Industry Professional Advocates for Improved Access in Creative Careers

Lola Delafuente, a junior creative at 20(SOMETHING), discusses challenges in transitioning from education to professional creative work. She highlights gaps between academic training and industry demands, noting that university focuses on craft while workplaces require commercial thinking and practical problem-solving. Delafuente addresses financial barriers like unpaid placements and living costs in cities such as London, which limit access for many. She mentions the 20(S) Exchange program as an example of initiatives providing real-world experience. The article argues for structural changes, including paid placements and better support systems, to create a more equitable creative industry by improving pathways for early-career professionals, particularly women.