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Do Consumers Actually Like AI-Generated Content? Here’s What the Research Says
Graphic Design, Illustration, Design Tips, Branding Shira Bentley Graphic Design, Illustration, Design Tips, Branding Shira Bentley

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…

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5 Common Reasons Creatives Struggle to Get Work—And How to Fix Them
Graphic Design, Illustration, Design Tips Shira Bentley Graphic Design, Illustration, Design Tips Shira Bentley

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…

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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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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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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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Why Every Creative Should Be Using Pinterest (and How to Maximise Your Reach)

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.

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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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How to Find Clients as a Designer and Illustrator: 6 Tips for Creative Professionals
Graphic Design, Illustration, Freelancing Shira Bentley Graphic Design, Illustration, Freelancing Shira Bentley

How to Find Clients as a Designer and Illustrator: 6 Tips for Creative Professionals

One of the most common questions I’m asked is “How do you find clients as a designer and illustrator”?

Ultimately it all comes down to strategy, persistence, and an ability to be your own advocate. With that in mind, here are my top 6 tips to help you attract more clients…

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Illustrating Children's Books: How to Craft Enchanting Visuals to Enhance the Reading Experience
Illustration, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley Illustration, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley

Illustrating Children's Books: How to Craft Enchanting Visuals to Enhance the Reading Experience

Creating enchanting visuals for children's books is an art form that goes beyond mere illustration; it's about breathing life into stories, making them leap off the page and dance in the imaginations of young readers. Here's a guide on how to craft visuals that not only complement the narrative but also enhance the reading experience, making every turn of the page a discovery.

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The Best Graphic Design Software for Professionals: Unlocking Creativity in 2024
Illustration, Graphic Design, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley Illustration, Graphic Design, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley

The Best Graphic Design Software for Professionals: Unlocking Creativity in 2024

When it comes to graphic design, your tools make all the difference. The right software doesn’t just help you bring an idea to life—it shapes the way you work, think, and create. Whether you’re building brand identities, crafting editorial layouts, designing websites, or illustrating packaging, choosing the right tool is essential…

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How to Start Illustrating: Drawing Tips for Beginners
Illustration, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley Illustration, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley

How to Start Illustrating: Drawing Tips for Beginners

If you're just starting out with illustration, welcome! Whether you're dreaming of turning it into a career or simply exploring it as a creative outlet, the early stages can feel exciting—and a little overwhelming. There’s so much to learn, from techniques and tools to building your confidence as a creative…

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How to Master Colour Theory: Practical Tips for Graphic Designers
Illustration, Graphic Design, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley Illustration, Graphic Design, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley

How to Master Colour Theory: Practical Tips for Graphic Designers

If you’ve ever looked at a design and thought, “That just works”—chances are colour had a lot to do with it. Colour theory is one of the most powerful tools in your design toolkit. Whether you’re building a brand, creating packaging, or designing social media graphics, knowing how to choose and use colour well can completely transform your work.

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