Let’s talk about ageism in the creative industries. There’s an Elephant in the Room and It’s Getting Old. This isn’t just any old elephant – it’s a big, grey beast munching on the perception that older creatives aren’t cut out for today’s digital landscape. The truth is, that many “designers of a certain age” have been involved in digital since day one. We didn’t start out with tablets of stone; we started out with paper, pencils, and a healthy dose of creativity.
We were right there, adapting and learning alongside the technology as it evolved. We used desktop publishing software (when it was still called that), Photoshop before it even had layers, and figured out how to translate our traditional skills into the digital realm. We weren’t just keeping up; we were pioneers, carving out new paths in the digital wilderness, without a map, or GPS!
Yet, despite this rich history, there’s a stereotype that older creatives are out of touch or resistant to change. The reality is that we’ve embraced change repeatedly, adapting our skills to keep pace with new trends. Design isn’t all about knowing the latest software; it’s mostly about effectively communicating ideas, engaging audiences, and creating impactful work – It’s the art of storytelling.
Our backgrounds give us a unique perspective that younger designers may lack. Not just in aesthetics but strategy, and before metrics existed. We’ve seen trends come and go – remember when some people thought “clip art” was the next big thing? To some extent, AI is the new clip art (when used badly), just look at the new German Tourism campaign with ‘Emma’ and you’ll see what I mean!
We have a broader understanding of what resonates with different audiences. Our culture thrives on diverse voices, and older creatives bring invaluable insights.
Challenging the notion that creativity belongs solely to youth is crucial. Take that very well-known Manchester social media agency that once boasted about having a staff all under 30 well, that was a few years ago, and let’s just say they’ve stopped shouting about it now! As my old friend Roger, a brilliant graphic designer used to say, “Life has an uncanny habit of moving the goalposts.”
According to recent statistics, nearly 60% of workers aged 50 and older report facing age discrimination in the job market, this is most likely to be much higher in an image-conscious industry like ours.
So, how do we change this perception? First, we need to showcase our work and experiences effectively. Networking is crucial; connecting with other professionals can help highlight our contributions and capabilities. Additionally, companies must recognise the value of age diversity in their teams, in the same way they celebrate other types of diversity. They should create inclusive hiring practices that celebrate the experience and creativity of all age groups; this extends especially to recruiters.
By fostering an environment where older creatives are seen as assets, we can enrich the industry and encourage collaboration across generations. Age should never be a barrier to creativity, it isn’t in the film industry, so it shouldn’t be in ours. Let’s break down those stereotypes and show that experience and creativity go hand in hand, regardless of age! After all, the elephant isn’t getting any younger, so let’s stop pretending we can’t see it and roll out the welcome mat for talented older creatives to rejoin the circus.
Has ageism affected your career?
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