In this episode, Rocky Tilney and Clark Miller discuss the challenges and opportunities facing new designers in 2025. They explore the declining job market, the impact of AI on creative careers, and the importance of building skills and personal brands. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and networking in a rapidly changing industry. They also share advice for aspiring creatives, including the value of showcasing one's process and the importance of specialization.

TakeawaysEntry-level design jobs have significantly decreased.AI is changing the landscape of creative work.Building a portfolio is essential for new designers.Networking is crucial for career advancement.Creatives should embrace building in public.The skills gap is a major concern in the job market.Creative thinking will remain a valuable skill.Learning from experience is key to growth.Specialization can lead to more opportunities.Curiosity and continuous learning are vital for success.

Chapters00:00 Navigating the Creative Landscape in 202502:43 The Brutal Truth: Job Market Statistics05:42 Building Skills in a Changing Environment08:25 The Gig Economy and Freelancing Opportunities11:27 Creating in Public: The New Norm14:13 The Skills Gap: Demand vs. Supply16:58 The Importance of Creative Direction and Strategy21:59 The Depth of Creative Strategy25:57 The Role of Curiosity in Creativity28:08 AI's Impact on Design Skills31:25 The Shift from Technical to Creative Skills37:20 The Importance of Hybrid Skills40:17 Finding Your Niche in Creativity43:56 Recap and Future Advice45:12 Embracing AI as a Creative Partner45:41 Advice to Younger Self: Overcoming Insecurities47:18 Building a Portfolio and Learning Skills49:05 The Importance of Networking and Informational Interviews52:01 Valuing Your Time and Expertise54:42 The Future of Design Careers01:01:36 The Value of Human Creativity in an AI World

creative careers, design jobs, AI in design, job market trends, building skills, gig economy, personal branding, networking, creative thinking, skills gap

In this episode, Clark Miller and Rocky Tilney explore the evolving landscape of creative tools, discussing subscription fatigue, tool fatigue, and the impact of AI on design. They delve into new tools like Gamma and Flora, the balance between speed and craftsmanship, and the challenges of collaboration in creative teams. The conversation also touches on the future of user interfaces in AI tools and the implications of subscription models in the creative industry. Insights from marketing leader Lisa Flosznik provide a deeper understanding of these trends and their effects on creativity and design education. In this conversation, Lisa, Clark, and Rocky delve into the evolving landscape of marketing and creativity, particularly focusing on the role of AI tools in enhancing or hindering creative processes. They discuss the limitations of AI in generating unique ideas, the integration of AI in marketing stacks, and the importance of measuring success in marketing efforts. The conversation also touches on the competitive dynamics between creative platforms like Canva and Adobe, the balance between branding and authenticity in social media, and the challenges of content creation in a fast-paced digital environment. Lisa shares insights from her experience as a fractional CMO and the impact of AI on her work, while also highlighting the importance of testing and measuring marketing strategies.

Tools we discussed during the show:

• Canva
• Flora AI
• Adobe Express
• Gamma
• Figma
• Google AI Studio

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Lisa's Podcast:

It's Mostly Marketing (Youtube)

In this episode of The Somewhat Creative Show, hosts Rocky Tilney and Clark Miller discuss the evolving landscape of work in the creative industry, focusing on the shift from full-time positions to freelance roles. They explore the implications of this trend, including the rise of freelancing among younger generations and the impact of remote work on collaboration. The conversation also delves into Adobe's integration of AI tools and the complexities surrounding ownership of AI-generated content. Finally, they welcome Caitlin Lang, a brand strategist and web designer, who shares her journey in creative entrepreneurship and the challenges of rebuilding her career after taking time off. In this engaging conversation, Caitlin Lang shares her journey of personal transformation and empowerment, particularly focusing on her work with female entrepreneurs. She discusses the importance of setting ambitious goals, the significance of niching down in business, and the common mistakes many make in branding. Caitlin emphasizes the need for confidence in one's abilities and the value of clear messaging in branding. The discussion also touches on the streamlined design process she employs and offers valuable advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs.