© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

The Creative Team of the Future is a joint program between The Creative Group and AIGA that explores trends affecting creative teams and professionals.

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

As part of the research, we surveyed more than 800 in-house creative professionals to get their take on

the state of the industry and where it’s headed. Here are 12 key findings…

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

of in-house creative professionals said they have fewer than 10 members on their team

Operating Lean 1 55%

How many team members are on your team?

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

of in-house creatives think that, in the next two years, they will always be tapped for input at the initial stages of a project

Earning a Seat at the Table 2 31% Regardless of team size,

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

expect to be included at least sometimes

59%

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Collaborating Across Departments 3 In the next 12 months, do you expect to collaborate more or less frequently with each of the following departments to execute creative campaigns?

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

Why Your Creative Team Should Join Forces with IT

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

of in-house creatives anticipate relying more often on freelancers and consultants to help execute creative campaigns

Bringing in Reinforcements 4 43% In the next 12 months,

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

The main reasons?

4 Tips for Managing Outside Talent

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Top obstacles to creativity in a corporate environment, according to in-house creative professionals:

Facing Creative Blocks 5 31%

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

Tight deadlines

30% Unwillingness of company to take

creative risks

14% Lack of project diversity

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

of in-house creatives said they get discouraged and fall into a creative slump

Facing Creative Blocks 6 37% When encountering resistance to new ideas on the job,

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

it motivates them to work harder and they often come up with better ideas

30% But for

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Top ways in-house creative professionals stay inspired:

Overcoming Creative Blocks 7

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

Participate in outside interests/hobbies

80% Pursue skills

development/training

65% Attend industry

conferences/events

61%

10 Fresh Ways to Find Design Inspiration

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

of in-house creative professionals said they are concerned about keeping their skills up to date and marketable as they advance in their career

Fretting About the Future 8 91%

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Generalizing or Specializing 9

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

of in-house creatives feel it will be more advantageous in the next two years to have a range of skills rather than be very talented at one thing

48%

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pursuing New Skills 10

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

Top technical skills in-house creatives would like to develop:

Top non-technical skills in-house creatives would like to develop:

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Top ways companies could better support professional development, according to in-house creative professionals:

Longing for a Little Help 11

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

Subsidize external training

39% Allow employees to attend

training during business hours

18% Offer a formal

mentoring program

14%

3 Ways to Grow Your Team’s Skills

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Considering Hurdles Ahead 12

Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals

What do you think will pose the greatest challenge for your in-house team in the next 12 months?

Innovation is the top challenge for nearly one-third (32%) of in-house creative professionals

Innovation in the House: Creativity Lessons From Five Top In-House Creative Teams

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Find additional information about Creative Team of the Future at

creativegroup.com/ctf

© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.