Three Creatives in the Age of COVID-19

It’s a tough time for just about everyone these days.

We can’t think of anyone who’s immune from these times, except perhaps David Geffen and his yacht. Professional creatives are certainly no exception; with so many industries turned upside down, those who make things for a living are finding themselves laid off or seeing long stretches between projects.

While there are still jobs (and you should get in touch if you’re on the hunt), we wanted to hear how creatives are spending their days with a bit less work on their plates. Here’s what we heard.

Sean martinez, Graphic Designer & Illustrator
portland

You’re out of work; why?
I was laid off due to COVID and not being considered an “essential employee” as a contractor.

I am a lifelong only child who has lived alone for over a decade. In other words, I am very good at entertaining myself.

How are you spending your days without work?
Applying for unemployment (Oregon), making music and videos, started playing a hidden objects game on my phone called June’s Journey.

What helps you stay sane when everything has gone sideways?
FaceTiming with friends, petting my cat, hanging out with my girlfriend.

Finally, what is one professional skill that is helping you in your personal life during this strange time?
I am a lifelong only child who has lived alone for over a decade. A friend of mine told me I was made for quarantine when I sent her an audio experiment I made using the Acapella app. In other words, I am very good at entertaining myself.

nicolle landowski, Project Architect & Job Captain
Austin

You’re out of work; why?
I was recruited to work for a well renowned design firm in Austin, TX right before the COVID pandemic hit. My job offer was rescinded shortly after leaving my previous full time position, and by that time most firms were on a hiring freeze.

The eye opener was when reporting hours from the past year for unemployment – I had been averaging 60 hour weeks with some weeks as high as 90 hours. This break from full time employment has allowed me to re-assess my goals and priorities and catch up on personal pursuits.

How are you spending your days without work?
Currently I do qualify for unemployment (Texas), and have been supplementing that with income from a freelance project. I’ve also been taking this time to learn new skills online, specifically Python scripting and Front End Web Development, to better position myself in my field. I’ve also been catching up on studying for architectural certifications I have been too busy to pursue until recently.

What helps you stay sane when everything has gone sideways?
Initially I was very disappointed to lose the opportunity to work for a well known firm due to COVID, but in actuality I absolutely needed a break. The eye opener was when reporting hours from the past year for unemployment – I had been averaging 60 hour weeks with some weeks as high as 90 hours. This break from full time employment has allowed me to re-assess my goals and priorities and catch up on personal pursuits I did not have time for due to work demands – approaching life with a new sense of focus and energy is keeping me sane.

Finally, what is one professional skill that is helping you in your personal life during this strange time?
My background in computer coding; I think if I wasn’t able to pick up coding projects I’d be walking around in circles going nuts!

Niki Rivers, apparel designer
San francisco

You’re out of work; why?
All freelancers on my design team were laid off two days before work from home began for our company, so we assume it was because of COVID.

Being creative is a great outlet because you actually have control over what you are creating when everything else seems out of control.

How are you spending your days without work?
I have applied for unemployment (California) without much success. I have applied for jobs but I don’t think anyone is really hiring in apparel at the moment. I have joined a career networking group with my university. I am planting a dahlia garden, making curries, doing virtual yoga with my gym, and creating labels and logos for my friend who is opening a store in LA.

What helps you stay sane when everything has gone sideways?
Drinking matcha lattes and rewatching The Mandalorian (Baby Yoda!).

Finally, what is one professional skill that is helping you in your personal life during this strange time?
Being able to draw has been very therapeutic. It gives my mind something to focus on and get lost in. Being creative is a great outlet because you actually have control over what you are creating when everything else seems out of control.

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