Latest news with #graphicdesign
Fast Company
a day ago
- Business
- Fast Company
No more Mr. Nice Guy: The incomparable Michael Bierut steps down
On a Tuesday last fall, Michael Bierut was sitting in his living room in Tarrytown, New York, about 25 miles away from where he'd typically be on a weekday afternoon at any point over the previous few decades. Bierut, 67, had just stepped back from his role as partner at Pentagram, the storied graphic design studio that has shaped the branding for many of the world's most important companies, and he was feeling restless. 'It's been disconcerting for me,' Bierut said as we spoke with a view of the Hudson River sparkling from the window. He noted that the rest of Pentagram's partners were currently on an annual retreat in an undisclosed location. This was the first time he hadn't attended. 'I'm a really black-and-white person. I have two speeds. I do a lot, or I don't do it at all.' For most of his career, Bierut put on a suit and tie, took the Metro-North train from the suburbs to the city, and went to work. Now, he goes to the Flatiron office once a week in his new role as a strategist at-large, where he acts as a part-time consultant on retainer to his fellow partners. Bierut plans to use the rest of his time writing, teaching, and working on independent projects. He has a few ideas for design books.
Fast Company
a day ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Graphic design job listings are flat, despite worries about AI
BY and María José Gutierrez Chavez From fantastical worlds to personalized Ghibli-esque portraits, social media is flooded with AI-generated images that were created by merely a prompt. But what may be a fun tool for the average user has become an existential threat for graphic design. And yet, surprisingly, graphic design jobs don't seem to be getting eliminated—yet. By analyzing job posting data between fall/winter 2023-2024 and fall/winter 2024-2025, Fast Company found that the number of job listings for graphic designers stayed flat, despite worries about AI platforms eliminating these particular jobs. 'There just haven't been very many graphic-design based AI generators yet,' says Daniel Lefcourt, visual artist and professor of art and computation at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
Geek Girl Authority
4 days ago
- Business
- Geek Girl Authority
Creative Side Hustles for Women Who Love Design and Art
Creativity and individuality are values consistently on the rise, and women who love design and art are in a unique position to potentially turn their passions into side hustles with worthwhile income possibilities in sight. If you're one of the following: a full-time professional, a stay-at-home mom, or somewhere in between, there are countless ways to channel your artistic talents into profits – without compromising your love for creating. Here, we explore some of the most rewarding and flexible creative side hustles for women who live and breathe design and art. From hands-on crafts to digital design, there's something here for almost every inventive spirit. 1. Freelance Graphic Design Suppose you have a flair for visual storytelling and experience with tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop. In that case, freelance graphic design is one of the most accessible and in-demand side hustles. Businesses, bloggers, influencers, and startups are constantly looking for help with logos, social media graphics, flyers, packaging, and more. Getting started: Create a small portfolio with 5-10 strong pieces that showcase your style and versatility. You can find clients on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs or by reaching out to local businesses and online creators. Pro tip: Niching down (like offering branding specifically for women-owned businesses or social media graphics for coaches) can help you stand out and attract your ideal clients. 2. Sell Printable Art or Templates on Etsy Etsy is a goldmine for women who love creating beautiful things – and one of the most passive forms of creative income is selling digital products. From printable wall art to wedding invitation templates, calendars, planners, or social media kits, you can create once and sell indefinitely. Why it works: You don't need inventory or shipping logistics. All you need is your creative design, a few mockups, and a platform to sell on. Tools to use: Canva Pro is great for beginners, while Adobe Creative Suite offers more flexibility for advanced users. Use a tool like Creative Market to find assets, and mockup generators like Placeit to showcase your work professionally. 3. Start a Custom Stationery or Illustration Shop If hand-drawing or watercolor painting is your thing, you can build a unique brand around custom illustrations or stationery. People love personalized artwork – especially for weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, and holiday gifts. Ideas include: Custom pet portraits Illustrated family portraits Personalized greeting cards or thank-you notes Wedding invitation sets with a hand-painted touch Selling options: Create a shop on Etsy or Shopify, or promote your work on Instagram and TikTok. You can also offer downloadable versions or take commissions on request. 