\n<td><strong>\u00a335,384<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mid-Career<\/td>\n<td><strong>\u00a344,764 <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>15 Years Experience<\/td>\n<td><strong> \u00a360,000<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a class=\"accordion-title\" href=\"#\">USA<\/a>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content=\"\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Entry-Level<\/td>\n<td><strong>$55,371<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mid-Career<\/td>\n<td><strong>$78,000<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>15 Years Experience<\/td>\n<td><strong>$102,174<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-education-and-training-requirements-for-nbsp-a-creative-director\"><strong>What are the education and training requirements for &nbsp;a Creative Director? <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Creative Direction is not an entry-level job, and those looking to enter the field should understand that with the scope of the work a Creative Director navigates, it is almost always a requirement that you have tertiary education in a related field partnered with significant industry experience and a collection of core hard and soft skills before you work your way up to the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Three steps you\u2019ll need to take to become a Creative Director<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1: Earn a Bachelor&#8217;s Degree<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Becoming a Creative Director will generate both financial and emotional reward if you take time to build your career path in relation to your current skills and future goals. A strong starting point will be to study a major within an industry that you are truly passionate about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common courses and majors to study to become a Creative Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Graphic Design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marketing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advertising<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Media<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Music<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Film<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public Relations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integrated marketing communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2: Build a portfolio and strong reputation <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important in the creative industry to craft a strong visual track record to showcase the body of work you have built through your experience. Portfolios are often used for admission to master\u2019s programs later in your career and will be requested to partner with your CV whenever you interview at a company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll be able to set your unique style and highlight the work you have completed through projects, coursework, freelancing and other work you do further on in your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A portfolio is not limited to artistic or graphic design specific work and can also be used to present web design, creative briefs, packaging, marketing campaigns, editorials and advertisements to inform the scope of your creative business background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your reputation as an influential and trend-focused creative talent should, however, not be limited to a digital and hard-copy portfolio reserved for job interviews. You should aim to build on your career path both publicly and regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many Creative Directors are now being hired based on the strong following they have created on various Social Media platforms. An engaging Instagram account or thought-leading LinkedIn profile will help identify your ability to create, engage and manage creative content on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 3: Adopt a lifelong approach to updating your skills and experience <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experience is a key prerequisite for a creative director position. It is important for you to spend at least 5-7 years developing your arsenal of design, marketing and advertising skills before stepping up to a Creative Director role. This can be achieved by building a comprehensive creative background with a variety of work experience, industry exposure and skills development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soft Skills you\u2019ll need to acquire to prove yourself in the creative industry:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The ability to focus on both the big picture strategy and how you\u2019ll effortless execution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong leadership and decision-making skills that reward responsibility in teamwork<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A strong understanding of industry trends and innovative forward thinking mindset<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear communication skills that create a strong delegation and problem-solving ability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Hard skills you\u2019ll need to gain to become an influential Creative Director:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-copywriting-for-digital-marketing-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Copywriting<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-digital-photography-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Digital photography<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-digital-marketing-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Digital marketing<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Web design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>User experience design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brand management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-copy-editing-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Copy-editing<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creative writing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-search-engine-optimisation-seo-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Search engine optimisation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-public-relations-pr-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Public relations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graphic design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social media<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As you advance towards becoming a creative director you\u2019ll have the opportunity to determine the exact area in marketing where you are most suited and pursue upskilling and specialisation from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Related content: <strong>Why Adobe Illustrator Is The Best Graphic Design Tool<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/graphic-design-tool-adobe-illustrator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"189\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/CreativeDirector_PinkButton2.png\" alt=\"CreativeDirector_PinkButton2\" class=\"wp-image-7286\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Armed with your bachelor\u2019s degree, a strong influential portfolio and experienced skillset your next step to could be to gain a master&#8217;s degree in one of the following programs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Graphic design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industrial design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fashion design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multimedia design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Product design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marketing communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Market research analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Master of Business Administration (MBA)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-which-skills-do-you-need-next-nbsp\"><b>Which skills do you need next<\/b><b>? &nbsp;<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Download a course prospectus to find out how one of these online short courses can help you become a Creative Director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-brand-management-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_Brand-Management-1-300x296.png\" alt=\"Buttons_Brand Management\" class=\"wp-image-7294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_Brand-Management-1-300x296.png 300w, https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_Brand-Management-1-768x757.png 768w, https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_Brand-Management-1-1024x1009.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_Brand-Management-1.png 1460w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-marketing-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_Marketing-1-300x296.png\" alt=\"Buttons_Marketing\" class=\"wp-image-7297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_Marketing-1-300x296.png 300w, https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_Marketing-1-768x757.png 768w, https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_Marketing-1-1024x1010.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_Marketing-1.png 1459w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-user-experience-design-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_UX-Design-1-300x296.png\" alt=\"Buttons_UX Design\" class=\"wp-image-7298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_UX-Design-1-300x296.png 300w, https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_UX-Design-1-768x757.png 768w, https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_UX-Design-1-1024x1010.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Buttons_UX-Design-1.png 1459w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-digital-marketing-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Social_Media_Specialist_Digital_Marketing-300x296.png\" alt=\"Social_Media_Specialist_Digital_Marketing\" class=\"wp-image-10916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Social_Media_Specialist_Digital_Marketing-300x296.png 300w, https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Social_Media_Specialist_Digital_Marketing.png 351w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/uct-web-design-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Social_Media_Specialist_Web_Design-300x296.png\" alt=\"Social_Media_Specialist_Web_Design\" class=\"wp-image-10927\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Social_Media_Specialist_Web_Design-300x296.png 300w, https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Social_Media_Specialist_Web_Design.png 351w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nbsp\">&nbsp;<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><sup>1<\/sup> <a href=\"http:\/\/adage.com\/article\/digitalnext\/creative-director-role-exist-10-years\/305623\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AdAge<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find out what skills and experience you need to become a Creative Director.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":17555,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[122,127],"article-format":[],"class_list":["post-7278","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-advice","tag-business-management","tag-career-advice"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.2 (Yoast SEO v26.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How To Become A Creative Director - Career Advice<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out what skills and experience you should focus on acquiring to build your career towards becoming a Creative Director.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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