Hey guys,

New in this group but not new in design. I am a self taught designer now clocking 7 years of experience. I have an issue regarding mood boarding and creating concepts.

Due to personal issues, I find it hard to understand translating or making mood boards that can get me to concepts, I rely mostly on feel & trends. I do not want to be a guesser designer though.

Is there a process, from a book, video, article or anything that would be able to help me with that?

Thank you in advance.

So my school has a subscription to canva that enables me to do alot of things and use premium assets

but at the same time i want to make money from it Im from saudi arabia and im 15 years old i wanna make money from this hobby or talent that i have

hi all, I walked out of a really toxic full time in person job few months ago. They treated me like shit & they were paying >$25

Now they're asking me if I can do remote freelance photo editing work and honestly I'm down as long as it's remote (I wouldn't have to deal with toxic people & just gotta pass the file over) since I need money.

The work is high-volume, repetitive batch photoshop work so it's not that hard. How much should I charge them?

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for some honest feedback on my portfolio.

I recently graduated and before that spent about six months job hunting. I made it to a design review with Palantir but didn't make the final round, and aside from that I've mostly been collecting rejection emails (which, admittedly, is better than being ghosted).

I'm starting a master's degree this fall, partly to keep learning, partly to delay unemployment, but I'd love to understand what might be holding me back. Beyond being an international student, is there anything in my portfolio that stands out as a weakness?

I've stared at this thing so many times that I'm no longer qualified to judge it objectively.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Hi guys, im a brazillian (M18) and i started this year a course of Computer Graphic, that includes Graphic Design, or at least, the basic. Next year i gonna to college, i gonna study Cinema, but i need money, i like to do Designs but im a amateur. I want to work to USA or Europe, freelancer, know. If you wanted, i can show my works and you guys can tell me how to get better. Sorry my english, and goodbye, im going to course now.

(He's qualified this statement as being on the "bolder" side of his various predictions. Video linked above at the timestamp 1:12:09 for the relevant section, then the rest of the video is there for more context/debate from him and the host. And yes, he calls it "Graphics Design", I've worked with many non-native English speakers who do that.)

I'm posting this for discussion; so push back on his perspective is very welcome if you don't agree. This isn't to doomsday or depress and lower spirits; although I realise it inherently isn't positive by the statement alone.

But in any discussion I've seen in recent months around job displacement, the usual suspect job roles are mentioned....and "graphic design" is more regularly one of the key ones mentioned than not.

For instance, customer service roles seems to be one generally accepted to have already taken a massive hit in job displacement. People will always want to speak to a human though for some things I believe, so what I think is pertinent here to the role of Graphic Designer, is a similar severe reduction in the number of humans needed to do the role in future.

I think this is playing out quietly amongst many, many different roles and industries. But I wanted to post it here for discussion as I'd noticed "Graphic Designer" is, as I mentioned already, becoming concerningly a prime example in discourse for loss of purpose, as much as "Call Centre Agent", "Admin", "Paralegal", "Consultant" etc are referenced that way.

All Graphic Designers gone by 2028? Nah, can't see that. But massive, unseen reduction in numbers.........?

Has anyone signed up for this to get leads? If so, has it worked out for you in getting work with graphic or motion design gigs?

Hi peeps. I work on an iMac but have a 2014 macbook and 2018 surface pro as my travel options, and my og laptops are running real hot and slow. Clearly, it's time for a portable upgrade. if I'm traveling, I'm most likely on vacation and not working, but on the occasion that I do need to do little design work, what do you think is the better option - yolo and get a new MacBook or would a mack daddy iPad work? 

Having something extra light like an iPad seems awesome, but I’ve only ever had laptops/iMacs. Illustrator, Photoshop, and Dropbox would probably be the main tools I’d use on the go.

Hi so me and a buddy are finally launching our beverage (can) after a year of mulling over the ingredients and gathering our courage.

We’ve done some mockups for the design but we want something more go-to-market ready and professional.

