Katy Cowan
Host · Founder · Other · Editor
In their own words
Fieldwork Facility went looking for answers in the flood marks.
Robin Howie, creative director at Fieldwork Facility, took the studio on a field trip to Bath to photograph and sketch the marks beneath Halfpenny Bridge.
It's a conversation about letting go of perfection, embracing change, and finding a version of success that actually feels good to live with.
This isn't an AI hype conversation. It's a grounded, generous one with a whole heap of hope.
What people seem to be craving in the mid-2020s isn't perfection or polish; it's connection.
Turns out that quality design still matters. Good content, thoughtfully presented, still cuts through the noise.
Articles & interviews
- Bath River Line: Fieldwork Facility brings a city's watery past back to the surface
Fieldwork Facility has designed the brand identity, wayfinding, and interpretation system for Bath River Line, a new 10km riverside trail through Bath. Inspired by historic flood marks carved into local stone, the project reconnects the city with its watery past and natural environment. The work combines heritage, ecology, and design to create an engaging public experience.
- Adam J. Kurtz
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features artist and author Adam J. Kurtz in conversation with host Katy Cowan. Speaking from Hawaii, Adam reflects on leaving New York, redefining success, and the evolution of his creative practice. The discussion touches on burnout, change, and his forthcoming book 'Now What?', exploring how creatives can find meaning and balance in their work and life.
- CeraVe's new UK campaign is a love letter to the skincare sceptics
Creative Boom reports on CeraVe's new UK campaign 'Demanded by Hardworking Skin', created by DEPT as a humorous and minimalist response to the overcomplicated skincare market. The campaign uses a faux-laboratory setting and short-form video strategy to highlight the brand’s dermatologist-backed simplicity. Supported by Publicis, it marks DEPT’s first campaign as CeraVe’s lead creative agency for 2026.
- Aporva Baxi
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features Aporva Baxi, co-founder of DixonBaxi, in conversation with host Katy Cowan. They discuss how taste and originality define creative work in an era dominated by AI and accessible tools. The conversation explores the importance of maintaining individuality and optimism amid rapid technological change.
- How do you stay human when everything is changing this fast?
Creative Boom announces the return of its podcast for Season 11, hosted by founder Katy Cowan and supported by Adobe. The season explores how creatives remain human amid rapid technological and cultural change, featuring guests such as Nicki Sprinz, Aporva Baxi, Liz Seabrook, and Jessie McGuire. Through personal stories and reflections, the series highlights resilience, authenticity, and the enduring value of human creativity.
- Pentagram brings shifting identity to life in titles for Riz Ahmed's Bait
Pentagram’s London team, led by Luke Powell and Jody Hudson-Powell, created a dynamic title sequence for Riz Ahmed’s new Prime Video series 'Bait'. The design uses colour filters, motion, and typographic layering to explore shifting identity and perception, mirroring the show’s themes of cultural expectation and self-image. The restrained yet conceptually rich approach reflects Pentagram’s ability to translate narrative ideas into visual systems.
- Nicki Sprinz
The Creative Boom Podcast’s Season 11 opens with an interview between host Katy Cowan and Nicki Sprinz, CEO of ustwo. They discuss why most wellness apps fail, how behavioural design can improve digital health tools, and what the rise of AI means for creative careers. The episode offers an optimistic look at technology’s role in human wellbeing and creative growth.
- Paraboot x Universal Works launch a summer shoe built on friendship, craft and beautiful imperfection
Creative Boom reports on the second collaboration between French shoemaker Paraboot and Nottingham-based Universal Works. The project revisits Paraboot’s 1960s Thiers silhouette with a lighter construction and natural materials, celebrating craftsmanship and imperfection. The release also includes a small clothing capsule inspired by vintage Paraboot advertising.
- KFC has made a puffer jacket filled with real pickles, and yes, it has a straw
Creative Boom reports on KFC's latest marketing stunt, the 'Pickle Puffer' — a real puffer jacket filled with sliced pickles and brine, complete with a straw. The bizarre product was created to promote KFC's limited-edition Pickle menu, tapping into the viral pickle craze on social media. The campaign blends absurdist humour with cultural commentary on internet trends.
- Northern Design Festival is back
Creative Boom reports that the Northern Design Festival returns to Lancaster in May 2026 with a new theme of 'Heritage' and a bespoke typeface called Lancer, created in collaboration with F37. The identity extends into a regional billboard campaign exploring northern creative identity, while the festival continues its community-driven approach with talks, workshops, and collaborations across the UK creative scene.
