The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

What to Do When Entry-Level Isn’t There Anymore

The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

Show Notes

Designers, It’s Time to Jump What to Do When Entry-Level Isn’t There Anymore The path into the design industry has changed, and no one sent a memo. Entry-level roles are drying up, mentorship is rare, and early-career designers are being asked to “start mid-level” without a support system. In this episode, we break down what’s really going on, who it affects the most, and how designers caught in the middle can take control, stand out, and leap forward, even when the ladder is gone. Whether you’re a recent grad, a freelancer still trying to land your first big role, or just stuck in the void between “junior” and “senior,” this episode is for you. We cover: • Why entry-level jobs are disappearing • What skills actually matter now • How to build your own momentum • Why visibility beats perfection • Practical steps to future-proof your creative career This isn’t about waiting your turn. It’s about jumping the gap, and building the career that’s waiting on the other side.

Link to Article

More from The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

Oct 15, 2026

What does it really take to build a successful creative business? Spoiler alert: Great design skills are only part of the equation. This week, we're joined by Patrick Carter, founder and creative director of 63 Visual, to unpack the hard-earned lessons from nearly 17 years of running an independent design studio. From getting fired and getting ripped off to learning how to price confidently, recognize red flags, and build lasting client relationships, Patrick shares the experiences that shaped his approach to business. We dig into why trusting your instincts matters, how taking action builds confidence, and why success isn't always about getting bigger. Sometimes it's about getting better, making smarter decisions, and building a creative career that supports the life you actually want. Real stories, practical advice, and a refreshing reminder that confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you earn. https://patrickcarterdesign.com/ https://deeply-graphic.netlify.app/

Oct 7, 2026

Design careers come with a LOT of questions, and most of the answers aren’t taught in school. In this episode, I’m tackling the questions designers ask me most about portfolios, getting hired, workplace dynamics, confidence, career growth, and everything in between. Straight answers, real experience, and advice you can actually use. Our Website

Sep 28, 2026

What if the thing keeping your prices low isn’t your client, it’s you? In this episode, Nick breaks down why creatives so often undercharge, how pricing shapes the way clients perceive your value, and why your rates should evolve as your experience does. From raising prices with new clients to navigating those awkward conversations with longtime ones, this is a practical push to stop negotiating against yourself, get more comfortable saying the bigger number, and finally let your pricing catch up with the designer you’ve become. To listen to our “Double Your Rates” episode, click below: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/deeplygraphic/episodes/TEST-PILOTS--Double-Your-Rates--DGDC-el0qua/a-a3hf631

Sep 7, 2026

Ever wonder why some creatives always seem to be in the right place at the right time? In this episode, Nick explores how to get luckier by increasing your surface area for opportunity, putting yourself in the room, saying yes before you feel ready, creating your own opportunities, and giving those lucky breaks more places to land.

Aug 31, 2026

At some point in your creative career, getting better at design stops being the whole answer. In this episode, Nick explores how to uncover your X-Factor, the skills, experience, personality, and strengths beyond design that make you uniquely valuable, memorable, and harder to overlook. If you’re a mid-career designer wondering what it takes to get unstuck and reach that next level, this one’s for you.

See all episodes →