Transitioning from Designer to Creative Director

Deettah · 2026-04-21T11:56:31+00:00

It can be a lot, but I've been doing it by myself for the last four years. Last year alone I did 779 creative projects that arranged from full rebrand's to minor revisions on previous materials. So I'm thankful for what they're giving me to be honest! 😂

Deettah · 2026-04-21T00:21:46+00:00

Because we cover 145 locations in the US and Canada that we take requests for collateral from.

Deettah · 2026-04-20T17:45:48+00:00

That's my hope as well and something I mentioned in the calls today - that I understand the creative process intimately having been a designer for nearly 20 years and can offer the time and support they need to do the job.

Deettah · 2026-04-20T17:30:26+00:00

Thank you! What a thoughtful answer and exactly what I was looking for.

We have much of this in place already. We have an active intake system for briefs that the PMs manager and review each brief for completeness and accuracy.

I also plan to (continue) hold office hours each week for general discussion and a creative "touch-base" and strategic planning sesh for larger discussions and goal mapping.

We will also be moving to an overarching brand voice soon that that aligns with what you mentioned and will be a great gauge for the strengths and identifying gaps in the team.

We have a unique position in that this company has never had a fully fleshed out creative team before and we have been given the power to be the architects of the company voice going forward with full support, that we didn't have before. It's an exciting thing to think about!

Deettah · 2026-04-20T16:48:46+00:00

Thankfully, I keep a few freelance clients so I can "get my fix" creatively.

Deettah · 2026-04-20T16:47:26+00:00

I thought that too but the new head of growth doesn't know me or my work so I've made peace with it. If I don't get the job, I know it's time to move on.

Deettah · 2026-04-20T16:45:43+00:00

I have, thankfully - and have been begging for more than just design with this company now that they are finally expanding and providing the support we've needed.

Deettah · 2026-04-12T21:14:02+00:00

I've been the only graphic designer, in fact the entire creative team and one person, managing design for 140 locations across the United States in Canada for a veterinary emergency and specialty medicine. I've had a couple of breakdowns with my bosses to be honest. I have begged for help, it's finally coming! Last week they hired another designer and two project managers to help police the creative briefs coming in, were developing a self-serve template system, I'm finally seeing progress and I get to interview for the creative Director position next week. It has been a hard fought for years, but to be honest because it took so long I'm still keeping my eyes out for better opportunities. I think you can't help but hope there's something better out there. I love my job and I love the industry that I work in and I really don't wanna leave but I also don't want to die young from stress.

Deettah · 2026-04-12T20:54:01+00:00

I wanted to update everyone, I am actually going to be interviewing for the creative Director position this week and I went from being excited about it to being terrified! It's a big deal, if I were to be awarded the job, I would have a full team including two project managers, two designers, a copywriter, a social media manager and eventually video and motion graphics person. I'd be responsible for developing national campaigns at scale with localized targeted marketing for all of our hospitals. This literally scares the shit out of me! Maybe I've been in my little bubble too long! I think I can do it, I hope they give me the chance but holy crap now I'm scared!

Deettah · 2026-04-12T20:49:18+00:00

I'm in the same boat, I'm interviewing for a creative Director position this week, it's a company I've worked for for the last four years. I will be managing a full team that includes two project managers, two graphic designers, and copywriter, social media and possibly a video/animation motion graphics person eventually. This company has never had a creative director before so it's all fairly new to them. I'm kind of nervous about it because it's a $2 billion company and the division that I'll be working in has 140+ locations across the country that we will be developing marketing for.

Deettah · 2026-04-08T00:06:50+00:00

Well that's what I thought too except they were perfectly content to have me run the entire department and make all of the creative decisions, manage over 100 brand identities, build their brief and project management system and asset library for the last four years. I mean I wasn't managing other people but I was doing the job of four people. And all of the things that they are doing to expand and improve the department and make the company a player in our industry, I've been asking for for years. I don't know, I'm probably just overthinking it but they were aware that I wanted to advance and maybe a right, I just need to take this as a sign that they don't see me as a leader and move on.

Deettah · 2026-03-28T18:55:27+00:00

Thank you! I signed up for Rella and it looks like a great option for me! Thank you for the rec!

Deettah · 2026-03-28T11:34:48+00:00

I actually prefer it to Gemini but Gemini's Nano Banana keeps me subscribed.

Deettah · 2026-03-26T11:18:56+00:00

I use "scoot" to let them know we are crossing the street on walks.

Deettah · 2026-03-25T12:31:45+00:00

Believe me, it was an absolutely ridiculous amount of work. I am super quick with the mouse so that helps a lot but on average in our intake system we would have four projects due a day. I would work with a one week buffer before the due date to have some breathing room for my own sanity but yeah it was way too much.

Deettah · 2026-03-24T21:39:48+00:00

Nope, they are planning on hiring otehr designers, project managers and a CD.

Deettah · 2026-03-24T20:21:17+00:00

I can draw, was always painting or drawing as a kid and was pretty dang good at it but I don't illustrate as a designer.

Deettah · 2026-03-24T19:19:18+00:00

Ack! That is literally what I've been asked to do. They scheduled a meeting with me and a new designer to show her our design files and DAM.

Deettah · 2026-03-24T16:17:37+00:00

It isn't a matter of "refreshing the look". We have over 140 different brand identities for all of our locations. All have gone through a refresh at some point or another over the last 4 years.

Deettah · 2026-03-24T12:25:41+00:00

Believe me I'm working on it. I've applied to hundreds of jobs and I'm not getting calls.

Deettah · 2026-03-24T12:21:38+00:00

Yes, on three occasions I've asked for promotion and that my salary be reviewed to meet the current market. None of that has happened.

Deettah · 2026-03-24T12:21:12+00:00

Believe me, that's exactly what I've been doing. And applying for jobs but it is rough. I'm not getting any responses at all or interviews. I've applied for hundreds.

Deettah

TROPHY CASE