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I Went from In-House to Consultant—Here’s What Helped Me Succeed

I Went from In-House to Consultant—Here’s What Helped Me Succeed

By the end of 2015, after nearly eight years as an in-house creative director—and over two decades in the field—I found myself self-employed for the second time in my career. Now, as I enter my fourth year as a brand and creative strategy consultant, I recognize how the lessons I learned in-house have directly contributed to my success as a business owner. Looking back, I can also see that my consulting mindset and teaching instincts played a crucial role in leading in-house creative teams effectively.

Lessons Learned Working In-House That Helped Me Be A Better Consultant

Lessons Learned Working In-House That Helped Me Be A Better Consultant

After nearly eight years leading in-house creative teams and more than two decades in the profession, I discovered that many of the skills that make effective corporate leaders also make successful consultants. From operational discipline and relationship building to managing time strategically, these lessons continue to shape how I advise clients and run my business today.

The Changing Relationship Between In-House and Outside Agencies

The Changing Relationship Between In-House and Outside Agencies

In recent years, there has been a shift in power in the creative industry regarding who “owns” brand and creative work in corporate America. In-house creative teams have emerged as important players, producing some of the best creative work in design, advertising, photography, and video. This shift has led to corporations leveraging their in-house talent more than ever, with in-house teams taking on the responsibility of managing outside agency relationships.

3 Career Paths: Agency, Freelance or In-House?

3 Career Paths: Agency, Freelance or In-House?

One of the questions I’m asked most often by students and emerging creative professionals is whether they should work freelance, join an agency, or pursue an in-house role. The answer depends on your goals, priorities, and stage of life. Here are lessons from my own 25-year journey across all three career paths.

Work at an agency, freelance or go in-house? Part 2

Work at an agency, freelance or go in-house? Part 2

FREELANCE VERSUS THE SALARIED (IN-HOUSE) JOB. When I was just starting out, the thought of a designer going in-house was almost unheard of. We were educated to believe that the best work was being done by ad agencies and design studios, and your best bet starting out was to get a freelance gig starting at the bottom and proving yourself to move up to the juicy client work.

4 Tips for Managing and Leading Creative Teams

4 Tips for Managing and Leading Creative Teams

Managing creative professionals requires more than assigning work and tracking deadlines. The most effective leaders act as coaches, create opportunities for growth, build trust, and understand the difference between managing processes and leading people. Here are four lessons I’ve learned from leading creative teams over the years.