How to Become a Creative Director

Built In Colorado sat down with a leader at AdAction to get her advice.
Written by Brendan Meyer
September 27, 2021Updated: September 27, 2021

Looking for that big promotion to creative director? Now might be the perfect time.

With the Great Resignation underway, tech companies are not only looking to hire great outside talent, but also groom and promote their talented employees from within. So, how do blossoming designers catch the attention of their manager in order to climb the career ladder?

Julie West, creative director at AdAction, has one answer: Find a mentor, and be a mentor.

“Being a mentor will allow you the opportunity to work on your communication and feedback skills without having the pressure of daily work stress,” West said. “It’s a safe space to feel if a leadership role is right for you. In addition, being a mentee to someone who is already a creative director will give you the space to ask any vulnerable questions you may be thinking.”

West recently started her creative director role at AdAction, a mobile app marketing platform. Built In Colorado sat down with her to learn more about her career path, what has surprised her most about her new leadership role, and what tips she has for other creatives looking for growth.


 

Julie West
Creative Director • AdAction

 

Give us a brief idea of your career trajectory at your current company.

I was hired at AdAction to be their creative director. Before that, I had been a designer and art director for 10 years at various companies throughout the United States supporting businesses with marketing and product design. 

Over time, I began mentoring and reviewing portfolios for various non-profit organizations and found that I really enjoyed supporting other designers to achieve their goals. Creating a space for myself through volunteering allowed me to dip my toes into leadership opportunities that I could not get in my full-time jobs. 

As my career continued to grow, I was able to then use those leadership skills to think more strategically about how the business would be impacted by the creative we designed.

 

What surprised you most about your new leadership role?

There are a lot more Google Docs, spreadsheets and slide decks than you think going into this role. I’m involved in many more leadership meetings, so I’m sometimes surprised at how much time I spend reviewing metrics and goals. But it is a surprise in the best way possible.

Transitioning from being an individual contributor to a manager is always a big challenge. It’s a change in your mindset.’’

 

What advice do you have for designers looking to move into a leadership role?

Find a mentor, and be a mentor. The goal is to always be learning and to share your knowledge with others. There are local mentorship programs and even global design groups that you can sign up to be a mentor and to have someone mentor you.

Another suggestion is that transitioning from being an individual contributor to a manager is always a big challenge. It’s a change in your mindset. Rather than thinking about how you will complete a project, you need to think about why you are designing it and what impact it will have on the business.

 

Jobs at AdAction

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