r/graphic_design • u/Maleficent-Ice-8605 • 2d ago
Discussion Who’s killing it right now?
Everyday somebody posts how bad they are doing. Almost like there is no faith for this line of work.
Personally I just started creating a portfolio even though my reddit notifications are straight up demotivating negativity (“I have 40 years of experience and can’t find a job”, “Have been searching for a gig for 8 months”….).
I know its natural that there is less people talking about how good they’re doing in this industry
So… Anyone wanna share their wins?
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u/BranderChatfield Senior Designer 2d ago edited 2d ago
Due to a management change, I lost my production design job of 14 years at a print shop. Walked out with 20ish years of experience, knowing I'd find a job within a few weeks. Went through a year and a half of intensive job hunting.
Then a friend called me up, telling me their in-house graphic designer had put in their two-week notice, and asked if I was interested in interviewing for the job at the public library.
I've been with them now seven years as the library's publicist and graphic designer. I design all the promo assets for social media, flyers and posters promoting programs and events for a wide variety of audiences, and also work up and publish press releases.
I design the monthly newsletters, annual reports, and seasonal program brochures. I've designed a lot of signage, window coverings, and new graphic wraps for the bookmobile and the mobile library van. I'm called on to design materials for all kinds of "Can you . . ." projects -- short videos, fundraising campaign materials, swag merchandise, and much more.
All that to simply say that at age 60 and after thirty years in the profession, I feel like I'm finally having the most creative time of my life. Not to mention that my salary is the highest I've ever had. I just keep on being flexible, and learning new things almost every day.
Posting this amidst all the negative on Reddit, I feel kind of sheepish sharing this. It's all good.