Converse CMO, Sejal Shah Miller, unveiled the brand’s groundbreaking report supporting emerging creatives at Brandweek earlier this week. The report, titled Emerging Creatives, aims to provide insight and support to up-and-coming individuals in the creative community.
With a legacy spanning 115 years, Converse has become a brand that resonates strongly with creatives who see it as a platform for self-expression. As part of their commitment to fostering creativity, Converse actively collaborates with its Converse All-Stars group, consisting of 1500 creatives from 60 cities worldwide.
The Emerging Creatives report surveyed 550 creatives from various locations and discovered that 69% of them feel they lack the necessary resources to pursue their creativity full-time. However, despite this challenge, a remarkable 87% remain optimistic about the future of their industry.
Recognizing the needs of emerging creatives, Converse offers mentorship and access, partnering with influential figures such as Tyler the Creator and John Boyega. The brand also runs a design apprenticeship program specifically for 300 creatives of color.
Brand partnerships hold significant value for emerging creatives, with 95% expressing a willingness to collaborate with brands that share their values. Moreover, 83% consider creative freedom as a crucial factor when evaluating potential partnerships.
Looking toward the future, the report found that nearly two-thirds of creatives believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will have the most significant impact on their work over the next five years. Interestingly, 45% believe that AI will actually make their creative process easier.
Converse remains curious about the potential of AI but emphasizes that any exploration in this area will align with the brand’s core values. However, concerns regarding AI differ across regions, with Western Europe and New York expressing higher levels of worry (80% and 73%, respectively), while Shanghai and Seoul are less concerned (34%).
Overall, Converse’s Emerging Creatives report aims to support and empower creatives worldwide, highlighting the importance of brand partnerships, resources, and mentorship. With an ever-changing creative landscape, Converse remains committed to nurturing talent and remaining at the forefront of creativity.
[Converse Unveils Groundbreaking Report Supporting Emerging Creatives, Sparks Curiosity Worldwide]
