By Saz Bentley, Creative Director at Creode
I hear the phrase “It’s a competitive industry, you have to look out for yourself” a lot in creative circles. Competition does exist, but in my experience, for women in creative, collaboration, mentorship, and support create far stronger results than rivalry ever could. And let’s be honest, it’s just more fun.
Many moons ago, at design college, I was warned I was entering a male-dominated field. Early in my career, I became the first female creative my agency had ever employed, and I remember walking into a studio full of men feeling equal parts excitement and nerves. Intimidating? Absolutely.
But it also taught me the value of support, guidance, and mentorship. Looking back, I am thrilled to see that today the creative industry has a much higher percentage of women (although I reckon we could still do a little better).
Mentorship is not just about teaching. It’s about listening, learning, and sharing experiences.
I have been mentored by incredible women and men who pushed, challenged, and celebrated my wins. I have also mentored others and discovered that watching someone grow from your guidance is one of the most rewarding things you can experience. Let’s face it, you usually learn something yourself along the way.
The best mentor is honest, gives constructive advice and is real about challenges. It’s about helping someone navigate a tricky client, a creative block, or even a moment of imposter syndrome.
And the best part? You can be human while doing it. We are creative people after all.
There is a persistent myth in creative industries that women must compete against each other for limited opportunities. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Collaboration breeds innovation, and different perspectives create stronger campaigns. Sharing knowledge and experiences elevates the work for everyone.
I have seen countless examples of women supporting other women, sharing tips on career progression, encouraging risk-taking, and celebrating successes without hesitation, and these connections are the ones that last. They are the ones that make the industry richer, more inspiring, and infinitely more fun to be part of.
Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal or grand. It can be a five-minute chat over coffee, a quick email sharing a useful resource, or offering a fresh perspective on a project. These small gestures ripple outwards and create a culture of support.
It also matters to celebrate wins. Publicly acknowledging the achievements of women in creative roles is a simple but powerful act of mentorship. It says you see them, you value them, and you are genuinely cheering for their success.
Competition will always exist in some form. But lifting others creates a stronger, more creative, and more human industry. It allows us to thrive collectively rather than just individually.
My advice is simple: mentor generously, celebrate often, and collaborate fearlessly. You’ll be surprised how much you grow while helping others shine, and you might just have a bit of fun along the way.
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