Creative Directors

My agency is restructuring, and it looks like they're going to offer me a "promotion" with more responsibility but suspiciously no change in pay. How do you have that conversation about … more

Talent acquisition found me, no job listing. 5 interviews, 2 C-Suite, a prepared creative strategy deck... now being asked to travel to HQ although the job is local for me w/ existing team. 2 month pr… more

Do you typically trust your gut instinct, or heavily rely on data for big decisions?

I want to give my team more autonomy, but I'm also a perfectionist struggling to let go of control. How do you build trust to a point where you can comfortably delegate major project elements with… more

What are some good questions to ask when meeting account and strat leads when you start a new job?

Took on a pro-bono project for a local nonprofit. It's turned into the world's biggest scope creep nightmare. How do you gracefully (or not so gracefully) pull back from those situations?

After 20 years and some serious burnout I'm reconsidering my career choice. Any stories of successful career pivots after being an agency Creative/CD, where our skills are relevant ? There's g… more

Quick poll: Remote, hybrid, or fully in the office? What's your IDEAL work setup?

Discovered a promising junior designer on my team is basically copy-and-pasting from other creatives rather than generating original ideas. It's a tough conversation to have, but I feel obligated … more

My kid made me a "World's Best Creative Director" certificate out of construction paper. It's proudly on my desk now. Cheesy, but it helps on those days when everything feels like a … more

I took my first Creative Director role as an internal promotion last year. I've now been in the position for about 8 months. I'm only getting paid $88k and I know I could be making a lot more … more

I hate the term "thought leader". It feels pretentious as hell. Is there a less cringe-y way to position yourself as an expert in this field?

WTF the ladders is charging job seekers now?? Seems unduly cruel atm

AI is getting frighteningly good at creative work. This both excites and scares me. Is it time to panic about job security, or do you see this as a potential tool to elevate our work?

Interviewing for a job at Bbh Singapore. Does anyone have intel ?

I’ve only ever worked at agencies and would like to move brand-side. Beyond the obvious ones like head of creative, what titles or roles are a fit for an agency CD type? Thanks!

Would you take a pay cut for a significantly better work-life balance?

Conferences are hit or miss. Which industry events are actually WORTH the time and money for seasoned creative directors?

CDs who’ve left New York for another American city…how do you feel about the move? I’m trying to gauge how much opportunity there is in places like Seattle, LA, Austin, etc

Our creative intern (who is not my direct report but I am supposed to provide oversight and direction to) tasked me to design a small project. WTAF

After years at this company, I'm realizing I don't actually respect my boss. That's... a problem, right?

How many direct reports do you typically manage?

So when it comes to salaries for CDs in NYC, the general opinion seems to be « under $200k is too low ».
From my experience (current job and interviews) and current job listings, most CD positions are 150k-… more

I just turned down a promotion with a big raise. The higher-level responsibilities sounded miserable. Did I make a huge mistake for the sake of my sanity?

My most talented designer is a total slacker – amazing output, but terrible time management. Do I keep overlooking it, or is it time for a serious "shape up" talk?

How often do you find yourself working late nights or weekends?

I’m a couple of years into a CD role at a small agency with a tiny design team and I’m curious how it compares to other CD roles.

How much time do others get to create work? Guide creative work? Shape the process… more

Dreading an upcoming performance review. My boss is great, but I get so anxious in those formal situations. Any advice for handling this?

Got an amazing job offer, but the commute would be brutal. Do I prioritize convenience or the exciting opportunity?

I’m 3 years into the CD role. I’m considering a super talented partner that has way less experience. Got promoted less than a year ago to ACD. Great room presence, creative, organized. But sometimes l… more

Client's feedback on a project was completely tone-deaf and borderline offensive. Do I defend my team's work, or bite my tongue for the sake of keeping the contract?

Can any of you talented folks recommend a director/photographer who has a style like the Mercadantes but not as expensive? We need someone who can make it feel UGC but with specific story beats.

Remote CD here. How are we mentoring the younger creatives from far away? Any ideas beyond 1:1s?

Ok, let's drop some numbers. What did you make your first year as a Creative Director?

The most satisfying moment of my week was finally deleting that awful client's files from my computer. Anyone else have a little victory dance after wrapping up a particularly difficult project?