Make the creative process easy with design leadership on a fractional basis

Here's what I can do for you:

• Help to create a structured process for creative work that suits your organisation. This includes things like outlining timeframes for different parts of the process, steps for how to review work, and templates and documents that you should use
• Help with briefing your designers – making sure they have the right references, inspiration and guardrails before they start
• Periodically review work as it is developed and make suggestions for how to make it better
• Help prepare your designers to present work to senior leadership so that the work is understood, respected and approved.
• Provide mentoring for designers to help grow their career
• Provide an outside perspective and leadership on a specific big project, like a website design, brand strategy or video production
• Say the words "But what if we did this instead?" many, many times over.

FAQ

What do you mean by "fractional"?

I work across a small number of clients and divide my time between them. Unlike a full-time Creative Director (which you probably don't need), you get a fraction of one (me).

What kind of work are we talking about specifically?

Website designs, landing pages, social media posts, social media videos, flyers, brochures, company videos, PowerPoint presentations, print advertising, signage, wayfinding, packaging, illustration, animation, photography shoots, motion graphics, copywriting and pretty much anything else you might need.

If there are things your organisation has thought about doing, but hasn't had the confidence to do before, I can make that happen, and teach your team how to do it.

On top of all that I can provide strategic advice so that your communications are effective, consistent, and on-brand.

Are you going to replace my agency?

Probably not. My services are designed to help you with the work that wouldn't go to your agency anyway. There will likely always be large projects that require specialist skills that you don't have in-house and it's best to use their skills and experience to get it done.

Can you help me replace my agency?

If that's what you want, yes. I can help you to bring more of the work in-house and I can even help you set up an in-house function if you don't have one already.

Will you do the work for us?

I can, but that's not the most effective way to use my services. Ideally, I am helping your existing team members, not replacing them. Where there is an obvious skills gap, I can help fill that, or you can talk to your agency as you usually would.

What does it cost?

Depends. Each engagement will be different. The cost structure is designed to be less than the cost of the Creative Director function at your agency. A lot of the things that I offer above could also be classed as "account management", so in many ways you get an account manager too, for no extra cost :)

If the process becomes smoother with less back and forth, and you are able to do more of the work in-house, then you should see lower costs as well as get better performance.

I can work on a one-off project basis, or on a rolling monthly contract with regular deliverables.

Why should I trust you?

Because I've been the creative director on hundreds of projects over the years. From big ones like TV commercials to little ones like mobile ads. I've worked in famous agencies in the UK on global brands and helped to run an agency here.

I've managed dozens of creatives and designers over the years and I know what makes them tick.

You can see the sort of work I've been responsible for here

Do you work remotely?

It's up to you. If you are in Auckland, I am happy to come into your office when needed, and if you aren't, I can jump on a video call.

Do all Creative Directors have thick, black‑rimmed glasses?

Yes.

Ok, I'm interested, what next?

Send me an email (hello@davidbourke.nz) and we can organise a meeting. Once I have a feel for your situation, I can come back to you with a proposal explaining how I think I can add value. That could even be a simple test run to see if we like working together.

If you're curious, or you'd just like a bit of practical advice, check out my newsletter. It's designed to help marketing professionals and their design teams work better.

I hope to hear from you soon.