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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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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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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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Mastering Modern Graphic Design: Essential Tips and Trends for 2024

Mastering Modern Graphic Design: Essential Tips and Trends for 2024

Graphic design is constantly evolving—and in 2024, we’re seeing a creative shift that favours innovation, bold experimentation, and user-centred thinking. Whether you’re designing for brands, building visual systems, or refreshing your portfolio, staying ahead of the curve means keeping one eye on the trends and the other on timeless design principles.

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7 Best Website Builders for Freelancers and Creatives: Build a Portfolio That Works for You
Graphic Design, Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley Graphic Design, Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley

7 Best Website Builders for Freelancers and Creatives: Build a Portfolio That Works for You

If you're a creative or freelancer, your website is more than just a digital business card—it’s your portfolio, your pitch, and often, your first impression. Whether you're a graphic designer, illustrator, photographer, or writer, choosing the right website builder can help you showcase your work with confidence and make it easier for clients to find and hire you.

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