Nomad Studio was tasked with creating a compelling brand identity for the fictional football team Hawx United, featured in the BAFTA and Emmy nominated show Jamie Johnson. The studio designed an iconic kit that seamlessly blends the world of football with elements of Americana. The branding included a unique crest and wordmark, along with shirt patterns inspired by feathers to create a hidden ‘X’. Custom numbers were developed to reinforce team recognition and enhance on-pitch dynamics. The vibrant red color, inspired by the filming location at Leeds Beckett University, infuses energy and passion into the brand. Feedback from the Executive Producer highlighted the effectiveness of the branding in resonating emotionally with the audience, enhancing the narrative of the show.
The article gathers insights from leading creative directors and studio founders about their strategic priorities for 2026. Themes include efficiency through AI, the growing importance of strategy, blurred boundaries between disciplines, and the need for bold, distinctive creative work. Despite economic uncertainty, many studios express optimism and a focus on smarter, more collaborative approaches.
Liz Gorny’s opinion piece for It’s Nice That explores whether client briefs in the creative industry are deteriorating in quality. Drawing on perspectives from industry figures like Aries Moross, Terry Stephens, Mike Reed, and Ed Tsue, the article examines trends such as longer, AI-written, and more collaborative briefs, as well as issues of stakeholder misalignment. While some see these changes as signs of decline, others view them as evidence of growing client awareness and ambition.
Katy Cowan argues that communication, not talent, is the most vital skill for freelancers. Drawing on her experience and examples from Stuart Watson of Nomad and James Ede of Be Heard, she explains how consistent, respectful communication builds trust and long-term client relationships. The article emphasizes that reliability and clarity often matter more than creative brilliance in sustaining a freelance career.