IN 2026, HERE'S WHAT CREATIVE RECRUITERS ARE LOOKING FOR IN JUNIORS

Summary from the TLDR Design newsletter

Breaking into the design industry is tougher than ever because of AI, competition, and the economy, but studios still want junior talent who can show original thinking, explain the reasoning behind their work, and bring curiosity, personality, and a willingness to learn. Recruiters care less about perfectly polished portfolios and more about creativity, attitude, communication skills, and whether someone seems adaptable, collaborative, and genuinely passionate about design.