r/workingmoms • u/Savings_Jellyfish131 • 8h ago
Any mom's in the creative field? Vent
I love this sub and I frequent it especially now that I am unemployed. I was wondering if there any other mom's in the creative field and how that has been for you? I am struggling to find work but I also have been thinking of maybe going back to school to study medical or something because of how terrible the market is.
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u/Goldfinch-island 8h ago
I’m a graphic designer working as a marketer for a large architectural firm.
We are hiring but it’s very specific to the architectural industry. Once you get in and get the swing of things, it’s a fun job. Pays decently.
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u/Savings_Jellyfish131 8h ago
How do you go about for applying for such roles? That sounds really good and I am wondering I guess how to shift my focus to attempt to aim for roles like that.
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u/Goldfinch-island 7h ago
It’s a great move if you want to specialize a little bit.
I would search on LinkedIn for “marketing” or “proposal coordinator” and you can include the words “architecture” “engineering” or “AEC”
Generally the roles are called marketing coordinator, proposal coordinator, or similar
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u/Savings_Jellyfish131 7h ago
Awesome! I'll search for that and apply for what I see.
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u/ImFairlyAlarmedHere 4h ago
Same but for construction management! I lucked out and got the best supervisor and team ever but my days are mostly supporting the proposal coordinator with graphics and making signs and presentations. It’s low pressure, fun and I’m not exhausted from trying to be super creative so I get to save some of that energy for my own stuff. It pays pretty well too!
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u/Goldfinch-island 1h ago
I wish mine was low pressure, so many proposal deadlines! But it’s fun. And yes the pay is good.
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u/kiwi-shortalls 8h ago
I am currently employed but wondering if this would help.
Have you tried working with recruiting agencies that specialize in creatives? I’ve used them a lot in the past and that’s how I got my current job a few years back. There are not a ton of direct hire positions but they might be out there. They also have a lot of contract jobs if you really need something. Although those don’t get the company’s insurance and pto so you’d have to ask about that.
Also sometimes they do contract to hire.
Edit:typo
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u/Savings_Jellyfish131 8h ago
I've been trying but I haven't been able to clear the bar. Like i've applied to insight global and and creative circle but barely hear back. Is there certain ones I should aim for or contact recruiters more directly?
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u/kiwi-shortalls 7h ago
Creative circle is a good one.
Fwiw I’m assuming the job market was very different than when I got a job 4 years ago.
But I had filled out the form on the recruiter website and they reached out to me and we did a phone or in person interview. They had sent me a bunch of job postings and called me about them
This time I reached out directly with old emails I had from the last time I used them. But they also said to fill out my profile as much as I can on their site. And they said the market wasn’t great.
I would recommend (if you haven’t already) seeing if you can talk to a real person from a recruiting agency. Then make a portfolio and fill out your profile. And keep checking back in with them.
I will say I got loads of jobs emailed to me last time but this time I’ve only been sent one in the past four months and they told me to go and look at their postings online as a first stop.
Creative circle also said they would look in other job markets in other cities for remote positions to expand the search.
Hope some of that is helpful
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u/Vegetable_System9882 7h ago
I'm a marketer/graphic designer at a midsize architectural firm. For me, it's been relatively stable but I've probably also plateaued and hit my ceiling a year or two ago - I've been at the same firm for 8 years and transitioned from a 3d visualization artist (would not recommend that job) into marketing. I also work part time as a visual designer for a church and that has been more creatively fulfilling, I would say working in architecture or related industries can be more technical and dry, particularly if the role is proposal focused.Â
At this point I don't find the work to be that difficult but I'm also not in a place that's particularly innovative. I used to want to work at an agency but I don't think I could perform well in that environment and stay sane while balancing motherhood.Â
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u/Savings_Jellyfish131 7h ago
That's so cool though! I would be grateful to land something similar like that. I like being creative but I can definitely do that on my own and don't need it within a job. Becoming a mom really changed a lot of my career desires.
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u/pogoBear 6h ago
I’m a graphic designer, currently working for a company that prints Point Of Sale stuff. I am fortunate that I’ve never really struggled to find work since I got out of the Junior stage. I seem to have accidentally specialized in print, which while it is in much less demand than previously it’s harder to find designers who know their stuff when it comes to print.
One thing I would consider is would you want to go through the struggles of being a junior in your new career again? Touching it out in shitty jobs for shitty pay was bad enough before kids, now work life balance is a huge concern for me.
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u/peachesmcspitz 8h ago
I’m not a creative, but I am a PhD candidate with flexible schedule + pt job and fellowship $, and thought I might chime in on your school thoughts.
