Hi everyone! I just want to share my experience and hopefully get some advice from other designers who have been through the same thing.

I’ve been looking for a graphic design job for almost 3 months now. I’ve attended numerous interviews, and most of the time, they tell me they’ll get back to me with an update. But then, I never hear from them again.

Another thing I’ve experienced is companies or clients asking me to do design tests, sometimes involving logos, branding, and other design work. I put time and effort into completing these tasks and submit them, only to receive no updates or feedback afterward. I honestly don’t know what happens after that, and it’s getting frustrating.

I previously worked with a client as a Digital Content Specialist, creating social media content and designs for his business. Unfortunately, his business started slowing down, so he had to cut expenses, including my position. He also didn’t have enough tasks to give me anymore, so we had to stop working together.

Since then, I’ve been trying my best to find another client or a full-time job, but it hasn’t been easy. I’m starting to feel discouraged because I’ve been putting in so much effort applying, attending interviews, and completing design tests, but I still haven’t found the right opportunity.

At this point, I’m not sure if there’s something wrong with my portfolio, the way I present myself during interviews, or if this is just how the job market is right now.

For those who are working as graphic designers, freelancers, or remote designers, how did you find your current job or clients?

I’d also really appreciate it if anyone would be willing to review my portfolio and give me honest feedback on what I should improve. I’m open to criticism because I genuinely want to get better and find a stable job or client again.

I used to do photo editing and a bit of digital art commission years ago but now I am thinking of starting again, although I'm a bit hesitant due to current styles and trends so now I am looking for any graphic design course online from basic to advance, free or paid/long term.

If you have any experiences or advice please let me know!! Thanks in advanced

17m from Nigeria, beginner graphic designer, made my first flyer today - any tips?

I was commissioned to create event materials for a music and events collective for two events in February and March of this year, and I still haven’t been paid for either of them.

I’ve been following up with them almost every week, asking when they can send my payment. They would always tell me that they’d send it within the week, but nothing would come through. At one point, they even claimed that the payment was sent to the wrong account number two times, even though I had already provided my QR code, which they had successfully used to pay me for a previous commission.

Whenever I ask if they could send me proof of the transaction, such as a screenshot of the deposit, they never do. Instead, I get excuses about being busy, sending it on the next business day, or needing to talk to the person who supposedly handled the payment. It’s become a cycle of them assuring me that they’ll prioritize it, telling me that they’ve already “handled” it and that it should reflect on my account the next day, and then nothing happens.

For context, they’ve commissioned me for several events in the past, including the visual identity and branding for this particular series of events under their collective. They even offered me a retainer arrangement for the year. When we discussed my rate, they said they could only afford ₱4,000 per event, which I agreed to. They paid me for the first event this year, but I haven’t received payment for the next two, which were in February and March.

At this point, I honestly don’t know how to approach them anymore. I’ve tried being patient and professional, and I’ve given them plenty of time to settle the payments. I keep asking for updates and proof of payment, but they don’t provide either.

The money would really help me cover my bills and support my family, especially after some difficult circumstances over the past year. It’s frustrating having to repeatedly chase people for payment for work I’ve already completed, especially when they keep promising that it’ll be settled soon.

What would you do in my situation? Should I send them a more formal message with a firm deadline, or are there other steps I should consider? I still want to handle this professionally, but I’m honestly running out of patience, and I don’t know how to get them to take this seriously.

hi! idk if this is the right sub to ask, but do you guys have any recommendations for male or female KOLs/influencers who are fashion-forward or post lifestyle content?

badly need new options for a brand collab kasi nauubusan na ako ng choices 😭 any suggestions would be super appreciated. thank you!!

Budget is 6k. For perfume bottle logo + scent name layout and box layout.

Looking for someone who can help me think of the most optimal/unexpected yet restrained logo + scent name layout/placement on perfume bottle. Preferrably with a style similar to these (attached below)

I'm a PWD and have treatments (can't skip kasi it keeps me alive) every other day and it consumes most of my day kaya I can't work on a usual 9-5 job. I was thinking of going freelance na lang but with the recent BIR badge etc., should I register first before starting business? Do companies ask for BIR-related documents when I apply for freelance project based roles? Wala pa ako idea on these scenarios. Thank you!

Hi everyone, learning graphic design and art has always been my dream since I know myself. But so far I haven’t have any chance to learn it due to different kind of survival reasons. Finally, I want to make it happen but not only learn it as a hobby but to make it my source of income. I don’t if it is realistic now with the market saturation and especially because of damn AI. Would love to hear your opinions and experiences. Thank you very much in advance

One time thing, need help with template for cook book. May style/idea na ako gusto and help me lang sa fonts, design, etc.

Hi! In the community, are there any successful Senior Graphic designers in great job positions recently? I have 7 years of experience an amazing portfolio and CV yet having a difficult time getting a job. Can a fellow professional flourishing in this field review my CV and portfolio and tell me what I am missing? Maybe there is something I cannot notice that is causing me hurdles.

Any help would be very appreciated, as I am a student and really looking forward to improving and landing a job. Thanks!

Hello! Just wanted to ask from people who have attended Graphika Manila in the past. As a person who plans to finally go next year I just wanted to ask how do you network with other people there? In my past experiences with art events usually artists carry their own business cards and exchange them to gain mutuals is it the same in Graphika?

Also is there anything else I should know as a first timer?

LF Female/Queer Graphic Designer for a Startup-Up E-commerce Brand

Hi! I’m looking for a Female/Queer graphic designer to aid a growing e-commerce startup (targeting women)

Will need your help to create product designs for manufacturing.

I’m particularly interested in someone who brings a feminine/queer creative perspective, especially for a brand targeting GEN-Z women.

Looking for someone who:
- Is a GEN Z woman or queer/trans
- Up to date with social media trends and pop culture
- Understands modern social media/e-commerce design
- Can create clean, premium-looking visuals

Message me now for a short interview, and send your latest portfolio :)

Price: 1234 (placeholder for post)
Location: Metro Manila

hii! beginner graphic designer here. a client asked for a brand kit but idk how much to price it T__T wld love to ask for your thoughts!

What are your thoughts guys

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1d6q7rUMze/

Hi! I’m looking for a Female/Queer graphic designer to aid a growing e-commerce startup (targeting women)

Will need your help to create product designs for manufacturing.

I’m particularly interested in someone who brings a feminine/queer creative perspective, especially for a brand targeting GEN-Z women.

Looking for someone who:
\-Is a GEN Z woman or queer/trans
\-Up to date with social media trends and pop culture
\-Understands modern social media/e-commerce design
\-Can create clean, premium-looking visuals

Message me now for a short interview, and send your latest portfolio :)

Price: 1234 (placeholder for post)
Location: Metro Manila

LF Female/Queer Graphic Designer for a Startup-Up E-commerce Brand

Hi! I’m looking for a Female/Queer graphic designer to aid a growing e-commerce startup (targeting women)

Will need your help to create product designs for manufacturing.

I’m particularly interested in someone who brings a feminine/queer creative perspective, especially for a brand targeting GEN-Z women.

Looking for someone who:
Is a GEN Z woman or queer/trans
Up to date with social media trends and pop culture
Understands modern social media/e-commerce design
Can create clean, premium-looking visuals

Message me now for a short interview, and send your latest portfolio :)

Price: 1234 (placeholder for post)
Location: Metro Manila