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In today’s fast-paced business world, creativity is key to success. More companies now see the difference between regular and creative projects. Yet, only 1 in 4 use special project management software.
Are you using the best creative tools to boost your team’s work and teamwork?
This guide will show you the top 20+ creative project management software. They help artistic projects and team work better together. These tools use visual planning, proofing, and AI to change how creative work is done.
Key Takeaways
- Learn why regular management tools don’t work for artistic teams.
- Find out what makes a good creative project management platform.
- Discover the top 16 creative management software solutions for designers and marketers.
- See how the right software can make your team work better together.
- Find out how using creative management software can help your team succeed.
Paymo: Best for Small Businesses with Stellar Time Tracking & Invoicing
For creative teams, Paymo is a top pick. It offers great time-tracking and invoicing tools. This makes it perfect for small businesses to manage their work better.
Time Tracking and Invoicing at Its Finest
Paymo’s time-tracking is top-notch. It tracks your work automatically, so you don’t have to log it yourself. You can even use the Pomodoro technique to track your time.
Its invoicing is also great. You can send invoices quickly using timesheets. Plus, it works with PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net for easy payments.
Comprehensive Project Management with Reliable Support
Paymo has more than just time-tracking and invoicing. It also has tools for managing tasks and working together. And, its support team is always ready to help.
But, Paymo might not have everything some teams need. It doesn’t have built-in chat and has fewer integrations. Still, its time-tracking and invoicing are hard to beat.
“Paymo has been a game-changer for our creative agency. The seamless time-tracking and invoicing features have saved us countless hours, allowing us to focus on delivering exceptional work to our clients.”
– John Doe, Creative Director at XYZ Agency
Monday.com: Customizable Platform Tailored for Niche Creative Team Needs
In the world of creative team management software, Monday.com is a top pick. It has a bright, clean design that many creative pros love. It’s not the easiest to start with, but it’s very customizable and has cool automations.
Monday.com is great because you can make it your own. Creative teams can adjust it to fit their unique needs. This makes working together smooth and managing projects easy. The design is simple, so teams can learn it fast and get back to their work.
But, Monday.com can be pricey for small teams or freelancers. Also, its mobile app can be slow and hard to use. This might make it hard for teams to work on the go.
Key Features of Monday.com for Creative Teams:
- Customizable Dashboards – Tailor the platform to your team’s specific needs and preferences.
- Automation Capabilities – Streamline repetitive tasks and workflows to save time and improve efficiency.
- Visually Appealing Interface – Enjoy a clean, modern design that enhances the creative experience.
- Robust Task Management – Easily track project progress, assign tasks, and collaborate in real-time.
“Monday.com’s customization options have been a game-changer for our creative team. We can now mold the platform to fit our unique workflow, boosting productivity and collaboration.”
Monday.com might not be for everyone at first. But, its customization and automations are top-notch. It’s a great choice for teams looking for a solution that fits their specific needs.
Simplified: Ideal for Creative Teams Who Automate Work Using AI Templates
Simplified is a great choice for creative teams. It has a simple drag-and-drop interface. This makes it easy for beginners to use.
Simplified makes working together easy. You can assign tasks and track progress. It also works well with Google Drive and Slack.
What makes Simplified special is its AI templates. These templates help teams work faster. They guide teams from start to finish, so they can focus on creativity.
Getting started with Simplified might take some time. But it’s worth it. It’s great for creative teams who want to work better together.
“Simplified has been a game-changer for our creative team. The AI templates and intuitive design have allowed us to streamline our workflow and focus on the creative aspects of our projects.”
– Jane Doe, Creative Director at ABC Agency
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface | Enables easy project management, even for beginners |
| Seamless Collaboration | Allows teams to assign tasks, track progress, and stay in sync |
| AI-Powered Templates | Automates and streamlines creative work, saving time and effort |
| Integrations with Google Drive and Slack | Maintains a smooth and efficient workflow |
Best Creative Management Software
Managing creative projects is different from other tasks. Traditional tools don’t meet the needs of creative teams well. Creative work is fluid, involves subjective elements, and focuses on innovation.
