The 'messy middle' of creative careers: why the gap between junior and senior is rarely discussed
By
Tom May
Summary
This article explores the "messy middle" phase of creative careers — the period between being a junior and being recognized as a senior professional. It features insights from brand designer Gavin Brophy, discussing how this ambiguous, often frustrating career stage is rarely talked about, especially on social media where only highlight reels (graduation, studio launches, awards) are shared. The piece validates this common experience and encourages open conversation about the struggles of career progression in creative fields.
Source
Creative BoomThe 'messy middle' of creative careers: why the gap between junior and senior is rarely discussedcreativeboom.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledEveryone's career has a 'messy middle', where you're long past being a junior, but being respected as a senior still seems light years away, and the way forward seems murky.
You'd be forgiven, though, for thinking that it's only happening to you, particularly if you're looking at Instagram.
But the bit in between, where most of us actually are, rarely makes it onto anyone's social feed. And that's a darn shame.
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