Responsibilities of a Creative Director (Part II)

This feature is continued from yesterday…

The Creative Director position is a management function. In all types of businesses, better success has been realized when the management staff’s responsibilities are complemented by leadership qualities. Therefore, a good Creative Director will:

• Delegate but also produce. These managers must lead by example not only to establish themselves as a team player but also to show the team that the Creative Director has hands-on experience. However, Creative Directors must not hoard all the work but rather delegate appropriately.
• Provide direction but with an open mind. The Creative Director must be clear in outlining the strategic vision of the project but should also keep an open mind when reviewing the effort coming from the team. A person in this position has the duty to pass on an idea when the proposal really will not work for the client. However, it would be a mistake for these managers to pass on a great idea because it failed to stem from their own ingenuity.
• Guide rather than micromanage. A Creative Director may have to keep everyone on the task at hand and on the strategic vision of the goal, but micromanaging will only stifle creativity. A manager in this position needs to establish and maintain an environment where people have clear and concise communication as to the objective, but are left to their own responsibility to produce quality and creative work. In other words, a good manager will inspire rather than weaken the team.

If you have any other advice or insight, post it below!

This article is presented by Harrington College of Design. Contact us today if you’re interested in developing marketable knowledge and career-relevant skills with our Communication Design program.

Photo by IK’s World Trip

Read Full Post »

Responsibilities of a Creative Director (Part I)

Creative Directors, also called Art Directors, are found in many industries: advertising, Web design, fashion, media and entertainment. The main responsibility of a Creative Director is to understand a client’s advertising strategy and come up with the creative solutions for the client’s advertising campaign.

As far as the type of people who end up in a position as Creative Director, the majority of them do so after a long career gaining experience on the creative side. For example, a talented Copywriter often is promoted to the Creative Director position.

The job of the Creative Director involves strategic thinking, a creative edge, and leadership skills. Because they come up with the marketing direction, Creative Directors often times have the authority to make the final decision or the final cut.

Keep reading tomorrow for the key traits a Creative Director should have…

Photo by Rebecca Rumble

Read Full Post »

Does this sound like you? Then it’s time to come to Harrington! (Part II)

This feature is continued from yesterday.  Harrington College Admissions Advisors, Jennifer Griffith shares what sets prospective students apart when being considered for Harrington!

“In addition to being motivated, creative and having done their research, a great prospective student has talked to their friends, families, spouses and loved ones – the people who are going to be supporting them through college morally, emotionally, and sometimes even financially. College is a tough transition for any type of student, whether they are coming right out of high school or an adult returning to school after some time, and the best candidates not only have the passion for their industry but someone to support them while they do it!

Also, they know they are ready to live in Chicago, the nation’s capitol for Interior Design, the world’s 3^rd largest market for Digital Photographers, and a main hub for agencies, firms, and advertising. They know our program is here and they want to see their education through to its fullest potential by attending school in an area that offers opportunities for students, interns, practical experience and employment after graduation. Our candidates aren’t just waiting to find a school that’s the right fit, they are making it happen and are ready to change their lives and career path TODAY.

Last but not least, the design industry, regardless of major, thrives on communication and the ability to meet deadlines. Our best candidates are organized and on top of meeting deadlines from the start of the admissions process and as they are working towards acceptance. This best prepares our candidates for the class style, completing assignments, and getting prepared for the professional world.”

Does this sound like you? Then it’s time to give us a call!  Keep reading Monday when I’ll share more insight from Jennifer on what professionals essentials help you get in to each of the programs!

Read Full Post »

Does this sound like you? Then it’s time to come to Harrington! (Part I)

We often get questions from prospective students on what we’re looking for in our potential students… To get some info from those who know best, I spoke with Jennifer Griffith, one of our wonderful Admissions Advisors who actually has a background and education in clinical psychology! Jennifer works with students coming in from out of state or the country to attend Harrington, as well as local students entering college for the first time directly from high school. This is what she shared…

“Ideally, a candidate for Harrington is both motivated and creative. Professional design schools can be tough to find, so these students are dedicated to their passion in Interior Design, Communication Design and Photography and they know how to do their research. Typically, my best candidates have been checking out professional organizations and groups, following blogs, reading popular magazines and articles, and finding ways to outlet their interest until they have formal training. For example, many interior design candidates are already re-designing their own spaces or doing so for friends and family. Photography students are out taking photos: even if they don’t have professional equipment, they may have taken some photo courses in high school or have a natural talent. Communication Design students also outlet their interest in a number of ways…painting, drawing, using Adobe Suite, etc., and they are ready to learn how to make an impact with design. Some of them have also done some job-shadowing, sought out internships, or connected with someone already in the industry.

They also research their industry and career possibilities to have an idea of what they may want to do after graduation. Our candidates didn’t just wake up and decide that design was for them-they live it every day and they are coming to Harrington to be best prepared for the professional world (and we are ready to provide that preparation!)

Keep reading tomorrow to find out more!

Read Full Post »