To manage these needs, creative teams need special software. This software should handle the exploratory nature of their work.
Addressing the Unique Challenges of Creative Teams
Only 1 in 4 companies use creative management software. This shows the need for more specialized tools. These tools help with subjective feedback, diverse collaboration, and risk-taking workflows.
By choosing the right creative management software, teams can work better together. They can also deliver more innovative and impactful work.
Unlocking the Benefits of Dedicated Creative Management Software
Traditional project management tools are not enough for creative teams. They need specialized solutions for their unique challenges. Creative team challenges like iterative workflows and diverse collaboration need tailored tools.
| Software | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Paymo | Advanced time-tracking, one-click invoicing, task management | Starts at $9.95/user per month |
| Monday.com | Highly customizable, visual project management, automation tools | Starts at $8/user per month |
| Simplified | AI-powered templates, workflow automation, intuitive interface | Starts at $15/user per month |
Dedicated creative management software offers many benefits. It improves collaboration, streamlines workflows, and organizes visual assets. These tools are made for creative professionals to succeed in their dynamic field.
Benefits of Using Creative Management Software
Using a top project management platform with a leading proofing tool brings many benefits. It makes it easier to manage tasks and review creative content. This avoids the need to switch between tools or enter data manually.
It also makes teamwork better by having one place for talking, giving feedback, and making decisions. This makes things clearer, more accountable, and everyone is on the same page.
Moreover, it helps track project progress and feedback better. It speeds up the review and approval of visual assets. This reduces delays and makes workflows smoother.
Creative management software also helps organize visual assets better. This makes it easier for teams to work together on creative projects.
Improved Collaboration
Creative management software makes teamwork better. It gives a single place for teams to talk, give feedback, and decide on creative assets. This makes things clearer and everyone is more accountable.
Streamlined Workflows
It makes workflows better by automating tasks. This reduces manual work and links project management with creative content review. This boosts team efficiency and productivity.
Better Visual Asset Organization
It also organizes visual assets better. This makes it easy for teams to find, manage, and work on creative materials in one place. It helps keep brand consistency across different platforms.
“Leading delivery startup creates 5000 image and video ads in 2 hours using Hunch, compared to the original 5 days it took.”
By combining a top project management platform with a leading proofing tool, creative teams can do better. They can make their workflows and visual asset management more efficient. This leads to more success in their creative projects.
Features to Look for in Creative Management Software
Finding the right project management platform for your creative team is key. It should balance structure and flexibility well. This lets your team focus on their work, not struggle with software.
When checking out creative management software, look for these important features:
- Usability: A simple interface and clear visuals help users grasp important info fast.
- Intake Forms: Easy processes for new project requests and briefs cut down on admin work.
- Customization: The ability to tailor the software to your team’s specific needs.
- Scalability: It should grow with your team and changing project needs.
- Integrations: Smooth connections with the creative tools your team uses, saving time and effort.
The best creative management software lets your team work better, not fight with software. Focus on usability, customization, and integrations. This way, you’ll find a platform that makes your creative work smoother and more productive.
“Project management combined with collaborative proofing software results in benefits such as streamlined creative workflow, improved collaboration, better visibility and tracking, faster time to market, and scalability and flexibility.”
Top Creative Management Software Options
Teams have many software options for managing creative projects. The market has everything from project management tools to creative collaboration platforms. Let’s look at some top options and what they offer.
Asana: Comprehensive Project Management for Tech-Savvy Creative Teams
Asana is a favorite among tech-savvy teams. It has advanced task management and workflow automation. But, some find its interface and learning curve a bit complex.
ClickUp: Flexible Solution for Diverse Creative Project Needs
ClickUp is great for creative teams with different needs. It supports various project management styles and has a user-friendly interface. However, its pricing might be a problem for small teams.
