An associate creative director assists in the development, implementation, and analysis of marketing and project concepts. Although many directors work for large corporations hoping to improve their overall public image, the majority of professionals work in advertising agencies and creative divisions within the entertainment industry. They usually have more administrative responsibilities than the senior director, who is primarily responsible for developing new ideas and campaigns. The associate creative director ensures that work is completed on time and that final products meet client expectations working directly with copywriters, graphic artists, and marketing employees.
The majority of associate directors are in charge of coordinating and overseeing art department activity. They educate graphic artists, designers, and copywriters on basic concepts and ensure that work is completed according to instructions. When an associate creative director determines that a project is not progressing as expected, he or she usually determines the best course of action. A director in charge of an Internet marketing campaign for a new consumer product, for example, will typically explain the company’s vision to a team of designers, highlighting the significance of a specific color scheme and interactive graphic. Before the director is confident that the campaign will be successful, designers may need to submit several drafts of the project.
In the entertainment industry, an associate creative director usually focuses on a specific medium. A professional might be in charge of producing a movie trailer, designing a magazine ad campaign, or putting on a live fashion show. Most directors are involved in every aspect of an event or promotion, from meeting with clients to assessing a project’s success months or years later.
To work in this position, no formal education or training is required. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or art is required for most professionals. A prospective director usually begins his or her career in another department of a company or agency, such as as an entry-level copywriter. He or she may be promoted to associate creative director if he or she has industry experience and a strong reputation for quality and timely work.
Many associates advance to the position of senior director. The majority of senior creative director jobs require more private office work and less face-to-face interaction with employees. The majority of a senior director’s time is spent conducting Internet market research, reviewing proposals, and deciding whether or not to carry out a project idea.