Jonelle Afurong

📩 Cold Applying vs. Warm Referrals: What's More Effective for Designers? In this D:UF snippet, we dive into one of the most important topics for job seekers: should you cold apply to roles or focus on building warm referrals? Our panel of recruiters Joanne Weaver, Erica Fortgang & Jared Tredly weighs in on why referrals can make all the difference in today’s competitive market. Key insights: - Why warm intros help you stand out in a sea of resumes - How to build your own referral network - The importance of follow-ups when leveraging connections 💡 Got tips or stories about using referrals? Share in the comments below! #designunfiltered #designtips #portfoliotips #designhiring #designjobs #productdesign #uxdesign #uidesign 

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💼 Negotiation Skills for Creative Professionals 💼 Discussing your salary or day rate can be daunting, but it's a crucial skill for any creative professional. Our latest article provides practical tips to help you confidently navigate these conversations and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. 👉 Do Your Research Understand the market rates for your role. 👉Know Your Worth Highlight your unique skills and achievements. 👉Be Prepared Practice your pitch and anticipate questions. 👉Stay Professional Approach the conversation with confidence and respect. Ready to master the art of salary negotiation? Check out the full article for more insights: https://lnkd.in/eY5kzEH3 #CareerAdvice #CreativeProfessionals #SalaryNegotiation #ProfessionalGrowth

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Has “Jack-of-All-Trades” become the new standard for Designers? . . . Lately, I’ve noticed a curious trend in job postings for Graphic Designers. The "Graphic Designer" role has evolved—or should I say, ballooned—into an “all-in-one” creative position. The ideal candidate is no longer just a visual specialist; they're expected to be a Motion Designer, Video Editor, UX/UI Designer, and even a Social Media Strategist! Just a few more hats to juggle, right? When did we start expecting dentists to double as heart surgeons? Of course, many designers, myself included, bring multiple skills to the table. Specializing in one area doesn’t mean we can’t handle cross-disciplinary tasks, but calling every creative role a “Graphic Designer” can dilute the value of specialization. Each design role has its own strengths. A Graphic Designer focusing on branding and layout brings a different skill set than a Motion Designer. Let’s recognize that each specialty adds unique value to a project, and rather than blending them all, we should respect these differences. 👇 Drop a comment if you've noticed this shift or felt the weight of these expectations. Let's spark a conversation You can find me also Here : https://lnkd.in/emJFCRBT #GraphicDesign #MentalHealth #CreativeInspiration #DesignerLife #DesignRoles #GraphicDesign #JobMarket #Specialization #CareerGrowth #LinkedInCommunity

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In today’s job market, having a standout resume and portfolio is a must for creatives. Your resume? That’s your written intro, sharing your skills and experiences. But your portfolio? That’s where the magic happens, showcasing your unique style and the amazing work you’ve done. Think of it this way: your resume gives the facts about your professional journey, while your portfolio tells your story visually. Here’s why you need both: Resume: This is your chance to highlight your skills, certifications, and relevant work history. It’s all about showing what you know and what you’ve accomplished. Portfolio: This is your creative showcase! It’s where you display your best work, letting your personality and problem-solving skills shine. So remember, putting effort into both your resume and portfolio can make a huge difference in landing that dream job. Invest time in crafting materials that truly reflect who you are and what you can do! What are your thoughts on the importance of resumes and portfolios in the creative field? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. #CreativeCareer #Portfolio #TheAfricanSistersNetwork #TipTuesday #ResumeVsPortfolio

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Hey creatives, hate to burst your bubble… 😉 But sticking in your comfort zone can be dangerous The way you’ve always attracted new clients might not be getting the same results anymore. If you feel like you’ve hit a ceiling with your current methods and aren't sure if they’re still relevant, it’s time to rethink your approach. We know creatives often resist change and procrastination can get in the way, especially when different thinking styles are involved. Don’t get stuck repeating the same things you’ve been doing for years just because it’s familiar. Complacency is the enemy of progress! Let’s chat and pinpoint where the gaps might be, so we can help you move forward Pop us a DM 😆 ⚫️ Helping Ambitious Creatives increase their value to clients & position them for growth – Salt : High Calibre Clients Programme 1-2-1, Group and Consultation #comfortzone #creativebusiness #creatives #creativeindustry #businesstransformation #clientaccelerator #procrastination Client Image : Photographer Dean Belcher

