How I'm Practicing Creative Direction

I used to think you had to already be a creative director to act like one. But now I’m realizing, you can practice creative direction skills right where you are.

Here’s how I’m practicing:

Starry Nights 25'

I build little projects from scratch

If I have an idea, I'll just act on it. That's how I got started in creative direction and realized I wanted to make it my career. I would get an idea of a campaign or a photoshoot, and just do it. There are no rules to creativity, you don't have to have a master's degree in design to just design something, or be assigned a project to work. My field was photography and graphic design, so if I got an idea in my head, I would write it out in great detail, try to add as many visuals as I could, and I would pick up my camera and create it. Here is an example of a project I created.

I create moodboards and creative briefs 

This is the part of the process where the 'great detail' comes in. I write down everything! Every idea I have, every inspiration, is written down and then further expanded with visuals. This helps me stay organized and express my vision clearly. This is actually one of my favorite parts of being a creative director so far. Getting the idea out of my head into a physical form is a magical feeling and seeing the first bud of my growing creation really lights a fire in me. Here is an example of a creative brief from my early work.

Maigixians Formula Ad Campaign 24'

I give myself deadlines. 

To be a Creative Director means you are also a Project Manager. Just because I don't have client deliverables (as of yet) doesn't mean I can be disorganized and unfinished. Having a schedule with a project deadline is one of the best things I've done for my growth because it forces me to be decisive. It's a progression tactic that I use on myself to ensure that Im not stagnant in my creativity, that Im always working on something new and developing new skills. I use Google Docs/Excel spreadsheets and ClickUp to stay organized and on task.

I collaborate whenever I can. 

This is very important. Even if it is just helping a friend with their brand photos or social media posts, collaborating teaches me how to guide and inspire. Not only is it helping a friend, but it's helping me build my portfolio, exercise/test my skills, and apply all of the knowledge I've gained. Collaborating is also how I practice communicating a vision clearly, which is key to leading a team ( WHEN I get one) and becoming a great creative director.

Just Create

Creative direction isn’t about having a title.

It’s about leading ideas into real things. ✨

And honestly?

You don’t need permission to start practicing... so start practicing!