Best in Class: How Creative Directors Handpick the Top Talent in 2025

In the fast-moving creative industry of 2025, Executive Creative Directors (ECDs) and Chief Creative Directors (CCDs) are rethinking how they spot the very best talent. The traditional CV is becoming less of a decision-maker, replaced by an emphasis on creative output, originality, and cultural fit.

These leaders aren’t just hiring someone to execute briefs, they’re curating the creative DNA of their agencies and brands. That means they’re looking for professionals who can deliver clean, avant-garde ideas that push boundaries while still answering the commercial challenge.

Portfolios Over Paper

Today’s creative leaders want to see the work, not just read about it. The strongest candidates bring living, breathing portfolios that:

  • Showcase software fluency across tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Blender, and more.
  • Include examples that are recent and relevant to the target market.
  • Demonstrate range and depth, from polished campaign visuals to experimental personal projects.
  • Present imagery that reflects cultural awareness and market trends.

The Shift in Creative Selection

This pivot towards portfolio-first selection is a win for candidates who know how to tell their story visually. It levels the playing field for those whose skills and vision outshine their formal titles or linear career paths.

For ECDs and CCDs, this approach makes hiring more efficient. A curated portfolio quickly reveals:

  • Conceptual thinking strength.
  • Ability to balance originality with commercial objectives.
  • Consistency of craft across different briefs and media.

What This Means for Candidates

If you’re a creative professional in 2025, your portfolio isn’t just a collection of past work, it’s your primary marketing tool. It should feel tailored, current, and intentional, giving decision-makers a clear sense of how you think, create, and execute.

In short: treat your portfolio like it’s the interview before the interview.

At CoCo, we connect creative leaders with best-in-class talent who have the portfolios to match. Whether you’re an ECD looking to build an award-winning team or a creative ready to showcase your work to the right people, we make the introductions that count.