7 answers
Kison
Student
Missouri City, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get into the advertisement/marketing career field as a creative director What tips, majors, extracurricular activities do you recommend I do? #fall25?
I am a senior in high school, and I just feel unsure on how to get this/break into this business. I love graphic design, and I feel like I'd be great in working advertising. I'm just not sure about what my plan should be to becoming that.
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7 answers
Von Muren
Motion Graphics Designer
1
Answer
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Von’s Answer
There is a difference between becoming a Graphic Designer and becoming a Creative Director. For a Graphic Designer, you have the ability to be more hands-on in projects (the designing aspect). For this, I would recommend checking out books like Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton or Graphic Design For Everyone by Cath Caldwell. Since you’re in high school, I would recommend talking with the art teachers in your school. They might know some opportunities.
I know some colleges offer pre-college summer programs for high school students. This gives you a sneak peek of what college could be like in the field you’re interested in. They can be costly, but they offer scholarships that can cover the tuition (meaning you would have to be responsible for the supplies).
As for extracurriculars, I would see what clubs you’re interested in. Are you interested in chess? Maybe offer to make a design for the chess club. Yearbook would be a great way to learn about page layouts, and it would show that you can collaborate with other students. If there’s an art club in your school, definitely check it out. Play with graphic design, build that portfolio, have fun with what you’re doing. Apply to those internships, look for mentors.
As for the Creative Director track, I would recommend participating in extracurriculars with more leadership roles. A Creative Director oversees projects, which means they handle the management side of things rather than making the thing. They’re the ones who come up with the strategy, provide critique and approvals for work, handle project budget, and communicate with the client. As a graphic designer, you may need to pitch ideas, but you don’t have to handle the external stuff. A Creative Director’s skills go beyond the art principles and lean towards finances and communication skills.
I know some colleges offer pre-college summer programs for high school students. This gives you a sneak peek of what college could be like in the field you’re interested in. They can be costly, but they offer scholarships that can cover the tuition (meaning you would have to be responsible for the supplies).
As for extracurriculars, I would see what clubs you’re interested in. Are you interested in chess? Maybe offer to make a design for the chess club. Yearbook would be a great way to learn about page layouts, and it would show that you can collaborate with other students. If there’s an art club in your school, definitely check it out. Play with graphic design, build that portfolio, have fun with what you’re doing. Apply to those internships, look for mentors.
As for the Creative Director track, I would recommend participating in extracurriculars with more leadership roles. A Creative Director oversees projects, which means they handle the management side of things rather than making the thing. They’re the ones who come up with the strategy, provide critique and approvals for work, handle project budget, and communicate with the client. As a graphic designer, you may need to pitch ideas, but you don’t have to handle the external stuff. A Creative Director’s skills go beyond the art principles and lean towards finances and communication skills.
José Rodriguez
Video Producer, Internal Enablement
5
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
José’s Answer
Becoming a Creative Director is a great long-term career goal. It's important to set this as a goal and figure out what steps you need to take to achieve it. Having an interest in graphic design is a good start, but a Creative Director also needs to understand how designs work with motion graphics, brand voice, and more. Starting at a company and working your way up to a director position is often the fastest path to reaching this goal. Keep in mind that you might not land your dream role at your first company, but every job is a chance to gain valuable experience.
Kate Jackson Wendelboe
Management
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Kate’s Answer
You have a great idea to explore! Start by reaching out to people you know, like teachers, friends, or family, who work in advertising and marketing. Ask them for a quick 15-minute chat, in person or over the phone. Use that time to learn about their daily tasks, work environment, and career journey. Then, request an introduction to someone else in the industry.
This approach will help you understand what working in advertising and marketing is like, the various roles available, and the paths to get there. And if still sounds good to you.
Best of luck!
Find your first person to talk to.
Prepare your questions.
Have the conversation and ask for your next introduction.
Repeat!