- The paper that holds its colour: how Coloursource became a designer staple
Creative Boom reports on the global launch of Coloursource, the dyed-through uncoated paper range by James Cropper, now distributed worldwide by Winter & Company. The campaign features hand-made paper sculptures by photographer Susan Castillo and screen-printed posters by Dan Mather, highlighting the tactile and visual qualities of the material. The collaboration marks a new chapter for the long-standing partnership between the two paper specialists.
- Why learning to say 'I did that' is annoyingly one of the most radical things a woman can do
Creative Boom’s Katy Cowan reflects on Galaxy’s new campaign, The Unhumble Project, which encourages women to confidently celebrate their achievements. Developed by Onward in partnership with Young Women’s Trust, the initiative includes a free confidence training hub led by Tiwalola Adebayo and a live activation featuring Rachel Parris. The piece explores how the campaign reframes confidence as a learnable skill and challenges cultural modesty norms.
- More Fire. More Fox. Meet Kit: Firefox's most significant brand evolution in years
Creative Boom reports on JKR’s latest brand evolution for Firefox, introducing the 'More Fire. More Fox.' platform and the brand’s first mascot, Kit. The project amplifies Firefox’s existing visual equity and positions it as a challenger brand with renewed energy and purpose. Illustrator Marco Palmieri collaborated on the creation of Kit, a flame-bright fox symbolizing both protection and openness.
- Surviving redundancy: tips on how to cope, and why it can be a blessing in disguise
Written by Tom May for Creative Boom, this article explores how creatives can cope with redundancy and turn it into an opportunity for growth. Through personal stories from professionals across PR, marketing, and design, it highlights resilience, reinvention, and the potential for new beginnings after job loss.
- Why the R-word needs to stay in the past, and why this campaign matters more than you know
Creative Boom reports on CoorDown’s 2026 ‘Just Evolve’ campaign, created with New York agency SMALL for World Down Syndrome Day. The film, directed by Martin Holzman and starring Noah M. Matofsky, urges people to abandon the use of the R-word and other harmful language. The campaign combines humor and historical parallels to promote inclusive communication and is supported by global Down syndrome organizations.
- How to write emails that don't make people secretly hate you
Written by Katy Cowan for Creative Boom, this article offers practical advice on how to write professional emails that convey warmth and clarity rather than passive aggression. It explores common problematic phrases, suggests friendlier alternatives, and provides guidance on tone, disagreement, and formality in written communication.
- Pictoplasma Berlin 2026 is celebrating the art of character-driven storytelling
Creative Boom reports that Pictoplasma Berlin 2026, the world’s leading conference on character creativity, will return to Berlin in May 2026 under the theme 'In and Out of Character'. The event will feature over 20 speakers including Christoph Niemann, Gemma Correll, and Marylou Faure, alongside workshops, animation screenings, and a public open house. Creative Boom will attend and cover the event, highlighting its focus on storytelling and creative experimentation.
- Death by a Thousand Cuts: What happens when a woman says the quiet part out loud
In this opinion piece, Creative Boom founder Katy Cowan reflects on the gendered nature of unsolicited criticism she has received over 17 years of running the platform. After posting about her experience on LinkedIn, she found that many women in the creative industry shared similar stories of being undermined or second-guessed by men. The article explores themes of self-censorship, social conditioning, and the subtle ways gender bias manifests in professional interactions.
- 192. The Spark
This Creative Boom podcast episode features Chris Wilson of Stckmn in a relaxed, humorous conversation with host Katy Cowan. They discuss creativity, confidence, parenting, and the challenges of staying inspired amid life's chaos. The episode offers a warm and candid close to the podcast season, filled with personal insights and laughter.
- Chris Wilson
The Creative Boom Podcast episode features Chris Wilson, founder of Glasgow-based one-man studio Stckmn, in a candid conversation with host Katy Cowan. Wilson discusses his journey through trauma, resilience, and creative growth, reflecting on how personal hardship shaped his multidisciplinary design career. The episode explores themes of belonging, burnout, healing, and the power of creativity to rebuild and sustain purpose.
- Mindful Chef unveils a new brand refresh by Mother Design
Mother Design has created a new brand refresh for Mindful Chef, expanding on Ragged Edge’s earlier rebrand with a more expressive, editorial and craft-led identity. The project spans typography, photography, motion and tone of voice, aiming to highlight care, quality and the joy of cooking. The refreshed identity rolls out across packaging, digital channels and print, positioning Mindful Chef as a premium yet approachable food brand.
- 190. The Spark
Episode 190 of The Spark podcast from Creative Boom features Joy Nazzari of DNCO in a lively conversation with host Katy Cowan. The discussion touches on Joy’s creative inspirations, her love of street art, studio nostalgia, and the quirks of creative leadership. The episode offers a lighthearted glimpse into her personality and creative process.
