Emily Penny
Founder · Brand Strategist · Creative Director
In their own words
Chance meetings can and do change futures.
The results reveal a sector drowning in sameness – studios echoing the same promises, paralysed by fear, and too often hiding behind portfolio thinking.
Confidence starts with honesty.
It's always been about real life relationships. Social media is a distraction. Find the events and communities in the real world and make real connections.
Articles & interviews
- Real talk, real people: why IRL is the community you've been waiting for
Creative Boom IRL is a new series of informal, free creative meetups across the UK, launched by Creative Boom to foster real-world connections among designers, illustrators, and other creatives. The initiative grew from the success of The Studio, Creative Boom’s online community, and now spans multiple cities from Manchester to Belfast. The article highlights how these events are revitalizing local creative networks and encouraging collaboration beyond digital platforms.
- 178. The Spark
Episode 178 of Creative Boom’s podcast ‘The Spark’ features Emily Penny, brand strategist and founder of Be Colourful, in conversation with host Katy Cowan. The lighthearted after-show explores Penny’s creative quirks, personal inspirations, and reflections on her creative journey. It serves as a companion to her main interview released earlier that week.
- Emily Penny
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features brand strategist Emily Penny, founder of Be Colourful, discussing her new report 'Fully Saturated' which analyses over 150 UK branding agencies. She and host Katy Cowan explore why many studios struggle to stand out, the emotional barriers behind sameness, and how Penny’s Brandstrand framework helps agencies define their unique positioning. The conversation offers practical insights for creative professionals seeking differentiation and authenticity.
- "Creative Boom Podcast Season 10 Launches with Video Option"
Creative Boom announces the return of its podcast for Season 10, now available in video format for the first time. Hosted by Katy Cowan, the season features an impressive lineup of creative industry figures including Brian Collins, Pum Lefebure, and Jeff Staple, with sponsorship from paper manufacturer James Cropper. The new season emphasizes authentic conversations about creative careers and the evolving design landscape.
- Ways Creatives Can Build Visibility Without Social Media
The article by Tom May explores how creatives can raise their professional profiles without relying on social media, which is becoming less effective due to algorithmic changes and pay-to-play models. It highlights alternative strategies such as traditional PR, owned media like newsletters, SEO, and direct human engagement through events and personal outreach. The piece features insights from various industry professionals and agency leaders who share practical advice for building visibility and client relationships in 2025.