In their own words
That one experience turned me into a stickler for the nitty-gritty detail.
I went from posting seven days a week to now three days a week, and I only post things only I can post.
Show the execution and explain it, and you'll be ahead of 80% of the graduates landing in studios' inboxes.
It's one of those situations where you just have to get uncomfortable to get comfortable.
My partner and I make plans to be outside, whether it be a hike somewhere, a meal out or meeting up with mates.
We make sure we pay freelancers within minutes of receiving an invoice.
We realised that the packaging could get quite busy, with this in mind, we chose Apex New to help bring some legibility and calmness to the identity and packaging.
Articles & interviews
- 6 hard lessons creatives only learn when things go wrong
Written by Tom May for Creative Boom, this article gathers insights from several creative professionals about the lessons learned from failure. Through candid stories of health crises, failed collaborations, and embarrassing mistakes, the piece explores how setbacks can lead to growth, resilience, and better creative judgment. Each contributor shares a personal experience that reshaped their approach to work and life.
- No need to shout! Why creatives who say less get heard more
Tom May’s Creative Boom article explores how creatives are rejecting the pressure to constantly post online and instead embracing quieter, more authentic forms of visibility. Through insights from designers and illustrators, it highlights a shift toward meaningful connection, slower content, and genuine communication over performative self-promotion. The piece argues that saying less can actually help creatives be heard more clearly and sustainably.
- What now? Practical advice from the creative community for 2026's graduates
Creative Boom’s Tom May gathers advice from leading designers, creative directors, and illustrators to help 2026 graduates navigate a challenging job market. The article emphasizes showing creative thinking in portfolios, building genuine networks, being strategic in job applications, and maintaining creative momentum after graduation. Contributors from studios like Fiasco Design, Like Magic Studio, and Edna Studio share practical, encouraging insights for emerging creatives.
- Why pricing your creative work is mostly a battle with yourself
The article by Tom May explores the psychological and practical challenges creatives face when pricing their work. Through insights from designers, illustrators, and creative directors, it emphasizes that pricing is less about mathematics and more about confidence, value perception, and communication. The piece offers practical advice on setting boundaries, documenting agreements, and regularly reviewing rates.
- It gets easier: creatives share the lessons that changed everything
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May gathers insights from designers, illustrators, and other creatives about the lessons they’ve learned over their careers. Contributors discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to say no, finding meaning in their work, and developing confidence. The piece offers reassurance and practical wisdom for those navigating early creative careers.
- Creatives share their tips for beating the Blue Mondays
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May gathers advice from designers, illustrators, and marketing professionals on how to overcome the January blues. Contributors share personal strategies such as exercise, social connection, embracing rest, and lowering expectations to maintain wellbeing during winter. The piece highlights a positive, reflective approach to the so-called 'Blue Monday' period.
- How to build kindness and empathy into your daily routine as a creative
The article by Tom May explores how creative professionals can integrate genuine kindness and empathy into their daily routines. Through insights from designers, illustrators, and founders, it highlights practical ways to support peers, communicate respectfully, pay fairly, and share knowledge openly. The piece emphasizes that real kindness in the creative industry is about fairness, transparency, and emotional intelligence rather than superficial niceness.
- Like Zingara’s drink lineup, Noramble’s identity for the soda aims to put a ‘zing’ in your step
UK-based studio Noramble created a vibrant and playful brand identity for Zingara, a flavoured soda brand. The design features bold colours, retro-inspired typography, and fruit mascots that bring personality and shelf impact to the packaging. The project balances visual energy with clarity through careful type choices and tactile experimentation.