How to Become a Creative Project Manager?

As organizations are getting technologically advanced, creative content has become a primary driver for companies to sustain and grow. Creative projects play a significant role in shaping an organization’s brand and visibility. In this post, we will discuss in detail how to become a creative project manager, Project Management prerequisites, roles and responsibilities, skills, creative project manager jobs and much more.

Who is a Creative Project Manager, and What Do They Do?

Creative project managers are responsible for projects with creative involvement. Projects can range from creating copy and design for a website to large-scale advertisements and video production. Creative project managers are omnipresent as they are required in all industries and sectors since the inception of any idea needs a creative team. The digital revolution has made creative project managers a very significant role in project management. 

Creative projects could be handled by in-house project management teams or outsourced to creative consulting firms. Which way, creative project managers are vital for businesses to thrive and grow. Creative project managers define the project plan and scope, along with resource allocation and cost analysis. Also, they lead and manage creative teams of different skills through the creative process. 

For e.g., product design, app design, ad campaigns, web page designing, etc. are a few examples of creative projects. Depending on the nature of the project, creative project managers could be working closely with web designers, UX designers, copywriters, branding specialists, web/mobile developers, and more.

A creative project manager needs to have diverse skill sets as they are responsible for leading a team of creatives, whether for an agency or for in-house projects. They are multi-skilled individuals who wear multiple hats. 

Steps to Become a Creative Project Manager

To become a creative project manager, you must have certain soft and hard skills. Also, you must choose a learning style and format that suits you. Let us look at each of the steps in detail:

Step 1: Master Skills

The skills required for leading creative projects vary depending on the type of project. For example, a product design project will require User interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) skills, whereas a creative website design project will require HTML knowledge and coding language proficiency.

Top Skills Needed to Become a Creative Project Manager

Soft Skills

• Communication: Communication is key in project management. Creative project managers must be able to communicate clearly and effectively to all parties involved in the project to ensure everyone is on the same page. 
• Problem-solving: Creative project managers must be able to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently. They must be able to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.
• Leadership: As creative project managers, they must be able to lead a team with clear goals and motivate team members to focus on quality. 
• Organization: Multi-tasking is a skill every project manager must have. Creative project managers must be able to stay organized and manage multiple projects without compromising on output and deliverables. They must be able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Creativity: Creative project managers must be highly creative and be able to come up with new and innovative ideas. They must be able to think outside the box and find solutions that are both creative and effective.
• Collaboration: Creative project managers must be able to collaborate with a variety of people from different backgrounds. They must be able to work together to achieve common goals.
• Adaptability: Creative projects are usually complex and dynamic in nature, with multiple lairs. Creative project managers must be flexible to be able to change course quickly when needed. They must be able to handle unexpected challenges and come up with solutions on the fly.
• Resilience: Creative project managers must be resilient and be able to bounce back from setbacks. They must be able to stay positive and motivated, even when things are tough.

Hard Skills 

• Visual Design Software: Creative project managers must have some knowledge of visual design tools like Canva, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, etc., which will enable them to understand the visual aspects of their projects. This will allow them to make better decisions about the look and feel of their projects and to identify and mitigate risks. 
• Programming languages: Basic knowledge of programming languages like Python, Java, and C++ is essential for most creative program managers, as it will allow them to communicate effectively with developers and to understand the technical aspects of their projects. 
• Budgeting and Financial Tools: The ability to work with financial software for budgeting, expense tracking, and financial analysis ensures effective resource allocation and cost control.
• Project Management Software: Knowledge of project management software like Asana, Trello, Jira etc., is mandatory for a creative project manager. These tools help them organize their projects and ensure timelines are adhered to.
• Cloud computing: Creative project managers must be familiar with cloud computing to store and access files, collaborate with team members, and deliver projects to clients. Some popular cloud computing platforms include Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box.
• Presentation Tools: Must have knowledge of presentation tools like PowerPoint or Keynote in creating engaging project presentations for stakeholders.

Other Competencies:

In addition to these technical skills, creative project managers also need to have strong interpersonal skills. They need to have a creative mindset and the ability to work effectively with a variety of people, from clients to team members to stakeholders. They also need to be able to build relationships and trust with others. 

Top Creative Project Manager Certifications / Degree

Let’s look at the top creative project manager certifications you can opt for to advance in this career field:

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP certification offered by the Project Management Institute is one of the best and most industry-recognized project management courses. With over 1 billion certificate holders, it is recognized as the gold standard certification in project management all over the world. 

