Associate Creative Director Discussions
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Hey there! I work in a mid-size full service agency with a growing marketing team. We currently don't have a CD due to our size and current client portfolio, but that's a role I'd love to step into when the time is right and my management is on board with that. Any advice on how to prepare for that kind of role without changing agencies? Or anyone open to mentoring me? I'd love to learn from a CD or ACD to see what they're doing and what I can bring without leaving my team!

HIRING! Staffing up a new team. I need an ACD, copy to be my partner as well as a Sr. AD for a really cool brand (not a launch). Send me a message if you’re thinking about a new opportunity!

CDs - Interested to know the role you play as a CD for a large brand account with 2 x ACD/Senior teams also working on it?

Just overseeing check-ins? Working on it yourself? Writing set-ups? Owning the deck? Does the CCO/ECD get involved?

LOs Angeles ACD (10+ experience) rate? The role actually will require some creative direction.

Senior copywriter role (95k) at an agency or ACD (105k) client side?

Hey gang, what's a fair salary for a Sr. Writer moving up to an ACD role in San Francisco?

Got promoted to ACD. Didn’t realize how little creating there would be. Mostly managing people and thinking about timing and writing emails. Yuck. Is this consistent with the role or more circumstantial?

I'm working at an agency that doesn't have the ACD role. On paper that means I'm a Sr. Creative. That said I was an ACD at my previous agency, I'm being paid like an ACD now, and the role is that of an ACD. If/when I leave how unethical is it to say I was an ACD here - just for the sake of optics on LinkedIn/elsewhere.

Stay for the mentorship or leave for the money?

I'm a Sr. copywriter getting underpaid at a network agency. I've been talking to recruiters, and it seems like I could get a 25% raise if I seriously applied myself and made a lateral move - most likely to an indy.

However, my current agency has been explicit about training me to be an ACD. They love my work and make no bones about saying that they see me in that kind of role.

What would you do?

Interviewing with a FAANG for an ACD/Creative Lead position and trying to wrap my head around salary negotiations. What are people making at similar tech companies with 6-8 years of experience (base salary and total comp)?

ACD interviewing with agencies for CD/ACD role. Then some brand recruiter emailed me about an Art Director position. Huh? 🤔 Do they even look at your resume or portfolio before reaching out?

What NYC-based consumer agencies are hiring (or willing to chat)? Every time I go on LinkedIn and search for available ACD/CD Art roles, the same health agencies show up (no hate, just not the type of work I like).

I got interviewed for a role in a different group at my current agency, and it went great. But it’s taking like forever to negotiate a salary (I pushed back and asked for a bit more over a month now). Every time I ask about the status, they say, “we’ll get back to you soon.” At this point, I feel they’ll go with a lower-salary candidate. So, If you’re looking for an experienced ACD/Art in NYC, hit me up. I think it’s time to look for other opportunities outside my company.

Job Description: Sr. Copywriter, 5-8 years of experience
Me: 9 years as copywriter, references, book, awards, etc.
Recruiter: "We're actually looking for an ACD level person to fill this role."
🙄

Lyft has had what seems like the same ACD Writer role open for months now. Just yesterday, I saw that CCO post it with a note on LinkedIn.

How have they not found anyone yet?
Should this be a red flag?

I've applied myself and haven't heard a peep, but I don't for a second think I stand a chance. So, I'm just curious if anyone has any light they might be able to shed as to the persistence of this open role. I know it's hard to find the right fit, but this is weird...

If you are hiring, what would you prefer:

- An experienced ACD that makes 190k?
- Or an not so experienced CD that makes 190k?

The point I’m trying to investigate is: I think the fact I am an experienced but expensive ACD is taking some opportunities away from me.

What do you think?

Starting a new role going from Senior to ACD. Will start having 1-1s with teammates soon. What should I ask them/convey to them?

