To implement any type of project-from the creation of a marketing campaign to a simple brochure-it is necessary to manage a variety of tasks. This course will address the stages involved in effective project management: initiating an account, corresponding with clients, collecting information (technical, financial, historical), coordinating schedules and costs. The hiring of staff and working with human resources departments will also be covered.

This course is presented from the perspective of a creative talent contemplating life as a founding business owner or equity business partner. We will examine the key steps required to launch and sustain a creative agency/business organization. How best to navigate the building of your organization from start-up to "going concern" will be the focus. Students will be encouraged to think beyond the creative mindset and learn the basics necessary to successfully lead and manage a business, including operating systems, marketing, human resources, sales, finance, legal and other sensitivities critical to the sustainability of any organization. The components of an actual business plan for a successful creative agency will be identified and discussed, and we will then engage in the development of a business plan for a mock creative services organization. Skill sets and attributes necessary to becoming a successful business owner will also be addressed.