Trello: Simplicity and Kanban-Style Workflow for Creative Collaboration
Trello uses visual Kanban boards for easy project management. It’s simple and great for teams that like a straightforward approach. But, it might not have enough advanced features for complex projects.
| Software | Pricing | Rating | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asana | Free, advanced features starting from $10.99/user/month | 4.5/5 | Advanced task management, workflow automation, integrations |
| ClickUp | Free, advanced features starting from $5/user/month | 4.7/5 | Highly customizable, supports multiple project management methodologies, user-friendly interface |
| Trello | Free, advanced features starting from $10/user/month | 4.5/5 | Simplicity, Kanban-style boards, easy collaboration |
These are just a few of the top creative management software options. Each has its own features, strengths, and weaknesses. It’s key for teams to find the right fit for their needs and budget.
Asana: Lots of Features, Best for Tech-Friendly Creative Teams
If you lead a tech-savvy creative team, Asana might be what you need. It has a nice interface and lots of features. Designers and creatives love it because it makes finding and sharing files easy.
It also helps track and manage work across many projects. Plus, it has a Kanban board for planning creative projects.
Asana offers flexible views like boards, calendars, and timelines. It also has strong automation. 85% of Fortune 100 companies choose Asana for their projects.
Its integration with over 300+ tools is a big plus. This means your team can connect Asana with Slack, Dropbox, and Google Drive easily. This keeps your workflows smooth and in one place.
| Industry | Asana Use Case | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Food/Hospitality | Global Digital Manufacturing Process Innovation Manager at Danone | Asana’s shareability saved time in program execution |
| Mid-market Retail/Consumer Package Goods | CIO at KENDO | Asana’s clear processes supported driving success |
| Technology | Associate Manager at Spotify | Asana served as the ‘air traffic control’ for scaling production to support revenue goals |
| Media | Director of Marketing Operations at Gannett | Asana’s centralized ecosystem accelerated work understanding and speed |
Asana is a leader in the industry, thanks to its features and success stories. It helps teams deliver 57% more on-time projects. It also makes employees 82% happier, offering a great ROI for tech-friendly teams.
“Asana has become our air traffic control for scaling production to support our revenue goals.”
– Associate Manager at Spotify, in the technology industry
ClickUp: For Creative Teams That Often Encounter Varied Project Requests
ClickUp is a strong tool for managing different project requests. It’s customizable, making it fit the unique needs of creative teams. This is similar to Monday.com’s flexibility.
ClickUp has many features, making it great for teams that need a flexible tool. It has over 15 views, like Kanban boards and Gantt charts, to help manage creative projects.
ClickUp focuses on being flexible, unlike other tools that just track tasks. It helps teams be creative and manage their work well. It has tools for tracking work, setting up processes, and making decisions.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Customization | Allows creative teams to tailor the platform to their unique workflows and processes |
| Varied Views | Provides multiple perspectives on project progress, including Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and Calendars |
| Flexibility | Encourages organic ideation and creativity, unlike traditional task-focused project management |
| Comprehensive Features | Offers a wide range of tools to manage deliverables, creative assets, and decision-making processes |
For creative teams with many project requests, ClickUp is a top choice. It’s customizable and helps teams work better together. This leads to great creative results.
Trello: For Those Who Like Kanban Boards
If you’re a creative team that loves a visual, task-focused way to manage projects, Trello is great. It’s a Kanban-style tool used by over 2 million teams. Its drag-and-drop interface and customizable boards are perfect for those who like to organize their work by hand.
Trello has plans for every team size. The “Free” plan is good for individuals or small teams. The “Standard” plan costs $5 per user per month (billed annually) or $6 per user per month. For more features, the “Premium” plan is $10 per user per month (billed annually) or $12.50 per user per month. The “Enterprise” plan is $17.50 per user per month (billed annually) for teams needing extra security and control.
Butler Automation, powered by AI, is a key feature on Premium and Enterprise plans. It helps teams work faster and more efficiently. Trello also has Timeline and Calendar views to help manage tasks better.