You should have at least 3 years of experience in project management. The project management certification tests your ability to conduct processes manage people, and your knowledge of management principles. The PMP exam is a multiple-choice 200, 200-question exam that tests your knowledge of project management principles, practices, and tools. The exam is 4 hours duration. There are various institutes that offer courses for you to prepare for your PMP certification. You can choose the PMP certification course online from this list based on your preference.

2. PRINCE2 Foundation/ PRINCE2 Practitioner

The PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environment) Foundation certification is an entry-level certification offered by Axelos that introduces you to the PRINCE2 methodology, principles, processes, etc. The PRINCE2 methodology provides a structured framework for managing projects effectively. 

The PRINCE2 Foundation exam is a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of the PRINCE2 principles, themes, and processes. The exam is 2 hours long and there are 75 questions. The PRINCE2 Foundation certification is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must renew it by taking the PRINCE2 Foundation exam again. 

PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environment) Practitioner is an advanced level of certification offered by Axelos to professionals who are responsible for project management. To become a PRINCE2 Practitioner, you must pass the PRINCE2 Foundation exam. Holders of the PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) are eligible to take the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam without taking the Foundation exam. 

The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam tests your knowledge of the PRINCE2 principles, terminologies, processes, etc. The exam is 2 hours in duration, and there are 120 questions. To pass the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, you need to score at least 65%. The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must renew it by taking the PRINCE2 Foundation exam again.

There are various institutes that offer courses for you to prepare for your Prince2 certification. You can choose the right PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certificate course that suits your requirements.

3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification that will distinguish you in the job market and enhance your credibility in managing projects. This exam-based certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) is useful for achieving high business performance and career growth. CAPM exhibits your understanding of the principles of PMI and the PMBOK Guide.

The CAPM certification exam is a 150 multiple choice-question test that checks your aptitude in Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts.

4. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

CSM certification offers certification on the Scrum agile methodology that is offered by the Scrum Alliance. This certificate is focused on teaching Scrum best practices that are often followed in technical and creative project teams. This certification is a 60-question, multiple-choice exam. To pass the exam, you must score at least 75% on the exam.

Step 2: Determine Your Ideal Timeline

To become certified as a creative project manager, you will have to be dedicated and focused on your learning journey. The time you take to become a certified creative project manager will depend on factors such as your work experience, your exposure to creative projects, your learning style, your budget and the type of certification. KnowledgeHut's project management course online will help you with the necessary skills and knowledge to gain the right certification.

Start Learning in a Format That Suits You

There are various ways to acquire the skills required to become a creative project manager. 

• Online Courses: There are many online courses available that can teach you the fundamentals of project management and design. These courses are often self-paced and can be completed at your own convenience.
• Webinars and Workshops: Look for webinars and workshops hosted by project management organizations and industry experts. These short, focused sessions can provide valuable insights and practical tips.
• University Programs: Many universities offer project management courses and degree certifications as part of their executive programs. These courses are targeted at working professionals to want to enhance their project management skills. 
• Get hands-on experience: The best way to learn project management is by doing it. Look for opportunities to volunteer or work on small projects. This will give you the chance to apply what you have learned and to gain valuable experience.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Creative Project Manager?

The time it takes to become a creative project manager can vary depending on a lot of factors. However, in general, it can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years to acquire the necessary skills and experience to become a successful creative project manager.

Here are some of the factors that can affect how long it takes to become a creative project manager:

• Your educational qualifications: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in marketing, communications, fine arts or related field can be a great start for a creative project manager career path.
• Your current level of experience: If you have no prior experience in handling creative projects, you may need to take some time to learn these skills and gain experience. This could involve taking online courses, reading books, or attending workshops.
• The type of creative project manager you want to be: There are many different types of creative project managers, each with its own set of skills and requirements. For example, a creative project manager for a marketing agency will need different skills than a creative project manager for a film production company.
• Your availability: How much time can you commit to studying and preparing for the role? If you are working full-time, you may need to make time for your studies.
• Your budget: How much can you afford to spend on the certification process, education, and portfolio development? The cost of the certification exam, the study materials, and the application fee can add up.

Step 3: Begin Building Your Portfolio / Resume

A resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer. It is a document that showcases your skills, experience, and education for employers to refer to. A well-written resume can help you get visibility with the right employers and make it easier for you to land a job.

Portfolio Example or Resume Template for Download

Here is a template of a creative project manager, which you can use for your reference. 

