Story: Benefit of graphic designer

One of the benefits of a graphic designer, web designer, web developer, programmer, or software engineer is that we can find a job everywhere in the world if we are so good. A company(or HR) will find us on the internet if we can solve (or contribute) a company’s problem. (Work permit is a different topic.)

I will start to look for an opportunity to work in Canada and the United States in the summer of 2019. I’ve been in Vancouver since late-2012 and I get used to live here. I will apply to a local company if I could find a good fit position for my skills. I also look for an opportunity outside of a city. Therefore, I blog the research for a city that is bigger than Vancouver, BC. I don’t think I want to move to the countryside. I have only 2 choices in Canada, Toronto, ON or Montreal, QC.

By the way, when you start a service business, you should know the population of your city, perspective of market size. Internet connects to the world. You may think the opportunity is everywhere. Yes, there is no border for the business in 21 century, but you still need a local customer. People still feel comfortable working with local people. I often hear that reason why they contacted me. An especially early stage of business, you have to serve the local client. Once you create a system and team, it’s time to move forward to provide a service for the client located out of the city.

Canada’s Top 10 Most Populous Cities
1. Toronto, Ontario: 4,753,120
2. Montreal, Quebec: 3,616,615
3. Vancouver, British Columbia: 1,953,252
4. Calgary, Alberta: 988,079
5. Edmonton, Alberta: 862,544
6. Ottawa, Ontario: 860,928
7. Quebec City, Quebec: 659,545
8. Hamilton, Ontario: 647,634

Business Chief: Canada’s Top 10 Most Populous Cities

The biggest city in Canada and the fourth-largest city in North America. However, I’ve never visited there yet. If I have an opportunity for collaboration, why not I move there. When I searched Toronto, I often find the article for compare to Chicago, IL. I visited Chicago in May 2016. It was a good impression even very flat, I didn’t see the mountain surrounding the city.

I met several people who came from Toronto, Montreal or other provinces. I heard the first reason for moving to Vancouver is the weather. Likely so cold. I have no idea how tough it is. However, the population is actually higher than in Vancouver. People live there.

*Updated: February 2nd, 2020

I coincidently met an old friend who moved to Toronto in 2015. I didn’t know, but he came back to Vancouver in fall 2019. I asked the City of Toronto looks like. I little less curious about Toronto now.

The Weather Network: Toronto, Ontario

*Updated: February 8th, 2022

I worked in Toronto, ON in January 2022. It was after the historical storm. Share-bicycle was covered snow. The temperature was significantly low, -15 degrees. I faced a strong wind chill every day. I could not walk outside easily. I had only a carry-on suitcase. So, I could not buy a heavy-down jacket. If I wear clothing properly, the situation could be better. Eastern Canada during winter is really cold.

🌎 Digital Nomad 201 as a Freelance Web/Graphic Designer in Toronto, Canada

Montréal is the largest city in Québec province, Canada. I often hear the word of mouth as such a beautiful city. I don’t consider moving to a small city more than Vancouver. I don’t have many choices in Canada and good for me.

Part of Canada, but French is the first language. I heard we sometimes cannot communicate with local people in English. I cannot imagine, but sounds interesting.

*Updated: October 15th, 2021

I spent time in Montreal between September 14th, 2021 to September 29th, 2021. To be honest, I liked Montreal. I did not feel it’s Canada. The atmosphere was quite different. All my experience is below.

🌎 Digital Nomad 101 as a Freelance Web/Graphic Designer in Montréal, Canada

The Weather Network: Montréal, Quebec

One of the most desirable cities to live in the world, Vancouver, BC. The ideal balance of city and nature. Human-friendly climates. Vancouverites love Vancouver.

I assume that you are a creative worker, graphic designer, web designer, UX/UI designer, programmer, etc. You can find a job post. However, a company’s requirement is quite high. Because many people want to live here. HR receives over 100 resumes for 1 post. You have to stand out. If you want to Startup, you can utilize the support of the city organization and venture capital.

