Over the years, I’ve seen the full spectrum of creative processes—from brilliant campaigns to misguided attempts at DIY marketing. One of the most common traps I see many businesses fall into is believing they can take the creative reins themselves, designing ads or campaigns as if it’s just another fun project. To be fair, I’m known to sketch out ideas myself to support my briefing to agencies and I always like the art directors who then say: “I get what you want, but that’s not how it should be done.” While I fully understand the urge to contribute ideas, there’s a reason why you should trust the professionals—because creating effective marketing materials isn’t a hobby, it’s a craft.

Advertising agencies and creative professionals spend years honing their skills. They go to college, study design, psychology, consumer behavior, and practice the art of visual storytelling. This isn’t something learned overnight or picked up as a side project. Creating impactful ads, designing logos, or writing copy that resonates with an audience requires deep expertise, and frankly, it’s a skill most people don’t realize the depth of until they’ve tried and failed.

Yes, you should absolutely have input on the creative work produced for your brand. After all, you know your business better than anyone else. However, there’s a fine line between offering input and attempting to take over the creative process. A briefing meeting is your chance to share your goals, your brand’s personality, and your target audience. But the moment you start “hobbying” in the creative process, treating it as something anyone can do, you not only undermine the professionals you’ve hired but you also risk diluting the final product.

Design and marketing are about more than just making something “look good.” They’re about strategic thinking, customer psychology, and effective communication. It’s about creating something that doesn’t just catch the eye but conveys a message, drives action, and ultimately builds your brand. And that’s not something that happens by accident. It’s not just a lucky one hit wonder, it’s about that consistency & recognizability – brands are in it for the long run.

So, next time you work with a creative agency or designer, remember—let them do what they do best. Provide your insights and feedback to stay on brand and brief, but respect their expertise. After all, you wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself just because you know where the pain is. This isn’t a Rambo movie. Trust the professionals to deliver the results that will truly elevate your brand.