Thoughts on climbing the creative ladder (AD to CD) in the same agency vs. agency hopping? What about if your agency is “the best” ?

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Be careful what you wish for. That title comes with a great deal of responsibility, headaches, and demands that you have to really want to get involved in.

likesmarthelpful

Did you become an AD at said agency or did you arrive there as an AD, or close to becoming one? If you worked your way up to an AD at the same agency, I would leave for a CD gig somewhere else. The most important asset you have besides luck and talent, is time. Make it count and make some bold moves

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I kept trying to not be a CD - didn’t work :(

likefunny

Become a CD when you’ve done the best work of your career, and want to help someone else do theirs.

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There’s no right way.
And there are a few “best” agencies.
The nice thing about going to different shops is you learn different ways of doing things.

But right now, your concern should be taking advantage of doing the best work possible at this “best” agency you are at

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Best advice one of my mentors told me: work like you’re in the role you want for 6 months, then ask for the promotion.
Good for two reasons.
1. You’ll be ready to take on the new role’s responsibilities because you’ll already be doing them.
2. You’ll have already proved to your boss that you can handle the new role.

likehelpful

Great advice. I started as an AD. Just finished my first year and am still junior level. I plan to at least be here another year, then look at my options!

You’re going to have several steps (and years) ahead of you before you make CD. More important than jumping or staying is making great work. Go wherever that is. With great work you can unlock anything.

Hmm AD to CD after one year? What about these earning these titles first?

Senior Art Director
Associate Creative Director

Are you asking if you can go from Junior AD to CD AD after 2 years (regardless of staying put or leaving)??

Not trying to jump up early. Never said I expected that after 1 year. Just saying if I plan to one day work up to a CD position, is it best to stay for years with the same company to work up, or move around a bunch?

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