Employing creativity

Briefly give us a description of your duties and responsibilities at workAs the creative director I receive briefs from clients, I oversee the brainstorming of ideas, concept development, research and execution of the branding or advertisement. When a client is in need of our services they send in a brief of what they want from us, I brainstorming with copy writers and designers and also oversee the work they do. We then develop concepts and research on possible ways to execute the commercials. I oversee most of these steps to the execution. But we work together with the clients marketing department. What training does one require to make it to this kind of career position?Personally I studied fine arts and industrial design at Makerere University in Uganda. The key units one should look out for are Basic design concepts, basic colour wheel and design programs. Adobe Illustrator, photo-shop and in-design are programs one should also be keen on. The course takes three years.In high school I majored in History, Economics, Divinity and Art. Anyone interested in the profession should be keen on arts from the start. But those who don’t make it to the university can take on-line tutorials that they can use to learn application of various programs used. Most institutes also have courses that can be applicable in creative companies like graphic designing or illustrating.What other qualities does one require? Creativity is the important because it sets apart a good commercial from an average commercial. You have to be able to identify ideas that can be developed to reach out to consumers.What are the Emerging trends in this line of work?Nowadays everything is going digital and so we now have to present concepts using a computer or even in 3D concepts.Also living in the age of social media, everybody can comment about a product positively or negatively. This has increased the scope of adverting companies from just developing commercials to handling matters related to public relations.What are the best moments in the occupation?The best moments are when you develop concepts that contribute to a successful product or service marketing. It is also very encouraging to see ideas you developed on a billboard or on TV.Any low moments or challenges in this job?Your work is not always accepted or appreciated, at times you spend time coming up with concepts that end up being rejected or misunderstood. You have to learn to deal with it and keep going no matter the reception your work gets.What is the chain of command like here?Above me is the country manager and below me is the art director, copy writers and graphic designers. Having worked in different organisations I know the hierarchy depends on a particular organisation. How do people advance to higher levels in this line of work? You begin ‘small’ as a graphic designer or copy writer with time you learn on the job and can handle more complicated tasks. When most people join the profession, they can only handle basics.How many hours a day do creative directors work?It depends but generally we do not working hours but tasks to complete and deliver on time. It is a bit different when you have administrative duties that may require you to work regular hours; nine to five. What would make one fail in this job? Not being able to work in a team is surely a recipe for disaster since team work is very important in developing ideas and executing concepts.Advice to anyone interested in this occupation?Businesses are coming up and all are in need of marketing. The future is bright in the sector as people will always be trying to sell something. If you are interested take time to learn the various programs employed by designers and copywriters to enhance your creativity in any way not necessarily at the university. Being able to multi-task will take you places.