4. Surface Pattern Design Surface pattern design involves creating patterns that can be printed on everything from fabric to phone cases, mugs, wallpaper, and home decor. It's a fantastic creative niche for artists who love playing with colors, textures, and patterns. Where to sell: Upload your patterns to platforms like Spoonflower, Redbubble, or Society6. These print-on-demand services handle production and shipping while you earn a commission on each sale. Skillset needed: You'll want to be comfortable with seamless pattern creation with tools on platforms like Adobe Illustrator or Procreate. Many artists also license their designs to fabric companies or brands. 5. Web Design or UX/UI Design If you have a creative eye and some tech-savvy abilities, web design could be a lucrative side hustle that blends artistry with function. Many small businesses and entrepreneurs struggle with creating beautiful, user-friendly websites and are happy to pay for a designer who understands their aesthetic. Platforms like: Squarespace WordPress Showit Webflow …make it easier than ever to design without advanced coding knowledge. How to get started: Offer to redesign a few websites or create templates for practice. Build a mini portfolio and start networking in online communities, especially women-led entrepreneur groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. 6. Teach What You Know (Online or Locally) If you've mastered a creative skill – like watercolor painting, calligraphy, or even DIY home decor – you can monetize that knowledge by teaching others. Women love learning from other women, especially in a creative, supportive environment. How to teach: Host online classes through platforms like Skillshare, Teachable, or Gumroad Offer live Zoom workshops Partner with local art studios or community centers Start a Patreon or private membership for exclusive tutorials Bonus: Teaching builds your credibility and personal brand and is great if you want to grow into a larger creative business down the road. 7. Creative Content Creation Design-loving women with a knack for styling and photography can create content for brands, especially within something personally appealing – this could include the lifestyle, home, fashion, or wellness niches. You don't have to be a full-time influencer to do this; you can work behind the scenes to style flat lays, shoot product photos, or design Instagram feeds. What you can offer: Styled photography for Etsy shops Instagram reels with a design focus Blog headers or Pinterest graphics Branded templates and Canva kits You can pitch these services directly to small brands or join influencer/content platforms like Aspire, Cohley, or Trend. Final Thoughts Side hustles don't have to be stressful or disconnected from your passion. As a creative woman, you already have the tools to build something beautiful and income-generating. Whether you're doodling in your sketchbook, styling your home, or experimenting with color palettes, there's a way to turn your talent into a side hustle that aligns with your lifestyle and values. The key is to start where you are, use your existing tools, and grow one step at a time. The world needs more beauty – and your art might be someone's favorite new find. DOCTOR WHO: 5 Jaw-Dropping Moments From the Season 2 Finale RELATED: TV Review: Doctor Who Season 2 Episode 4, 'Lucky Day'
Fast Company
5 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Where the design jobs are in 2025
BY Generative AI—and the velocity of its evolution—is forcing every breed of designer to contemplate a future without them. Will Midjourney and DALL-E eliminate the need for graphic designers? Will Claude and Gemini obviate the UX lead? What happens to motion artists in a world where Sora supposedly becomes the newest auteur? We're no sages. And we're certainly not clairvoyant. But we can comfortably say that, even if an AI-driven design industry apocalypse is coming, it hasn't arrived yet. Our second annual report on the state of the design industry draws from a dataset of 176,000 job listings we've gathered on Google Jobs (which consolidates listings from across the internet, including Indeed, LinkedIn, and regional job boards) from October 2023 to February 2025. They span several design disciplines: graphic, interior, game, urban, UX, product, and architectural. The clearest and perhaps most reassuring takeaway this year? Designers are still needed. Graphic and UX design job postings are flat from last year, game design postings are up, and urban design postings are way up. Only architects and product designers saw a dip, with postings for the latter down 24% from last year. So it's not time yet to abandon that art or architecture degree in order to become a prompt engineer.