- Joy Nazzari
The Creative Boom Podcast features Joy Nazzari, founder of DNCO, reflecting on 20 years of building a place branding studio. She discusses the studio’s growth, leadership transitions, and the realities of running a creative business post-pandemic. The conversation explores identity, ageing, gender, and the personal motivations behind her work in creating belonging through design.
- A year in review: how 2025 changed who we are and how we work
Creative Boom editor Katy Cowan reflects on 2025, a year marked by challenges in the creative industry and a renewed focus on human connection. She recounts launching The Studio, a thriving online community, expanding into real-world events, and growing Creative Boom’s YouTube and podcast presence. The piece highlights adaptation to AI, collaboration with Love & Logic on social strategy, and the importance of authenticity and community in creative work.
- 188. The Spark
Episode 188 of The Spark, Creative Boom’s bonus podcast series, features Matt Baxter of Baxter & Bailey. The conversation covers creative playfulness, handling creative jealousy, and the joy of doing what you love, with lighthearted topics like orange hats and Play-Doh. The episode offers a humorous and human look at the creative process.
- Camping Flash captures the curious, intimate world of French campsites in all its glory
Creative Boom features 'Camping Flash', a new photography book by French photographer François Prost that documents the quirky, communal world of French campsites. Shot with flash over several years, the series captures the humor, intimacy, and humanity of camping culture. The self-published book, produced under Prost’s Flashlight Edition imprint, includes 150 images and is distributed by Interart and Antenne Book.
- Matt Baxter
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features Matt Baxter, co-founder of Baxter & Bailey, discussing his career, creative philosophy, and side project The Design Laundry. The conversation explores imperfection, community, and maintaining humanity in design practice. It also touches on Brighton’s creative scene and the importance of reflection in a fast-paced industry.
- 184. The Spark
Episode 184 of The Spark podcast from Creative Boom features designer Jeff Staple in a lighthearted conversation about creative rituals, managing inner critics, and finding inspiration in everyday life. The discussion touches on topics like jealousy as motivation, morning routines, and creative heroes such as Bruce Lee.
- Jeff Staple
This Creative Boom Podcast episode features designer and cultural icon Jeff Staple, who discusses his journey from a lonely childhood in New Jersey to becoming a key figure in global sneaker culture. He reflects on the creation of Nike’s Pigeon Dunk, the challenges of being defined by one success, and his experiences building a creative agency. The conversation explores resilience, reinvention, and the philosophy behind creative risk-taking.
- Independent shops creatives should support this Small Business Saturday
Creative Boom’s Katy Cowan curates a 2025 list of independent UK shops worth supporting during the festive season. The article highlights small, design-led retailers across cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, and London, celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability, and local creativity. It encourages readers to buy gifts from independent makers rather than large corporations.
- 182. The Spark
Episode 182 of The Spark podcast features Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram London, in a lively conversation with host Katy Cowan. The discussion explores impulsive adventures, creative vulnerability, and the joy of embracing uncertainty, offering a more personal glimpse into Johnson’s approach to creativity and storytelling.
- Ashley Johnson
In this Creative Boom Podcast episode, host Katy Cowan speaks with Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram London, about her unconventional career path from Canadian TV journalism to leading brand storytelling at one of the world’s top design studios. Johnson discusses the intersection of writing and design, the importance of authenticity, and how feminist leadership and psychological safety empower creative teams.
- 180. The Spark
Episode 180 of The Spark podcast features Zoë Thompson, founder of Sweet Thang, in conversation with host Katy Cowan. The discussion explores creative jealousy, anti-hustle creativity, and the rituals that keep Zoë inspired, from dance breaks to nostalgic scents. The episode offers an uplifting look at how play and balance can fuel creative work.
- Zoë Thompson
This Creative Boom Podcast episode features Zoë Thompson, founder of the independent arts and literary zine Sweet Thang. Host Katy Cowan talks with Zoë about the origins of the publication, its mission to champion Black creatives, and the enduring appeal of print media in a digital world. The conversation explores the DIY spirit of zine-making, community building, and the creative freedom that comes from imperfection.
- 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.
- 176. The Spark
Episode 176 of Creative Boom’s podcast ‘The Spark’ features Claire Blyth, founder of design PR agency Red Setter, in a light-hearted conversation with host Katy Cowan. The discussion explores Claire’s personal rituals, superstitions, and nostalgic memories, offering a playful glimpse into her life beyond her professional role. The episode complements her earlier full interview on the show.
- Volkshotel Amsterdam might well be the coolest hotel in the world right now
Creative Boom’s Katy Cowan explores Volkshotel Amsterdam, a hybrid hotel and creative hub that combines hospitality with co-working and studio spaces. Originally a newspaper office, it now houses over 200 creative professionals and musicians, fostering collaboration and community. The article highlights how Volkshotel’s model could represent the future of creative workspaces by blending living, working, and social environments.
