I think my creative director is disappointed with the quality of my recent work. I am, too. I’m giving 110%, but my work isn’t great, or even good.

I’m on different types of assignments than my prior experience prepared me for. In the longterm arc of my career, I know I’ll learn and grow just like I have with everything else I’ve worked on. But in the short term, what do I do, and what do I say?

likehelpful
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Do you already get constructive feedback from your CD? If so, maybe find time with them 1:1, outside of the normal project cycle, where you can talk about your work more generally in the context of their previous feedback -- the assignment was X, I submitted Y, Z would have been better, let's talk about how I can get to Z with less time or fewer cycles.

Approach it directly and like, "I want to improve in my craft, and I respect your judgment and candor."

like

If you agree that your work is subpar, then why? Are you not giving yourself enough time to do these assignments or brainstorm for them? And if you are not prepared for this type of work, that’s a conversation I’d have with your CD. Explain to them that you’re very new to this and you’d appreciate their help in learning more and getting better.

like

Take their feedback and implement it. The most you can do is adhere to their feed back and show respect by making changes.

like

There’s a concept called right seat, right person. Sometimes we bite off more than we can chew, other times the role evolves and we’re unable to evolve with it. It sounds like you have all the desire and heart you need for the job, but lacking in skill. The only way to make up the difference is to sharpen your skills. Read, online classes, find work that inspires you and adapt your style, etc... (Maybe ask your CD if s/he can recommend examples of work that inspires him/her.) If you are the right person for the job still, it’ll work out. If not, one of the most liberating things you can do is to recognize it and move to a new opportunity that is a good fit. Above all, if you trust your CD, transparency and candid conversations is key. If you don’t trust your CD, then ignore all I just said and start looking for a new job now! Good luck!!!

smart

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