Step 4: Where and how to find a job

Once you create your portfolio, the next step is to research how to get a creative project manager job. There are many ways that you can find jobs. You can look for jobs on various online job portals like LinkedIn, indeed, Glassdoor, etc. You could also register in recruitment agencies or staffing firms that specialize in project management roles. Also, another option available for you is to research company websites and creative project manager job descriptions to look for jobs that suit your skill set.

Top Companies Hiring Creative Project Manager

Accenture, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Proctor & Gamble, Best Buy, and Apple Inc. are a few of the top companies hiring creative project managers.

Job Outlook for Creative Project Manager

Creative project managers are a necessary function in any creative agency. Creative project managers, and project managers in general, are in high demand. Over the next ten years, creative project managers anticipate job growth of 6% — faster than average- and project manager jobs are expected to increase by 33%. 

As companies continue to focus on creating engaging and visually appealing content, creative project managers play a key role in coordinating and delivering successful projects. It’s estimated that an additional 22 million jobs will be added in the sector by 2027, representing a projected 33 percent growth for the industry. This growth trend is also expected to generate a total of 88 million jobs in the field worldwide by that time.

However, with the growing career outlook for creative project managers, there is also a talent gap between the number of qualified professionals needed for these creative roles and the number of people actually qualified to do the work. Hence, having the right skills and work exposure will ensure you a successful career path as a creative project management professional.

Cascade

Step 5: Ace the Interview

Getting prepared for the interview is the final step in becoming a creative project manager. Researching the companies and their organizational values will help you face the interview better.

Brief overview of the interview process + Tips

In the interview process, you will be assessed on both your creative skills, technical capabilities and leadership qualities. You will also be asked questions about your previous role in creative projects. You will be evaluated based on your qualifications and work experience to gauge your fitment in the job role and company culture. It typically involves several stages designed to evaluate the candidates thoroughly. 

The interview questions will be a combination of behavioral and situational-based interview questions assessing your leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Always give examples of dealing with challenges and how you succeeded in eliminating these challenges. 

Tips:

• Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this position. 
• Focus on highlighting your relevant experience and soft skills. Also, be confident and calm during the interview process.
• Practice types of job interviews such as screening interviews, phone interviews, technical interviews, etc. 
• Prepare a list of questions in order to ask the employer during the job interview.

Below is a link that has the interview questions for how to become a creative project manager:

https://startup.jobs/interview-questions/creative-project-manager#

Who Can Become a Creative Project Manager?

Creative project managers can be people from different backgrounds and with different educational experiences. However, there are some general skills and qualities that are essential for anyone who wants to become a creative project manager.

Creative Project Manager Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in advertising, fine arts, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of professional experience in project management, agency account management, or a similar role.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from concept through completion.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with clients and team members.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and project management software such as Basecamp or Asana.

Why / Benefits

A creative project manager is a person of many skills. Having these skill sets and knowledge makes you a highly sought-after professional. As you lead a team of creatives, whether for an agency or as an in-house resource for a company, you will be wearing multiple hats. 

What’s the Demand for Creative Project Manager?

Creative project managers are highly sought after in various industries and functions, including advertising, marketing, technology and entertainment. Digital media has changed the way businesses communicate with their customers. Creative project managers are essential for helping businesses create engaging and effective content for digital platforms. Creative project managers need to have a variety of skills, including creativity, problem-solving, communication, and leadership. These skills are in high demand, as businesses are looking for creative project managers who can bring their projects to life.

Salary details for the top 5 countries

As per Glassdoor, 

• The average base salary of a creative project manager in India is INR 40,755. The range of salaries lies between INR 25,000 to INR 57,000.
• The average creative project manager salary in the US is $67,663, and the salary range typically falls between $61,139 and $75,141.
• The average creative project manager salary in the United Kingdom is £46,173 per year, and the salary range typically falls between £39,000 and £54,000.
• The average salary for Creative Project Manager is $84,000 per year in Australia, and the salary range typically falls between $80,000 to $90,000.
• The average salary for a Creative Project Manager is $87,974 per year in Canada, and the salary range typically falls between $73,000 - $105,000.

Conclusion

To conclude, creative project managers are owners of creative projects starting from the inception to the execution of the project. The role of a creative project manager is to ensure the creative team delivers all the tasks within the set parameters and within the schedule and budget. Creative project managers need to foster a culture of creative thinking and visualization. They play a vital role in the success of any creative project. Also, they need to have a strong understanding of the creative process, as well as the ability to manage budgets, timelines, and teams. Creative project managers need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, creative professionals, and other stakeholders.