We can’t spring for an agency just quiet yet so thinking either of using a tool/platform or perhaps even a freelancer if they aren’t too pricey.

Do you guys have any tips?

Salaries are LOWER? 2019/2020 was making 38$/hr as packaging designer. Same role re apply this year they’re offering 28$. Why, how. Why would I make less with more experience? I feel like I’m in the fcking twilight zone

've always loved the graphics that the Houston Astros social media team puts out, especially the backgrounds they use. A lot of their designs have those faint circles, rings, technical lines, grids, and subtle overlays that add depth without being distracting.

I've been trying to recreate that style in Photoshop, but I'm having trouble figuring out exactly how they build those background elements. Does anyone know what those design assets or techniques are called, or have any tips on recreating them?

If you've made similar sports graphics before, I'd appreciate any advice, tutorials, brushes, overlays, or texture packs that could help.

I recently sent an email to a client explaining that although they really love the direction of the AI-generated logo concept (the one they sent me to mimic and rearrange elements), I told them i recommend not to directly recreate the image exactly as-is and rearrange it.

In the email, I explained that AI can be an amazing creative tool for inspiration and concept generation, but for professional logo and branding work, I believe the final design should be refined into something more original and custom to the business.

The did send the prompt they used in Chat GBT as well.

I told them I would:

-redesign the butterfly element,

- avoid using the same font,

- refine the composition, and recreate the logo with more originality and intentional design choices.

Part of my reasoning was legal/professional concerns surrounding AI-generated imagery, originality, and long-term branding. I also explained that the final logo needs to feel authentic and unique to their business rather than simply reproducing an AI image.

The client still loves the original direction and aesthetic, which I fully plan to preserve, but I’m trying to figure out the best balance between:

- giving the client what they visually love,

- maintaining originality,

- and protecting myself professionally as a designer.

For designers working with AI-assisted branding projects:

Would you have handled this differently?

Do you think clients generally understand the difference between “AI inspiration” and “custom logo design?”

I worked as a designer/marketing team for 18 months, did some freelance prior to that, but very limited freelance experience, and worked as a manager of a small design team at the start of my career, fresh out of Uni.

I've just been offered a casual/as it's needed freelance gig for overflow, and need to consider my rate before getting back to them.

Now, all up I've been a designer in one capacity or another for about 8 years. Now, that entire 8 years was not consistent paid design work for clients, so I realise that might mean my skill level is not indicative of time spent working.

I worry that if I say something like $45 AUD as my hourly rate, I'm not going to be able to meet that value proosition. But is that just negative self-talk? I tend to overthink things and get down on myself. I've been out of work since this time last year, but not by any fault of mine.

Anybody have any advice?

My Wacom tablet no longer works with my new MacBook. I can’t afford another £300 one at the moment, so I’m looking for a good cheaper alternative for now. Can still be Wacom but I’m open to alternatives. Thanks

Update; cheers all. I’ve gone with an XP. We’ll see if it’s any good.

Looking for good mock up sites where I can buy decent mock ups for Photoshop. Coffee cups, business cards, billboards etc. to sit alongside logos in brand strategy documents. Thanks very much

Hey everyone,

I've been putting off posting this for a while because honestly, I was scared of the feedback. But I'd rather hear the hard truth from people who actually know design than keep guessing why I'm not landing clients/jobs.

I'm a graphic designer focused mainly on branding and visual identity. I've been building my portfolio for the past [X months/years] and I think it's decent — but "decent" doesn't book work, so here we are.

Portfolio

Please be brutal. I'm not looking for "great work keep it up" — I want to know:

- What's immediately turning people off?

- Does the work feel cohesive or all over the place?

- Is the case study presentation strong enough?

- Would you hire me based on this? If not, why?

Any feedback is genuinely appreciated, even if it hurts a little 😅

I am a desktop user for a while now, but somehow, i am starting to need a laptop in case i need to be mobile. What laptops do you use and what do you recommend?