I feel that Vancouver has too many Asians, Chinese in Richmond, Korean in Coquitlam, Indian in Surrey. You may say it’s diversity, but some people don’t need to speak English in life. Neglect local culture. I don’t know much about the immigration policy of Canada, but here is the land of Canada. Caucasians should take the majority of the population.

Demographics of Metro Vancouver

🌎 Digital Nomad as a Freelance Web/Graphic Designer in Vancouver, Canada
☕️ The Best Coffee Shop for Freelance in Vancouver, Canada

Calgary is a city in the western Canadian province of Alberta. It is situated at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, about 80 km (50 mi) east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies and roughly 299 km (185 mi) south of the provincial capital of Edmonton. – Wikipedia

I saw the phenomenon in which local people in Vancouver move to Calgary for buying a house. People don’t want to rent, buy a house. This is a different culture I felt. I personally don’t want to borrow a mortgage. I cannot move easily.

I believe that a creative job, the advertising industry is everywhere, but I don’t feel that it is active in Calgary. I have an image of energy, mining or financial services. I will research more.

©CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

*Updated: October 29, 2023

This year, Albert has been actively advertising on YouTube. It seems like I am part of the target audience. According to CBC, people in Vancouver do not hesitate to relocate to Calgary, primarily due to the housing crisis. Many individuals are experiencing the shock of exorbitant rental prices for recent moves. I’ve observed that many long-term residents (5+ years) are not paying more than $1500 for rent. It’s publicly mentioned that the current rent for a one-bedroom apartment is over $2000, but I am not sure what type of building they are referring to. It seems they might be talking about a recently developed condominium, though I’m uncertain about the demand for rentals.

If people want to live in $2000 apartments, they have to earn at least $6000 per month($72000/yr). In my case, I am more conservative about expenses. I do not spend more than 1/4 of my monthly income on rent, but many people do not follow this guideline. Some individuals pay up to 1/2 of their income for rent, which is not sustainable. If I were in their situation, I would not choose to live in Vancouver.

Please don’t forget, the grass is greener wherever you are.

Conclusion: Purpose of life

Compare to Toronto and Montreal, I felt I’m interested in the City of Toronto, but I may like more Montreal as a uniqueness, different culture. If my skills fit company requirements, I’m ready to move to the east. Both cities will be tough temperatures than Vancouver, BC even I could gain experience of -10 degrees in winter 2019.

However, I don’t need to be concern about VISA (PR/permanent residence, currently). This is the best benefit of these cities. PR holder is required to live in Canada for at least 2 years within 5 years. 

The government of Canada: Understand permanent resident status

I finished the landing procedure in March 2016. So, I can apply to the United States as well if a company supports a work VISA to me. I will blog next time.

This thinking came from my purpose of life, ‘Meeting people beyond the nationalities’. Realistically, I have to consume MUCH energy for organizing personal belongings including regal matter. However, our life is only one time. It pushes me forward.

*Updated: February 8th, 2022

Now, I have experience working in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. What I like in Vancouver is easy to freelancing. VPL (library) is quite open compared to other cities. There are many WeWork locations. A size of the city is small. I can get to a destination by walk. No need a car. Evo (Sharing car) is available if you need it. Better time zone for business. The weather is mild.

My first priority is work, but a life, where I want to belong, is a different matter.

*Canada provides healthcare for all. This is great.

I applied to several companies located in the United States. I could get opportunities for a phone interview. However, they really don’t willing to hire someone who does not have a work visa. I received a couple of emails to mention the reason why. If you don’t have an education or work visa in the United States, you have to be so good in your industry, a talented person anyone else. Maybe you will get a chance.

Reference:

AIGA: Best cities for freelance graphic designers
JUSTINMIND: The best US cities to be a UI/UX designer
HeyDesign: The Best Cities for UX Designers