Creative Workflow Management Predictions for 2021

If 2020 has taught us anything it is that we should be wary of making predictions. However, just as everyone’s plans went south, new living spaces were etched out online thanks to a global pandemic.

While grounded at home, reaching out online became one of the many things that got branded with the label ‘the new normal.’ To call last year unpredictable may have been an understatement, but it did map out some paths for what to expect in the journey ahead.

We relied more than ever on technology, and work was no exception. So what do the next 12 months hold for creative management? Let’s discuss.

Normalization of Creative Workflow While Working Remotely

Working remotely in 2020 required a lot of learning on the job for people from all walks of life, and many of the solutions which were stumbled upon were merely a Band-Aid. 

Even though digital technology played a huge role in more centrally-based integrated creative environments, the move to remote working still required new solutions to be found, and tweaking of creative asset management tools helped keep maintain creative workflows. 

Collaborative creative workflows that took root in 2020 will need to blossom in 2021 as working remotely became more normalized, even post-pandemic.

Cloud-based Solutions Will Be Key

Remote collaboration has strengthened the need for creative DAM solutions, which has elevated the importance of cloud-based solutions. Having members of the same teams spread out int different locations needn’t be a spoke in the creative wheel. 

Cloud-based DAM can give everyone the same access to the resources required for any given project, ensuring that projects run smoothly despite the distance.

Creative Management Will Be Grounded In Technology 

Technology will arguably play an even greater role in creative management in 2021. Many creative PMs have relied heavily on digital management platforms in the past, and there will be a rush to seek out more reliable tools this year.

One-stop-shops like Adobe Creative Suite will be increasingly important as the need to integrate various aspects of the creative process becomes stronger. PMs will be looking for digital asset management and collaboration tools that can help streamline projects. Tools that can integrate with photography software and DAM systems will be in demand.

Creative Processes Will Become Mainly Digital 

2020 was the year of the virtual tour. When galleries were closed to the public, new ways were found to bring the experience to them. Visitors could immerse themselves in creativity from the safety of their own homes.

This year, creative processes themselves will become predominantly digital. From preparation and incubation right through to evaluation, creative management platforms mean every stage in the creative process can be digitized.

Platforms with built-in reporting tools can give users insight and real-time reports on creative projects, giving them a greater understanding of what’s going on and what tweaks need to be made.

Creative Marketing Will Be Driving Revenue 

Marketing is increasingly being seen as part of the creative process, and the best revenue can be derived from a creative approach to digital marketing. Marketing teams are increasingly looking at ways to develop creative content to be aimed at consumers whenever they spend time online.

This has led many digital marketers to rely on automation to help scale up creative content and develop greater reach. With the pandemic, many more people are ‘living’ online these days so, becoming more creative with digital marketing will be even more important.

What are your priorities for 2021 and how is technology going to empower your processes?

Learn more about our products here: How to Make the Most of Your Creative Workflow or Globaledit Introduces Creative Workflow Features Focused on Automation