Great ADs are the multiplier on your career. Treat the relationship like the asset it is.
Their constraints are not your enemy
Page count, ad placement, color budget, brand rules — every constraint the AD passes on came from someone they negotiated with first. Respect the negotiation.
Be early, not perfect
A rough at 60% on day three beats finished art on day seven. ADs need time to build internal consensus.
Take the note, then ask the question
When feedback feels off, take the note literally first. Then ask “what’s the underlying concern?” — usually the actual issue is two layers deeper.
Send the invoice on Friday
Friday afternoon. Every time.
