I’m a copywriter but I really like art directing. Like, more than copywriting. I’ve gotten to do it a lot lately — pulling double duty at my small agency because we’re so understaffed (layoffs). Would I be insane to ask my boss to change my title to something more vague, like “creative” ? Thinking about my job prospects in the future. Thanks!

If it’s just for linkedin/your book/resume, I think you can call yourself whatever you want as long as you’re not inflating your title tbh.

But also, can’t hurt to ask for whatever you want at work. I doubt they’d care. Hell, you could even ask to become a full blown legit art director if u want!

If you like art direction, go get yourself some real training. Typography. Color theory. Composition. Motion. Image generation. Retouching. Design systems.

If you’re really REALLY into, then call yourself an art director. Seems like you might have luck in changing your title fully at the agency you’re currently working for. Then it’s off to the races.

“Creative” is what people call themselves when they aren’t masters of either art or copy. Undecided majors if you will. As you climb the rungs, you’ll need to be strong at one and competent at the other. But pick a lane now while it’s early.

There is plenty of poop that comes with being an art director, so make sure you’re ready before you commit.

Yeah job title is made up you can change it right now

Ok, as someone who has worked as AD and writer, here’s my take:

I double majored in design and journalism. I started working as an AD. Things happened throughout my career that threw me into situations where I found myself in a writer role. sometimes by choice and sometimes by accident.
I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years and probably half of that has been freelance and the other half has been Full Time. 95% of my freelance work has been as a writer. 70% of my full time work has been as an AD.
I’m equally able to do both. Always have been. I enjoy both equally.
But I will tell you this: Being able to do both things well, is a double edged sword and you need to be careful how you wield it so you don’t end up stabbing yourself. Especially earlier in your career.
The first thing you have to decide is which way do you want to go? Do you want to switch to art direction and never look back? Do you want to be able to do both because you’re really good at both AND because you enjoy them? Both disciplines and jobs have their shitty and boring parts. You should familiarize yourself with those and make sure you’re ok them.
Ask yourself these questions and answer honestly. Do you enjoy Art Direction way more than writing? Do you even like writing? Are you naturally talented at the visual aspect? How good are you, not just visually, but with the software? Not compared to the shittiest AD, but compared to the best AD (at your level) in your agency. How fast are you? How willing to stay working later than your writing partner are you? How willing will you be able to stay in your lane and let the writer write without getting in the way (unless your partner appreciates the help) even if you think you can do a better job?

Only you can answer those questions. If Art Direction is where your heart and your true calling is, by all means make the switch. You’re going to make a great CD someday if you’re good at both.

Since I have worked as both and switch from one to the other depending on job and assignment, I can tell you that I have had to learn a few things. First of all, I usually sell myself as one OR the other. Not as both. Especially during interviews and when speaking to recruiters. Once in a while I get a vibe where I think I can be frank. But most times, if you mention being able to do both, you’ll raise eyebrows and people will think you’re just mediocre at both or that you’re confused. Especially recruiters. They have to try to outdo you in a box and try to sell you to their clients. This makes it harder for them and it ends up working as a liability more than an asset no matter how talented and able you are.
The other tricky aspect is your creative partner. I have had to deal with very different attitudes towards being ambidextrous, and have had to accommodate to make working relationships work. Some partners have been very glad to have someone else to pitch in and help with whatever needs to get done. Sometimes the workload is lopsided and the flexibility makes for better efficiency and productivity and better results. But there are others who are very territorial with their discipline and will feel threatened. Especially if your work starts getting picked over theirs. This can cause a real awkward and tense relationship. So you need to be respectful and flexible and go with whatever your partner is comfortable with. If you become an AD and your writer partner feels uncomfortable with you writing, then don’t do it. Let them own that part of the creative. And if you stay as a writer, check how the AD feels about you pitching in on the visuals and having a different vision than them. They may not love it. So, same thing, go into it with respect for your partner’s craft. Even if you think you’re better than them

Your title doesn’t matter so I wouldn’t stress about labeling yourself. Once you hit ACD/CD you should be savvy enough to do/direct both anyways. Just keep doing what you’re doing. :)

It’s a tricky situation. At higher levels—like ACD or CD—you can absolutely lean into either copywriting or art direction, and in some cases, be strong in both. Motion can fit in there too. But below that level, you have to be careful. These disciplines are quite different, and it’s rare to find someone who truly enjoys and excels at both, especially on the design side.
Ask yourself: are you an artist at heart? Have you loved design since you were a kid? Sure, you can do both, but in the long run, you’ll likely struggle to reach a world-class level in branding if it’s not something that comes naturally to you.

Yes, there are exceptions—but generally, designers have an innate visual ability, while other crafts tend to be more learned skills.

How about something vague like "ACD?"

Just wait until you’re ACD/CD and then be both without asking for permission. Seems like an issue that’ll resolve itself.

FWIW, I get staffed on projects as a writer, too. Title be damned

There are way more jobs for art directors and designers. Learn all the programs. And switch your title to Senior Creative.

Don’t worry about changing your title yet. Keep pulling double duty and you’ll get noticed for pulling double duty. When you have mire success under your belt, then broach the subject. Good luck.

Hey ACD 1. Break up your paragraphs more you have too many great ideas. Buried.