Designing during Covid: What has changed for designers & illustrators?
Covid brought massive changes to our industry over night. It felt like one day all of us suddenly became remote workers or contractors. However, for some, such as myself, working remotely was already the norm. What else changed? A lot of things have changed.
Changes with clients
The clients we work with may have completely changed. I discovered the type of people reaching out to me changed. People who were doing their own social media marketing realized they needed to up their game to gain more reach. I’ve also discovered more willingness to invest small businesses right now. Transitions in where budgets go have also changed. Where some companies were investing a lot in marketing others are scaling back or redistributing funds to online marketing and Facebook ads. Some who planned on investing in real estate or other ventures decided after Covid to invest in their business to keep it moving forward. A few clients I know are using this time to update branding. Others maybe lost a job and are beginning a small business because they have the free time to invest in it.
Changes with Designer Tools
The tools I use changed during Covid. I deactivated my Adobe Stock images account to save money monthly because I realized those funds could be redistributed towards SEO and social media tools like Hashtastic. I have also noticed that some companies have just completely stopped offering services. I think a lot of people, because of covid, decided to down scale their monthly expenses. I have because it made more sense for me to lower my overhead expenses. Some subscription based products just don’t seem economically feasible any more. You have to really pick and choose now where your extra business funds go.
Changes in Resources for Ordering Products
I just spoke with someone yesterday about how ordering stationary cards has become quite the ordeal. I’m discovering that resources people offered in the past such as stationary companies that produce paper or provide printing services may not have survived Covid. A lot of the ones listed on a particular influencer’s website were old or out of business. Some just aren’t even operating again yet. Sakura paper shut down, so finding unique and affordable paper options is a challenge these days. I’m discovering that a lot of trade shows are also foregoing their usual conventions this year. This means less exposure for brands that offer unique products. I might have gone to a conference to find a unique product or vendor that offered a particular service. Now shopping online is the only option. Also, pricing has gone up for most services. Some of the factory-based companies completely shut down. Since they aren’t open, art stores have had trouble restocking some of their shelves in a timely manner. Additionally, with the changing relationship with China, a lot of businesses are shifting to supplies in the US. Unfortunately for many designers, things like producing pins are 100% overseas. It might take research to replace suppliers you had good a relationships with. I’m still trying to find new suppliers for products I offer regularly.
If you think of anything to add to this article, or ways Covid has affected you as a designer, please feel free to comment below.
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