Shanice Mears
Co-Founder · Head Of Culture And Communities · Advisor · Head Of Talent
In their own words
The key here is to not feel discouraged.
I think the bravery is also in the ability to share.
There are ways to get what we want but we just have to be able to compromise
You saw a piece of work they did and wanted to learn more
Be really intentional and honest with yourself
I do think for the industry right now staying relevant is key
I would also try and plan the content in advance
Don’t overwhelm yourself; pace yourself
The ability to test and learn is great for growth
I’d make sure that you are consistently showing up to your colleagues in that way too, because that way you stay front of mind
Articles & interviews
- “It seems to be something we can’t avoid”
In this edition of If You Could’s Creative Career Conundrums, Shanice Mears, co-founder of The Elephant Room, addresses concerns about AI replacing junior creative roles. She encourages emerging creatives to stay motivated, seek mentorship, and use AI as a tool for enhancement rather than fear. The piece highlights the shifting landscape of creative employment and the importance of proactive learning and networking.
- “There’s an appetite to learn more, know more and do more”
The article is part of the 'Creative Career Conundrums' advice column from If You Could Jobs, featuring reflections by Shanice Mears of The Elephant Room on the creative industry's mindset entering 2026. She discusses themes of collaboration, community, and personal agency in shaping one’s career, highlighting a growing appetite for learning and self-direction among creatives.
- “Make sure you’re entirely clear on what you are walking into”
This installment of the 'Creative Career Conundrums' column, written by Shanice Mears of The Elephant Room, explores whether it’s acceptable to take a lower-paying job for better work-life balance and mental health. Mears advises readers to weigh pros and cons, negotiate terms, and ensure clarity about new roles before accepting offers. The piece is part of the ongoing If You Could Jobs advice series hosted by It’s Nice That.
- "Agencies Offer Various Internship Schemes for Entry-Level Positions"
This article from It’s Nice That’s 'Creative Career Conundrums' column, written by Shanice Mears of The Elephant Room, offers advice for graduates seeking entry-level roles in strategy and accounts. Mears highlights the value of internships, networking, and exploring opportunities through platforms like If You Could Jobs and Creative Lives in Progress. She encourages persistence, intentional outreach, and learning from industry publications.
- "Staying Relevant Key in Creative Industry, says Expert"
This installment of If You Could Jobs’ Creative Career Conundrums features advice from Shanice Mears, co-founder of The Elephant Room. She counsels a senior product designer on balancing skill development between product and brand design, emphasizing the importance of staying relevant through learning new tools and AI. The piece encourages intentional reflection and continuous upskilling in the evolving creative industry.
- "Optimizing Energy Levels for Parent Content Creators"
This installment of the 'Creative Career Conundrums' column from If You Could Jobs features advice from Shanice Mears, co-founder of The Elephant Room. She offers guidance to a parent and content creator on managing energy, sleep, and productivity while balancing childcare and creative work. Mears emphasizes planning ahead, using AI tools for efficiency, and maintaining self-compassion.
- "Testing and Learning Key to Career Growth"
This edition of If You Could Jobs’ Creative Career Conundrums features advice from Shanice Mears, co-founder of The Elephant Room, addressing how designers with limited creative freedom can continue to grow. Mears encourages balancing full-time work with personal projects, sharing work online, and engaging with creative communities to foster growth and independence. The article emphasizes pacing oneself, networking, and learning through experimentation.
- "Shifting Workplace Perceptions for Creative Recognition"
This article is part of the 'Creative Career Conundrums' advice column from If You Could Jobs, written by Shanice Mears of The Elephant Room. It addresses how non-creative team members can gain recognition for their creative contributions in the workplace. Mears offers practical advice on visibility, perception, and career development within creative teams.
- "Creative Industries: Embracing a Non-Linear Path"
This article from It’s Nice That’s ‘Creative Career Conundrums’ column features advice from Shanice Mears, co-founder of The Elephant Room, on transitioning from a full-time job to freelance work. Mears encourages patience, strategic planning, and community engagement, reminding readers that creative careers rarely follow a linear path.
- "Seek Confidential Support for Mental Health and Career Mistakes"
This edition of the 'Creative Career Conundrums' column from If You Could Jobs features advice from Shanice Mears, co-founder of The Elephant Room, on how to rebuild trust and manage mental health after making mistakes at work. Mears emphasizes self-awareness, open communication with leadership, and finding confidential support to navigate professional setbacks. The article also highlights resources for creative professionals seeking guidance and job opportunities.
- "Balancing Career Growth with Parenting: Creative Solutions"
This edition of the Creative Career Conundrums column from If You Could Jobs features advice from Shanice Mears, co-founder and head of talent at The Elephant Room. She discusses how senior creatives, particularly parents, can balance career progression with family life by identifying their non-negotiables and seeking workplaces with supportive cultures. The piece encourages proactive job searching and community building among working parents in the creative industry.
- "Boosting Your Freelance Career Post-University: Key Strategies"
In this edition of If You Could’s Creative Career Conundrums, Shanice Mears, co-founder and head of talent at The Elephant Room, offers advice to a young illustrator struggling to find freelance work after graduation. She emphasizes intentionality, proactivity, and setting measurable goals to build momentum in a creative career. The piece encourages emerging creatives to explore competitions, mentoring, and personal projects to strengthen their portfolios.
- "Overcoming Fear of Sharing Creative Work Online"
The article, part of the 'Creative Career Conundrums' series by If You Could Jobs, features advice from Shanice Mears, co-founder of The Elephant Room. She encourages creatives to overcome the fear of sharing their work online by focusing on personal growth and gradual exposure. The piece emphasizes confidence, self-belief, and pacing oneself in the creative industry.
- "Shanice Mears Reflects on Career Advice and Future Hopes"
This installment of the 'Creative Career Conundrums' advice column features Shanice Mears, co-founder of The Elephant Room, reflecting on common themes from 2024’s career advice questions. She encourages creatives to pursue their ambitions boldly, collaborate more openly, and share experiences across the industry. The piece also highlights upcoming job opportunities via If You Could Jobs, It’s Nice That’s creative job board.
- Gain inspiration from their experiences
This edition of If You Could’s Creative Career Conundrums features advice from Shanice Mears, co-founder of The Elephant Room, addressing how a corporate copywriter can build an agency-ready portfolio. Mears encourages proactive side projects, mentorship, and participation in creative programmes to expand skills and networks. The article aims to motivate creatives navigating career transitions within the industry.