Roster Agency CEO GIves Keynote to Nossi College on the Rise of Fractional Work in Creative Careers
NASHVILLE, TN — Steve Lomas, Founder and CEO of The Roster Agency, delivered a keynote address at Nossi College of Art and Design focused on the "future of work" and the rapid transformation of the creative labor market. Speaking to emerging creative professionals, Lomas highlighted that the industry is crossing a historic threshold: the majority of the U.S. workforce is moving away from traditional full-time employment toward a fractional and freelance-driven economy.
Nossi College of Art and Design, located in Nashville, prepares students for careers in graphic design, photography, video production, web design, and illustration. Lomas’s keynote challenged students to rethink their definition of a "career," offering a data-driven view of how project-based work is becoming the primary path for top-tier talent in a rapidly evolving industry.
“The creative economy has reached a tipping point where the most sought-after talent is no longer tied to a single organization,” said = Lomas. “Nossi students have the technical craft, but their long-term success will depend on their ability to operate as independent professionals who can manage their own brand, build deep relationships, and navigate a market that prizes specialized, fractional expertise over traditional tenure.”
Lomas shared specific growth trends indicating that the U.S. is currently "crossing the 50-yard line" of the modern workforce. Data suggests that by 2027, more than 51% of the workforce will be operating in non-W2 roles, with that number projected to reach nearly 60%, roughly 94 million people, by the end of the decade.
“We are witnessing a structural shift in how businesses access leadership and creativity,” Lomas continued. “Demand for fractional resources and executive-level talent is growing by 15-20% annually. For students entering this field today, the ‘fractional’ life isn't a fallback plan; it is the strategic center of the new economy. Those who embrace it now will be the architects of the next era of creative work.”
The engagement reflects The Roster’s commitment to the Nashville creative community and its investment in helping the next generation of talent understand and thrive in a world beyond the traditional 9-to-5.
About The Roster
The Roster® is a creative company built specifically to provide concierge access to top-tier freelance talent. We give clients access to a relationship-driven network of vetted designers, copywriters, art directors, strategists, and developers. These are creative stars who've shaped work for brands including Disney, Nike, Marvel, and Coca-Cola. When a client explains their project, The Roster assembles the right team, oversees onboarding, and stays available and helpful throughout. Founded by Steve Lomas. Based in Nashville, with a network that spans the U.S. and beyond. Learn more at theroster.agency.
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Media Contact: Diane M Miller Public Relations Specialist