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5 Tips to Become a Successful Creative Project Manager

A person with a marker pointing at a sticky note on a whiteboard.
Source: Pexels - Photo by Alena Darmel 

Not only focusing on the hard skills, creative project managers should focus on continuous self-improvement to ensure effective project execution and optimal outcomes. While there are many ways to be a more successful creative project manager, there are key abilities that will strengthen your role within your team.


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What is a Creative Project Manager?

Creative project managers plan and execute projects specifically within the creative industry, just like traditional PMs. Their understanding of the creative process helps ensure that their teams can manage their capacity and are not overwhelmed by deadlines, promoting a more motivated and productive work environment.


Additionally, an artist project manager would have a similar role, except they are more focused on independent creative works that are unconventional in the corporate setting. These tips could still benefit them as well.


5 Tips for Becoming a Successful Creative Project Manager


Alt text: A group of people discussing in front of a board with sticky notes.
Source: Pexels - Photo by Mikhail Nilov
  1. Improve your leadership abilities

Creative project managers are the ones to lead their team from the beginning of the project to the finalisation of it. Their tasks include organising the tasks to be assigned to their team member, setting the schedule of the project timeline, and making sure that the project is executed and fulfilled with the client’s requirements.


Therefore, being a leader in a creative project involves more than just managing your team or helping when required; a good creative project manager also possesses outstanding communication and risk management abilities. In addition to their managerial abilities, they would be able to inspire their group and maintain the excitement of their creative process, which would keep them from burning out.


  1. Be ready for any surprise issues 

As previously said, as a creative project manager, you must have experience in risk management. Last-minute changes are typical throughout creative projects because of the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of the creative industry. A creative project manager who is effective is therefore versatile and adaptive to the needs of the project.


Being able to anticipate and navigate through any unforeseen circumstances is essential for creative project managers. Your team members will have more faith in you since you can provide them with solutions that will not put them under undue stress.



  1. Deepen your industry knowledge 

Leading your creative team to the best ideas and solutions for the project will be easier if you know how to conduct industry research as a creative project manager. This will assist your idea to be more relevant to what is needed and stand out from the competitors. Plus, knowing your industry well will help you allocate tasks fitting for your team members, connect with your clients more effectively, and direct the project better.


  1. Be creative 

And of course, a creative project manager needs to be creative. How would they gain their role if they are not? This means when it comes to making decisions or moulding the project that matches your team member’s abilities, without changing the outcome of the project, creative PMs would have to think outside the box.


They stand on a delicate line of tracking the skills of their creative teams without burning out while trying to satisfy the client's needs as the project progresses. And not to mention keeping everything within budget and a specific deadline.


  1. Familiarise yourself with project management software 

Every creative project manager needs a project management software that matches their creative projects. They must take the time to research and try out different tools without overburdening their team. The software they decide to use must be not only asset-centric but also people-centric.


Our TESSR creative project management software stands out for its focus on putting the people first when it comes to managing. TESSR emphasises collaborating and nurturing the talent of creative minds. Interested in exploring TESSR creative project management tool? 



Conclusion 

Creative project managers are not to be trifled with. They are multitalented and dependable, essential when it comes to leading a group of creative teams. With these tips, you are on your way to becoming a successful project manager.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 


Can I become a creative project manager as a ‘traditional’ project manager? 

Transitioning to a creative project manager is achievable. The key distinction between creative and traditional project managers lies in their flexibility and adaptability to the dynamic nature of creative projects. If you can navigate and assess the constantly evolving processes involved in creativity, you are well-prepared to make this transition.


Is there project management software suitable for creative project managers?

Our TESSR project management software is tailored for creative projects. The layout of TESSR’s programme is visually friendly, making it suitable for both videos and images for a quick overview and easy feedback. If you are curious, book a demo with us!


What is creative project management?

Creative project management is a flexible way to plan and coordinate tasks for the effective execution of creative work. It allows teams to adapt project flow while meeting deadlines and objectives. If you want to know more about this management method, take a look at what we say about it!

 

Author Bio 

With a background in Arts English, Adilla has been a casual writer for various hobbies, including parodies of animated shows and plots for board games like Dungeons & Dragons. She loves to read anything and everything from fantasy stories to articles on tips and tricks. Currently, Adilla resides in Malaysia and is a creative writer at TESSR. One day, she is eager to publish her book. To know more about her, check out her LinkedIn.

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