Creative Director Discussions
Layoffs

Got fired today. All my above the line work got positive nods. My CD was overly picky about every word in my email blasts and collateral. I’m sure that’s what did it. Luckily I have a produced radio spot, another on the way, and tv spot being shot this month. Any advice?

Hello CD/ECDs. Are there any tips on how to negotiate severance pay?

As many of us navigate the challenges of negotiating during Covid layoffs, my question is what do you think is a good, fair and realistic salary for an independent agency to offer a Creative Director with 10+ years of experience in metro Detroit, considering the current economic climate?

Can someone please refer me to a Labor Lawyer in NYC? A coworker got laid off without a warning or evaluation process, just because our creative director had personal issues with her. We think she has a case. She’s a great creative and deserve justice.

Agency has seen a lot of turnover due to layoffs and departures. How much notice would you expect a group creative director to give with that context?

I’ve applied to over 40 jobs since I was laid off in March. Not one click to my portfolio, per analytics. With a family of four, we are being spread thin. Not only is the income desperately needed, but my creative soul needs a release. I would be happy to do typical Art Director work but I’m “over qualified” for that and am never taken seriously when applying for work below CD/ACD. If anyone needs or know of any company needing freelance work, large or small—I’d really appreciate the lead. 🙏

I’ve applied to over 40 jobs since I was laid off in March. Not one click to my portfolio, per analytics. With a family of four, we are being spread thin. Not only is the income desperately needed, but my creative soul needs a release. I would be happy to do typical Art Director work but I’m “over qualified” for that and am never taken seriously when applying for work below CD/ACD. If anyone needs or know of any company needing freelance work, large or small—I’d really appreciate the lead. 🙏

When your mother wants to have a condescending argument when I tell her that I’m not qualified for the “creative director” position she sent from craigslist. Then continues to say, ‘well you don’t know until you try’. When I tell her I’m not qualified, she responds, ‘okay well you’re not qualified lets move on to a other topic’. Considering I’m a recently laid off junior, and she doesn’t seem to understand the ladder of career development. 🙄🙄🙄 Save me!

My ECD was really pushing for me to get promoted to CD. Our group president wanted to see more townhall presentations by me and if I do so I can get promoted to CD in October, he promised.
Unfortunately, I will get laid off this month. What title do I give myself best on LinkedIn and my resume? Shall I go for CD? As the company will pay few more months of salary I’m thinking of keeping the company name on LinkedIn as well. Awkward to change title to CD at xxx?

Laid off yesterday. Being a foreign talent, am I still able to find a gig here Stateside? Should I stay or find a gig back home before my work visa expires? I’m just a highly awarded copywriting CD.

Massive layoffs happened on Friday, and my CD was let go. He hired me, and we had a great work relationship. Today I just feel lost and weird. He won't be replaced because there's "no budget"...

Laid off after Thanksgiving. 54. Not done yet. Plenty to offer. In Detroit but ready and able to move anywhere. AD/CD. Hangin in there. How bout you?

Art Director: *gets laid off*
Art Director on LinkedIn: *updates title to Freelance Creative Director*

....no.

Recently got laid off. After recruiters, applying online (Black Hole) & reaching out to my immediate contacts, I broke & checked out where former interns landed. One is now CD. Ok to contact re lead?

I used to freelance at a small in-house studio for a hospitality group and learned that the CD got fired. He contacted me about a new “side project" and I learned he wants me to make his portfolio.

What exactly does VP mean? Contractual obligation, reports to President? Can’t get fired?
What are pros and cons if any of a position like VP Creative Director, etc.

My CD is about to get fired because my partner and I are leaving. The reason? “He can’t keep a team for any length of time.” We’ve been there 2 years, what do they want, a lifelong commitment ?

Hey CD who just laughed at my “layoffs at the White House” post, you should give me a job. 😏

Be on the lookout for a CD who just left (was fired from) FCB Chicago. He likes to get blackout drunk and give impromptu “reviews” to people on his team. Which are really just verbal abuse. Report it.

I’ve seen a dozen CDs try to engineer a turnaround at an agency, all of them failed and got fired. Has anyone been through a successful turnaround with a new CD? Were there any observable changes?

Who's the first creative director to get fired due to to sexual harassment, post-Weinstein?

Has anyone been fired and then ended up killing it elsewhere? Kinda feel like writing a thank you note to that asshole CD who told me I️ wasn’t at the “same level” as my fellow cws

TBWA\CD, Leo, CP+B, Media Arts Lab. This week has been a layoff shitshow. Hope all those affected land on their feet soon!