The 8th of March is International Women’s Day – a day for celebration and appreciation of women across the world. Today we’re sharing our personal appreciation for a few women we admire in our industry, making a big impact in their respective fields.
Female representation in Design and Creativity continues to be a challenge. A 2020 study by the Design Council found that only 23% of the UK’s design and creative workforce identified as female and 77% of designers identified as male, with hardly any change since 2015. Furthermore, research by Creative Equals showed that females account for just 17% of UK creative directors; further highlighting the need for progress in the creative industry.
Here’s to more female representation – shout out to the women who have helped shape the creative industry, a celebration for paving the way for those who follow…
Vikki Ross is the Copy Chief and Brand & TOV Consultant. Vikki has been writing copy for major global brands for over 25 years. She has been named Top 100 Trailblazers by The Dots 2020 and one of the top 30 female creative leaders by Creative Equals. Vikki, you really are an inspiration to so many!
“Vikki’s work and opinions are so insightful. She inspires me to keep pushing my own copy. I use the hashtag #CopywritersUnite on a daily basis, she’s created an amazing community of writers across Twitter that has helped me get out of endless copy holes.”
Lucy Kenyon – Brand Strategist at Notepad
Morag Myerscough is a London born and bred artist/designer. Her work is characterised by an engaging boldness, strong use of colour and high levels of positive energy.
“She’s a design trailblazer whose signature style is unapologetically in-your-face. Her work’s vibrant, over-the-top, and a heap of fun. With installations in public spaces and exhibitions worldwide, she’s a great ambassador for bringing people together with design, and in this day and age we could all do with a little more of that.”
Andy Norman – Brand Designer at Notepad
Selena Rezvani is an internationally known leadership speaker. She’s a three times author, TEDx-er, and an award-winning journalist, named as a Top Content Creator by Fast Company. She helps emerging leaders enhance their self-confidence and presence. Selena’s latest book ‘Quick Confidence’ is the culmination of a viral newsletter started on LinkedIn for everyday tips on boosting your confidence.
“Selena is an unbelievably engaging public speaker, she has an amazing ability to motivate and inspire individuals with her career coaching and growth mindset. Selena is such a brilliant advocate for women, I’d highly recommend checking out her Ted talk!”
Anita Sanghera – Client Partner
Paula Scher is a contemporary American artist and graphic designer. Paula is best known for her posters, logo designs, and album covers, she is an iconic female graphic designer who has paved the way for many females in design.
“As a female in the design industry, it’s hard not to admire how impactful her unique style of work has been over the years, how in her early career she dealt with and persevered with being in a sexist and heavily male dominated profession, and also becoming a partner at one of the most well known design agencies in the world.”
Naomi Chilton – Brand Designer at Notepad
Liv and Lauren at Pickle Illustration. This Midlands-based duo are public artists and illustrators specialising in characterful and engaging visuals for public spaces, print and digital. They’ve worked with a range of clients including, The National Trust, Co-Op Foundation, The Met Office, NHS, Fosse Park West and many more. They turn creative ideas into problem solving solutions working alongside producers, fabricators and animators.
“What I admire most about Pickle Illustration duo Liv and Lauren is the joy that radiates from their work. You can’t help but feel positive when interacting with their illustration style. Whether it’s bringing to life high street utility boxes, an animated installation or 3D sculptures; you’re guaranteed to be left smiling.”
Liam Basford – Brand Designer at Notepad
Charlotte Audrey is a Birmingham based creative director. Charlotte works across motion and stills for music, fashion, advertising and other entertainment-based companies.
“Charlotte is an incredibly talented creative director, film director and producer. Her work spans across multiple industries but always links back to her unfaltering creative flair for colour, composition and expressive use of film. Always looking to explore themes that don’t fall into creative tropes, her work with numerous big name music artists challenges conventions – pulling on themes from pop culture and vintage aesthetics alike. Charlotte’s work always manages to perfectly capture mood and tone, elevating her subject matter and setting her apart as a director.”
Will Lanham – Design lead at Notepad
These are just a handful of the women in our industry who inspire us. We wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the achievements of the women in our lives and across the creative industry. #IWD2023
