Creative Layoffs in a down economy

(Editor's Note: December 2, 2008 was my last day at my previous job. I was laid of mid-November due to budget cuts in a company that even at this date can't get the cash to pay the bills and risks closing it's doors after 30+ years of success. I've hopped on the emotional roller coaster that everyone's talking about and never seemed to even remember getting in line to ride. The wait is growing and we're all praying that the train malfunctions and the ride shuts down.)

Of all the people to lose their jobs, creatives have to have the easiest time bouncing back. It's what they do. We tailor our work for our clients and sell our selves and our product constantly. Now while we may not land a job that's a perfect match, we can still fit into the description pretty well. Everyone can use marketing help, sign design, a little product development...

But paying the bills may not go hand in hand with employment. It's been 2 months since I was given my notice that my position was eliminated and hours upon hours of job applications later, not a nibble. I've found 40 hours with a previous part-time job I had on the north side of Indianapolis. The owner is a doll and has a drive to grow. It's a fine art portrait studio specializing in a combination of techniques to create digital oil and water color paintings. It's the only place like it in America. Nifty! I have moved from a sales associate position (which I knew was a temporary fix until a full time option came along) to an artist in training spot. Excited as all get out about learning this technique of imagery, I fear that it will not pay the bills. It sure would be a fantastic skill to add for illustration and visual communication but the minimum wage part of training will not support a newly wed couple with the other spouse student teaching, banned from taking a job during that semester.

Reality: I'm earning 44% of what I had at my last job and savings is trickling out the door. I have to keep looking for other full time work as this new version of my position develops.

But with all the locations that are killing their marketing departments and outsourcing, creatives are ravenous and employers have the creme de la creme to pick from. Lost in a pile of resumes from extremely qualified executives, every day I try to stand out with my humble but solid experience. It's just that when it comes down to it, if some former art director applies for a graphic design spot because there's nothing else out there, I can't compare on paper to their qualifications.

Wheels spinning, my objectives shift. Relocate? Apply to grad school? Launch a business?
Luckily, a new President should be easing my transition shortly and I look forward to deciding where I'm going, and fast.

For now, Careerbuilder, Monster AIGADesignJobs and LinkedIn, show me the way.
CM