Directing a creative project not only requires a creative mind on the job— it requires honest upfront objective planning and goal setting, as well as, a leader that can put together a proper team and keep that team focused, creative, and motivated.
I believe in deadlines. I do my best to make deadlines and have missed only one in my 26-year career as a Creative Director. In all deadlines I have made — none have been re-return or had to have been re-done due to a failed launch. I learned from the best in the industry that deadlines were important and to consider them heavily before committing to them. So the fact that I consider the scheduling and managing as much as the creative idea in front of the schedule is the number one reason I have the track record I do. I am not bullied into an unreasonable deadline. BONUS, by sticking to a realistic deadline you can also avoid rush charges and going over budget.
So let me start over… Creativity and marketing are fluid processes. Directing creative projects not only requires a creative mind on the job— it requires honest upfront objective planning and goal setting, as well as, a leader that can put together a proper team and keep that team focused, creative, and motivated. Here are some tips when starting your creative marketing project:
1. Make everyone accountable. Work backwards from your launch date and assign due dates to everyone involved.
2. Be realistic with your time frame and budget.
3. Take time to understand all that is involved with the final product so there are no surprises.
Consider the needs of the project: graphic designer, IT, print, packaging, traditional media, social media, website, PR, television, radio, personal appearances, etc.
4. Consider the time each job takes and give team members the time to their job properly.
5. Allow time for proof reading and changes. Also allow time for the unknown.
6. Understand that things go wrong… People call out sick, IT projects go over budget, servers go down, printers may deliver late, computers can crash, creative ideas zigzag, people disagree and some don’t show up for meetings, etc. Assign a project leader that is capable of managing problems and is good with finding solutions.
Professional Creative Direction can bring cohensiveness and new in site to your marketing — and often save you time and money. Contact me and I’ll show you how. 215-760-9360 or spiderpaint@verizon.net
©Mary Carol Sullivan 10/24/13
MARY CAROL SULLIVAN IS A CREATIVE DIRECTOR who will challenge your established ideas and offer fresh perspectives.
www.linkedin.com/pub/mary-carol-sullivan/5/692/3b7/
spiderpaint@verizon.net
https://www.vizify.com/mary-carol-sullivan