Negotiating pay when I have been out of work after 10 years as a graphic designer

I have been out of work for 9 weeks and feel pressure to accept less. It has been weighing on me all week. I looked up ranges in St. Louis and they vary a lot. Does giving a range hurt?

Asking about the range for the role first worked for me. Some recruiters share it.

Check several sources for pay in St. Louis, then pick a range where the low end is one you can live with.