Jul 6, 2009
Female Recruitment – Letter to the Editor
Press Release | Design Week
Dear editor,
As a creative industry that thrives on styling an ever-changing society, it deeply saddens me that we are neglecting the very thing that sets us apart – our vast and varied heritage. Why? Because of a serious imbalance that seems to be emerging between the number of men and the number of women entering into the profession and developing to senior level.
In recent years, we – like many agencies – have advertised for positions, such as Creative Director and Senior Conceptual Designer, only to be met with tens, if not hundreds, of applications from men vying for the role. This compares to a paltry one, perhaps two, from women.
I consider this to be a sad reflection on an industry that appears to bang the drum as a socially, culturally and gender-aware profession. Yet the reality is somewhat different. If we are to nurture and grow our sector, it’s essential that we attract a wide range of people – both male and female.
Agencies must lead from the front in encouraging universities and trade bodies, such as the Design Business Association and the Design Council, to highlight this serious misgiving. If not, our profession is in danger of losing its eclectic appeal due to a growing Neanderthal attitude.
Our search continues for an additional Creative Director to head our team, so we await current responses with bated breath.
Bob Wallace, Marketing Director of design and marketing agency, nicepond
