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.

In this episode, Clark Miller and Rocky Tilney explore the evolving landscape of creativity influenced by AI, discussing its implications for content creation, startups, and social media. They delve into the concept of vibe coding, the challenges of misinformation, and the future of AI in creative industries. The conversation also features guest Jory Des Jardins, who shares her journey in entrepreneurship and the importance of empowering creators in the digital age. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the transformative impact of AI on various sectors, including content creation, mental health, and the job market. They explore the challenges and opportunities that arise as AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, emphasizing the importance of AI fluency and the need for new educational approaches. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape for startups and the heightened expectations for revenue and accountability in the age of AI.

Takeaways

• AI is transforming the creative landscape, making content creation more accessible.
• Vibe coding introduces new challenges and opportunities in software development.
• The rise of AI raises questions about the future of human creativity.
• Misinformation is a growing concern with the increase of AI-generated content.
• Startups are leveraging AI to innovate and disrupt traditional industries.
• Storytelling remains a crucial element in engaging audiences.
• Lowering barriers to entry empowers more creators to share their work.
• AI can assist in music production, but emotional depth is still a challenge.
• The balance between AI efficiency and human creativity is still being navigated.
• The future of AI in creative fields is uncertain, with both potential and pitfalls. AI is reshaping the landscape of content creation and accountability.
• Establishing rules of engagement is crucial in emerging tech markets.
• AI's role in mental health services raises ethical questions.
• The need for AI fluency is becoming essential for career advancement.
• Entry-level jobs are being replaced by AI, creating a skills gap.
• Experience and taste are critical in navigating AI tools effectively.
• Startups now face higher expectations for revenue before funding.
• AI has made it easier to build companies but raised investment standards.
• The fear of obsolescence (FOBO) is prevalent among professionals today.
• Education must adapt to prepare students for a rapidly changing job market.

In this episode of The Somewhat Creative Show, hosts Rocky Tilney and Clark Miller discuss the evolving landscape of branding and rebranding, particularly in the context of social media and consumer behavior. They explore the challenges brands face when modernizing their image and the impact of AI on creative processes. The conversation shifts to the introduction of Cloud Closet, a fashion tech platform, and the journey of its co-founder Caroline Lakshmanan, who shares insights on navigating the fashion tech landscape and the challenges of raising capital in this space. In this conversation, Caroline Lakshmanan discusses her journey with Cloud Closet, a fashion tech app designed to enhance user engagement through outfit selfies. She shares insights on the challenges of early funding, the importance of community building, and the creative hurdles faced in branding and marketing. Caroline emphasizes the significance of resilience and learning from mistakes as she prepares for the app's launch and future growth opportunities.

In this episode of The Somewhat Creative Show, hosts Clark Miller and Rocky Tilney engage with Eli Becker, a senior creative strategist, discussing the evolving landscape of brand marketing, the impact of cultural shifts, and the role of storytelling in connecting with audiences. They explore the influence of AI on creativity, the future of print media, and the significance of authenticity in marketing strategies. The conversation also touches on Taylor Swift's marketing prowess and how brands can effectively engage new audiences in a rapidly changing environment. In this engaging conversation, Eli Becker discusses the complexities of branding and marketing strategies in today's diverse market. The dialogue explores the importance of qualitative research, emotional resonance in branding, and the evolving landscape of brand storytelling. The impact of AI on creative roles and the challenges faced by young creatives entering the job market are also highlighted. The discussion culminates in rapid-fire insights that reveal personal reflections and industry wisdom.

Takeaways

• Eli Becker emphasizes the importance of storytelling in brand strategy.
• Cultural shifts are influencing how brands market themselves.
• AI is changing the landscape of creativity and marketing.
• The creative job market is evolving with new challenges.
• Print media is not dead but is evolving into niche markets.
• Brands must adapt quickly to cultural moments to stay relevant.
• Taylor Swift's influence on marketing strategies is significant.
• Understanding audience engagement is crucial for brand success.
• The role of authenticity in marketing is becoming more important.
• Navigating the balance between generalist and specialist roles in creativity. Diverse clientele requires tailored marketing strategies.
• Qualitative research is essential for understanding audiences.
• Emotional resonance is key in branding.
• The role of storytelling in branding is evolving.
• Trust in brands is built over time, not overnight.
• Internal misalignment is common in organizations.
• Influencers hold significant power in shaping brand perception.
• The creative job market is experiencing uncertainty due to economic factors.
• AI is changing the landscape of creative roles.
• Cluttered digital spaces reflect a creative mind.

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#aidesign

Summary: In this episode, Rocky Tilney and Clark Miller discuss the implications of Figma's IPO and its impact on Adobe, the evolution of design tools, and the future of graphic design jobs in the age of AI. They explore the limitations of AI in creativity, the changing landscape of SEO, and the importance of authenticity in branding. The episode features guest Rai-mon Nemar Barnes, who shares his journey from California to New York and discusses his Consciously method for purpose-driven business. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of audience segmentation, the importance of authenticity in branding, and the evolving landscape of creative agencies. They explore how nature can inspire marketing strategies and emphasize the need for businesses to build trust with their audiences. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by B2B companies in identifying their target markets and the role of creativity in a world increasingly influenced by AI. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal personal insights and reflections from the guests.

Takeaways:

• Figma's IPO signifies a shift in the design tool landscape.
• Adobe faces increasing competition from Figma and Canva.
• User management in Figma can be problematic for collaboration.
• Graphic design jobs are projected to decline due to AI advancements.
• AI lacks the ability to create truly original designs.
• SEO practices are rapidly evolving with AI search tools.
• Authenticity in branding is more important than ever.
• Ramon Barnes emphasizes the need for purpose-driven business.
• Cultural differences between California and New York influence work styles.
• The Consciously method focuses on integrating purpose into business metrics. You have to understand that you have many audiences, not just one.
• Marketing can be inspired by nature's interconnected systems.
• Authenticity is key in branding; not everyone will like you.
• B2B companies often struggle with identifying their target market.
• Trust is situational and contextual in business relationships.
• It's important to focus on delivering what you can consistently.
• Creativity needs to be thoughtful and immersive.
• AI tools can produce mediocrity without a creative spark behind them.
• The evolution of creative agencies is leading to a leaner model.
• You can sell anything if you find the right audience.

In this episode of The Somewhat Creative Show, hosts Clark Miller and Rocky Tilney explore the significance of everyday spaces in our lives, discussing how design influences our experiences in these environments. They are joined by Sheryl Steinberg, an interior designer who shares her journey from corporate marketing to creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. The conversation delves into the evolution of third spaces, the impact of trends and personal taste in design, and the role of AI in the creative process.