52 Limited

The world of Flash design and development has come full circle in the last 1-2 years in Portland. Flash was hot during the dot com boom as it seemed every web design company had to show off their ability by including long Flash intros to their websites. Quickly bored and un-impressed, people just defaulted to the “skip intro” button. Then something happened. Companies began thinking strategically about their sites rather than just using them as promo pieces. Soon they began to incorporate Flash into the sites to improve and enhance features and navigation. The use of gratuitous Flash slowly went away. This “re-thinking” has spurned a huge need for Flash designers and developers in Portland. Talented Flash designers and developers have felt the crunch and freelance rates have increased. Full-time Portland flash jobs have gone unfilled as local flash designers have more flexibility and bargaining power as independent contractors. But often times these are cycles, and while up now things could change in the years ahead.

52 Limited managing partner, Steve Potestio, spoke to Mt. Hood Community College’s class of integrated media students. The class was comprised of students in graphic design, interactive media, television production, radio broadcasting and photography.

Steve spoke of the current state of the employment market within Portland creative services and gave advice for those seeking employment in the field. Insight was also provided into working through placement agencies, freelancing and the difference between working for a corporation or working for a creative company, such as a design firm or advertising agency.

Advice on resumes, interviewing, portfolios, and the importance of networking rounded out the discussion.

Judging by the number of calls 52 Limited receives each week from folks all over the country Portland continues to be strong on the creative class’ radar.

Portland graphic designers should take note. People from Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and other major markets are looking to move here in droves and they will aggressively be seeking work. And due to the level of hustle needed to get ahead in these markets, these folks don’t always take no for an answer. Some will find Portland’s pace of life and commerce frustrating, others will assimilate and do quite well.

This migration is welcome and will continue to make Portland a focal point for creative thinking. One question is whether Portland, and Portland’s employment market, is ready for this influx? Are there enough jobs? Without the large corporate base other cities enjoy, Portland has fewer large marketing departments to hire staffs of designers. Portland though has always been a small design firm town so that trend should continue as many transplants open their own practice.

What drives people here? The same things that make this a livable place. Recreation opportunities. Parks. Urban Planning. Sustainability focus. Take a look at the industries here and there is commonality. Sports apparel, footwear, recreation and equipment. This synergy will continue to build upon itself with companies like Keen Footwear following the migration. Let’s hope this continues and job growth remains strong.