The Gender Gap in Creative Leadership

Only 1 in 10 Creative Directors are female. 

That is a statistic I read on linked in last month, and it left me pondering the uphill battle that aspiring female creatives face in their career paths. As someone who has creatively led many projects for various clients and aspires to become a Creative Director myself, the odds of 1 in 10 seem like a distant dream.

Throughout my career in makeup, fashion, and advertising, I've been fortunate to work in an environment surrounded by tenacious, ambitious, and exceptionally talented individuals. Women, in particular, have shone brightly in various roles such as marketing managers, graphic designers, makeup artists, fashion stylists, social media managers, and photographers, but never as senior stakeholders or directors - those roles, it seemed were exclusively reserved for men. This is not to undermine the brilliance and talent of men in the field, but it underscores the lack of recognition & progression for young women.

The Lack of Role Models:

As I look back on my journey in the creative industry, one stark reality stands out - the lack of role models for young female creatives. It's disheartening to think that 88% of women struggle to find someone we can truly look up to. It's a lonely journey when you can't readily find someone who has been there, done that, and has experienced the world like you do. 

A Missing Perspective:

One of the most concerning aspects of this situation is that 70% of young female creatives, myself included, have never had the opportunity to work with a female Creative Director or Executive Creative Director. This absence doesn't just deprive us of mentorship; it robs the industry of a valuable perspective. Diversity in leadership is crucial for the creative process, as it introduces fresh ideas, unique insights, and a more holistic approach to problem-solving.

While these statistics might be disheartening, they serve as a powerful motivator for me and countless other women who dream of reaching the pinnacle of creative leadership. The odds may seem stacked against us, but each hurdle we face only fuels our determination. We're not just striving for personal success; we're pushing for a future where creative leadership reflects the diversity and talent that exists within the industry.