What is a Creative Director?

In the world of fashion editorial, the creative director is responsible for developing and overseeing creative projects from concept to execution. They will manage multiple editorial projects and deadlines, working in collaboration with the editor-in-chief, and also directing cover and fashion shoots.

Are you interested in learning how to become a creative director for a fashion magazine? Here’s everything you need to know about what a creative director does, the skills needed to become a creative director, and how you can boost your chances of landing a Creative Director role at a fancy magazine.

What Does a Creative Director Do?

On an average day, creative directors will meet with clients to discuss their needs, attend all cover shoots and fashion shoots, direct creative decisions, balance a budget, and deliver projects.

They are in charge of the overall vision and narrative of the magazine. Rather than producing the creative work themselves, creative directors direct a team to produce the desired end result.

Here are some of the main duties of a creative director:

  • Overseeing the design of the publication and its digital platforms. It is down to the creative director to decide how to turn messages and ideas into visuals. They’re also responsible for choosing and approving artwork, photographs, and graphics for the publication. They need to do all of this while keeping in alignment with the publication’s style guide. 
  • Attending cover and fashion shoots. Creative directors are there to help tell the story of the publication or brand through compelling photography. Most of the time, creative directors are the ones who execute these events in accordance to their vision for the magazine. They will also regularly offer suggestions for improvements to ensure the best possible outcome. 
  • Managing the art team. Creative directors oversee a creative staff team that creates and develops art and designs to support their vision. It’s in a creative director’s job description to overlook their teams’ work and guide them in the right director to achieve the end result. A good creative director knows how to communicate effectively with his or her team to achieve their vision for the magazine’s branding. 
  • Taking charge of art-related budget costs. It is the creative director’s job to ensure art-related budgets are met and that they do not go over. He or she will ensure all projects stay within budget.

Qualities and Skills of a Good Creative Director

Creative directors have certain qualities and skills that make them good at their job. If you’re looking to pursue a role as a creative director for a fashion magazine, it’s vital to develop some of these important qualities and skills. Here are the ones you’ll find in most creative directors – or at least, the good ones.

  • A passion for art. Creative directors have a thorough understanding of design trends, art history, illustration, and writing styles. They have an eye for art, which they apply to the publication for which they are representing. Since it is a creative director’s role to visualize and execute the overall look and narrative of a magazine, they need to know how to do it well for the sake of the publication’s aesthetic.
  • Clear communication. Creative directors are in charge of collaborating with their staff and professionals. It is critical that they know how to effectively listen to client needs and communicate a creative vision so that their staff can execute it. They’ll also often need to make presentations, so public speaking skills are essential. A good creative director communicates workload issues, project requirements, and provides updated on the progress of work and results. They can also communicate effectively with team members at a senior level. 
  • Leadership skills. Since creative directors oversee projects through all its stages, they need to know how to manage and instruct a team of artists and creative staff to achieve the desired result. Good creative directors motivate their team to perform their very best and help make the process more seamless.
  • Time management skills. Creative directors are busy people. They work on deadlines and manage numerous projects at once. Thus, it is important that they can keep their team and designs of task and multitask efficiently.
Creative Director

Tips for Becoming a Creative Director

Becoming an art director can be challenging, but if you gain the knowledge and experience, there’s no reason at all why you can’t land yourself a creative director’s job position. Here are some tips for becoming a creative director. 

  • Earn a Bachelor’s degree. Most successful creative directors spend four years earning a degree in art, graphic design, fashion, or marketing. While it isn’t required, it will increase your chances of getting the position of creative director at a fashion magazine.
  • Get professional experience. The majority of creative directors spend at least five years gaining professional experience before climbing their way up the ladder to the creative director role. Some may might work as photographers or copywriters, while others might work as graphic designers or editors. Having plenty of experience under your belt can help make you stand out when applying for the creative director job position.
  • Create a compelling portfolio. In addition to gaining work experience, you should also build a striking portfolio so that you look good in the eyes of employers. Update and add to it as you gain more experience and enhance your skills. Be sure to include only information relevant to the job. 
  • Begin networking. In order to reach the role of creative director, you will need to forge meaningful connections with other creatives. Networking allows you to gain inspiration, learn new techniques, and possibly even land new opportunities. Whether you connect on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram or attend an in-person event, networking can help you develop valuable connections.

 

If you’d like to pursue a career as a creative director, make sure you obtain the skills, qualities, and experience needed to succeed in this job role. It’s certainly well within your reach if you’re willing to work hard and earn the skills needed to become a creative director at a fashion magazine.