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Returning to Sydney after a career in the U.S., I’ve noticed stark contrasts between the design industries of these two markets. While Australia is rich in creative talent, its design sector is plagued by challenges — undervaluation, limited investment, and a hiring culture that sidelines emerging talent. To evolve and compete globally, we need to rethink how we nurture and grow our designers, particularly juniors.
Design in Australia often feels like an afterthought, even within its biggest corporations. Resources are stretched thin, and senior designers are expected to do it all — strategy, research, and execution — leaving little room to mentor the next generation. Meanwhile, the industry faces a problematic hiring trend: a surplus of candidates graduating from boot camps seeking junior roles that don’t exist, applying for senior roles in a pinch.
This trend is compounded by industry data. A 2022 survey by the Design Business Council revealed that 48% of Australian design businesses struggle to find talent, particularly at the senior level. Simultaneously, junior roles accounted for only 18% of all job openings, signaling a systemic neglect of early-career…