The Layer Report
Insights into the mindset of the creative job seeker
In 2025, Artisan Talent, a creative staffing agency, surveyed our national talent network after hearing increasingly stressed and varied sentiments about the state of the hiring market.
To put data behind the emotion, we collected responses from nearly 2,000 creative professionals across the country, including designers, marketers, copywriters, and more.
The survey, conducted via email over two weeks, reveals a market in flux—shaped by economic uncertainty, shifting career priorities, and rising demand for flexibility and fair compensation.
To put data behind the emotion, we collected responses from nearly 2,000 creative professionals across the country, including designers, marketers, copywriters, and more.
The survey, conducted via email over two weeks, reveals a market in flux—shaped by economic uncertainty, shifting career priorities, and rising demand for flexibility and fair compensation.
Who We Heard From
Job seekers across major U.S. cities, including:
New York (25%), Chicago (13.5%), L.A. (9.6%), and a diverse mix from across the country.
42% are currently unemployed, and 90% are actively job hunting.
The majority are experienced professionals in design (33%), copy/content (21%), and marketing (13%) roles.
Salary & Seniority Snapshot
Most job seekers are targeting roles between $50K–$120K, with a strong cluster in the $90K–$120K range (33%).
72% of respondents identify as either Associates or Managers, while 22% are at the Director level.
A Tough Market for Talent
85%
Of respondents feel more worried
about the job market due to recent economic changes.
about the job market due to recent economic changes.
2.2 out of 10
The average sentiment score was just 2.2 out of 10—with the most common response being “0” (Much more worried).
1 IN 3
Job seekers has been searching for over a year.
What job seekers want
Top priorities when evaluating a new role:
69%
Salary/Compensation
69%
Work-life Balance
37%
Company Culture
27%
Career Advancement
Market Cuts Are Real
but not universal
1 in 3 job seekers reports recent layoffs or cuts to their team.
Still, 57% are not currently worried about future cuts, suggesting some stability or confidence in their current roles or fields.
key takeaways
Confidence is low
Most job seekers are anxious about market conditions and face long job hunts.
Compensation and balance lead the list
Of what matters most to candidates.
Experienced professionals are on the move
Especially in creative and marketing roles, and they’re looking for stability, not short-term gigs.
READY TO WORK
WITH US?
WITH US?
