Matthew Gallagher
Designer · Designer Artist · Artist · Creative Professional
In their own words
You become indispensable to a client when you build that relationship beyond the service-provider role and transition to a trusted counsellor.
Providing feedback or guidance to a new designer is a series of small steps for little victories that build to larger ones over time.
That drive for 24/7 productivity is entirely destructive. It wrecks your health, relationships, and craft; I've lived it.
In this day and age, it is important for creatives to make sure their eggs aren't in one basket.
Tell a story about you, your craft, and progression in your career overall.
I understand that it will be harder to survive solely on the design consultancy model since so many companies are moving to AI tools and all-in-one solutions like Canva.
Design is the answer to a question.
Once you start out, especially if you are running your own studio, trust is paramount. Your business is now 'selling'—selling your company, its vision, and its ability to solve problems.
Grinding is a myth that kills your creativity.
Articles & interviews
- What makes a freelancer indispensable? The answer might not be what you think
The article by Tom May explores what truly makes freelancers indispensable to clients, arguing that reliability, communication, and relationship-building often outweigh raw creative skill. Through insights from multiple freelance designers and artists, it highlights professionalism, honesty, and empathy as the key traits that sustain long-term client relationships.
- 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.
- Burnout Survival Guide for Creatives Unveiled
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May explores how creative professionals can prevent burnout through mindfulness and practical self-care. Drawing on advice from designers and artists, it highlights the importance of boundaries, rest, and new wellness techniques such as colour walking, floor time, and Japanese walking. The piece encourages creatives to prioritise mental health and sustainable work habits.
- Expert Tips for Achieving and Maintaining Creative Flow
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May gathers insights from various creatives on how to achieve and maintain a state of creative flow. Contributors share personal rituals, time management strategies, and environmental cues that help them focus and protect their creative energy. The piece highlights the importance of self-awareness, boundaries, and intentional disconnection in sustaining creativity.
- Creatives Share Tips on Managing Cashflow Stress
Creative Boom’s 'Dear Boom' advice column, written by Tom May, gathers insights from freelancers and studio owners on managing cashflow stress. Contributors share practical strategies such as building financial buffers, enforcing payment terms, diversifying income, and structuring retainers to reduce anxiety during slow periods. The piece emphasizes proactive financial management and community support as keys to sustainable freelance careers.
- "Boost Your Portfolio with Expert Industry Tips"
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May compiles advice from designers, creative directors, and recruiters on how to build a portfolio that truly stands out. Experts emphasize storytelling, showing process, curating quality over quantity, and tailoring portfolios to target audiences. The piece highlights the importance of clarity, context, and personality in presenting creative work effectively.
- "Creatives Share Self-Care Strategies: Insights Revealed"
Creative Boom’s Katy Cowan gathers insights from designers, illustrators, and artists on how they practice self-care ahead of International Self-Care Day. The article highlights routines like spending time in nature, exercising, setting boundaries, and making time for fun and rest. It emphasizes the importance of balance, connection, and mental health in the creative industry.
- Creatives Adapt to Thrive Amid 2025 Economic Slowdown
The article explores how creatives across the UK are adapting to the 2025 economic slowdown and the rise of AI. Freelancers and small studios face reduced work and uncertainty, prompting many to diversify income streams, explore international clients, and emphasize human creativity. Voices from across the industry share strategies for resilience, authenticity, and adaptation in a changing landscape.
- 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.
- "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.
- "13 Essential Lessons for Early Career Creatives"
Creative Boom's article by Tom May compiles advice from experienced creatives on lessons they wish they'd known earlier in their careers. The piece covers topics such as networking, patience, collaboration, and the importance of soft skills and business acumen. It offers practical insights for designers, illustrators, and other creatives seeking long-term success and balance in their professional journeys.
- 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.