FBDInspires #003: Bridging Creativity and Strategy: 5 Essential Skills for an Account Manager in a Creative Studio
By Stevan Milic
Stevan Milic is Future by Design‘s Account Manager, blending creative and strategic work on an everyday basis, from client management to project work and sharing ideas with the creative team. He has established partnerships with organizations such as the Green Climate Fund, Forest Stewardship Council, UNFPA, and more.
As an account manager in a dynamic design studio, I have discovered that blending creativity with strategy is an art form in itself. It’s about ensuring that every piece of design not only looks great but also serves a greater purpose. Whether it’s about contributing to sustainable development or driving social change, our work goes beyond aesthetics.
Here are five essential skills needed to succeed as an account management in a creative studio:
1. Balancing client needs with studio work
An account manager's role is a blend of sales, client relations, and project management. The account manager represents the clients within the studio, ensuring their visions and objectives are clearly understood and effectively translated into the design briefs. The account manager also represents the studio's creative work to the clients, ensuring their aspirations align with the studio’s expertise and values. This balancing act requires a deep understanding of both design principles and the client's strategic goals.
2. Communicating effectively
Translating client needs into actionable design briefs and conveying the creative team's vision to the client requires clear communication. It’s about ensuring that nothing is lost in translation, which is critical to building trust and understanding on both sides of the equation. With clients, we have email conversations, which I then translate onto management platforms such as Monday.com and Milanote so that the objectives of each campaign are clear to the design team.
3. Balancing creativity with practicality
Creativity must be grounded in practicality, especially when working within tight budgets or specific guidelines. It's like solving a puzzle, finding innovative ways to deliver quality work without compromising the design integrity. I have learned to navigate these challenges and provide solutions that meet everyone's needs. Much of this involves frank discussions with the clients on adjusting the scope of the work or the rounds of revisions needed to deliver projects quickly.
4. Staying organized and detail-oriented
Keeping tabs on multiple projects without dropping the ball is all in a day’s work for an account manager. An organized approach and attention to detail ensure that projects stay on track, meet deadlines, and exceed expectations. By using the management platform Monday.com or creating calendars and tables on the interactive platform Milanote board, I know I am not dropping any balls while managing multiple projects.
5. Keep learning and adapting
The design landscape is ever-changing, and staying informed is non-negotiable. Continuous learning and adaptability are not just about keeping up; they're about bringing fresh perspectives to the table and delivering value that keeps pace with the times.
Embracing these skills has enabled me to bridge the gap between creativity and functionality, ensuring our designs capture attention and make a meaningful impact. In the world of design, being an account manager is about steering the ship through both calm and stormy waters, all while keeping an eye on the destination.
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If you want to find out more about Future by Design or would like to work with us please drop us a line on hello@futurebydesign.com.