Hi! I’m a NYC graphic designer/Creative Director with 10+ years of experience, currently underpaid at a small company and feeling stuck. I’m a one-person creative team with a strong, entertainment-focused portfolio, but no big-name brands on my resume. In this brutal, AI-shifting market, how do people level up, break into bigger companies, freelance sustainably, or future-proof a creative career?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I think a lot of it is networking and knowing the right people. Especially in this current job market. I have been trying to get friends and family to give me referrals hoping that gives me some sort of advantage.

like

99% networking these days. Too risky of a hiring market to bring on someone no one’s heard of

like

Find the right companies, either mid-size or a fast-growing startup. Highlight the impact, metrics of what you’ve accomplished, and know the audience.

As part of my unemployment insurance in NYC, I was offered entry into the Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP), where you still get the weekly checks long as you agree to work on setting up your own business. So that’s what I’ve resorted to after getting laid off from an agency.

CD1, they have benchmark forms, basically a checklist of things to set up a business, due at various times. They also list resources for business coaches and classes, where at least 2 meetings with the coach and 20 hours of classes are required. There are also required videos to watch when submitting an application.

if the work is strong enough, people won’t mind it’s for smaller brands.

I’m graphic designer as well. However I’m in Boston whereas you’re in one of the most recognizable cities in the world. I say that to say this and it’s not a cliche. It’s an overall mindset. A.I is moving the needle, but as “artist’s type” the world still needs us. You said it yourself, you’re a 1 person creative team. Maybe it’s time your portfolio needs to be seen by those “big name brands” wish you the best!

Related Posts

How much does it cost to buy into Big 4 as a partner?

likehelpful

Please and thank you!

Post Photo
likefunnyuplifting

Can anyone share their experience working in the online gaming industry (RummyCircle etc. kind)? What kind of work culture can you expect at such organisations?

TIA

like

Can someone share experience of No broker's relax plan? Will it worth to buy while flat hunting?

like

Currently fighting with my depression which means I end up sleeping late. I’ve been sneaking by so far but today just straight up slept through a client call I was supposed to take notes on. Said I had an emergency come up, but no idea what I’ll say if asked what that emergency was. Oh and I’m on a PIP, hence the depression flare up.

like

Eb1 I-Long term employee. International transferee.

What happens if I change firms before filing i-485 (before it is pending for more than 6 months)? Do I need to apply for eb2 or eb1 again?

like

For people having serious plans to go back to home country in future, what is the general timeline you are targeting at? I still have 4 years on H1B and my spouse is on OPT and we are thinking contd..

like

Huge delays in biometrics

like

Anyone else have a formatting pet peeve and get annoyed when people don’t have a blank first column and row in tabs? I.e headers/data in cell A1

My first manager told me this, and I’ve followed it to a T since.

likesmart

Leaving a company in under 6 months. Any thought how I can initiate this with my manager?

like

I am trying to land a role as a human resources business partner and I'm wondering which certification would be the best for me going forward. Phr? Shrm? Thoughts? Thanks!

like

I am looking for new opportunities as Supply chain analyst or related area. What is the best way to approach the company in Europe? How does it impact without local language?

First round cleared in november 2021, then HR called after 2 months for second round in Jan 22, now discusses the salary after 2-3 weeks and then again says to get back.
No communication courtesy, just randomly calls up. Any thoughts on What might be going on? Is this how gartner process works?

like

Hi, I have FE technical interview with @IBM this Friday. Can anyone please suggest how to prepare? YOE 4

like

What is a good credit card to get for travel?

Best and worst cars you’ve ever owned?

Asking for a friend:
What is the salary range for a Financial Advisory experienced associate at PwC based out of NYC? No MBA but a MS. Considering a move from product to consulting.

like

Help! I just got invited to a black tie event tomorrow and don’t have a dress. I am a plus size woman so about a 16 or 18 and have no idea where I can buy a dress in person in this little amount of time. Any ladies who know which stores have good plus size options in NYC?

likesmart

Anybody applied successfully for Sr.Business Process Consultant with SAP (North America)?
How was your experience?
What was the process?
How technical was the interview?

like

Additional Posts in Designers

Anyone know any decent web developers that can quote for a project?

Designers I’m looking for some help on the best way to create gradients like this… particular want to be able to control the shape of them, for such executions as having them bleeding off the edge of compositions in organic ways… any links or advice would be much appreciated!

Post Photo
likesmart

Does anyone know of a good place online to look for UI/UX designers who specialize in Figma?

like

Where do you keep your non-library original components in Figma? Do you put them to the side outside of a working frame, within its own “Components” page (like Sketch does for Symbols), or do you keep the original directly inside of one of your layouts?

like

I want to put together a XD file with a whole bunch of helpful web and app components for other designers to just drag and drop. 1. Is this a waste of time due to the market being saturated? 2. Where do I sell it? 3. Is there anything I need to know first?

like

Start up experience help! How much do you charge for taking on the entire UX of a startup companies’ app design?
Would you take a set amount of money or equity? Any experience here would help!

like

What are the key differences between junior and mid level roles in terms of job responsibilities, design knowledge, project oversight, etc?

like

Finally saved up enough $ to buy my first Wacom! Does anyone have tips on how to get used to using it? Or any good resources for inspiration /walk-thrus for drawing illustrations. I really want to dive into creating but need help pushing thru the learning curve

like

Best online classes for newbies?

like

What is it like working as a full-time graphic designer for a company (not an agency/firm)?

like

What do when you’ve already accepted a job offer but then received a better offer? Does it look bad on you to decline the first offer?

like

Has anyone built an emergent learning group in your consultancy or company that focuses on reflection, feedback, problems of practice... But amongst designers staffed on different projects/clients? How did you structure it? How did you maintain it?

like

How do you know you’re a good designer? I get most of my ideas from being inspired by other work and just creating what I feel looks good. I know how to use design programs. But, I don’t know if that’s enough.

like
likesmart

Any packaging designer available for a small gig? Not agency project, helping a friend’s start up.

like

Looking for tips for website design at a basic level. I focus on branding and printed materials so I created my website with weebly and I’d like to clean it up a bit!

like

Interviewing at a few startups so I can stay in Europe. Whats a few red flags i should look out for?

like

Is $90k - $100k a reasonable salary range for a senior visual designer with 9 years of experience at a tech company? I’m seeing a lot of varying numbers, and trying to consider inflation as a possibility.

Is there any remote work available with base pay?? I’ve exhausted myself with Indeed, Zip Recruiter, and Glassdoor job searches and my unemployment is over 😭😭

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal