Being a Creative Director: Things I Wish I Learned Earlier

It’s easy to want to be a Creative Director. It’s a whole other thing to actually be one and be good at it. It’s both fulfilling and challenging.

As a Creative Director, one of the most significant responsibilities we have is taking care of the people we work with. This aspect of the role brings immense opportunities for growth and development, both personally and professionally.

Throughout this journey, I’ve discovered some valuable lessons that I believe are worth sharing.

Be Aware of Disappointment
People will always disappoint you. Get ahead of it. Disappointment can knock you off your course. I’ve had so many moments where trust wavers or the temptation to give up on someone arises. I’ve learned the importance of reframing my mindset — otherwise I’d want to quit.

Don’t Prescribe What The Growth Will Look Like
Be open and supportive of the unique seasons that each person on your team is going through. As a leader, I set individual goals for each team member. It’s essential to communicate the vision and encourage them to strive towards it. It’s also important to pause and evaluate if they aren’t meeting the milestones you’ve envisioned. Rushing past it without considering their progress can lead to frustration and hinder their growth.

Mind Your Mind
It’s common to experience feelings of loneliness and vulnerability in this role. It’s natural to believe that everything rests solely on your shoulders. It’s easy to become exhausted. The key is having healthy disciplines. Set it up. Build a trusted circle, start a habit that brings you joy, embrace quiet time, etc. You’ll be as good as the life you live.

As always, keep making beautiful things ✨