Meetings with the Advisory Board: Graphic Artists Thriving Post-Pandemic

Meetings with the Advisory Board: Graphic Artists Thriving Post-Pandemic

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the job market for illustrators and creative professionals is undergoing a significant transformation. This evolution is evident across various sectors such as gaming, animation, merchandise art, comic art, poster/event product sales, and self-publishing.

One of the key trends observed is the increased importance of a strong digital portfolio and licensing. Online platforms that encourage licensing of existing works and portfolio showcases are becoming increasingly prominent, highlighting the emphasis on creative self-promotion and digital presence.

The gaming and animation industries continue to be a major demand generator for illustrators, with skills in digital tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and UX/UI design being vital for employability. Companies are seeking versatile creatives who can work across media and formats.

The growth in the kids' entertainment and merchandise markets, including toys and streaming content, is creating opportunities for creative professionals to work on licensed properties, event products, and branded merchandise. This is reinforced by trends such as increased Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) subscriptions, renewed interest in calm, slow content, and strong engagement in entertainment culture, all of which drive demand for creative visual content.

The rise of AI and digital transformation is reshaping creative workflows and go-to-market strategies in many sectors, including entertainment and media. AI-native companies demonstrate faster growth and may be more aggressive in hiring or converting leads, which likely spills over to creative hiring to keep pace with demand and innovation.

While broader economic factors like declining M&A volumes suggest caution in some sectors, increasing deal values and digital content demands imply ongoing investment in creative talent, particularly in specialized roles tied to digital media and engagement strategies.

These trends suggest a competitive but dynamic market where creative professionals who adapt to digital workflows and can manage multi-disciplinary projects will find more hiring opportunities. It is crucial for applicants to create a strong portfolio that reflects their interests and skillsets, network at local events, and have the ability to reproduce various artistic styles successfully.

In summary, post-pandemic hiring trends for creative roles show an increasing reliance on digital portfolios, licensing, and multi-skilled artists able to navigate new media landscapes. Roles emphasizing both technical proficiency (digital art tools, animation software) and strategic skills (branding, project management) are favoured, reflecting the hybrid creative-managerial demands in the evolving market.

Landon Armstrong, a massively talented illustrator who works with creative teams in Poland and Korea for clients such as gaming companies, ad agencies, and internationally renowned brands like Disney and Cirque Du Soleil, provides valuable advice for entry-level job applicants. With over fifteen years of professional experience and recognition as an Addy Award winner, Landon Armstrong is a sought-out educator and speaker by Adobe and the Art Institutes. He advises showing potential employers/clients how your art can make them money by mocking up designs on relevant products.

In animation production, major studios like Netflix and Amazon are canceling series and firing animators, leading to a surplus of experienced talent looking for work. Meanwhile, the gaming industry is seeing steady job growth, and unexpectedly, illustration work is coming from the marijuana industry. However, traditional art skills should not be overlooked as they are essential for producing high-quality illustrations, regardless of the tools used.

Inflation is starting to hit the collectible market, reducing disposable income, and comic artists are suffering due to Marvel and DC scaling back on the number of comics published monthly, and DC's parent company Warner Brothers being sold to the Discovery Channel. Despite these challenges, the creative industry remains a vibrant and dynamic field, offering numerous opportunities for those who are adaptable and willing to embrace the digital revolution.

1. The job market for illustrators and creative professionals is experiencing a significant transformation post-COVID-19, especially in sectors like gaming, animation, and self-publishing.
2. Platforms that encourage digital art licensing and portfolio showcases are becoming increasingly prominent, highlighting the emphasis on self-promotion and digital presence.
3. In the gaming and animation industries, skills in digital tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and UX/UI design are essential for employability and companies are seeking versatile creatives.
4. The growth in the kids' entertainment and merchandise markets is creating opportunities for creative professionals to work on licensed properties, event products, and branded merchandise.
5. The rise of AI and digital transformation is reshaping creative workflows and strategies in many sectors, including entertainment and media, with AI-native companies demonstrating faster growth and potentially more aggressive hiring.
6. Creative professionals with digital portfolios, adaptability to digital workflows, and the ability to manage multi-disciplinary projects will find more hiring opportunities in the post-pandemic market.
7. A strong portfolio, networking at local events, and the ability to reproduce various artistic styles successfully can increase an applicant's chances of finding a career opportunity in the evolving creative industry.

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