Ben Mottershead
Founder · Creative Director · Founder Creative Director · Other
In their own words
Time off is essentially a self-initiated project, with the goal being to refill your battery.
I'm learning to be content with what I have.
I'm learning to be content with what I have.
LinkedIn is 100% an engagement trap, but if you already have a bit of a personal brand, it can be a good space to find leads and opportunities.
You can’t force inspiration.
The purpose being to ensure the decision makers within the business are aligned, and agree on key principles and directions.
I resonated deeply with the discussion on rethinking goals. Starting my own agency was a dream, but I realised it's not all it's cracked up to be. I'm now focusing on what truly matters.
Clients increasingly want to do more with less.
In-real-life is on the rise. More people are looking for that human touch.
Articles & interviews
- Why freelancers find it so difficult to take time off (and how to actually do it)
The article by Tom May explores why freelancers in the creative industry struggle to take time off and how they can overcome guilt and burnout. Through insights from designers, studio founders, and creative directors, it highlights the importance of rest as a vital part of sustainable creative work. The piece offers practical advice on building structures and mindsets that make rest possible and productive.
- "The Studio: 2025's Top Networking and Learning Hub for Creatives"
Creative Boom has launched The Studio, a private online community for creative professionals that has quickly grown into a global hub for learning and networking. The platform offers curated events, workshops, and discussions led by industry leaders, providing freelancers and creatives with meaningful connections and practical insights. The article highlights its rapid growth, notable speakers, and upcoming sessions throughout 2025.
- "Creatives Redefine Success Beyond Traditional Metrics"
The article explores how creative professionals in 2025 are redefining success beyond traditional career milestones. Through insights from designers, strategists, and studio founders, it reveals a shift toward valuing work-life balance, autonomy, and meaningful impact over financial or hierarchical achievement. The piece highlights a growing emphasis on personal fulfilment and wellbeing within the creative industry.
- "Redefining Success: Creatives Share Unexpected Views"
The article by Tom May explores how creative professionals in 2025 are redefining success beyond traditional career milestones. Through insights from designers and studio founders, it reveals a shift toward valuing work-life balance, autonomy, and meaningful impact over financial or hierarchical achievements.
- Is LinkedIn Still Relevant for Creatives in 2025?
The article explores whether LinkedIn remains a valuable platform for creatives in 2025. Through insights from illustrators, designers, photographers, and agency leaders, it presents a balanced view: while LinkedIn still offers professional opportunities and positive networking, its algorithmic focus and AI-driven content have frustrated many users. The piece concludes that LinkedIn’s usefulness depends on how intentionally creatives engage with it.
- Tips for Relaunching Your Career Midlife and Beyond
Written by Tom May for Creative Boom, this article gathers advice from creative professionals on how to reignite passion and purpose in midlife. Designers, illustrators, and marketers share personal experiences about embracing age, taking risks, pivoting careers, prioritizing wellbeing, and building new connections. The tone is encouraging and reflective, offering practical insights for sustaining creativity later in life.
- "Importance and Best Practices for Effective Brand Audits"
The article by Tom May for Creative Boom explores the importance of brand audits in the design process, describing them as essential 'health checks' for understanding a brand’s position and opportunities for improvement. Featuring insights from several creative leaders, it outlines best practices for conducting effective audits, from stakeholder interviews to competitive analysis and strategic alignment. The piece emphasizes that successful audits require curiosity, honesty, and collaboration between designers and clients.
- "Khyati Trehan Balances Creative Work and Joy at Google Lab"
Episode 136 of The Spark podcast from Creative Boom features designer and 3D visual artist Khyati Trehan, currently at Google Creative Lab in New York. Hosted by Katy Cowan, the conversation explores balancing high-tech creative work with personal projects, the role of generative AI as a collaborator, and maintaining happiness in creative careers. The episode also covers industry news on Spotify’s video podcast expansion, Bluesky’s AI stance, and trends in gaming and design leadership.
- Studios Adapt to New Client Demands
Creative Boom’s feature by Tom May explores how design studios are adapting to shifting client expectations in 2024. Through interviews with leaders from agencies such as Motto, SomeOne, and Wolff Olins, the article highlights trends toward integrated services, faster delivery, data-backed creativity, and AI adoption. It paints an optimistic picture of a more collaborative, strategic relationship between studios and clients.
- "Design Studios Share Exciting Trends for 2025"
Creative Boom’s feature by Tom May gathers insights from leading design studios about what excites them for 2025. Themes include sustainability, AI as a creative enabler, motion design, mentorship, and a renewed focus on simplicity and experimentation. The article paints an optimistic picture of a design industry embracing purpose, innovation, and human connection.