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…
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 Slow-Burn Creative: Why Growing at Your Own Pace Leads to Better Work
There’s a quiet pressure that sits over the creative industry… a feeling that you should be progressing faster, producing more, hitting milestones sooner, building an audience quicker, landing bigger clients yesterday.
6 Seasonal Colour Palettes to Inspire Your Next Creative Project
Colour is one of the most powerful tools in any creative project. The right palette can instantly set the tone, evoke emotion, and bring your designs to life.
10 Bold Packaging Designs to Inspire Your Next Creative Project
From maximalist colour pops to storytelling through stickers, here’s how brands are winning hearts (and shelf space)…
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…
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?…
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?
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.
Top 10 Graphic Design Trends to Watch in 2025: Creativity and Innovation on the Rise
As we enter 2025, the world of graphic design is embracing a blend of technological advancements and artistic experimentation. From dynamic visuals to experiential art, designers are finding new ways to captivate audiences and convey impactful messages…
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…
Staying Ahead: How to Keep Up with the Latest Design Trends and Tools
Design moves fast. Blink and there’s a new tool, trend, or technique making waves. And while chasing every update isn’t realistic—or necessary—keeping up is part of staying relevant and confident in your work…
Innovative Graphic Design Techniques to Captivate Your Audience
In today’s fast-moving digital world, grabbing attention is harder than ever—and holding onto it is even tougher. As designers, it’s not just about making things look good—it’s about making work that connects…
Why Consistent Branding is Key to Business Success
In a fast-paced, competitive market, a strong brand isn’t just nice to have. It’s essential. When done well, branding builds recognition, fosters trust, and helps you stand out from the crowd. And the secret behind truly successful branding? Consistency…
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…
The 10 Drawing Tablets for Creatives in 2024
Whether you're a seasoned illustrator, a graphic designer, or someone just starting out with digital art, having the right drawing tablet can completely transform your creative process. With so many options on the market in 2024, finding the perfect fit depends on your workflow, budget, and preferred tools.