To say that we are living through turbulent times would be an understatement—beginning with a global pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 100,000 people in the United States and shattered the economy, and continuing with protests across the nation shining a spotlight on the systemic racial inequality that persists in this country.

Onto this turbulent stage steps the Class of 2020. This year’s graduates are moving into the working world during a cultural moment the likes of which few have experienced in their lifetime. Not only that, they are entering the most challenging job market since the Great Depression.

Over 40 million people in America have filed for unemployment since March––and this massive number fails to count much of the creative community, including freelancers, whose work has been impacted by the pandemic. As CEO and creative director of alice+olivia, I’ve witnessed the economic impact on businesses firsthand.

I’ve also witnessed and been inspired by the collective action and outrage following the senseless murders of Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others. The Black voices leading this movement, joined by their allies—among whom I count myself—have forced leaders across all industries, including fashion brands like my own, to confront our role in perpetuating systemic racism—and how we can work to dismantle it.

The truth is, none of our efforts to create opportunities for creatives will make a true impact unless we work to dismantle the systemic inequality in our own workplaces, most especially the bias against Black creatives. I strongly support the CFDA’s recently announced initiatives to help achieve a more racially balanced industry—from employment and mentorship programs to fundraising efforts—and I’m also committed to improving the diversity of my own staff and continuing to listen, learn, and participate in initiatives like this month’s #ShareTheMicNow.

Additionally, I’ll ensure that all members of the alice+olivia team receive the Diversity and Inclusion training that the CFDA will be offering. I am so humbled and grateful to be able to participate in all these initiatives. It reminds me that true change is born from authentic relationships and conversations.

In this moment, the imagination, skill, and ambition of creatives is more vital than ever, and as we look to the incredible talent graduating this year, I will—and we should all—be laser-focused on recruiting and championing a truly diverse community of creative talent across all our industries.

The Class of 2020
To those creative graduates entering this volatile job market during these unprecedented times: it’s important you remember how valuable your work truly is. A recent federal report showed that creatives contribute $763.6 billion to the U.S. economy—more than agriculture or transportation. What’s more, artists are highly entrepreneurial: they’re 3.5 times more likely than the total U.S. workforce to be self-employed.

That said, if you’re a professional creative or have ever tried to recruit creatives, you know that hiring creative talent can be a huge challenge—especially in a remote setting. That’s why I founded Creatively, a new job platform built by creatives for creatives. Creatively provides a place for creatives across all disciplines to showcase their portfolios of work using immersive tools, collaborate and network with others, and most importantly find work by developing connections with companies looking for talent.

This week, Creatively is partnering with nine schools––the Academy of Art University in San Francisco; Bronx Community College; BIC at The City College of New York; The Fashion Institute of Technology; New York University Tisch School of the Arts; Parsons School of Design; Pratt Institute; The University of Cincinnati College of DAAP; and the Yale School of Architecture — to spotlight extraordinary graduates and help them find jobs. Our goal is to amplify the incredible work of these talented graduates, as well as connect them to notable brands on our platform, including Vince, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Media, PopSugar, BFA, Flour Shop, Robert Courtier Inc., RAAD Studio, Scout Productions, and many others.

We don’t know what the job market will look like in the coming year, but we do know that creatives need every possible advantage, and I’m proud that Creatively will be doing its part in supporting them.

Making Digital Spaces a Priority
As we move toward what is hopefully a more open world, the new economy post-COVID-19 will likely continue the transition to more virtual work, and companies will put a premium on people who are fluent in digital spaces. Creatives will have an opportunity to flourish remotely as businesses look to hire and outsource work beyond their central offices or work spaces.

Creatively gives creatives the tools they need to collaborate and showcase their work––and also provides companies a much-needed way to discover talent. Creatives can also expand their professional network by adding collaborators to their projects and giving co-creators credit, nurturing a community that recognizes the imagination and skill of its many individual members. And by growing their network, creatives can discover new opportunities. Creatively is entirely free and thousands have already joined our community. The need for a professional network is evident, and collaborating is more important than ever.

Making Inclusivity the Standard
As a platform built by creatives for creatives, Creatively recognizes the immense importance of nurturing a community that truly reflects the diversity of the creative workforce, starting with this Class of 2020. We’re committed to spotlighting work from creatives of all different racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds on our platform and social channels who are often underserved by the broader creative community.

We hope that in supporting these creative voices, we can help companies and brands connect with a breadth of diverse talent.

The worldwide creative community, and especially these amazing new graduates, needs support now more than ever. I look forward to what we can create, together.

To join Creatively, click here