New Job, New Challenges.

So I’ve got a new job. That’s right, it’s been a while since I last posted.

Between being laid off in mid August and then getting hired in mid-November, there’s been lots to talk about.

My new position is a tried and true Art Director (AD). I’m working for a reputable publication firm, who’s name I wont reveal incase I say something wrong, and I will.

It’s been a big change for me. Coming from a laid back design firm atmosphere then moving into a corporate role has been quite a shock. Not only is it a corporate environment, it’s a corporate environment serving law professionals. Cubicles, dress attire and a completely different dialog (no cursing), it’s a lot to get used to.

The biggest change is my role. In the past I’ve been an AD/Designer. A sort of go-to do-it-all guy who was supposed to answer to a lot of people. Now I’m an AD who have designers, mechanical artist’s and writers answering to me. The job is a lot less design, which I’m not happy about, and more managerial. Managing is a monster of a job as it is.

But throw in publication deadlines, short staffed and low morale, now it’s a three headed monster.

In the past I was designing and brainstorming. Now it’s meetings and making deadlines. As a designer I was responsible for my designs and some campaigns. Now my responsibility is all the campaigns. Being a true AD has it’s perks or it least it should. You go to a creative brief, come up with a concept and you and your team design. You give your direction and people listen. Yes there is less hands on work(design) and more managing the a team, but this company is different from any I’ve ever worked with.

When I was hired the creative department was in distress and missing deadlines constantly. It was all out of whack. So much work, not enough staff and non-forgiving deadlines. So not only do I assign the work I have to see everything before my boss, the creative director (CD), sees it. Assign, go to meetings, review all creative, conceptualize. It’s insane. But this is why I was hired. My boss and I have been in this situation before and have been successful. But there are some days when we look at each other and say “what did we get ourselves into?.”

We have already made major improvements but there is a lot of work to do. It’s a juggling act: trying to push the creative to the next level, righting a sinking ship and pleasing corporate heads is what we have to do everyday.

After a minor hiccup I was able to get myself back on track and actually better then I was. It’s funny though, the mental and physical toll a job like this has. I’ve been reading a book titled Leading Clever People by Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones and in the book they as a project manager how long he’s been working on this certain project. “Physically 2 years, mentally 35” And it’s so true. You have to keep yourself in check. You have to make time for your self to exercise mentally and physically.

With that being said, I’m getting used to it. Crazy deadlines, managing a staff, reviewing creative and still having enough time to do some actual design work. I’m growing to say the least.

So there is it is a little look inside my new life as an AD. Hopefully I’ll be alive to send out another post. Just kidding, peace out.