Comments on: Women are studying design – so where are all the female creative directors?

By: Tony Pritchard

Tony Pritchard — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 08:49:26 +0000

This course has an unusually high female participation: http://www.arts.ac.uk/lcc/courses/postgraduate/pg-dip-design-visual-communication/ The issue of equivalent gender representation in a number of areas of contemporary life have been the themes of many major projects. This includes the work of Lillias Kinsman-Blake, Cecilia Serafini, Elizabeth Marlow, Suze Myers and Lorna Allen (featured in Design Week). It’s important to profile the successes of DVC graduates and in this regard I would highlight Cat Drew (Policy Unit and Uscreates); Margot Lombaert (proprietor of Margot Lombaert Studio); Valentina D’Efilippo (co-author An Infographic History of the World); Sarah Schrauwen (Unit Editions / GraphicDesign& / proprietor of her own business); Henrietta Ross (DVC course tutor); Miriam Brüggen (ISTD Commendation); Renée O’Drobinak (Ladies of the Press); and Melanie Smith (proprietor Story); amongst many others.

By: Tony Pritchard

Tony Pritchard — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 07:33:58 +0000

In reference to the design curriculum, Suze Myers final major project looked at the booklists and gender. Unfortunately the original site with its research and statistical evidence is no longer online. Here is a link to the project however: https://www.suzemyers.com/womens-lib/ Although the course she was on needs to consider the booklist in light of her findings the course has updated all its presentations to include broader gender and cultural reference points. This is something we endeavor to keep under review.

By: Tony Pritchard

Tony Pritchard — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 07:20:52 +0000

In response to the comments regarding Paul Rand, Saul Bass and Paula Scher. Women poster designers: https://vimeo.com/105599325

By: Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams — Fri, 26 May 2017 10:33:49 +0000

After being appointed Creative Director at Creative Sponge in Norwich, I have become increasingly aware of the role of women in the creative industry. Being a mum of two myself, I understand complexity of balancing home and work life but feel this has in no way impacted on my credibility as designer or as a leader, in fact probably making me more determined to prove myself as a dedicated and passionate person. I fully believe in being yourself (whether you are male or female) and using those skills to build relationships and work collaboratively. I feel very fortunate that gender has never been an issue within my career and have had the support to continue with my career after children and develop into the role I now have. I feel that as long as you have people who support you for who you are, you will be heard. Definitely the best advice is to be true to yourself…

By: Emily Penny

Emily Penny — Mon, 01 May 2017 18:48:25 +0000

From what I understand, the important point is that fewer women make it to leadership positions in design than in other sectors. So this isn’t simply a case of women prioritising childcare or not shouting loud enough compared to men. My theory is that design is a profession that readily allows people to work independently as freelancers or consultants, something not always possible in other sectors. And since designers tend to do less and less actual design as their careers progress, as a creative person, if you could work from home, do what you love, and still pay the bills, isn’t that a pretty damn attractive alternative to leadership? My sense is that there is an army of independent female designers out there, doing great work, collaborating to form fluid teams, and seeing their kids at bedtime too. And there’s an increasing number of men who see the value in this model too. Big agencies aren’t necessarily the future.

By: DJ

DJ — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 09:35:17 +0000

In reply to tess wicksteed. Exactly Tess.

By: DJ

DJ — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 09:34:17 +0000

In reply to Lisa Marie Hastings.

That’s great to hear. In my previous role as head of a large studio, I did all in my power to promote women to the top of the creative ladder – I accept it isn’t easy, Good luck. DJ

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:24:09 +0000

One of the reasons I left my last company was because my creative director failed to provide equal opportunities to the ladies as she did to the men. I was a year older, graduated a year later and equally capable as my equivalent male designer, but to my creative director, I was 3 years behind him, instead of 1. Most ladies that have left that company have done so because they felt stunted and all of them, including myself, have grown outside of her guidance. And yes, you read correctly, my old creative director was a woman. I think what you have said about women who get up to the top is all very well, but we have to ensure prejudices don’t get in the way of giving other women the opportunities to do the same.

By: Caroline Norman

Caroline Norman — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 13:43:04 +0000

All else being equal, we need to be better at self promotion.

By: Michela

Michela — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:50:13 +0000

In reply to tinasparkle. Thank you Tina, your wrote exactly what I was thinking while I was reading the article. I couldn't agree more. Impossible to commit to this job if you haven't got grandparents around to help. If you have to rely on payed childcare you sadly have to decide between your kids or your career.