Telegraph
04-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘I moved to Bali as a digital nomad. Life is luxurious even on a budget'
To take part in How I Spend It, please use the form below or email money@ As a thank you, published diarists will receive a £50 Amazon voucher. All our subjects are genuine but anonymous. For years, London was my life. The familiar hum of the city, the vibrant energy, the endless opportunities – I loved it. But over time, that hum began to sound more like a monotonous drone. The pressure of continually climbing the career ladder, the exorbitant cost of living (especially rent for my flat near Camden), and the feeling of being perpetually on a treadmill all started to wear me down. Then, the pandemic hit, and the forced pause made me seriously re-evaluate everything. So, I did what any sane (or perhaps slightly mad) person would do: I let out my flat in London, packed a single suitcase, and became a digital nomad. It felt like a leap of faith, but also an incredibly liberating decision. My parents have always instilled in me a strong work ethic, but also encouraged me to pursue experiences, so they were surprisingly supportive of this unconventional path. I studied Graphic Design at university, graduating with a student loan that I'm still chipping away at each month. My first job out of university was as a junior designer, earning £22,000 annually. I steadily worked my way up, which led to a senior designer role where I was earning £35,000 before I decided to go freelance three years ago. Now, as a freelance graphic designer with primarily UK clients, my income is variable, but I aim for around £4,500 gross per month. This figure also includes the £1,500 I receive from renting out my UK flat, which helps cover my ongoing UK commitments. My monthly outgoings here in Bali are considerably lower, averaging around £2,000, which includes everything from accommodation and food to travel and leisure. My financial goals have shifted significantly. While I'm not actively saving for a house in the UK at the moment – that feels like a goal for a much more distant future – my current focus is on building a solid emergency fund and investing in experiences rather than accumulating material possessions. I aim to put away at least £500-£700 into a flexible savings account each month, though this can vary depending on project flow. I'm also mindful of maintaining a healthy buffer in my business account for quiet periods. I truly believe that investing in travel and new cultures enriches my life in ways that traditional savings accounts can't. It's a different kind of wealth. Monday I woke up to the symphony of nature. The guesthouse is nestled amid rice paddies, so instead of London traffic, I hear roosters, chirping geckos, and the gentle splash of the koi pond. It's incredibly serene, a stark contrast to my previous life. After yoga on my balcony I had a green smoothie for breakfast. I blended spinach, banana, pineapple, and coconut water from the local market (£2). It's incredibly refreshing and a healthy start to the day. I am lucky that the guesthouse offers a communal workspace for £15 a day with complimentary tea and coffee. It's a mix of solo travellers and digital nomads, creating a productive and friendly atmosphere – and the tranquil environment helps me concentrate. The guesthouse itself is a collection of traditional Balinese bungalows surrounding a central garden and pool – it feels like a little oasis. For lunch I went to a nearby family-run eatery that's a local favourite and opted for a mixed rice dish called nasi campur. It's delicious and at £3 the price is incredibly cheap – a real bargain compared to any London lunch! After work I headed out to explore Ubud. I wandered through the bustling local markets, admiring the handcrafted souvenirs and colourful textiles. I resisted buying anything, but it's easy to get carried away here. For just £6 I decided to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest. It's a bit chaotic, with hundreds of monkeys roaming freely, and you have to be vigilant with your belongings, but it's undeniably entertaining. I found myself laughing out loud watching their antics – definitely a unique interaction, even if they're just after your sunglasses! Dinner was at a vegan restaurant where I opted for a tempeh curry with brown rice (£8), which was flavourful and satisfying. It's wonderful how many healthy and affordable options there are here. Total spend: £34 Tuesday After a lie-in I bought a selection of local fruits from the market – incredibly sweet mangoes, papayas, and vibrant dragon fruit – and enjoyed them with strong Balinese coffee (total £4). This is a daily pleasure that feels so luxurious for the price. I settled down for a morning in the workspace (£15) before going to lunch (£7) with other digital nomads at a popular hangout spot. We share stories and tips about places to work, best local eats, and visa intricacies. It's a fantastic way to build