I have an interview tomorrow for an ACD position I really want, however, I want to ask good questions to get an idea what the work/life balance is. I know people at the agency, some with kids, and they say it isn't horrible, most days it's not bad hours, just occasionally you'll have to pull a 10 he day for a pitch or tight deadline. Totally get that. I don't know anyone on this specific team, though, so drop me all your smart workflow questions.

Anyone looking for Sr/ACD team in London?Partner and I are currently the go-to creative team at the agency but looking for new opportunity. Lots of production experience. Some awards. Some experience managing Jr teams. Who’s hiring?

Pay range for an ACD role at apple in LA?

In Chicago for the second time and I love this place. Anyone hiring an ACD writer so I can move here and live here?

Senior Copywriter here, looking for either another senior role or ACD position.

Hit me up!

Or don't. You do you.

Is 190k a fair salary for an ACD role in NYC? Im experienced and borderline about to be promoted to CD at my current shop

Any bigger Chicago agencies hiring ACD writers? I feel like everyone in town wants mid-level and I’m tryna make moves here.

My friend is an incredible ACD (art) and is pretty miserable/stuck at his current gig. He’s got a great book, experience, and super down to earth with a a great attitude. Anyone hiring??

What salary would you ask for:
Currently making 120k as a senior at a big shop.
Moving to ACD role in small shop.
Six years of experience + portfolio school.
NYC.

Where is my reasonable range?

As an ACD for a Chicago agency, how much should I be making? Keeping in mind that I've been hired in a permanently remote role and live in Orlando (for now). If it matters, it's a biopharma agency of about 250 employees.

I had first and second round interviews for a specific role at a company—and even discussed salary range with the recruiter during first round—then I get an email from the recruiter saying the SVP and ACD I interviewed with loved me and thought I’d be a great fit, and that she’d be in touch when a position opens up that matches my skills and level. Has anyone ever had something like this happen? I’m so confused, because the role was for my skills and level.

Strategy Directors, advice needed:

What top 3 qualities do you look for when a candidate is from a creative background?

I am an ACD/Copy with some awards (include a gold lion) who also worked as brand/ marketing manager (in different countries), wants to switch career to strategy.

Additionally: What position do you suggest would be more realistic to start with?

Thank you!

Strategy Directors, advice needed:

What top 3 qualities do you look for when a candidate is from a creative background?

I am an ACD/Copy with some awards (Gold lion and etc) who also worked as brand/ marketing manager (in different countries), wants to switch my career to strategy.

Additional question: What position do you suggest would be more realistic to start with?

Thank you!

Senior Copywriter position at Droga5 coming from an ACD role (note: no ACD roles at Droga). What do we think the salary bracket is?

What are the key role differences between a Senior Copywriter and an ACD Copywriter? When is one “ready” to be promoted from one to the next?

Would it be inappropriate to apply for an ACD position with my title currently at mid level? I have the years of experience to qualify but haven’t been able to get any title promotion, not even to senior, at my current agency for the same reasons I’m looking for a new position. I’ve been looking for senior opportunities and I’m seeing a bunch of ACD positions opening up. Don’t want to look like I don’t know what I’m doing for trying to hop a level.

I just moved country for my husband’s job and am talking with an agency for CD role.
I had a great chat with both ECD and MD and now they asked for more information about the team I was managing in my previous job.

But, there was not a solid team structure at that agency and I just worked with designers / art directors chosen by the account directors. Could be one or several creatives. I was in this freestyle cross agency position as ACD without a partner as well. (Cont)

Is it true that Fallon has eliminated layers in creative department to CDs and general creative? If so, if you’re more ACD level does this hurt you in the long run? Context: Being hit up for position with sr level pay but I’m on the cusp of an ACD promotion at my current shop.

Has anyone ever been promoted to ACD only to feel like they were much happier at the Senior CW/AD level? I’m going through that right now and wondering if it will pass with time as I get more experience in the role. Or, if it doesn’t, what do you do about it? Would it look horrible to eventually take a job somewhere else back at the Senior CW level? I’ve always loved being the maker - focusing on writing and concepting. Having a lot of anxiety that this new position isn’t the right path for me.