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Jun 12, 2026

Finding Work in a Slow Market – Part 3: Who Let The Jobs Out?

Ciara Donnelly Associate RGD, Salt XC, Maggie Ostler RGD, Cineplex and Olivia Baker-Sullivan Associate RGD, DEPT

About this video

Description

Finding Work in a Slow Market: A 4-Part Webinar Series

The job market is ruff. And if you've spent any time searching for design work lately, you already know that.

Between shifting hiring practices, increasingly competitive applicant pools and the challenge of standing out in a digital-first recruitment landscape, finding your next role can feel overwhelming, especially for younger designers still building their portfolios and professional networks.

This four-part series brings together designers who've recently navigated the job hunt and come out the other side. No sugarcoating, just honest conversations about what it really takes to land work in today's environment.

What to expect:
Our panelists will share their experiences, including the unexpected hurdles and the strategies that actually moved the needle. You'll hear about the emotional side of job hunting too, how to stay motivated when the process drags and keep your confidence intact through rejection and radio silence.

Whether you're entering the workforce for the first time, a designer between roles or someone feeling stuck in a slow market, this series offers practical guidance and genuine encouragement from people who truly understand what you're going through.

Your next opportunity is out there. Let's find it together.

This Session: Understanding Today’s Design Job Market
This panel brings together senior designers who’ve recently navigated the job search to share honest insights into today’s hiring landscape in more senior positions. From shifting expectations to common roadblocks, this conversation sets the foundation for the more tactical sessions to follow.

Ciara Donnelly Associate RGD

Salt XC

I'm a Toronto-based graphic designer specializing in packaging design, logo creation, and brand identity. I craft visually engaging and strategic designs that help brands stand out and connect with their audiences. With a clean, modern approach, I bring ideas to life in a way that reflects a brand's unique story and vision. Whether you need distinctive packaging, a memorable logo, or a complete brand identity, I'm here to deliver creative solutions that make an impact.

Maggie Ostler RGD

Cineplex

Strategic Creative Director with 18 years of experience in art direction, graphic design, and brand leadership across entertainment, agriculture, sustainability, pet health, ag tech, sports, and leisure. Proven success developing integrated campaigns for B2B and B2C audiences, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering impactful creative for global brands. My career started in entertainment, working with brands and partners including Disney, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon, and BBC Earth on properties such as The Simpsons, Ice Age, SpongeBob SquarePants, LEGO, and many more. Followed by several years as Creative Director at an agency leading creative for clients in agriculture, sustainability, pet health, and ag tech. Most recently, I returned to entertainment as Associate Creative Director at Cineplex.

Olivia Baker-Sullivan Associate RGD

DEPT

My name is Olivia Baker-Sullivan and I am a Digital/UX Designer in Toronto, Canada. My current areas of greatest interest are drawn from past experiences: Interior Design, Web and Print Graphic Design and Event Design. Bilingue en Français et/and English. My goal in life is to have a career as diverse as my interests. Outside of design, I enjoy playing violin, piano and singing. I also enjoy digital and film photography as well as drawing and painting. I now regularly take yoga classes in downtown Toronto. I look forward to connecting with you!

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Feb 13, 2026

Finding Work in a Slow Market – Part 1: Who Let The Jobs Out?

Madeline Belford Associate RGD, Kaoutar Taghi Associate RGD, Peter Elima Associate RGD

Apr 17, 2026

Finding Work in a Slow Market – Part 2: Craft Your Way In

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