How likely is it that an AD could ever work their way to an executive/cco role? What does it take? Might it be better to switch tracks from AD->CW ?

Say I wasn’t deterred by the hard work, sacrifice or the exemplary talent that’s required; I just want to make sure there’s even a pragmatic trajectory I should be working towards.

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there is absolutely nothing limiting you in that regard. just become as good at presenting as the CWs, and competent enough in copywriting to give directional feedback, and you’re good. it’s all about taste level and managing skills, and who you hire under you

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Great feedback, appreciate it!

You can be a CCO or ECD with an art direction background. Any reason why you think you couldn't?

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‘Exemplary talent’ is important of course, but think of it as entry level, what really marks people out for ECD or CCO is that they have grown a business brain. And this is something you can start doing any time. The way we’re taught and the pressure of the job tends to make creatives solely focus on our craft, our ideas and protecting the work. That’s fine when you’re in the corps, but what management are looking for is a creative leader who is great in front of clients, who can speak their language and who cares about their business (and the business of the agency). Becoming this way (few naturally are) feels very strange to most creatives - you really have to work at it. But if you want to hit those heights, I suggest you start doing it sooner rather than later. That’s the bit of being a senior creative leader that usually needs to be worked on and developed. The rest - an eye for great work, making ideas better, motivating a team will probably come naturally with experience.

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Amen to this comment. Learning business strategy and how creative feeds and compliments that is instrumental in ascending to any executive creative role.

The trajectory of a CW or an AD making their way to ECD is the same. You first need to make it to CD, which is really where you will be assessed for traits that make a good ECD or CCO. At this point in your career just worry about the work. Make the best stuff you can. Then when you’re a CD, you need to keep doing that, but also become a leader of people. Give good and clear feedback. Articulate your point of view. And manage clients expectations and taste level. If you do all of that in some sort of harmony, you will continue to climb the ladder.

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What/who is telling you that only CWs make the higher ranks of management?

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good question. I’m admittedly not the best at my craft. Pretty fucking good yeah but not so blind that I don’t recognize the other ADs at my level who’s abilities far exceed mine. I’ve managed to stand out by working faster and taking on more work whenever possible. I often compensate for my perceived lack of abilities by developing knowledge within the other disciplines. I want that edge baby.

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Love the goal setting but that’s like a JV basketball player if he can make it to the NBA...
So many jumps need to be made to even consiiider that.

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