Dear Creative Professional, I hope you’re doing well amidst the challenges of the current job market. Various industries continue to announce significant workforce reductions, as companies report ongoing widespread layoffs. Let’s take a painful look at February layoffs: Cisco laid off 4,250 employees Farfetch laid off 2,000 employees DocuSign laid off 440 employees Amazon laid off 400 employees Snap laid off 500 employees Cue Health laid off 245 employees Okta laid off 400 employees Toast laid off 550 employees Instacart laid off 250 employees Polygon Labs laid off 60 employees Mozilla laid o ..read more

Designers, welcome to a realm where imagination, creativity, and empathy intersect, granting you a trifecta of superpowers that elevate you in the creative universe. As a designer, you have the unique ability to envision and create new worlds that have never existed before. Don’t believe me? Keep reading to find out more. Your first superpower is imagination – the key to acquiring knowledge, solving problems, and creating a world beyond the ordinary. According to a Dartmouth College and Princeton University study, creative experts excel in distal imagination, vividly envisioning distant scenar ..read more

Remember not long ago when professional photographers held dominion over the photography industry? Then, seemingly overnight, the industry experienced a seismic shift as smartphone cameras evolved and democratized photography. This transformation, driven by smartphone technology and the rise of social media, opened the world of photography to a much wider audience. The once-exclusive realm of professional photographers expanded to include enthusiasts, casual snappers, and creative individuals eager to capture and share moments. The creative world is rapidly changing, and companies can either ..read more

Have you ever stopped to think about the incredible journey designers go through to bring their projects to life? While some projects run smoothly, more than not, it’s a rollercoaster ride filled with challenges, unexpected twists, and tight deadlines that rarely leave room for their creative process. Designers are the unsung heroes of the creative world, tirelessly pushing through misdirection, budget cuts, last-minute changes, and unrealistic client feedback. It can be an overwhelming and thankless task at times. But fear not; in this blog, we’ll dive into the captivating design world, shari ..read more

Do you ever feel like a hamster on a wheel, endlessly spinning and struggling to make progress, all while facing bouts of burnout, distress, and professional letdowns? That, my friend, is the harsh reality of being caught up in the rat race. As a creative professional, I’ve experienced firsthand the pressure and expectations that come with hustle culture. The world around us glorifies nonstop hustle and constant obsession, making it crucial for us to redefine what true peak performance means. With that said, I want to share these eye-opening lists originally crafted by the insightful Brad Stul ..read more

The current process for hiring designers is broken. It’s plagued with ridiculous requirements and qualifications, lack of communication, multiple rounds of interviews, unfair design exercises that border on free work, undisclosed salary details, overselling of job and company culture, and a lack of respect and empathy for candidates. And let’s not forget the glaring issue of diversity and inclusion. It’s clear that we need a better way to hire designers, one that is informative, confident, and engaging. So, how can we revolutionize the hiring process and build a more equitable futur ..read more

Unlocking the vast world of graphic design shouldn’t be restricted by those daunting price tags, right? I mean, we’ve all been there – gazing longingly at the Adobe software suite, with its shiny array of tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, but realizing that it’s just not within our budget. But fear not, because I’ve got your back! In this blog, I’m thrilled to share with you a hand-picked list of the 13 best free design software options – a treasure trove initially published by the awesome folks at HubSpot. These powerful alternatives are perfect for designers of all levels, empowering you ..read more

Opportunities don’t happen, you create them. — Chris Grosser, Owner Advisor in Tesla, Inc. Building a solid client base can be a challenging yet crucial aspect of your success as a freelancer, contractor, or entrepreneur in the design industry. This article will explore ten actionable tips to help you overcome the hurdles and establish yourself as a sought-after professional. By implementing these strategies, you can attract clients, boost your reputation, and pave the way for long-term growth in your design career. 1. Find a Mentor One of your most valuable assets is a mentor who ..read more

Are you a designer on the hunt for ways to amp up your Figma workflow? Well, look no further, my friend! Let me tell you, Figma is the real deal when it comes to design tools. It’s like the cool kid on the block, attracting designers from all over with its sleek interface and powerful features. But you know what makes it even more awesome? The plethora of plugins it offers makes your life as a designer a whole lot easier and more enjoyable. Seriously, these plugins are game-changers. They can simplify your work, boost your productivity, and even sprinkle a little extra magic into your creative ..read more

AI is revolutionizing the job-hunting process in many ways, which is why I’m excited to share this newsletter with you today, as it contains a list of AI tools that can help designers and creatives with their job hunting.  These tools can help you with everything from creating a resume and cover letter to preparing for interviews and networking with potential employers. They can save time, improve your chances of getting an interview, and even land your dream job. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your job search, check out these AI tools. And who knows, you might find your next gre ..read more