Creative Career Advice Pleaseee :')

Hey!

Soooo… I graduated from university with a Graphic Design Degree last year and A LOT happened in my personal life that left me demotivated and depressed. Due to the discourse, the only “job” I was able to land was a corporate freelance job with a family friend (I only worked for about 2-2.5 months throughout the year) and a little bit of design and photography freelancing. I found myself struggling to apply for jobs in the design industry because I feel inadequate, inexperienced and like I won’t survive in an agency environment or if I had to freelance.

This has left me confused and depressed because I love being around creative people but I’m struggling to find my place in the industry and this world and I don’t know what to do. I’m currently considering doing a course in Business/ Data Analytics (I’m not sure which one yet) to invest in skills that would make me more versatile in the industry. I would probably apply at a Marketing Agencies thereafter but I’m wondering if it’ll even be worth it and if I should just try to apply to design agencies now (even though I’ve technically been unemployed for a year) and see how it goes.

I’ve also convinced myself that the job hunt might be easier if I actually managed to learn new skills in my time being unemployed as I am really afraid that people won’t hire me because it’s been so long since I graduated.

I could really use some advice from some very wise people (all of you) that are already in the creative industry. Thanking you in advance. :slight_smile:

  • A very anxious and lost creative.

Hey, first off, take a deep breath and give yourself credit.

You’ve been through a tough year, and that’s okay, it’s a part of life, not a reflection of your worth or potential. The creative industry can be intimidating, but it’s also full of opportunities for people who are passionate and willing to learn, which it sounds like you are.

If you love being around creative people, don’t give up on that dream just because the road’s been bumpy. You don’t need a perfect portfolio or years of experience to start applying to design agencies. Plenty of people start where you are and work their way up. Be honest about what you’ve been through, it shows resilience and self-awareness. Freelance gigs, even short ones, count as experience, so don’t undersell yourself.

If learning new skills excites you, go for that Business/Data Analytics course, it can only add to your versatility. Marketing agencies are a great blend of creativity and strategy, so if that feels right, pursue it. But don’t let the fear of your gap year hold you back from applying for design jobs now. Employers care more about what you can do than what you didn’t do.

Sometimes, we get caught up in the idea of making ourselves more “hireable” and end up diluting what makes us unique. Be wary of falling into jack-of-all-trades roles if your heart is in being a creative. Employers in design aren’t looking for someone who can do everything, they want people who are passionate and skilled in their niche.

Jobs that expect you to be a jack of all trades often have titles like “Graphic Designer” or “Content Creator” but pile on responsibilities like video editing, animation, website design, social media management, and even PowerPoint presentations, all in one role. These are common in startups or smaller agencies where they expect one person to cover multiple specialties.

While it’s fine to explore new skills, these roles can undervalue your expertise and leave you overworked. Instead, focus on jobs that align with what you truly love, whether it’s branding, print, or digital, so you can build deep expertise and work in roles that truly value your craft.

Start small if you need to, internships, junior roles, or freelance projects to build confidence and connections. And remember, the creative industry isn’t just about your skills, it’s about your mindset and willingness to grow.

You’re not behind, you’re just starting. Keep going, and the right path will open up.

You’ve got this.

3 Likes

Have you tried applying for openings at your local print shops?
They will take most anyone with your background and college experience.
Getting your foot in the door is the 1st step.
Using your knowledge will help you climb up the ladder to a graphic design / sales / customer service / management position.
Believe in yourself and always stay positive!

3 Likes

Your experience isn’t at all uncommon. For that matter, it might be the norm.

Although it was decades ago, I had much the same experience after graduating. The first two years were painful. During that time, I did some freelance work for ad agencies. I also walked into businesses and asked to see the owner to ask if I could help with their advertising (sometimes it worked). I finally found a low-paying job at a design studio that soon began laying off its employees. Those two years were so stressful that my marriage broke apart.

I finally found a temporary job that became a full-time job as a technical illustrator for a computer company. That job led to other jobs that were more focused on design. It took a while to get established, but it turned out OK (other than the failed marriage).

I wish I had known at the time that my experience wasn’t unusual. If I had known, I could have planned for it and not let it affect me as much as it did. This field requires lots of dedication and perseverance. It always surprises me how many people think they can jump in and start making money with little talent and no formal education. You have the education part finished, so as others have suggested, maybe looking for work in print shops could be a foot in the door in the same way technical illustration was for me.

3 Likes

Hey, there!
I want to second what everyone said. Everyone has their ups and downs, it doesn’t make you less of a designer.
Adding new skills to your portfolio is a good idea - as long as it aligns with what you already want to do! Don’t stretch yourself towards multiple ways out of desperation. Going for something that doesn’t speak to you can be great for a bit, for trying out new things’ sake, but keep at it and it can drain your soul… and if it does, why would you want to work as a creative anymore? Better work on things you have fun with if you want the extra practice - but don’t push yourself too much doing so, either. You need a healthy relationship with your creativity, as much as possible, in your personal time, as your day job may prove a tad draining at that front.
I also want to second the suggestion of trying for a print shop. It tends to be good for a starter. It can be quite demanding in matters of workload, and it won’t make you rich, but you’ll get a foot in the door and learn things that will most probably come handy later on. For example, that’s where I learned how to better mind the technical side of the prints I now design.
Another little tip is, when you apply for design jobs, you are sometimes asked to create something as a sample. I always try to do my best in those so that I can add them in my portfolio (as long as it isn’t confidential - which has never happened so far).
Best of luck!

1 Like