The Squeeze and the Shift: Surviving and Thriving as a Designer When Money's Tight and AI Comes to Call: DIA Online CPD

The creative industries are facing a perfect storm. Work is drying up, AI is automating execution, and the cost of living is squeezing harder than ever. For many designers, especially those who've spent decades mastering their craft, it feels like the ground is shifting beneath their feet.

But what if this crisis isn't about being pushed out—it's about being rerouted?

Join Damian Hinks for an honest session about surviving and thriving as a designer when everything feels uncertain. Drawing on his experience navigating industry upheavals and economic pressures, Damian will explore:

• Why "doing" isn't enough anymore—and what is

• The quiet skills that AI can't replicate (and how to leverage them)

• Shifting from outputs to outcomes: positioning yourself as the person who helps make the right things

• Building resilience when the work feels scarce and the bills keep coming

• Practical strategies for weathering financial pressure without compromising your creative integrity

This isn't about false optimism or generic advice. It's about recognising the genuine challenges we're facing—from economic pressures to technological disruption—and finding a path forward that honours both your experience and your future.

If you're feeling the squeeze, the fear, or the quiet panic that something fundamental is changing, this session is for you. Because you're not being replaced. You're being rerouted. And that might just be the most creatively fulfilling move you'll ever make.

Damian Hinks has been immersed in the world of creative strategy and business growth, influencing the trajectory of hundreds of businesses along the way. Commencing his journey as an independent creative, he acquired hands-on experience in branding, production, publishing and technology for startups, brands, and large agencies alike.

In the digital arena, Damian assumed the role of General Manager at a prominent UX agency, overseeing substantial growth and establishing partnerships with major brands. Returning to branding, he later became Managing Director at a global brand agency, collaborating with Australia’s largest corporations.

Subsequently, as a management consultant specialising in overcoming small business growth obstacles, Damian facilitated the success of many creative leaders, helping them thrive as profitable business owners. Drawing from firsthand experiences of common challenges, he founded The Commercial Creative—a venture committed to guiding groups of creative business owners through growth, achieving tangible results together. His goal is to empower creative leaders to transition into savvy business owners – to hustle less and profit more!

As part of the DIA’s Accredited Designer program, we offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through our learning resources. CPD is most effective if undertaken continuously to ensure a currency of skills and knowledge. Attendance at this event is worth 2 CPD points.

DIA events are presented with the support of our Community Partner Clipsal.