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Might be easier for account to move into production. For creative role you need to build a book or a CD/ECD that will give you a chance on small assignments on the side in addition to you account day job. I just have a PM moving into production at my agency.
Seconding this. One of the best writers I’ve ever worked with started in reception. His company-wide emails showed us he could write; his initiative to ask to get into creative inspired us to give him a chance on two back-to-back pitches we wound up winning.
He’s now an ACD at a respectable agency.
Find someone to believe in you!
I moved into biz dev, so it's probably not as relevant to you. However I have worked with a few that moved out and now have stellar careers. One went the creative route by asking if they could pitch ideas to the creative team. The CDs were awesome and mentored him. I loved the idea because he knew the brand well, didn't let his AE work slip, and showed he was passionate about learning and doing good work. He sold his first campaign as an AE, so it was an easy shift to being a Jr creative on the team. From there, he pitched ideas for other brands. Got more assignments and grew. Now he owns his own shop.
Another former acct person asked to help out the producers. Anything she could do, she saw as a learning opportunity. She eventually was moved over to a Jr producer. Kicked much ass. Now is a head of production at a global network shop.
Another went from AE to project manager. Asked to be moved to integrated production. Was eager to learn and was the kind of person that excelled at everything. Moved her way up and is now head of an indy shop that I'd kill to work for.
The common thread is that they asked, showed drive, didn't let their main job slip, and showed that they were willing to bust their ass.
You got this!
Thank you so much!!! I love to hear these success stories :)
I did not realize you could go from account to creative!
I’m in media but self-taught and worked as a production designer for ages, wanted to get into creative for ages - the advice I’ve gotten from that side basically has been that it’s not worth it due to AI taking the jobs of juniors.
I was in your boat. Was set to become AM in 6 months but dipped to reset my career and have never looked back.
Honestly, it’s tough. Creative Directors tend to think there’s only a select few people who have an aptitude for creativity. All I had was a creative writing finsta and some brochures I’d written so I just ended up asking around for copy tests and briefs to show them the thinking I’m capable of. Then ended up getting lucky somehow.
You’ll need to get used to people not expecting much from you for a little bit until you hit your stride.
Also don’t undersell or underestimate your experience on the account side. If you know how to write a killer brief you’re already a step in the right direction.
Put a book together like everyone else
Moved from strat to creative. I left and went to portfolio school. Took a few years, and more than a few dollars, but it’s much more fulfilling to actually make stuff
You will make more money in account so consider that before you make the move
I disagree with that. Creatives tend to pull in a higher salary wherever I've worked.