Beresford-Hill and Lucey advise young creative professionals to be proactively involved. Whether brainstorming ideas or shaping campaign strategy, Lucey stresses the importance of “owning the whole process.” The same sentiment was echoed in Herrera’s guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs. “Chase bigger, better, more fun opportunities. Don’t limit yourself to predefined roles,” she said.
Actionable advice: Take the initiative to expand your impact beyond your core role by raising your hand for new opportunities and exploring adjacent disciplines. Offer to contribute to strategic planning, post-campaign analysis or new business pitches for extra visibility. Proactively learn by attending team meetings, shadowing colleagues or diving into areas outside your immediate responsibilities.
When you have extra time, collaborate with your creative partner to review the agency’s full client roster. Brainstorm ideas for brands beyond your assigned accounts and prepare proactive pitches. Go all in on agency-wide initiatives, especially when the chief creative officer opens a brief to everyone, as these efforts can showcase your talent, build your reputation and position you for growth.
And remember, the best creatives are also great strategists. Being proactive means fully investing in all aspects of a campaign, from strategy to execution. You’re not just partners with your copywriter or art director counterpart; you’re partners with the account manager, strategist and everyone else on the team. Build a network that extends beyond your primary creative partner to foster collaboration across roles. This teamwork will elevate the work and give you a holistic understanding of how campaigns come to life, ultimately making you a stronger, more well-rounded creative.