How Do I Become a Chief Creative Officer?

To become a chief creative officer, you will have to prove your creative talents in a specific field, such as digital media, writing, or special effects and animation. Many chief creative officers obtain higher level Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees, which usually require that you obtain a bachelor's degree first. Through hard work and a bit of luck, those who have associate's degrees in creative fields can climb up the ladder and become a chief creative officer by staying with one company for a few years. Developing your portfolio and winning awards in your field is an excellent way to get recognized and promoted to an executive position.

Becoming a chief creative officer entails that other people view your work as something special and unique. Innovation wins in the creative field, and firms and agencies want candidates who can quickly come up with a concept that will draw viewers in. Whether you are interested in advertising, gaming, film and entertainment, or web design, talent is essential to advancement in the field. You can develop your skills both through coursework in school and practicing your skills on your own time.

A bachelor's degree is usually required if you want to become a chief creative officer. It is also possible to obtain an associate's degree or a certificate in fields such as graphic design and copywriting. Four years in an undergraduate institution will help you flesh out your portfolio, and it may also put you in touch with other creatives who could help you gain lucrative internships in brand name agencies.

Going to school to pursue an MFA or similar degree is a great way to learn more about chief creative officer requirements. Graduate school programs in the arts usually last for one or two years and challenge students to tackle difficult creative challenges that arise in the real world. Learning how to design a full scale advertising campaign, a website for a client, or a viral hit requires education and teamwork with other talented creatives. Getting an advanced degree may also make you a more attractive candidate to employers and help you become a chief creative officer.

Throughout school, you should seek to build up your portfolio as much as possible. Submitting your work to various juries and competitions is great motivation for keeping your portfolio fresh and up to date. You can also try to pursue freelance opportunities as a way to vary your skills while earning money.