How Do I Become an Associate Creative Director?

An associate creative director is a leader or manager in the design field. Such professionals are generally responsible both for actual design duties and for managing client accounts. They may also manage staff. To become an associate creative director, you will need to obtain training in design and develop your skills to a high level. You also will need extensive design experience, along with some experience managing client accounts and personnel.

Before you can become an associate creative director, you must first become a designer. This may require you to earn a formal degree or to take classes related to design. Such coursework may include segments on color theory, principles of design, use of space, text design, 3-D design, videography, photography and more.

You will also need to become familiar with common computer programs used in your area of design. This can include photo and video editing programs, sound design programs and graphic art programs. In general, you will need to learn to use a wide variety of computer-based and web-based programs if you want to become an associate creative director.

In most cases, to land this position you will also need to develop experience working with clients. You will need to possess active listening skills, be able to ask clients questions to help uncover needs and motivations, and will need to be able to manage client expectations. You will need to develop the ability to translate a client’s vision into specifications that your design team can use, and you will need to learn solid negotiating skills as well.

You should also work on developing managerial experience and skill if you want to become an associate creative director. This includes leading a team, setting goals and learning personnel development techniques. You will need to become comfortable directing the work of others and holding them accountable for deliverables.

Formal coursework or seminars can help you learn many of the skills you will need to become an associate creative director. Others must be gained through experience, and all can be improved through regular practice. One way to gain the necessary experience is to earn increasingly responsible roles within the design field. Roles that can help build your resume include assistant creative director, lead designer and design project manager.

Another way to gain negotiating skills and to prove your ability to lead a team is to participate in cross-functional committees. Your ability to successfully head a committee responsible for improving workplace safety, for instance, can be a great testament to your leadership skills. While such jobs often will increase your duties but not your pay, they may help you gain the position you want.