Age can be a tricky subject in creative work, and plenty of designers start wondering about their career prospects as they get older. If you're questioning whether agencies hire designers over 50, or you feel a twinge of worry about age discrimination, you’re not alone. Lots of experienced creatives share this concern: does my value fade as the years stack up in an industry that tends to celebrate youth and "fresh" ideas?

This question was answered by Regina Stroombergen, Head Creative Tinker at Thinkerbell (with deep experience in agencies across Melbourne and London), and Dr. Aileen Alegado, a clinical psychologist and Director of Mindset Consulting who works closely with corporate professionals and high performers. Andy Wright, Founder of Never Not Creative, Co-Chair of Mentally Healthy, and CEO of Streamtime, hosted the discussion. Andy has spent his career trying to make the creative industry a kinder, fairer place for everyone.

The Reality of Ageism in Design

Regina doesn't sugarcoat it: "Yes, the design industry probably is ageist, but so are a lot of creative industries." That stings to hear, but she’s also hopeful, adding that "it's getting better" and reminding us that age shouldn't stop anyone "as long as you've got good work and you're staying up to date with working styles and AI and all the different things."

She even throws out a direct invitation: "If this question is from a designer over 50, send me your book. I think they'll love to hire designers."

The Value of Experience

One of the best arguments against ageism is the deep experience older designers bring. Regina notes that "people who are older and more experienced have had much more experience with clients, so they know how to sell work and how to get things approved and how to tweak things."

She highlights that seasoned professionals "bring a lot of good knowledge to a job which younger people don't have," including the ability to navigate tricky client situations that newer designers might not have faced yet.

A Broader Perspective on Age Bias

Dr. Aileen takes a step back, pointing out that these concerns aren't "exclusive to the creative industry" but "something that exists everywhere." She encourages flipping the narrative: "It's really up to us to flip the script."

She also raises an important question: are we actually experiencing ageism or just bracing for it? "Is that person seeing this, or is this an assumption that this person is taking away rather than really putting it to the test?"

Reframing Your Perspective

Dr. Aileen suggests focusing on what your experience gives you rather than what you think you lack: "I might be older than most people, but I have got other attributes or other positives because of that that younger individuals don't have."

She also reinforces the importance of mindset: "For every con there is a pro, and it's about focusing and shifting the spotlight on what really would energize you to go and apply for these jobs." Entering the job hunt convinced the deck is stacked against you can become a self-fulfilling prophecy: "If you have this idea in your head walking in, I don't feel like you're going to do yourself justice getting a job, no matter what age you are."

How NNC Circles Can Help

If age-related worries are weighing you down, connecting with others who get it can make a world of difference. Never Not Creative's Circles program was built for exactly this.

NNC Circles are small, supportive peer groups (8-10 creatives) who meet monthly in safe, confidential spaces. They’re there to talk through real challenges like industry biases, share experiences, and help each other find practical ways forward.

The program also includes mental health support and education, with sessions on topics relevant to creatives at every stage of their careers. These groups can help you see your situation from new angles, rebuild confidence, and put together an action plan. Learn more about NNC Circles.

When You Need Additional Support

If you’re dealing with discrimination, bullying, or unfair treatment tied to your age, Never Not Creative's Support Line can step in with practical help. It offers free introductory legal advice for issues like harassment and unfair employment practices.

Thanks to a partnership with Artis Causa (a specialist firm with over two decades in the creative industries), NNC covers the cost of an initial case review and consultation. This can help you understand your rights and options if you think you’ve been treated unfairly. Access the Support Line.

Embracing Your Experience

Your time in the industry isn’t just a number, it’s a stockpile of wisdom, perspective, and skills. While ageism does exist, many agencies and clients see real value in what experienced professionals bring: clarity under pressure, strong client relationships, and a bigger-picture view of the work.

Keep yourself across new tools and trends, but also don’t undersell the experience you already have. The design industry needs people of all ages, and your unique mix of skills could be exactly what a client or agency is looking for.

Meta description: Is the design industry ageist? Industry leaders discuss whether agencies hire designers over 50, the value of experience, and how to overcome age bias in creative careers.

Blog description: When a viewer asked "Is the design industry ageist?" our panel didn't hold back. Regina Stroombergen, Head Creative Tinker at Thinkerbell, acknowledged the bias but encouraged experienced designers to showcase their work. Dr. Aileen Alegado, clinical psychologist and Director of Mindset Consulting, suggested "flipping the script" to highlight the unique strengths that come with age. Host Andy Wright, Founder of Never Not Creative, guided this honest conversation about navigating age bias in an industry that sometimes worships at the altar of youth.

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