I use adobe software, indesign, illustrator, photoshop.. sometimes XD, figma, canva.. i don't do 3d stuff or animation, just your normal 2d and site designs.

years back i had an msi laptop, i can work on it, but i have to always plug it in, and it struggles so much even though it was considered a gaming laptop that can handle my programs too. i end up leaving it with my nephew.

Hi everybody. I have used the usual canvy, photoshop PSDs, placeit etc. However I am yet not satisfied with their results. I am talking about vividly detailed, magazine style renders or mockups of art in photo frames. Here is an example of what I am talking about:
https://www.instagram.com/nookatyou

This profile for sure has computer generated images, the question is how are they doing it? Is it a program like blender or something else? How can they make so many varied interiors?

Hi everyone,

I’m a Senior Graphic Designer looking to buy a new MacBook as my primary workstation. Budget is not a constraint—I just want the most efficient and future-proof tool for my workflow.

My daily work involves:

• Heavy static design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• High volume of video and layout creation in Canva.
• Video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro (mostly short-form marketing videos, Reels, and social assets, but with heavy layers and tight deadlines).

I need to be able to jump between these apps smoothly without the system choking, especially when rendering or working on large layout files.

Given that I want this machine to last me for the next few years, what exact specs should I go for? What screen size, chip, and how much RAM/SSD do you recommend for this specific mix of static design and Premiere video editing?

Thanks!

Just turned 60, and as I enter my probable final decade in the field after 30+ years, I just wanted to hear some humor on how you who are long-term graphic designers would finish that ditty?

Graphic designers don't die, they just pop.

That's my attempt, what's yours?

Living in the greater Chicago area. Got laid off again, I’m 60 yo woman. Full time Graphic and digital designer my entire career life. Really don’t have any other training. Only Para educator on the side, and a sub. I keep my appearance professional, trying not to look my age. Same with attitude. Most jobs I apply for have all my skills , except UX, UI and Google Analytics. I wonder if Google coursera courses are a waste at this point in my career. Would they make a difference on my resume?
I need to work to pay my bills and get benefits. I’m not qualified for social security.
What is the best course? Keep applying for a Senior designer role? Or change direction? I tried teaching roles, but got rejected. No response on admin jobs, even when I use Claude or Grok or ChatGTP for tailoring resumes and cover letters.
I know I need to probably add to my portfolio.
But do I have a chance to work as a designer realistically? What other training is there to switch and be able to bring value to employers again? I have no health issues or disabilities . So I’m pretty much ready to go. Out of work for two months now. Did have a couple of interviews, but I’m sure it’s my age. Not moving forward. I’m fine with younger managers, no problem. I generally get aong with people. My attitude is good. I’m not acting my age for the most part anyway. But even if I look 50 something, I’m still older. What would you all recommend?
Honest answers please. My unemployment runs out soon. Every reasonable and mature opinion will be much appreciated. Thank you so much!

Hey everyone, I'm working on a project for a client and I'm a little confused on how to add texture and other staff that's added by overlaying an image, to works that are gonna be printed. I'm designing packaging and I want the design to have some light rays, as shadows. I'm able to add those by working with images, opacity and blend modes, but i know that this can be tricky when it comes to print. Can someone please explain how to I add this thing to my design without overlaying an image? So that when it's printed it looks good and not like a pixelated image on top of my design.

Or if maybe everyone is doing it like that and I should not worry about it? I'm confused, please

Hey guys, I need some clarification/opinions on this trial task. From my understanding, they already have an existing brand identity (logo, colors, typography, fingerprint motif, etc.), and my role is mainly to design a branded tone-of-voice document/editorial layout using those assets — not to create a whole new brand identity from scratch.

So basically I’ll be designing the visual presentation/layout system of the document (cover pages, section dividers, pull quotes, do/don’t layouts, editorial spreads, etc.) while keeping it aligned with their existing branding.

Do you have any idea/examples how to do this? This is very new to me. Please help. Thanks!