In their own words
It’s our creative research space: a place where we push ourselves to keep finding new pathways, new ways of working, and things that still get our heart racing.
Usually, everything people see is polished and finished. Smoothed out. It makes it hard to see that creativity is messy, uncertain, and full of wrong turns.
You might not open it, but you cannot ignore it.
You want to have an emotional connection with people, and you want that relationship to be truthful and honest.
We're in a state of mind where creativity is a superpower for everything.
What we wanted was for people to be able to see it, whatever the distance.
You don't need a brief from anyone, and you don't need permission from anyone to do anything.
We have this idea that we're a 24-year overnight success.
Belief costs. It's a hard thing to make choices where you turn work down and you don't do certain things.
When the tools are all the same, thinking differently is a superpower.
Articles & interviews
- How does Ollie Catton approach motion as an extension of design?
The Brand Identity interviews UK-based designer Ollie Catton about how motion design complements and extends his broader design practice. Catton discusses his self-taught journey, his collaboration with The Brand Identity on The Type Animation Presets, and his philosophy of experimentation, failure, and continuous learning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding manual processes before using presets and tools like After Effects and Cavalry.
- Design director Paul O'Brien on when imposter syndrome just means you're in the wrong job
Creative Boom’s profile of design director Paul O’Brien traces his journey from struggling with imposter syndrome at a mismatched job to rediscovering confidence through freelance work and award-winning projects. After success with Taxi Studio’s Byron Burgers campaign and leadership roles at Elmwood, O’Brien now embraces freelance life with renewed purpose. The article explores how environment, not ability, often shapes creative confidence.
- Top 20 graphic designers of 2026, as voted for by creatives
Creative Boom reveals the top 20 graphic designers of 2026, as voted by thousands of creatives in its annual State of Creativity survey. The list highlights influential figures such as Paula Scher, Jessica Walsh, Simon Dixon, and Verónica Fuerte, showcasing a mix of established icons and emerging voices shaping the global design landscape. The article celebrates diversity in practice, from branding and typography to motion and illustration.
- “A scrapbook of raw, layered process, inspiration and practice”: Dixon Baxi on their 500-page manifesto for making
The article profiles DixonBaxi’s new 500-page book 'Remix', a self-published manifesto exploring the studio’s creative process. The publication acts as a visual scrapbook of sketches, notes, and unfinished work, emphasizing the messy and collaborative nature of creativity. Co-founder Simon Dixon describes it as both a retrospective and a statement on the agency’s evolving design philosophy.
- How to have confidence in uncertain times: inside DixonBaxi's 'serious play'
Creative Boom’s feature explores how DixonBaxi maintains creative confidence through its philosophy of 'serious play'. Founders Simon Dixon and Aporva Baxi discuss emotional intelligence, openness, and reinvention as key to staying relevant in a fast-changing design landscape. The article offers a behind-the-scenes look at the studio’s culture, processes, and optimism about creativity’s role in the world.
- Inside REMIX: DixonBaxi's gloriously messy 500-page love letter to making things
Creative Boom’s feature explores DixonBaxi’s new 500-page book, REMIX, a bold and tactile chronicle of the studio’s creative process. Co-founders Simon Dixon and Aporva Baxi describe it as part manifesto, part diary, capturing 18 months of experimentation, collaboration, and design culture. The project celebrates imperfection, spontaneity, and the joy of making, with both a physical and digital edition designed to immerse readers in the studio’s world.
- Simon Dixon Reveals DixonBaxi's Success Through Unique Thinking
Creative Boom’s interview with Simon Dixon explores how DixonBaxi built its reputation through patience, values, and a people-first philosophy. Dixon discusses the studio’s evolution, its decision to reject toxic clients, and its commitment to creative experimentation through initiatives like 'Super Futures'. The piece highlights how DixonBaxi defines success on its own terms, focusing on purpose, collaboration, and human insight.
- "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.
- "Top 25 Inspiring Creative Studios of 2025 Unveiled"
Creative Boom’s 2025 roundup highlights 25 studios shaping the global design landscape. From Porto Rocha’s socially conscious branding to DixonBaxi’s strategic systems and Hey Studio’s joyful minimalism, the list celebrates studios that combine creativity with purpose. The article underscores a shift toward collaboration, diversity, and design leadership across continents.
- "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.
- DixonBaxi
The Brand Identity interviews Simon Dixon, co-founder of London-based agency DixonBaxi, about the studio’s evolution, philosophy, and approach to branding. Dixon discusses their global rebrand for Eurosport, emphasizing strategy, testing, and cohesive design systems. The conversation also touches on studio culture, hiring values, and balancing creativity with large-scale corporate work.