Is anyone else noticing a slowdown in the job market? As a freelancer, my work has significantly decreased since the end of the summer.
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- @Daniel Hawley-Lingham I understand your point; even if it sounds depressing, I mostly agree with what you wrote. We must push the envelope and design something unique that moves away from the ordinary, though it’s still not easy.
- budgets, finances, economic climate, changes in attitude towards aesthetics, 'authenticity' through a kind of 'anti-brand design' in favour of diy, personal identity and story telling. Chasing the dream to all look like apple products is gone - even apple don't do any design innovation any more. The tech industry is shedding jobs, trust in big tech, big corporate brands is down. There is less financial equality, less access to money, nervousness in markets. There's a shift away from big polished websites and design to transient, cheap content output and off-the-shelf solutions that are frankly better and cheaper (i'm thinking ecommerce soltuions). There's a huge throughput of new generations of digitially native individuals capable of producing output through available tools making it such an easy entry to the arena. I'm being reductive here... but you don't need a degree and years of experience to output an image of your mate on your phone with a caption overlay and 'clipart' style animation promoting a product or idea.
- How are people looking for work? I'm pretty long in the tooth and things were different earlier in my career. You could show your work to real people and visit several design studios in one day. Nowadays there are many more people chasing fewer jobs, and it seems impossible to get through to an actual person and make your case as to why they need you. When desktop publishing first arrived people said there wouldn't be any need for designers (showing my age). Admittedly paste-up artists and desktop bureaus (you are too young to know what they are!) did go out of business, but things soon settled and people realised that good design still requires people with talent, training and experience. Many people like myself had to adapt to survive e.g. learn to use the new apps on things called Macs! A few things I have learned over the years - invest in companies that offer repeat work rather than chasing jobs or clients who may only be offering one piece of work every so often (your time and effort are better spent). If you find repeat work, keep looking because every 3 or 4 years people move on and new people have different ideas and stop using you. I know many don't agree with this, but unless you are well known and sort after for a particular thing, I would suggest moving out of your comfort zone and be prepared to diversify your skills so you can do other things (I know some prefer to stick doggedly to their thing hoping one day they will be discovered and appreciated - it may not happen). If you can, try to reach a real person, and certainly tailor your applications to potential clients - do your research about them. Don't spam people with the same portfolio/cover emails/letters. Try talking to people if you can get a number. When you get a job, don't blow it by being poor in your communication, meeting deadlines, being polite - give them reasons to come back to you. Don't be easily offended - clients can be difficult and you may have to go the extra mile now and again. Don't give up if it's what you love doing. For some freelancers, maybe the best decision is to get back with a regular job and try again later? This may also be controversial - but be realistic about pay. I have a range of clients, some pay what I ask, some pay a set rate I am happy with, and some pay a rate I'm prepared to accept because I love the work and I know that they can't realistically pay more i.e. they aren't ripping me off. Can't think of anything else but this may give some people something to ponder. It is tough but hang in there if you can!
- My work load started slowing down last summer. I’ve had a few busier months this year but generally it’s been a bit of a s**tshow and I’ve been contemplating that I may need to rethink my entire career choice. (Freelance illustrator and designer for 8 years and 3 years industry experience)I’m barely getting by these days…. It sucks
- Yes. freelance market is not only getting slow for designers, but for software developers also. I would suggest you to go for lead generation.
- With advances to AI and various online design platforms design has become a DIY self service for clients. Whilst we are in a conlfict overseas a political shift it has had an effect on the markets in terms of growth and investment.The issue is most of us in the creative industry will likely be aged/phased out.
- @Joana Alvarez I feel like these new platforms aren't helping us. Creating quick graphics for the web or social media is so easy nowadays. Have you seen the latest Photoshop advertisement? A girl with fake nails explains how to use the crop tool to extend the background. It seems like Adobe is creating softwares for the masses instead of designers.
- Yes! :/ I've been talking with other freelancers around Europe, and it's happening to a lot of people. Do you guys think it's because platforms like Canva and similar ones are appealing to many, essentially "replacing" designers?
- @Cuma Arslan :|
- Slowdown in just the summer, consider yourself lucky!
- it's getting worse
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