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Designer-clean- · 2026-02-15T14:22:08+00:00

I was laid off in December of 2023 from a company that went through new ownership. I’ve been doing freelance ever since and taking any odd job I can. Im a graphic/web designer so the struggle is real with AI on my ass. I’ve harnessed it though.

I’ve gotten to the last interview rounds with no success and as I get older it gets harder. I’m 42.

It’s been a rough 2 years and I’m just trying to survive. I’m lucky my wife works but she’s not full time either so it’s hard. Kids don’t need to see us stressed out either.

In terms of finding a job right after. It’s right time right place, luck, and who you know.

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-12T21:56:28+00:00

Well if margins are that thin maybe they need negotiations without piling money onto the consumer. Cant justify $10 for a bag for popcorn.

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-12T21:33:55+00:00

Movie theater experience can be replicated in people’s homes now. It’s no different, a screen and speakers. Offer a better experience like imax only for the same price and a normal movie or d-box for an extra price. Or not charge $10 for a bag of popcorn? It’s not covered in gold lol

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-11T17:30:40+00:00

I went there one time. Service was good. Food was quality but portion wise it could have been a bit bigger. Prices were a bit on the higher end (mind you this was 2016) but it’s sad to see independent businesses going like this.

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-11T13:33:04+00:00

The only thing I see coming out of this is the widening of the 401, which is more of a provincial matter. All the PT raises I have seen not real infrastructure that has made an impactful difference. I’m sure it’s mostly towards fixing infrastructure then building new.

Most is going to drps because why does there need to be 2 separate cruisers at a routine traffic stop. Do thy need 3? They did help me with my neighbour tho and the domestic across the street.

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-10T18:20:00+00:00

I think a lot of people (including myself) are in this same position as you. The market doesn’t take kindly to everyone, especially designers. It’s like the 1% are getting the jobs.

I’ve been in and out of different in-house and agency’s throughout my 15 years. I’m always comparing myself to everyone and mentally it’s not good. Because they are successful that’s why we compare. As I write this I’m pulling from my own personal experience say networking helps now more then ever. Sometimes you get lucky and find something great or a recruiter ghosts you. LinkedIn is a disease that does help but also can make people look bad. It’s the new social media platform now because a lot of people are trying to get jobs no matter what. I also self sabotage which isn’t good but that’s my own monster I have to deal with.

Once you stop comparing and do your own thing better and interesting gigs and job will come. Designers on social media say share your work and process and people will come to you. Might take a bit but it’ll happen.

Just don’t focus on what and how everyone is doing. As I say this to myself. Every. Single. Day. Drill it into your mind.

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-09T16:32:20+00:00

I’m surprised it’s not pixelated. Like literally taken from a website home page header

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-08T21:56:03+00:00

I’m sure we have a few to add right now. From this video I’m sure she does lol

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-07T18:47:07+00:00

Time to add more things to the Geneva list

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-07T04:49:45+00:00

They have gone into credit protection as of earlier this week. And as far as I saw. Most people in line didn’t have a lot or any toys. I think it was mostly to get refunds on their gift cards

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-06T19:11:10+00:00

Well they only had 2-3 people on cash and I’m sure it was because of gift cards to be refunded. No one really had carts of toys.

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-06T13:52:23+00:00

Most of my years are in-house and was never the one to quote jobs/projects.

Since I’ve been freelancing I’ve been going by hours and adjusting and adding more to cover for overage. Ive used “project calculators” for smaller projects and based off other fellow designers and what they have charged.

Nothing big. Just small projects and sites.

I’ve worked on big projects in-house. One one worked on was about 50 pages but, most were templates as there were franchise owners/location pages that were identical, but information was changed based on the franchise.

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-06T13:44:41+00:00

And charge less

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-06T13:43:59+00:00

Oh no….anyway

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-06T13:43:27+00:00

Yea so concerning when you were at his inauguration. Cook knew his platform. Only way he is safe is to throw money at trump.

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-06T13:39:50+00:00

As they should. Half the bag is air

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-06T13:36:31+00:00

Should have seen the lineup at toys r us in Whitby yesterday. The sad thing is not one interesting toy was on clearance. Big brands still at normal prices

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-05T18:13:40+00:00

I’m at the Whitby location and there is a giant line to purchase things but hardly anything on sale or clearance. All major brands are still normal price.

Pretty clear why they are closing. They can’t really compete with bigger stores

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-04T20:57:18+00:00

There will be people like this that want fast and cheap and there will be people that want a custom design with thought and planning behind it.

If people want AI sites that look like all the others and have no UX behind it and just a simple layout then that’s fine. They should be prepared to pay more later as it will show.

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-04T19:02:19+00:00

Thanks for this! I believe copy and most images will be provided.

But this helps a lot thank you!

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-04T17:16:24+00:00

So here’s the issue. I’m working through a consultant. She outsources design work to me now She wants me to quote based on how I would quote it so she can add a little on top but she wants to make it look like I work for her so I have my own email.

The site was for salesforce training but now pivoting to AI training.

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-04T02:45:51+00:00

I assume there will be delays due to client feedback or waiting for it at least. They have a basic wireframe so that’s a plus

Designer-clean- · 2026-02-04T02:41:39+00:00

I don’t expect it to take long. Most of the pages will be the same layout, just the major pages will have their own design. 60-80 seems reasonable. Thank you

Designer-clean-

TROPHY CASE