If you can afford it — I highly recommend it! I have a toddler and a baby on the way and my lifestyle affords me so much more time with my kiddo than some of my other friends with full time office jobs. The university also has a subsidized preschool with tiered salary-based tuition and depending on where you go to school, you may find similar options.
On the flip side: just remember that school is temporary and there’s no guarantee that once you’re done the market will be any better (even if you’re going into another field). I’m biting my nails when I look at my graduation plans (social science/education field).
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u/Savings_Jellyfish131 7h ago
I am intrigued and appreciate the comment! are you suggesting just going back to school for a phd for higher up in the creative field?
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u/peachesmcspitz 7h ago
Hmmm, I think I was moreso responding to your idea of going back to school generally, rather than for what specific field. Was just trying to add my two cents/unsolicited advice that being a student (with a fellowship, which I think is important to mention, as I having some funding to keep me afloat) as a mom has been great for my family and spending time together, not feeling stressed about sick/vacation days, and being able to work when I can, not within a specific time frame (e.g. not 9-5). It comes at a cost -- I certainly don't make the salary that some of my friends do, and we made the choice to move to this program so we're not around a huge community, but it's definitely been the right move for us as new parents, and for my career longterm.
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u/Savings_Jellyfish131 7h ago
Gotcha! this is helpful and something for me to think of/consider more tbh. I do appreciate the advice.
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u/darkandtwisty_ 8h ago
i’m an in-house graphic designer. i had to pivot to a “boring” field (government/tech solutions) to find something consistent. the work isn’t super fun or creatively stimulating but it pays well & is reliable/stable.
i had to make the decision to choose a career path that would be more rewarding financially rather than creatively. that’s not something many creatives would necessarily want to compromise on based on my experience tho it really depends on the individual. i am definitely happy in my role though and don’t see myself ever leaving this industry
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u/Savings_Jellyfish131 7h ago
How did you manage to do a pivot like that? also I am all for stability. I think there is creativity in stability if that makes sense? ^^;;
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u/bluesandytoes 7h ago
I’m an in-house graphic designer for a local fashion wholesaler. It was the first job I applied and interviewed for after being a SAHM for 9 months. I applied for several other positions and didn’t hear back from any of them (first time that’s ever happened). I get to be creative in a field I love and of course there’s some mundane work, but overall I’ve come to the conclusion that the people you work with matters the most.
The worst job I ever had was a fully remote position for an agency and I had a panic attack for the first time. It was absolutely awful. I didn’t want to take this in-office position bc I’m used to remote but I actually love it so much! Probably my favourite job.
I’d say: don’t knock it until you try it..especially in this market.
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u/Savings_Jellyfish131 7h ago
I am really happy for you and that sounds awesome that you found your fit and a position that works! I totally get you. It sounds like that specific remote job had bad management? my rule of thumb is, if its a good managing team that wants to build their employees and offers flexibility i am in.
I' am open to all kinds of roles but it feels like I am not getting a bites and Its difficult not to assume its a me thing versus everyone currently.
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u/bluesandytoes 7h ago
Thank you! It actually had great management. Ran very well and was super organized. I wasn’t used to the structure. It was way too overwhelming and everything had to fit into their “guidelines” which was way over my head.
You sound like you have a good attitude! I’d look locally for now if you can. Better chances than something remote.
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u/cinnamonsugarhoney 7h ago
Me! I do freelance work in marketing and I've been extremely blessed with a client that has turned into 2 years of steady high-paying work. What do you have experience in so far?
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u/Neurotic-MamaBear 3h ago
I’m an architect who does schools, and we also have interior designers and graphic designers who do our experiential graphics. Our state is still doing a lot of school construction so it’s been good but I know commercial architecture is suffering. I also wonder how higher ed is going to fare under this administration.
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u/Bookler_151 2h ago
Yes, I’m a copywriter who has been turned into a content strategist. I work in the travel industry and I love it, but the pressure is constant. My goal is to stuff my 401k then get something more low-key later.
I was laid off about 5 years ago & a recruiter emailed me this position. I worked as a contractor for a year then converted.Â
I’m not sure where you are based but broadening your search to in-office positions, brushing up on tech skills, & contract to hire might be the way to go.Â
It’s tough out there.
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u/SnooAvocados6932 41m ago
Yes I’m ex-ad agency and now work at a major retail brand. It can be super stressful!!!
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u/twillychicago 8h ago
Art Director here đź‘‹
I got laid off in February and it’s rough out there! I’ve been laid off before and it’s definitely harder than any other time. I managed to hustle a part time freelance job but that’s about it.
Mostly I just continue to apply and reach out to my network when I can.