How to Become a Freelance Creative: A Practical Guide for Designers and Illustrators
Moving into freelance work can be exciting, but it also changes your relationship with creativity.
You’re no longer just doing the work. You’re also finding clients, pricing projects, managing cash flow, writing proposals, handling feedback, keeping track of invoices and deciding where your business is headed next.
That doesn’t mean freelancing has to feel overwhelming...
Mastering Cold Outreach: How to Land Your Next Big Illustration or Design Client
Whether you’re early in your career or several years in, relying entirely on clients to find you can make freelance work feel unpredictable.
Outreach gives you a little more control.
But that doesn’t mean sending generic emails to hundreds of people or forcing yourself into a sales style that doesn’t feel natural.
The most effective outreach is usually much simpler…
Why Every Creative Should Be Using Pinterest (and How to Maximise Your Reach)
If you’re a designer, illustrator, or creative running your own business, you’re probably already juggling enough.
Client work.
Admin.
Social media.
Marketing.
Trying to keep your portfolio updated.
So when you spend time promoting your work, you want it to keep doing something after you hit publish.
That’s one of the biggest reasons I keep coming back to Pinterest.
Vector Graphics 101: Why They Matter in Design
Vector graphics are one of the most useful tools in a designer’s workflow.
They’re flexible, easy to edit and can be scaled to almost any size without losing quality, which makes them ideal for everything from logos and icons to illustrations, packaging and brand systems.
If you’ve ever wondered why designers often prefer working in vector format, here’s what makes them so useful…
Time Management Tips for Freelance Creatives: Staying Productive and Balanced
For many freelance creatives, managing time can feel like an endless juggling act. Between multiple projects, client deadlines, and maintaining a personal life, the days can easily feel too short. I’ve been there. In the early years of my business, I often found myself working late into the night or sacrificing weekends to catch up…
10 Best Skillshare Courses for Improving Your Design or Illustration Skills
Skillshare is one of my favourite ways to keep upskilling as a creative, and it's something I've used for years to stay sharp, explore new techniques, and push my work in new directions. Whether you’re looking to deepen your illustration skills, get better at branding, or explore motion design, here’s a curated list of 10 top-rated Skillshare classes for designers and illustrators.
How to Apply to Illustration Agents: Everything You Need to Know
Navigating the world of illustration can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to expanding your opportunities and finding the right clients. This is where an illustration agent can become an invaluable ally. But how do you apply to an agent, and what should you expect when working with one?
How to Get More Client Work as a Designer or Illustrator (Without Going Viral or Posting Daily)
I spend a lot of time speaking with illustrators and designers who are trying to grow their business.
And the most common struggle I hear? Finding consistent work.
Not just one-off projects, but reliable clients that keep things moving month after month. And while there’s no magic formula, I’ve found this to be true…
Why Clients Aren’t Responding to Your Emails (And How to Fix It)
If you've ever felt like you're sending outreach emails into the void, you're not alone. One of the most common frustrations I hear from designers and illustrators is: "I'm doing the work, I'm reaching out... but no one's responding."
Recently, I spoke to an illustrator in exactly this position…
Top 10 Books Every Creative Business Owner Should Read
Running a creative business means juggling artistry, strategy, and systems, all while trying to stay inspired and avoid burnout. Whether you're a designer, illustrator, or creative entrepreneur, the right book can be a game-changer for your mindset and momentum…
What Actually Grows a Creative Business (And What Doesn’t)
When I decided to become a full-time illustrator, I had no idea if I’d make it. I just knew I had to try, because I didn’t want to look back and wonder, what if?
It wasn’t easy. There were times I questioned everything: if I was good enough, if I could earn a steady living, if it was even worth it. I poured all my time into chasing work, trying every strategy I could think of, hoping something would stick.
But nothing felt stable.
Then something shifted, and that’s when everything began to change…
Who Owns Commissioned Artwork? Understanding Copyright, Licensing, and Buyouts in Creative Work
When it comes to creative work, there’s often some confusion around ownership.
Clients might assume that paying for a project means they own the artwork outright. Creatives, on the other hand, may feel unsure about how to approach licensing or copyright conversations.
Here’s what you need to know, whether you're a client commissioning artwork, or a creative producing it.
Tired of Being a Content Creator? How to Market Your Art Without Burning Out
If you’re an artist, designer, or creative who’s ever thought, “I’m so tired of making content! I just want to make art,” you’re not alone.
I hear this all the time. And I’ve felt it too.
Creating content can feel exhausting, especially when it starts to feel like a full-time job, or worse, like you’re shouting into the void. But here’s the truth I’ve had to make peace with…
First Impressions Matter: How Visuals Shape Brand Perception
There’s nothing quite like the power of a first impression. And in the digital world, that first impression is often visual. Your branding (colours, logo, imagery, layout) is the virtual handshake that introduces your business. It’s what can spark connection... or push someone away. So, why do visuals hold so much weight when it comes to brand perception?
The $1.5 Million Napkin Sketch: Why Strategic Design Is About More Than Just Looks
When Paula Scher sketched the Citibank logo on a napkin in a meeting (famously in just five minutes) many were stunned. How could a logo that took minutes to draw possibly be worth $1.5 million?
7 Copy-and-Paste Scripts Every Freelancer Needs to Handle Tricky Client Conversations
There’s nothing quite like the panic that hits when a client asks for “just one more thing” or questions your rate, and you’re caught off guard, unsure what to say.
Over the years, one thing that’s helped me feel more confident, professional, and in control?
Having a few go-to scripts for tricky client moments…
Essential Elements of a Strong Brand Identity: What Every Business Should Know
A strong brand identity is the cornerstone of any successful business. It’s what sets your company apart from the competition, fosters customer loyalty, and communicates your values in an instant. But what exactly goes into building a cohesive and impactful brand identity?
The Benefits of Rebranding Your Business: When and Why to Consider It
Rebranding is a bold move, but when done strategically, it can revitalise a business, attract new customers, and strengthen your position in the market…
Connecting With Your Audience: Why Strategic Design Matters More Than Ever
These days, having a great product or service just isn’t enough. What really sets a brand apart is its ability to communicate visually: clearly, creatively, and intentionally. In a world overloaded with content, strategic design can be the difference between blending in and standing out…
AI & Creativity: Will Designers and Illustrators Still Have Jobs in the Age of Artificial Design?
With the rise of AI in creative industries, there’s a lot of noise about whether designers, illustrators, and artists will be replaced. And look, it’s a fair question. AI tools are evolving fast. They can generate images, compose music, write content, and even mimic artistic styles in seconds. But here’s the thing…