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…
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?
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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?
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.
Illustrating Children's Books: How to Craft Enchanting Visuals That Spark Young Imaginations
Illustrating for children is more than making pretty pictures—it's about creating visual magic that brings stories to life. Every page is a chance to capture a child’s curiosity, fuel their imagination, and make reading feel like an adventure. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your approach, here’s how to craft visuals that truly elevate the reading experience.
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?
How to Integrate Candy-Coloured Pastels into Your Illustrations for a Playful Touch
There’s something irresistibly charming about pastels. Maybe it’s their softness, maybe it’s the way they quietly command attention without shouting—or maybe it’s the nostalgia they bring…
Affordable Graphic Design Solutions for Small Businesses: Build a Professional Brand on a Budget
When you're starting a business, every decision counts—and every dollar does too. But just because your budget is small doesn’t mean your branding has to be…
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.
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.
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…