Creative direction gives you the opportunity to lead, hire and manage creative teams, define concepts, pitch for new business and contribute to strategy.

The Creative Director will often be the most senior creative position within a studio. They will lead a varied team that may include Graphic Designers, Digital Designers, Copywriters, Art Directors, Artworkers, Motion Graphics Designers and film and video professionals.

Every Creative Director role is different, but will typically focus on concept creation, business development, management and leadership. They will be the mind behind the ‘big idea’ and use their team to implement their vision.

Creative Director
Associate Creative Director
Executive Creative Director

Senior Art Director
Associate Creative Director
Creative Director
Exec Creative Director

We’ve outlined the latest salary benchmarks for Creative Director roles in the guides below:

Design Salary Guide South West

Conceptual ability is key, you should have a wide understanding and knowledge of design, marketing and writing to be able to effectively lead and direct the creative process. You will typically need to be client-facing and confident in business development. You’ll need to be comfortable managing others, handling budgets and contributing to a senior agency team.

You will usually need a foundation degree or diploma within a relevant subject. For example, these could include graphic design, graphic communication, illustration, art, creative writing, marketing or branding.

Salary:

£22k – £28k

What They Do:

Supports creative teams by assisting with design, concept development, and production of digital and print assets.

Skills Needed:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) basics
• Understanding of design fundamentals and branding
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Attention to detail and ability to take direction
• Eagerness to learn and adapt

Salary:

£22k – £35k

What They Do:

Produces creative work across channels, develops concepts under senior guidance, and collaborates with copywriters, marketers, and clients.

Skills Needed:

• Proficiency in multi-channel creative production
• Brand guideline implementation and consistency
• Ability to contribute to ideas and concepts
• Basic client interaction and presentation skills
• Collaborative mindset

Salary:

£35k – £50k

What They Do:

Leads the creative development of campaigns, mentors juniors, and ensures high-quality design and copy output across mediums.

Skills Needed:

• Conceptual thinking and ideation
• Brand strategy and development experience
• Strong presentation and pitching skills
• Ability to manage multiple creative projects
• Mentoring and leadership capabilities

Salary:

£65k – £90k

What They Do:

Owns the creative vision for an agency or brand, directs teams across design, copy, and production, and ensures creative output meets commercial goals.

Skills Needed:

• Visionary leadership and brand guardianship
• High-level strategic thinking and innovation
• Experience leading cross-functional creative teams
• Strong client and stakeholder management
• Proven track record of delivering impactful campaigns

Salary:

£22k – £27k

What They Do:

Supports the PR or comms team with media lists, admin, event logistics, drafting press materials, and monitoring coverage.

Skills Needed:

• Strong writing and proofreading skills
• Organisation and time management
• Social media literacy
• Media monitoring and reporting
• Basic understanding of PR tools (e.g. Gorkana, Cision)

Salary:

£90k – £120k+

What They Do:

Sets the organisation’s creative direction, drives innovation, and builds client and executive relationships. Leads the entire creative function at board level.

Skills Needed:

• Executive-level creative and commercial strategy
• Industry thought leadership and brand building
• Deep understanding of customer behaviour and trends
• Ability to inspire and mentor senior leaders
• Building high-performing creative teams