AI's impact on junior creative roles addressed in career advice column
Shanice Mears responds to concerns about AI replacing entry-level creative positions in a weekly advice column. Junior art directors report internships and junior jobs disappearing due to budget cuts and AI automation. Mid-level creatives now use AI for tasks like copywriting and social media strategy, reducing opportunities for newcomers. Mears acknowledges AI's widespread job impact but advises against discouragement. She suggests leveraging AI as an enhancement tool and pursuing alternative entry paths like mentorship programs, networking events, and online portfolio reviews. Resources mentioned include Creative Lives In Progress portfolio reviews and D&AD night school. Mears emphasizes industry responsibility for supporting junior talent development. The column appears on If You Could Jobs, the jobs board from It's Nice That.
Key facts
- Shanice Mears is co-founder and head of culture & communities at The Elephant Room
- Creative Career Conundrums is a weekly advice column from If You Could Jobs
- Junior creatives report AI replacing entry-level tasks like copywriting and social media strategy
- Mears advises using AI to advantage rather than fearing it
- Alternative entry paths include mentorship programs and networking events
- Creative Lives In Progress offers online portfolio reviews
- D&AD provides night school programs
- Mears was named Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2023
Entities
Artists
- Shanice Mears
- Elizabeth Goodspeed
Institutions
- If You Could Jobs
- It's Nice That
- The Elephant Room
- Creative Lives In Progress
- D&AD
- Forbes
- Kingston University
- No.10 Downing Street
- Royal College of Art
- Office of Overview
- Banbury Litho Ltd
- PUMA
- Chivas Regal
- Converse
Locations
- United Kingdom