- Claire Blyth
In this Creative Boom Podcast episode, host Katy Cowan speaks with Claire Blyth, founder of PR agency Red Setter, about the evolving role of public relations in the age of AI. Blyth discusses the shift from traditional media to digital and AI-driven content, emphasizing the enduring importance of human connection and authenticity in communication. The conversation also explores leadership, confidence, and the future of PR in the creative industry.
- "Brian Collins Explores Creativity on The Spark Podcast"
Episode 174 of Creative Boom's 'The Spark' podcast features Brian Collins, co-founder of COLLINS, in a lighthearted conversation with host Katy Cowan. The discussion explores his creative philosophy, personal quirks, and reflections on design, playfulness, and inspiration. The episode offers a candid and humorous look at the designer behind one of the industry's most celebrated studios.
- Brian Collins
In this Creative Boom Podcast episode, Katy Cowan interviews Brian Collins, co-founder of COLLINS, about creativity, resilience, and the evolving role of design. Collins discusses his 'second dragon' philosophy, lessons from his career, and his perspective on AI as a creative partner. The conversation blends personal storytelling with insights into the future of creativity.
- "Ep172: Haraldur Thorleifsson Talks Adventures and Creativity on The Spark Podcast"
Episode 172 of Creative Boom's podcast 'The Spark' features designer and philanthropist Haraldur 'Halli' Thorleifsson in conversation with host Katy Cowan. The discussion explores Halli’s creative rituals, impulsive adventures, and reflections on personal growth and inspiration. The episode offers a lighthearted and introspective look at his creative journey and values.
- "EA Sports FC 26 Trailer: Football Chaos Unleashed by Fans"
Uncommon has created a chaotic, cinematic new campaign film for EA Sports FC 26 titled 'The Club Is Yours'. Directed by Gary Freedman through MJZ, the spot celebrates fan creativity by turning community ideas into surreal football moments. The campaign marks EA Sports FC 26’s biggest launch yet, emphasizing fan participation and community-driven storytelling.
- Haraldur Thorleifsson: Creativity, Kindness, and Overcoming Adversity
The Creative Boom Podcast episode features designer and entrepreneur Haraldur 'Halli' Thorleifsson in conversation with host Katy Cowan. They discuss his journey from founding the acclaimed design agency Ueno to launching Ramp Up Reykjavik, a social initiative building wheelchair ramps across Iceland. The episode explores themes of kindness, resilience, and finding purpose through creativity and compassion.
- George Wu, Malika Favre Launch Online Bazaar for Creative Finds
Creative duo George Wu and Malika Favre have launched 'I Can't Afford This But Maybe She Can Bazaar', an online directory that extends their popular Instagram feed into a curated, shoppable platform. The site features over 300 products from 90 independent brands, using a transparent affiliate model to support makers and celebrate great design. The project reflects their shared taste, humour, and commitment to independent creativity.
- George Wu, Malika Favre Launch Online Bazaar for Unique Finds
Creative duo George Wu and Malika Favre have launched 'I Can't Afford This But Maybe She Can Bazaar', an online directory and marketplace born from their popular Instagram feed. The platform curates over 300 design-led products from 90 independent brands, using a transparent affiliate model. The project reflects their shared taste, humour, and commitment to supporting independent makers.
- "Paul Benney Talks Creative Envy, Childhood, and Dream Dinner on The Spark"
Episode 170 of The Spark podcast from Creative Boom features Paul Benney, co-founder of Jockey Slut, Bugged Out!, and Disco Pogo. Hosted by Katy Cowan, the conversation explores Benney’s creative inspirations, personal rituals, and reflections on envy and imagination. The episode marks the return of the podcast’s new season with a lighthearted and introspective tone.
- Paul Benney Discusses Evolution from Rave Culture to Print Revival
The Creative Boom Podcast features an interview with Paul Benney, co-founder of Jockey Slut and Bugged Out!, discussing his journey from 1990s rave culture to launching the new print magazine Disco Pogo. Hosted by Katy Cowan, the episode explores resilience, reinvention, and the enduring appeal of print and community in music culture.
- "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.
- OpenAI Launches First Major ChatGPT Campaign, Ushers in New Era
OpenAI has launched its first major brand campaign for ChatGPT, focusing on human stories that show AI as a quiet helper in daily life. Shot on 35mm film by director Miles Jay, the campaign combines analogue warmth with modern technology, featuring photography by Samuel Bradley and styling by Heidi Bivens. Developed in-house with Isle of Any and produced by SMUGGLER, the campaign spans TV, streaming, and outdoor placements across the US, UK, and Ireland.