Breaking News: Fiverr Goes “AI-First” + 3 Key Tips for the Creative Economy

This week, Fiverr’s founder and CEO Micha Kaufman announced a major restructuring: the company is laying off 250 employees and transforming into an AI-first company. In his words, Fiverr must “go back into startup mode” with leaner teams, fewer management layers, and a modern, AI-focused infrastructure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE-rnSuauUo

For those of us in the creative economy, this is huge news — and not without consequences. Fiverr has long been a lifeline for freelancers and creatives around the world, myself included. Now, as the company doubles down on AI, we must ask: what does this mean for the creative community, for our livelihoods, and for the future of work itself?

As founder of Artsy-Preneur, I believe this shift highlights three urgent truths:

1. Employee-preneurship is the new reality.

2. Relevance matters more than ever.

3. Fiverr’s own story shows us what’s at stake.

1. Employee-preneurship is the new reality

These layoffs mean creatives must see themselves as employee-preneurs at all times. Translation: there is zero comfort in traditional employment.

When I graduated from journalism school, the shift to digital news and blogging was already wiping out jobs. At my first big internship at the Baltimore Sun, I walked into a massive layoff. Senior staff were being paid to leave, replaced by a fleet of interns. This has been happening for at least 20 years.

I saw journalists struggling with the question: what now? Myself included. That led me to consulting — first in Senegal with the Energy Ministry. From there, my approach changed: I would always find work, because I’d partner with top firms and provide invaluable solutions.

But now recently, even that model shifted. My mission and vision evolved. What has carried me forward is this principle of being an employee-preneur. Even when working for a company, I keep one leg in my own enterprise. That mindset has kept me nimble and allowed me to keep building. The sky is the limit.

2. Relevance matters more than ever

We must ask: how can my skills, as they are today, still be relevant?

Here’s my take: many teams still need real support from real humans. Sure, AI can design a logo or draft a script — but the true tailoring, the nuance, the deep customization still comes from human touch.

This means creatives will need to partner more locally, get hyper-engaged with networks, and deepen real connections. And honestly, that’s an exciting shift.

3. My Fiverr story

I’ve been a Fiverr customer for over 10 years. I still remember the first designer I hired — it was a rush! Since then, Fiverr’s community has helped me publish books, build brands, and support my own clients.

The reality is: many creatives globally will lose a major work stream as platforms like Fiverr shrink. We have to prepare for that.

The path forward

I’m dedicated to finding creative solutions to sustain the strength and impact of our creative economy. So here’s my advice:

👉🏾 Now is the time to develop your business system and strategy.👉🏾 I don’t care if you’re in tech, health, beauty, or beyond — imagine your ideal system, your best model of the future, and start building it.

The way we work will never be the same. But here’s what I can guarantee: if you center people, prioritize deep engagement, and do the things tech cannot do — while incorporating the latest tools wisely — you will flourish. You will do great.

For now! I'd like to say, thank you, Fiverr, for your vision, honesty, and bravery. We support it. And at Artsy-Preneur, we’re here to support every visionary seeking to make a big impact.

💡 If this message resonates with you, it’s time to get strategic. Join our newsletter and explore our coaching and workshops designed to help you build systems that last. Let’s create the future of work together. 🌍🎨

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Our Mission: To help re-boot the national economy by empowering creative leaders. By 2027, we aim to support 100,000 visionaries, from leading firms to solopreneurs, with a supportive newsletter community, coaching, workshops, and a launchpad/incubator. Share, connect, and let’s all get smarter, wealthier, and more impactful. We can’t wait to hear about your ideas!

About Malena: Malena Amusa is the CEO and Founder of Artsy-Preneur.com, a business and marketing incubator helping your big ideas achieve maximum impact through coaching, workshops, and powerful learning experiences. A pro journalist, educator, comms strategist, serial entrepreneur, and former nationally-touring dancer, Malena has reached millions globally, helping small and mega firms transform their marketing, engagement strategy, and messaging to advance new market share, embolden brand leadership, and fuel sales and growth. Malena is based in St. Louis, Mo., serving the world.