2020 tested creative teams like never before. Priorities were shifted, deadlines were tighter and creatives had to adapt to a whole new way of working. While it may not have been the shake-up we all needed, it did do creative operations a favour in catapulting it into the limelight. 

A lot more organizations now realise the benefits associated with measuring and managing the creative workflow for optimum performance thanks to 2020. It’s a positive step for the function of creative operations but of course, the challenge doesn’t end there. 2021 has brought new problems, creative leaders are trying to cope with managing a borderless workforce, an increased workload and reduced resources. It’s not an ideal scenario for any creative leader but it has forced them to re-evaluate and rebuild their creative processes, tools and talent pool – creative operations has been kicked into action. 

In the fourth installment of The State of Creative Operations Report we share insights from over 100 creative leaders about their experiences of managing creative teams in 2021. We investigate what the creative team of 2021 looks like, the new processes and technologies adopted, thoughts on measuring creative operations, and look at what the future holds for creative operations in 2022. We also ask creative leaders “Who is Getting Creative Operations Right?” and provide a snapshot of the companies that are leading the way in creative operations.