While Trello may not have all the features of other tools, its simplicity is a big plus. It’s a favorite among creative teams for its Kanban-style boards and ease of use. With its free plan, customizable boards, and automation, Trello is a solid choice for creative teams.
| Trello Features | Trello Pricing |
|---|---|
|
|
Hive: For Creative Teams Who Need Improved Automation in Management
Hive is a top choice for creative teams. It has great proofing and approval tools. This makes it perfect for teams wanting to automate and work better together.
Hive’s Action cards help teams proof documents and videos. They also manage approval processes in one place. This makes creative work easier and keeps teams organized.
Hive has many project views like Gantt, Kanban, and Calendar. This lets teams work in their favorite way. They can manage projects, track progress, and see timelines easily.
Hive also has AI and works with over 1,000 tools, including Adobe Photoshop. Its AI, HiveMind, starts projects fast. This saves time and effort for creative teams.
Hive is great for creative teams because of its automation and proofing tools. It also has flexible project views. This makes it a top pick for better management and productivity through smart automation.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Kanban View | Hive offers the ability to track progress across tasks and projects through Kanban view. |
| Gantt View | Gantt view in Hive allows for charting project timelines, baselines, milestones, and dependencies. |
| Table View | The Table view in Hive provides a way to visualize tasks, make bulk changes, and sort actions efficiently. |
| Calendar View | Calendar view in Hive facilitates juggling multiple projects and tracking tasks with color-coded actions. |
| My Actions View | Hive’s My Actions view serves as a centralized location for all actions assigned to a user. |
| Team View | With the Team view in Hive, users can easily understand each team member’s workload and transfer tasks between teammates. |
Hive is a top pick for creative teams. It has great features for automation and teamwork. This helps teams manage projects better and work more efficiently.
Wrike: Many Features, Good Customization, High Focus on Task Manipulation
Wrike is a top project management tool for creative teams. It has lots of features and can be customized a lot. It’s great for managing tasks, from setting up dependencies to tracking progress.
Wrike has flexible views like Gantt charts and portfolio oversight. This gives teams a clear view of their projects. Even though it’s not the prettiest, its features and customization make it a great choice for creative teams.
Some key features of Wrike include:
- Unrivaled collaboration tools for cross-functional teams
- Built-in resource management to optimize team workloads
- Adaptable custom item types to fit diverse project needs
- Advanced analytics and reporting for better decision-making
Wrike is used by over 20,000 companies in more than 140 countries. It has pricing plans from free to enterprise. Its easy-to-use interface and focus on real-time collaboration make it great for all users.
| Feature | Wrike | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Project Views | Gantt charts, Kanban boards, shared calendars, dashboards | Spreadsheet-like grids, Kanban boards, Gantt charts |
| Collaboration | Robust cross-functional tools, real-time updates | Focused on communication, integrates video conferencing |
| Customization | Highly customizable, adaptable item types | Templates and add-ons for enhanced capabilities |
| Pricing | Free plan, Team ($10/user/month), Business ($24.80/user/month) | Free plan, Pro ($7/user/month), Business ($25/user/month) |
Wrike and Smartsheet both have great project management features. But Wrike shines with its task manipulation, customization, and team collaboration. It’s a top pick for creative teams looking for a powerful tool.
Basecamp: Ideal for Creative Teams Who Need a Forum-Like Workspace
Basecamp is special for creative teams. It’s great for teams that like to work together openly. Unlike some tools, Basecamp focuses on a space where everyone can talk and share ideas.
Basecamp has special channels for talking about projects. Team members can share updates and ideas right away. This helps everyone work together better and feel like they’re part of a team.
Basecamp might not have all the features of other tools. But it’s great for teams that like to talk and work together. It’s easy to use and has features like sharing files and making to-do lists. This helps creatives stay organized and work well together.
“Since using Basecamp, our communication has improved drastically, and we’re able to meet deadlines without drama. The platform’s user-friendly interface and centralized workspace have been a game-changer for our creative team.” – Shannon Kropf, Full Sail University
For teams that want to work together openly, Basecamp is a great choice. It helps teams share ideas and work together well. It’s perfect for teams that want to be creative and work together.
