Creative careers aren't linear - welcome to the era of skills velocity

Stephanie Simpson, illustration lecturer at Red & Yellow Creative School of Business says creative careers aren't linear as employers are increasingly looking for what some educators call skills velocity (Image supplied)

Stephanie Simpson, illustration lecturer at Red & Yellow Creative School of Business, who recently took the number one lecturer spot in the Loeries rankings 2025 and was selected as a jury member for The One Club for Creativity Young Ones ADC Awards, is of the opinion that creative careers have never been static.

“The most successful graduates are those who stay curious and keep expanding their skills. Illustration, design, storytelling, digital platforms - these are all connected, and the ability to move between them is incredibly valuable.”

Employers are increasingly looking for what some educators call “skills velocity”. This is the ability to learn, adapt and apply new capabilities quickly.

For students looking to enter the creative economy, this mindset can be liberating.

Instead of feeling pressure to choose one rigid career at 18, many are discovering that creative industries reward experimentation.

Red & Yellow student shines at top international competition

21 Apr 2026

Tertiary education institutions

However, this flexibility also places new demands on tertiary education institutions.

As the economy moves toward digital infrastructure, emerging technologies and new business models, universities and private higher education institutions are increasingly expected to prepare students for real-world problem-solving.

The National Budget has highlighted stronger alignment between education and labour market needs, including reforms in technical and vocational training and increased emphasis on occupational qualifications.

The South African government also continues to position education as a central driver of long-term growth (National Budget 2026), allocating around a quarter of consolidated expenditure to the sector.

Yet the national conversation is increasingly moving past access toward outcomes and employability.

This means that qualifications alone are no longer the finish line.

#Cannes2026 | SA Young Lions: The opportunity to learn and grow

14 Aug 2026

Creative careers aren't linear

“Students need to leave tertiary education ready to contribute from day one,” says Simpson.

“That means understanding how creative thinking connects to real business challenges.”

Your first qualification does not define your entire future.

Instead, careers can evolve through short courses, advanced diplomas, industry experience and new specialisations over time.

The ability to pivot, reskill and build layered expertise may ultimately matter more than following a perfectly planned path.

When industries are constantly transforming, the most valuable career strategy may simply be staying adaptable.

Or, as Simpson puts it: “Creative careers aren’t linear. They’re creative projects, and you’re allowed to keep refining them.”