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…
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…
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.
The One Mindset Shift That Transformed My Freelance Career
Not long ago, I came across a post from a designer who was feeling burnt out. They were questioning whether freelancing was still the right path.
I felt that deeply—because I’ve been there too.
In the early years of my creative career, I asked myself the same thing. I loved the work, but I was exhausted. I kept wondering: Why doesn’t this feel sustainable? What am I doing wrong?
And what changed everything wasn’t doing more, pushing harder, or hustling longer…
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…
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…
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?
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.
Do Consumers Actually Like AI-Generated Content? Here’s What the Research Says
Over the past year, I’ve had countless messages from creatives asking the same thing: “Should I be worried about AI taking over?”
It’s a fair question. AI is moving quickly, and it’s changing the creative industry in real time. There's a lot to unpack in this conversation—copyright, ethics, opportunity—but today I want to focus on one key question:
What do consumers actually think about AI-generated content?
Because while brands might be drawn to AI for its speed and cost-cutting potential, their primary goal is still to connect with people—and the data shows that’s where AI is falling short…
5 Common Reasons Creatives Struggle to Get Work—And How to Fix Them
It’s one of the most frustrating experiences for any creative: you're showing up, doing the work, putting yourself out there—and still not seeing results. No new clients. No replies. No leads.
Recently, I spoke to an illustrator who was in exactly that place. She was updating her portfolio, posting on social media, sending outreach emails—but nothing was landing. She was starting to wonder if it was time to give up.
But the truth is, she was much closer than she thought…
What’s on My Desk: Tools I Use Daily as a Designer and Illustrator
Your desk is more than just a place to work—it’s where ideas spark, designs take shape, and creativity flows. As a designer and illustrator, having a workspace that’s functional, comfortable, and inspiring can make a huge difference to your process and output.
In this post, I’m giving you a peek at my current desk setup and sharing the tools I reach for every day…
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…
Creative Burnout Is Real: 4 Ways to Protect Your Energy and Stay Inspired
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It creeps in slowly—so slowly that at first, it might not even register. One day, you’re energised by every project that comes your way. The next, you’re staring blankly at your screen, wondering why the work you once loved now feels like a chore…
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…
Top Marketing Tips for Designers and Illustrators: Proven Self-Promotion Strategies
For many creatives, self-promotion can feel daunting. The idea of marketing yourself might evoke cringeworthy memories of awkward sales pitches or fears of sounding too pushy. I’ve been there, too. But over time, I realised that promoting my work wasn’t just an optional part of growing my creative business—it was essential…
10 Essential Tips to Optimise Your Portfolio and Attract More Clients
Your portfolio is more than just a collection of your work; it’s your first impression and one of the most powerful tools for attracting new clients…
Unlocking LinkedIn: The Hidden Goldmine for Designers and Illustrators
When it comes to finding clients, LinkedIn probably isn’t the first platform that comes to mind for illustrators and designers. It’s easy to assume it’s just for corporate professionals, recruiters, or people looking for traditional 9–5 roles.
But if you’re a creative professional—whether you freelance, run a studio, or sell design services—it’s time to start seeing LinkedIn for what it really is…
Why Every Creative Should Be Using Pinterest (and How to Maximise Your Reach)
As a busy creative, you’re likely juggling multiple projects, deadlines, and platforms. So when it comes to promoting yourself and your products, you want to invest your time in strategies that deliver real results. Enter Pinterest—a platform often misunderstood as just another social media site but actually one of the most powerful tools for creatives. If you’ve been wondering whether Pinterest is worth your time, or how to make the most of it, this blog post is for you.
How Spot Illustrations Increase Brand Awareness
Spot illustrations are a great tool to add personality to your brand. I always include them in my branding packages, and I’ve created a lot of spot libraries for clients who wanted to improve their engagement. Today I’m going to share why brands like Google, Apple, Coca-Cola, Nike, and McDonalds use spot illustrations to boost their content.
Mastering Cold Outreach: How to Land Your Next Big Illustration or Design Client
Whether you’re just starting out, or you’re a seasoned creative, waiting for clients to come to you simply isn’t an option. One of the most effective ways to build a network and secure illustration and design jobs is through cold outreach…