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How to Apply to Illustration Agents: Everything You Need to Know
Illustration, Design Tips, Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley Illustration, Design Tips, Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley

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?

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10 Best Skillshare Courses for Improving Your Design or Illustration Skills

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.

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What’s on My Desk: Tools I Use Daily as a Designer and Illustrator
Graphic Design, Design Tips, Illustration, Freelancing Shira Bentley Graphic Design, Design Tips, Illustration, Freelancing Shira Bentley

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…

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Top 10 Books Every Creative Business Owner Should Read

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…

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Creative Burnout Is Real: 4 Ways to Protect Your Energy and Stay Inspired
Graphic Design, Illustration, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley Graphic Design, Illustration, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley

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…

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Time Management Tips for Freelance Creatives: Staying Productive and Balanced

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…

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Top Marketing Tips for Designers and Illustrators: Proven Self-Promotion Strategies

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…

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Unlocking LinkedIn: The Hidden Goldmine for Designers and Illustrators

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…

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How Spot Illustrations Increase Brand Awareness
Branding, Graphic Design, Illustration Shira Bentley Branding, Graphic Design, Illustration Shira Bentley

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.

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Mastering Cold Outreach: How to Land Your Next Big Illustration or Design Client

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…

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AI & Creativity: Will Designers and Illustrators Still Have Jobs in the Age of Artificial Design?
Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley

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…

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Vector Graphics 101: Why They’re a Must-Have in Every Designer’s Toolkit
Design Tips, Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley Design Tips, Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley

Vector Graphics 101: Why They’re a Must-Have in Every Designer’s Toolkit

When it comes to creating smart, scalable, and professional-looking design, vector graphics are hard to beat. Whether you're designing a logo, crafting custom illustrations, or building a brand identity from scratch, vectors are the unsung heroes behind polished and flexible design. But what exactly makes them so powerful—and why do designers and clients keep coming back to them?

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First Impressions Matter: How Visuals Shape Brand Perception

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?

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Elevate Your Brand: Everything You Need to Know About Professional Graphic Design Services
Graphic Design, Small Business, Freelancing, Branding Shira Bentley Graphic Design, Small Business, Freelancing, Branding Shira Bentley

Elevate Your Brand: Everything You Need to Know About Professional Graphic Design Services

In a world of short attention spans and high expectations, good design isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you're launching a new brand, refreshing your look, or trying to stand out in a crowded market, professional graphic design can help you do more than just look good. It can help you communicate clearly, connect meaningfully, and convert consistently.

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