We’re living in a time like no other. As the digital sphere meets information, media and creative content, ideas are spreading faster and further than ever before. But we’re not just finding new ways to keep up with the news, book a room or pay for things – every connection between company and customer is well-designed, appealing and memorable. Welcome to the Creative Era.

Technology has transformed our world in ways that have put creative services front and centre. Every company, whether a local coffee shop or a multinational conglomerate, has an eye-catching website and engaging social media. Who doesn’t smile over Google’s doodle of the day? Or admire the slick interface of apps like Uber? Creative executions are all around us these days.

With the proliferation of platforms that require developers, designers and content creators, opportunities for creative services are multiplying. In fact, UNESCO has determined that the creative economy is one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the global economy. Technology is putting new tools in the hands of creatives and creating a global marketplace that enables an artist at the tip of Africa to trade with someone halfway across the world.

Changes in the working world

But it’s not just the creative world that is being revolutionised. Digital transformation is also reshaping the labour landscape. Thanks to tech innovation, automation and AI, the working world as we know it is changing before our eyes.

Where last year machines and algorithms accounted for 29% of task hours, by 2022 that figure is expected to rise to 42%, according to a report by the World Economic Forum. With repetitive and laborious tasks being taken over by machines, the ability to think originally is what will set workers of the future apart.

Already the most sought-after skill in this emerging workplace is creativity. LinkedIn recently crunched the numbers of the candidates being hired at the fastest rate and found creativity to be the top ‘soft’ skill. And in South Africa, research by the World Economic Forum has found that creativity, originality and initiative are highly desired by employers, second only to the ability to innovate and think analytically.

How do you prepare for the future?

The in-demand skills of creative thinking and problem solving are abilities honed through arts and creative education. “At the Creative Academy we encourage students to be curious and embrace their individuality,” explains Francisca Gebert, CEO of the Creative Academy.

“As part of our goal-oriented degrees, students are trained and mentored by master designers, and stimulating real-world projects challenge them to develop their skills. Our hands-on approach means students are ready to hit the ground running when they graduate.”

In a world that prizes creativity, and with demand set to grow, now is the time to harness that creative spark. Interested in learning more about the the Creative Academy? Attend our open days on 12 October and 10 November 2019 or book a tour of our facilities.

Bibliography

The Future of Jobs Report 2018, World Economic Forum

Creative Economy Outlook 2018, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Culture and Creative Industry Trends 2018, South African Cultural Observatory

“As the workforce transforms, creativity must take priority” – Forbes.com, 4 September 2019