3 Tips To Stay Motivated When Looking For A Job In Design

Finding a job in design can be tough, especially right now. Here are three tips that helped me stay motivated when I was looking for my first design job. Are you looking for a job or maybe you have a great story about finding your first job? Let me know in the comments.

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[screentv]

Hi Michael, How kind of you to make such a video. I'm not looking for design work, per se, although my earliest pursuit was indeed design and I do currently work with design teams. I've been offered matching venture funds to develop the online program of international films for young audiences. I show your videos after a set of super accessible line drawn animations from Jésus Perez on MagnetFilm - I know viewers will want to try their hand afterward so I especially love when you make reference to your hand mechanics. Your story gives me energy to keep going to find that match!

[jotadep]

Just when we need air, oxygen, leadership, inspiration, and a voice, this video comes along with your inspiring words! Am on this quest right on now, this is VERY helpful!

[gracebudgett]

Be kind to yourself! Possibly the part I’m finding hardest to do right now.

Thank you, Michael! It’s wonderful to hear that from someone with a lot of awesome experience.

[nickcantrell]

Hi Michael, thanks so much for making this video! It's really reassuring to know such a talented designer like yourself even had some trouble finding a job at first. I'm in the same boat right now. Coming out of grad school I thought I was pretty hot stuff with the portfolio and the internships under my belt. Going on 11 months into my job search and it's been very hard staying positive. I've been very focused on landing a footwear design job all throughout school, and my work reflects it. I've had plenty of interviews at Nike and Adidas but sadly all eventually came and went. I know that the perfect fit will come along soon, trying my best to keep up my skills as a designer and keep the relationships within my network!

[mariielitha]

In this moment i really dont have idea to do, where to start. but this tips really help me to follow a direction :)

[AdamDimla]

Thanks for sharing your story! I lost my job back in January and have been looking ever since! I've redone my folio 6 times now and applied to so many different places. To be looking for something really IS a job. There are days when I want to give up, but those are the days I need to be kind to myself (in other words, take a break). Times are tough right now for everyone, including us designers, but it's not deterring me from getting to where I want to be!

[PhilJS]

I´m really struggling to find my second job on industrial design right now! thanks for the tips

[loftiness_]

So much of this applies to not just our design lives, but to the day to day human experience. Thanks for the motivation and reminder to do our best for ourselves and one another. These videos are so appreciated.

[jamesbeardmore]

Even if not actively looking for employment, and just temporarily out of work due to the current circumstances, I think this is a message lots of us needed to hear. I appreciate it and just found the channel, so I will be looking out for your content in future!
Cheers,

[MichaelDiTullo]

Small update on this. Because of this video, Dave Schenone, the head of design at Nike in the 1990's who offered me that job, reached out to say that he had offered over 300 jobs to designers in his time there. Only 2 had ever turned him down and I was one of them. It was so amazing to get his side of the story and a relief to know I didn't totally mess up my chances there with that one mistake. Whatever you are doing, keep trying!

[ThePedroAPB]

Michael, you're a legend, thanks for the motivation

[monsieurlee]

This video could not have come at a better time. Thank you Michael.

[frios]

Thanks for taking the time to put together this video Michael!
This one as well as your previous video have been super inspiring, and very needed for all us designers. I really welcome this kind of honest advice based on your life experiences.

[SeanMH]

Thank you for this! Right now I am try to decide between interning in the fall if university is online or pushing through school and then getting out into the world

[NicholasBaker]

great video Michael! appreciate the minor details shoutout too!

[Hanzilla]

I wish I had had the same stamina as you back when I graduated in 1999. This was a very inspiring video. Thank you for sharing your story.

[jasonjacoby]

Thank you so much for this video. Your tips are so valuable to hear even for people outside of the design community.

It is definitely a "job" to find a new job. Remembering to be kind to ourselves is also so very important, especially during these high anxiety times.

Stay safe and keep up the amazing work!

[lorenatiberi]

Thank you Michael for you inspirational tips!

[reidh]

Thank you Michael for giving us tips! These are greatly helpful currently.

[playfuldraftsman]

Great story and advice Michael, thank you.