What skills do creative directors need?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

Creative directors need an assortment of skills related to their craft and also in leadership. To become a creative designer takes at least 7 to 10 years of work experience. During this time, a prospective creative director hones their skill set and builds their work portfolio.

Four key skills needed for any creative director are:

Masters of their craft: Creative directors need to have mastered the skill sets to lead others.
An eye for the big picture: Creative directors need to think several steps ahead to envision their goal and know how to attain it. They're up to date on industry trends and market shifts.
Strong verbal communication skills: Creative direction is about more than visual communication; it's also about communicating with others about their creative work. A creative director should hone their interpersonal skills in order to facilitate a comfortable and open working environment.
Leadership capacity: In design, leadership and time management skills are key to successfully directing creative people towards a unified goal. Creative directors are proactive, innovative, and can think steps ahead. The best creative directors listen to people, interpret their behavior, then help them progress in their creative careers.