What Counts as a Creative Project in Creative Project Management?

Creative project management is a specialized field that focuses on guiding projects driven by creativity and innovation. But what exactly counts as a creative project? The term "creative project" can encompass a wide range of endeavors across different industries, from advertising and design to film production and digital media. This article explores the various types of projects that fall under the umbrella of creative project management, offering examples to illustrate the diversity and scope of creative projects.

Defining a Creative Project

A creative project is any initiative that requires a high level of creativity, innovation, and originality to achieve its goals. These projects often involve tasks like brainstorming, designing, writing, and producing, and they typically result in a tangible or digital product that reflects the creativity and vision of the team behind it.

Types of Creative Projects

Creative projects can vary widely depending on the industry, the medium, and the goals of the project. Here are some common types of creative projects that fall under the realm of creative project management:

1. Advertising Campaigns

Advertising campaigns are classic examples of creative projects. These initiatives require a blend of strategic thinking, creative concept development, and execution to create compelling messages that resonate with target audiences.

Example: The "Share a Coke" campaign by Coca-Cola is a prime example of a creative project. The campaign involved replacing the Coca-Cola logo on bottles with popular names, creating a personalized experience for consumers. The creative project manager oversaw the development of the concept, the design of the labels, and the execution of the campaign across multiple channels.

2. Branding and Rebranding Projects

Branding and rebranding projects involve creating or revitalizing a brand’s identity, which includes developing logos, color schemes, messaging, and overall brand strategy.

Example: Airbnb’s rebranding in 2014 is an example of a large-scale creative project. The project included developing a new logo, visual identity, and brand narrative that better reflected the company’s values and mission. The creative project manager played a key role in coordinating the design team, managing timelines, and ensuring that the new brand identity was consistently applied across all platforms.

3. Product Development

Product development projects involve designing, prototyping, and launching new products. These projects require collaboration between designers, engineers, marketers, and other stakeholders to bring a new product to market.

Example: The development of Apple’s iPhone is a high-profile example of a creative project. From the initial concept to the final product, the project involved innovative design, engineering, and marketing efforts. The creative project manager was responsible for coordinating these efforts, ensuring that the product met both creative and technical standards.

4. Film and Video Production

Film and video production are quintessential creative projects that involve a wide range of tasks, from scriptwriting and storyboarding to shooting, editing, and post-production.

Example: The production of a feature film like "Inception" is a complex creative project that requires coordination between multiple teams, including writers, directors, cinematographers, editors, and special effects artists. The creative project manager ensures that all these elements come together to create a cohesive and compelling final product.

5. Digital Content Creation

Digital content creation encompasses a broad range of projects, including website design, social media campaigns, app development, and multimedia content production.

Example: The redesign of the New York Times website was a major creative project that involved rethinking the site’s user experience, visual design, and content strategy. The creative project manager worked with designers, developers, and content creators to deliver a user-friendly and visually engaging website that met the publication’s goals.

6. Event Planning and Production

Event planning and production involve organizing and executing events such as conferences, product launches, and experiential marketing campaigns. These projects require creative vision and meticulous planning to create memorable experiences.

Example: The annual Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is a large-scale creative project that involves planning keynote presentations, product launches, workshops, and networking events. The creative project manager oversees the event’s creative direction, coordinates logistics, and ensures that the event reflects the brand’s identity and messaging.

What Makes These Projects "Creative"?

What sets these projects apart as "creative" is their reliance on innovation, originality, and the ability to engage audiences in meaningful ways. Unlike more traditional projects, creative projects often involve a higher degree of experimentation, exploration, and iteration, requiring project managers to be both flexible and visionary in their approach.

Conclusion

Creative projects are diverse, spanning multiple industries and involving a wide range of activities—from designing ad campaigns to developing groundbreaking products. In creative project management, the key is to harness the creativity and innovation of your team while ensuring that the project is executed effectively and meets its objectives. Understanding what counts as a creative project is essential for any creative project manager looking to excel in this dynamic field.

Are you ready to manage creative projects with confidence? Explore CPMA's comprehensive training and certification program to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in creative project management.