Reflect on what you're learning from each conversation.
This approach will help you understand what working in advertising and marketing is like, the various roles available, and the paths to get there. And if still sounds good to you.
Best of luck!
Kate recommends the following next steps:
Matthew Mahgerfteh
Analyst
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
To become a Creative Director in advertising, start by strengthening your creative skills and working on real projects. Practice design and focus on the ideas behind your work, not just how it looks. In college, choose majors like Advertising, Graphic Design, or Marketing, and use this time to build a strong portfolio. Get involved in activities that offer practical creative experience, such as yearbook, social media, photography, or film. Pursue internships as soon as possible; your portfolio and connections are crucial in this industry. Stay curious by keeping up with brands, trends, and new tools like AI, as the creative field changes quickly. By consistently creating, learning, and engaging, you'll naturally progress toward becoming a Creative Director.
Jeff McMahon
Content Management
5
Answers
Denton, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Kison,
I'm Jeff, a 61-year-old graduate from the University of North Texas with a degree in Graphic Design. When I started out, I noticed that many art jobs didn't pay much in the Dallas area, and Houston might be similar. However, those who succeeded were often very talented and didn't let challenges stop them. Graphic Design is a fun degree, but adding a minor in business, marketing, or journalism can really help in the marketing world. Since design work is mostly computer-based now, consider getting certified in software like Adobe Photoshop or Premiere Pro.
A great way to gain experience in high school is by joining the yearbook committee as the photographer. You'll meet many people and learn to work with different personalities. If you're shy, this can help you break out of your shell. You can also get involved in the layout and design of the yearbook or join your school's newspaper or website team. These activities will boost your confidence and skills.
While I'm not an advertising or marketing director, I've worked with them before. It’s a field that takes time to break into. During college, seek internships to learn the business. If you connect with someone, they might even mentor you, which is a fantastic way to grow in the field. I got my break through an instructor at UNT who offered me an internship at IBM. It didn’t pay much, but the experience was valuable.
Meanwhile, read publications like "Adweek," "Ad Age," and "The Marketer" to get a feel for the marketing world. This will help you decide if it's the right path for you.
Remember, the world is full of opportunities, and there's a place for everyone. Your career path might lead you somewhere unexpected, so stay open and ready for new chances. Today, I work for a Fortune 500 company, writing articles and learning about search engine optimization—something I never imagined doing back in the late 80s at UNT.
I'm Jeff, a 61-year-old graduate from the University of North Texas with a degree in Graphic Design. When I started out, I noticed that many art jobs didn't pay much in the Dallas area, and Houston might be similar. However, those who succeeded were often very talented and didn't let challenges stop them. Graphic Design is a fun degree, but adding a minor in business, marketing, or journalism can really help in the marketing world. Since design work is mostly computer-based now, consider getting certified in software like Adobe Photoshop or Premiere Pro.
A great way to gain experience in high school is by joining the yearbook committee as the photographer. You'll meet many people and learn to work with different personalities. If you're shy, this can help you break out of your shell. You can also get involved in the layout and design of the yearbook or join your school's newspaper or website team. These activities will boost your confidence and skills.
While I'm not an advertising or marketing director, I've worked with them before. It’s a field that takes time to break into. During college, seek internships to learn the business. If you connect with someone, they might even mentor you, which is a fantastic way to grow in the field. I got my break through an instructor at UNT who offered me an internship at IBM. It didn’t pay much, but the experience was valuable.
Meanwhile, read publications like "Adweek," "Ad Age," and "The Marketer" to get a feel for the marketing world. This will help you decide if it's the right path for you.
Remember, the world is full of opportunities, and there's a place for everyone. Your career path might lead you somewhere unexpected, so stay open and ready for new chances. Today, I work for a Fortune 500 company, writing articles and learning about search engine optimization—something I never imagined doing back in the late 80s at UNT.
