Nvard Yerkanian
Illustrator · Designer · Graphic Designer · Graphic Designer Illustrator
In their own words
Instagram hides your posts unless you post a selfie or anything personal.
Your portfolio isn't meant to be an archive. It should be a curated selection that reflects the kind of work you want to attract.
What's helped me most is staying connected. For instance, engaging with communities like The Studio, where I can openly share experiences with people who truly understand the creative highs and lows.
I walk clients through my process before we even start. I make sure they know what to expect at each stage: what I'll deliver, when, and how feedback rounds are structured.
Always ask about the budget upfront. Nothing is worse than spending hours on calls and proposals, only to realise the client was expecting champagne on a soda budget.
If no one is hiring, make it anyway!
This space will only grow and get even better.
When you and your clients share the same mindset, respect each other's time, and truly appreciate the work, the relationship starts strong and only gets better as trust develops.
It's no longer a fleeting muse that appears and disappears at will; it's something I nurture, structure and trust.
Articles & interviews
- How to survive Instagram's algorithm as a creative
The article by Tom May explores how creatives can maintain their wellbeing and confidence amid Instagram's changing algorithm. Featuring insights from illustrators, designers, and artists, it emphasizes detaching self-worth from engagement metrics and using the platform as a tool rather than a validation source. The piece encourages focusing on authentic relationships and creative integrity over algorithmic visibility.
- "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 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.
- 11 Effective, Unexpected Mental Health Tips for Work
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May shares 11 practical and unconventional tips for supporting mental health at work, timed with Mental Health Awareness Week. Drawing on insights from designers and illustrators, it emphasizes small, sustainable habits—from mindful breaks and community check-ins to nature time—that help creatives maintain well-being and productivity.
- 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.
- "Beat Creative Block: Tips from Creative Boom Community"
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May compiles advice from designers, illustrators, and other creatives on overcoming creative block. Contributors share practical methods such as working through resistance, changing environments, collaborating, and focusing on wellbeing. The piece highlights diverse personal strategies that reflect both discipline and self-care in the creative process.
- 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.