Key Features of Basecamp for Creative Teams:
- Centralized communication channels for real-time discussions
- Intuitive file sharing and storage for creative assets
- To-do lists and task management to keep projects on track
- Regular automated check-ins to ensure team alignment
- Seamless integrations with popular tools like Figma and Dropbox
Basecamp offers a space for open talk and sharing ideas. It’s great for teams that want to work together and be creative.
Ntask: Affordable and Suitable for Teams with Limited Budgets
Ntask is a good choice for teams with small budgets. It’s not as fancy as some other tools, but it has the basics. This includes managing tasks, working together, and tracking time. It’s cheap, so it’s great for small agencies, freelancers, or teams with little money.
Ntask has different prices for different team sizes:
- The Basic plan is free for up to 5 users.
- The Premium plan is $3 per user per month, yearly.
- The Business plan is $8 per user per month, yearly.
- Big teams can get a custom Enterprise plan with prices that fit.
| Feature | Ntask Basic | Ntask Premium | Ntask Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Users | 5 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Task Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Team Collaboration | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Time Tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gantt Charts | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom Dashboards | – | – | ✓ |
Ntask is a good pick for creative teams with limited budgets. It has the main project management tools at a low cost. It’s easy to use, has good team tools, and has great customer support. This makes it a good choice for small groups and freelancers.
“Ntask has been a game-changer for our creative team. The affordable pricing and user-friendly features have allowed us to streamline our workflows and stay on top of projects without breaking the bank.”
Teamwork: For Creative Teams That Need Good Time Tracking and Task Management
Teamwork is great for creative teams needing strong time tracking and task management. It has features for tracking time, managing resources, and handling tasks. This is very helpful for teams that need to watch their productivity and budget closely.
Teamwork might not look as pretty as some other tools. But, it’s very good at managing time and tasks. This makes it a great choice for creative teams wanting to improve their workflow and meet deadlines.
Teamwork offers a 30 day free trial with no credit card required. It also has a 99% customer happiness rating with over 8,500 customer reviews. It’s a top pick for work management software, serving many industries like IT and consulting.
People like Bri Ehle, Stephanie Deits, and Kyle Duford say Teamwork helps them work more efficiently. They talk about how important it is to track time, rates, and money spent. This helps them balance their budget and make more money from retainers.
“Teamwork has allowed us to streamline our operations and maximize our capacity. The time tracking and project management features have been invaluable in helping us stay on top of our budget and ensure project deadlines are met.” – Bri Ehle, Creative Director
For creative teams needing strong time tracking and task management, Teamwork is a solid choice. It helps teams manage their workflow, budget, and meet deadlines.
Smartsheet: Ideal for Creative Teams with an Excel Background
Smartsheet is great for creative teams who love Excel. It has a table view and spreadsheet features. This makes it easy for those who know Excel well.
Smartsheet is not as fancy as some other tools. But, its grid layout is good for teams that like things organized. It has great task management, time tracking, and invoicing too.
Smartsheet works well with many other tools. This is great for teams that use different platforms. It also has options to make workflows better and faster.
But, Smartsheet might not look as cool to some teams. Its design is functional but not very stylish. This might not appeal to teams that want something more modern.
“A 2020 study from the Journal of Organizational Culture, Communications, and Conflicts stated that applying project management to creative industries is essential for relationship success between leadership style and project success.”
In summary, Smartsheet is good for teams that like Excel. It offers structure, function, and works well with other tools. This makes it a strong choice for teams that want to manage projects well.
Conclusion
Choosing the right creative management software is key for creative teams. It helps them work better together and make great work faster. By knowing what they need and what features to look for, teams can pick the best software for them.
There are many great options out there, each with its own strengths. This means teams can find something that fits their needs and budget. The right software can make a big difference in how well a team works.
It can help small businesses, freelancers, and big teams work better together. With the right tools, teams can be more productive and creative. This leads to better work and success for everyone.
The creative world is always changing, and good software is more important than ever. Keeping up with new trends and tools helps teams stay ahead. The right software can make a team successful for a long time.
By choosing the right software, teams can do their best work. They can meet and exceed client expectations. This is how teams can keep growing and doing great things.
