Denise Strohsahl
Copywriter · Brand Consultant · Marketing Consultant · Marketing Professional
In their own words
I've started moving away from what I think people want to hear and more towards what I think needs to be said.
I'm taking next week off to get some rest before starting on Christmas campaigns and such.
If two burnouts taught me anything, it was how to set boundaries. One thing is to figure out what you need and be open to a little trial and error. Then, it's all about communication.
Our work is supposed to be fun and nurturing rather than making us sick.
You need to come at this from two sides: what you need and what your clients are willing to pay.
Never take criticism from someone you wouldn't ask for advice.
Trust your gut.
It's not about having worked hard enough to deserve a rest but about resting enough to deliver your best work.
It feels like being back in the early chat rooms when it was all about connections.
I always start by asking, 'Where does it hurt?' and 'What do you want to achieve with this?'
Articles & interviews
- 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.
- 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.
- "Self-Promotion Tips That Won't Make You Cringe"
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May explores how creatives can market themselves authentically without discomfort. Featuring insights from designers, illustrators, and creative directors, it offers practical advice on honesty, consistency, and reframing self-promotion as connection rather than bragging. The piece emphasizes confidence, community, and enjoyment in sharing creative work.
- Creatives React to Autumn Shift Amid Industry Changes
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May gathers reflections from members of its community on how creatives are preparing for the shift into autumn 2025. Designers, illustrators, and consultants share mixed feelings of optimism, burnout, and strategic renewal as they face uncertain workloads and industry changes. The piece highlights themes of self-care, planning, and creative resilience amid seasonal transitions.
- "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.
- 9 Client Project Red Flags and How to Fix Them
The Creative Boom article by Tom May outlines nine common warning signs that a client project may be heading toward chaos, as shared by experienced creatives. It highlights issues such as vague briefs, disappearing clients, unclear budgets, and conflicting feedback, offering practical advice on how to address each scenario. The piece emphasizes proactive communication, structured processes, and knowing when to walk away from problematic projects.
- How to Set and Keep Boundaries to Save Time and Energy
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May explores how creatives can set and maintain professional boundaries to protect their time and energy. Through insights and quotes from various designers, illustrators, and directors, it outlines practical strategies for communication, expectation management, and self-care. The piece encourages creatives to view boundaries as essential to sustaining creativity and well-being.
- "Guide to Setting Fair Freelance Rates and Earning What You Deserve"
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May offers practical advice for freelancers on how to set their rates confidently and sustainably. Drawing on insights from artists, designers, and copywriters, it covers strategies like factoring in all costs, asking for budgets upfront, defining minimum rates, and valuing work appropriately. The piece encourages freelancers to treat pricing as a business decision and to maintain boundaries with clients.
- "Creatives Reveal Game-Changing Advice"
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May gathers advice from a range of successful creatives on the lessons that transformed their careers. Contributors including designers, illustrators, and creative directors share insights about persistence, collaboration, rest, and self-initiative. The piece highlights how mindset shifts often matter more than technical skills in achieving creative success.
- "Creative Boom Launches The Studio: A New Private Community for Creatives"
Creative Boom reflects on the first month of its new private community platform, The Studio, designed as a social alternative for creatives seeking genuine connection. The article gathers feedback from members worldwide who praise its supportive, algorithm-free environment. Overall, the piece highlights optimism for the platform’s growth and its role in fostering authentic creative exchange.
- "Expert Tips for Enhancing Client Relationships in Creative Fields"
The Creative Boom article by Tom May offers expert advice from various designers and consultants on how to build stronger client relationships in the creative industry. Contributors emphasize partnership, communication, empathy, and authenticity as key factors in sustaining long-term collaborations. The piece highlights practical strategies such as setting clear processes, saying no constructively, and using humour appropriately.
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Creative Boom’s article by Tom May explores what UK creatives hope to see in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Spring Statement. Freelancers and small creative business owners express concerns about financial insecurity, late payments, lack of safety nets, and rising costs. The piece highlights calls for better government support, arts funding, and small business relief to sustain the creative sector.
- 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.