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Graphic designers are necessary for turning your brand vision into a reality. Here's some interview questions to consider when expanding your creative team. #GraphicDesign #CreativeJobs #Interviewing

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The designers wanted to keep things minimal. The strategists wanted to go all in with a 'Guns and Roses' approach. The founder was sure she wanted a human touch to it. And of course, how could any of us say no to a little bit of neon pop? Here is the culmination of all our thoughts that gave birth to our brand book.  Watch Moira's Design strategist, Soumya, takes you through the thought process and the becoming of Moira's brand identity. #brandbook #brandidentity #strategy #design

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10 reminders every Tortured Creatives Department needs to hear: 1. Finding your unique creative voice? That's just the first step. 2. Developing artistic discipline is just as important as developing talent. 3. Protect your time and energy like a ravenous mama bear protects her cubs. 4. What you think is creative genius may seem stupid to everyone else at first. 5. But what everyone else thinks is stupid might just be your genius idea. 6. Collect inspiration constantly or your creative well will run dry. Dry wells create dust, not art. 7. There's no such thing as a truly original idea, just brilliant curation of existing sparks. 8. You'll never produce your masterpiece while comparing yourself to others. 9. But you'll never push yourself without some level of creative jealousy, either. 10. There's a difference between being creatively satisfied and being complacent. Learn it. What’s #11?

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🐾 A cozy read for both creatives and their furry friends! 🐾 A huge thank you to a reader for sharing this adorable moment with The Design Internship Handbook! Whether you're just starting out in design or looking to level up your internship experience, this guide is here to help you navigate every step. And it looks like it has a stamp of approval from a feline friend too! 🐱 Have you gotten your copy yet? Drop a photo and tag me—I’d love to see how you are diving into the design world! #DesignInternshipHandbook #DesignCareers #CreativeJourney #InternshipLife #CatApproved #YoungProfessionals #Bookstagram

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🎨 Looking to up your design game? Check out these must-have graphic design tools to help bring your creative visions to life! From beginners to seasoned pros, there’s something for everyone in this list of essential tools. Whether you're designing for web, print or social media, these tools can help you create stunning visuals. 🙌 Explore the full list here! #GraphicDesign #DesignTools #Cella #RandstadDigital

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Feeling lost in the sauce about your career? Join us for a workshop on career roadmapping for designers online on Wed Jun 5, 10 am PT (UTC-7) with Wendy Saccuzzo ✨ RSVP: https://lnkd.in/g3KWxN_5 ​Imagine you're at a meetup for designers. There are lots of people attending who have visibility and influence in your space. You have a golden opportunity to tell them about what you do and how you make an impact with your work. But you're nervous as heck! ​It can be intimidating to talk about ourselves, our aspirations, and our accomplishments. Building a career roadmap for yourself is your opportunity to create your vision and set goals. People who can easily articulate their skills, interests, strengths, and values tend to find more career satisfaction, and feel more confident speaking to their performance. Past performance is considered an indicator of future success. Let's dig into all of it and get more confident talking about our career story! Hop into our community: https://lnkd.in/g294uZQ #Design #Career #UXDesign #EarlyCareer #CareerTransition

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A brand's identity is more than just a name. It's a visual language that speaks volumes about its values, personality, and what it stands for. This is where the magic of graphic design takes center stage In our latest article we delve into the creative minds of some of today's most influential contemporary designers and explore how they are shaping the visual landscape for brands across the globe. https://lnkd.in/dS999kgY

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What design trends are on deck for 2025? We'll give you a hint: there's no better time to learn animation and master AI! SVGator released this list of 21 Graphic Design Trends that are bound to influence designers and visuals all year long. Check out the list here. (Illustrators will be excited about #5!) https://lnkd.in/dRhmzqjx #graphicdesign #designtrends

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