community and feel less isolated. In the afternoon I treated myself to a traditional Balinese massage for £15. This is a regular 'splurge' for me – but incredibly affordable relaxation. The equivalent at home could cost up to £100. I joined a cooking class learning to make traditional Indonesian dishes like sate lilit and gado-gado. The instructor was hilarious, and it was a hands-on way to understand the local cuisine. Plus, I got to eat everything we made, a good deal for £12 a class. I enjoyed a video call with my best friend back in London before bed, sharing stories of my adventures and getting updates from home. It's important to maintain those connections. Total: £38 Wednesday I decided to take a complete break from work and immerse myself in Balinese culture for the day. After breakfast of coffee and fruit at the guesthouse (£3) I rented a scooter (£7 including petrol) and set off to visit Tirta Empul Temple, a sacred water temple known for its purification rituals. The journey to the temple was an adventure in itself with roads winding through lush rice paddies and small villages, offering breathtaking views. Arrived at Tirta Empul Temple (donation £2). The temple complex is a marvel of Balinese architecture, with intricately carved stone shrines and serene pools. The main attraction is the holy spring, where locals and tourists alike participate in the purification ritual, bathing under the spouts of water. However, I also visited another temple that day – it was beautiful, but sadly absolutely swarming with tourists. It made it difficult to really appreciate the serenity and spiritual significance of the place, which was a shame. I find it's a delicate balance, wanting to see these iconic spots but also wanting to avoid the crowds. Lunch was at a local cafe near the temple where I had gado-gado (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce) and fresh coconut water for £5. After exploring the area surrounding the temples I headed back to the guesthouse and enjoyed a dip in the pool. Dinner at another local spot for just £6. I opted for a flavourful chicken satay with peanut sauce. Total: £23 Thursday Coffee and fruit from the local market for breakfast (£2.50) before I head back to the workspace for the day. For lunch I tried a local cafe that was recommended by another digital nomad, and had a very nice vegetable curry (£6). This place had a lovely, quiet atmosphere perfect for a mid-day break. I decided to take a batik class, learning the traditional art of wax-resist dyeing. I even managed to create a small piece myself – definitely not museum-worthy, but a fun, hands-on cultural experience for £10. Dinner with other digital nomads (£8). We met at a local restaurant, sharing stories and tips while enjoying a delicious meal. Total: £41.50 Friday Another fresh fruit and coffee breakfast (£3) before settling in the workspace (£15) to meet client deadlines. For lunch I went to a local seafood restaurant and enjoyed very good grilled fish (£7). In the afternoon I took a silversmithing class (£15), learning to create my own silver jewellery. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, and I made a simple ring I'm actually proud of. Earlier in the week, I stumbled across this little market selling the most beautiful hand-carved wooden bowls. I managed to haggle the price down to a steal, which felt like a real win. That's the beauty of Bali, amazing little bargains are everywhere if you know where to look. I was craving something different for dinner so I treated myself to a delicious pizza at a local Italian restaurant for £12. Sometimes you just need a taste of home! Total: £52 Weekend I rented a scooter to explore the surrounding villages. This gives me incredible freedom and is super cost-effective at just £5 and £2 for petrol. This is where you see the real Bali, away from the main tourist hubs. Lunch was at a roadside stall for a plate of mie goreng (fried noodles) and a fresh coconut (£4). These mini-eateries are the best for authentic, cheap eats. I rode to a nearby beach, enjoying the warm sand and clear water (parking is just £1). The journey itself through the lush landscapes is part of the experience. I enjoyed a seafood dinner (£10) at a restaurant overlooking the ocean, watching the sunset. It's still relatively affordable to have a lovely meal with a view. Bali certainly can be very affordable, especially when it comes to delicious food and local transport. However, those tempting villas with private pools, and the occasional urge for Western comforts, do add up. I'm being mindful of my budget, and generally, my cost of living here is significantly lower than what I was paying in London, allowing me to save more than before. I'm not ruling out a return to the UK at some point, but the idea of travelling more is definitely very appealing. Perhaps a mix of both in the future, where I base myself somewhere for a few months and then move on, is the ideal scenario for me. For now, Bali is home.
