? for Designers: Creative Director vs Design Director

Aug 6, 2021 5 Comments

Hi. Looking to grow, and trying to understand the difference in duties, missions of a Creative Director vs a Design Director.

I’d ask my manager but it’s a bit too revealing of a question to ask (they’re a CD and we have no DDs in our firm).

comments

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TOP 5 Comments
  • Uber
    blUberrry

    Go to company page Uber

    blUberrry
    I could be full of shit but here’s my experience with both: Design directors design the team that does the work and partner cross functionally to achieve a product or company vision. Additionally look across their domain to make sure that teams that should work together, are working together and that the quality and usefulness is as high as it can be. Work is often judged on adoption, utility and aesthetics. Team morale and growth is more of a priority.

    Creative Directors build a team and align them with a brand vision, and typically partner with external clients. There’s typically an aspect of selling the work and winning additional work, so the output is often viewed within this lens. Team morale and growth is less of a priority.
    Aug 7, 2021 1
  • Dropbox
    Egby17

    Go to company page Dropbox

    Egby17
    Creative Director is closer to visual design, branding, and other Craft.
    Design Director is more elusive, and is good if you do critical thinking closer to product design.

    The answer depends on where your focus is in your career. If you don’t plan on going product strategy/design thinking/EPD ever, than choose Creative Director.
    Aug 6, 2021 0
  • Oracle / Other
    not me

    Go to company page Oracle Other

    not me
    Design director: UX, product, IA etc.
    Creative director: Brand, narrative, marketing etc.
    Aug 8, 2021 0
  • Paycom
    un!avail

    Go to company page Paycom

    un!avail
    Make a poll
    Aug 6, 2021 0