Gustavo Asman
I work as Creative Director at a strategy and communications firm that works with nonprofits
11
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Gustavo’s Answer
Hi Kison, I will keep it short for now.
-Not a big fan of advertising roles after a couple decades into it (and in a way out of it now, just working with nonprofits nowadays)
-A ton of moves, acquisitions, mergers and not matter how good you may be, sometimes you land in the wrong place at the wrong time. I guess that can apply to anything, but in ad world I have just seen it happen way too often, and I read your question at a time when at least 3 or 4 colleagues are struggling to find a role (talking about folks in their 50's but also in their 30's, and in three or four different cities in the US and around the world)
-AI is probably changing the game fast, so if you really think you want to pursue this, I'd recommend getting into it fast, learn what it can do for you, tools, show examples, be on the offensive, so to speak
-My final advice is to go step by step. You mention you like design, but then that you want to be a creative director. I think those are (sometimes) two very different things. As a creative director you can love design of course, but your work might be to comment and make work better, sell it to clients, strategize, collaborate, connect your team with other areas, help them grow, and a long etc. In other words, in my experience at least, being great at design will help, but won't necessarily make you a great creative director. So keep that in mind along the way. Best of luck!
-Not a big fan of advertising roles after a couple decades into it (and in a way out of it now, just working with nonprofits nowadays)
-A ton of moves, acquisitions, mergers and not matter how good you may be, sometimes you land in the wrong place at the wrong time. I guess that can apply to anything, but in ad world I have just seen it happen way too often, and I read your question at a time when at least 3 or 4 colleagues are struggling to find a role (talking about folks in their 50's but also in their 30's, and in three or four different cities in the US and around the world)
-AI is probably changing the game fast, so if you really think you want to pursue this, I'd recommend getting into it fast, learn what it can do for you, tools, show examples, be on the offensive, so to speak
-My final advice is to go step by step. You mention you like design, but then that you want to be a creative director. I think those are (sometimes) two very different things. As a creative director you can love design of course, but your work might be to comment and make work better, sell it to clients, strategize, collaborate, connect your team with other areas, help them grow, and a long etc. In other words, in my experience at least, being great at design will help, but won't necessarily make you a great creative director. So keep that in mind along the way. Best of luck!
Jessica Gegner, CCMP™
Change Partner Senior
93
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Kison! That's a great question. There's already some good advice here, but I want to share a few practical tips for becoming a Creative Director in advertising or marketing. I have a Bachelor's in Graphic Design and have worked a lot as a designer in marketing offices. From my experience, I suggest majoring in Marketing with a minor in Graphic Design or Advertising. A Creative Director needs strategic and business skills, not just design knowledge. You might start as a designer or marketing specialist to learn the basics. Having a marketing background with design skills makes you more attractive to employers for a Creative Director role, which often involves leading teams.
It's also helpful to gain experience in leadership roles, like working on the yearbook team or leading design projects. If you can guide a team through a creative project, include that experience on your resume, cover letter, and portfolio. The Creative Director role requires leadership skills. Show your creative process in your portfolio to demonstrate your strategic thinking and design choices. For example, if you're creating branding for an outdoor shop, using colors like green or blue makes sense because they're natural. Include vision boards and branding sheets you've developed in your portfolio to highlight this. Keep all your work and tailor your portfolio with 5-10 designs that show your relevant experience and results for the job you're applying for.
It's also helpful to gain experience in leadership roles, like working on the yearbook team or leading design projects. If you can guide a team through a creative project, include that experience on your resume, cover letter, and portfolio. The Creative Director role requires leadership skills. Show your creative process in your portfolio to demonstrate your strategic thinking and design choices. For example, if you're creating branding for an outdoor shop, using colors like green or blue makes sense because they're natural. Include vision boards and branding sheets you've developed in your portfolio to highlight this. Keep all your work and tailor your portfolio with 5-10 designs that show your relevant experience and results for the job you're applying for.