Promoted to Creative Director
OK, for the first time in the history of this site, I am writing about my day job twice in a row. The previous rant was a cathartic bitch session for the soul-sucking demons known as printer sales reps; this one is a bit more serious.
Long story short: after a run of several quiet years, our Creative Director resigned to follow bigger and better things. As the senior designer on staff, I have been promoted into the position. While taking on new responsibilities is enough of a challenge, there are several fun wrenches thrown into the whole process:
- One of the other long-time designers is also leaving to find out if the grass is greener on the other side.
- We’re hiring a new Director of Marketing, who will be starting at the same time I begin my stint as CD. Not only will I become a manager, but I will have a new boss as well.
- I have to hire two new designers immediately to fill the gaps. (Know anyone?)
- In addition to the four designers, two creative writers are moving under me. (The former Creative Director only managed the designers; I will be leading both design and written creative output).
This title change represents a huge shift in responsibility. No longer will I be in the trenches producing the day-to-day work. Instead, I will stand at the helm of the team, hand on the tiller, guiding, mentoring and inspiring a group of (very) talented creatives to make our company look awesome. It’s an exciting prospect.
Having worked for several different Creative Directors, and having the recent opportunity to write a paper on what makes a good CD (which built upon an earlier post), I feel I have a good handle on what’s needed to succeed in the position. Of course I will read a few obligatory management books, and start paying more attention to David C. Baker, but I feel my head is in the game and I’m ready to start directing some freakin’ creative.
As I grow into this position and slowly learn the nuances of management, I intend to share my insights on graphicPUSH. I doubt I will have anything monumentally paradigm-shifting to report, but you never know. I am, after all, living the dream of middle management. Stay tuned.
Comments.
Shane
- wrote the following on Tuesday October 24, 2006
Carolyn
- wrote the following on Tuesday October 24, 2006
Nathan Smith
- wrote the following on Tuesday October 24, 2006
hank
- wrote the following on Wednesday October 25, 2006
Kevin
- wrote the following on Thursday October 26, 2006
Nicole
- wrote the following on Tuesday October 31, 2006
