Creative Boom’s podcast episode 216 features illustrator Rob Draper in a lighthearted conversation with host Katy Cowan. They discuss nostalgia, creative habits, and Draper’s daily portrait challenge, alongside reflections on his early love of electro music and dream of working for Nike. The episode offers a humorous and human take on creative life and inspiration.
The article explores the realities faced by independent agency founders in their first year, highlighting the emotional, financial, and structural challenges of leaving established agencies to start small studios. Through interviews with founders across the UK, it reveals a shift toward smaller, more agile creative teams responding to changing client expectations and tighter budgets. The piece positions 2026 as a pivotal year for indie studios redefining the creative industry landscape.
Creative Boom profiles illustrator Gayle Kabaker, known for her New Yorker covers and painterly depictions of women, water, and rest. The article explores her inspirations from David Hockney, her evolving artistic process, and her teaching collaborations with Jennifer Orkin Lewis. It highlights her new 'bed series', her retreats, and her belief in persistence, spirituality, and giving back through art.
Written by Katy Cowan for Creative Boom, this article outlines eight strategies for creatives to remain discoverable as traditional search, social media, and AI-driven discovery decline. It encourages building owned audiences, developing a unique niche, gaining press mentions, optimizing websites for AI readability, sharing process work, encouraging referrals, attending real-world events, and diversifying online presence. The piece emphasizes long-term reputation and independence over algorithm chasing.
Tom May’s article for Creative Boom explores how AI-driven search and recommendation systems are dismantling the traditional web ecosystem that once helped creatives get discovered. Using Pinterest’s new AI tools as a case study, it warns that organic reach, SEO, and social visibility are being replaced by algorithmic recommendation loops that favor already-established names. The piece urges creatives to build direct relationships, unique reputations, and resilient communities outside platform control.
Creative Boom interviews London-based multidisciplinary artist Murugiah about his debut solo exhibition 'Ever Feel Like…' at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. The article explores his journey from architecture to illustration, his rediscovery of personal authenticity during the pandemic, and how embracing his Sri Lankan heritage shaped his unique visual language. It highlights his belief that deeply personal work leads to the most creative breakthroughs.
Creative Boom profiles New York-based Chinese illustrator Hannah Li, exploring her transition from editorial and publishing work to a more personal fine art practice. Her new series, 'The Way Back', captures quiet, light-filled moments that exist between movement and stillness. The article reflects on her artistic evolution, influences, and the emotional resonance of her observational approach.
Creative Boom’s June 2026 roundup by Katy Cowan highlights the latest typeface releases from global foundries. The selection spans monospaced, stencil, display, and serif designs, showcasing innovation in variable fonts and expressive letterforms. Each featured release reflects a distinct aesthetic, from industrial precision to handcrafted warmth.
Creative Boom’s June 2026 'Booms & Shakes' roundup highlights major moves in the design and advertising world. Bolder Creative handed its 20th-anniversary rebrand to Monday Nights, while agencies like Method1, Landor, and Born Social announced key leadership hires. The article reflects a busy month of strategic growth, rebrands, and new creative leadership across global studios.
Jones Knowles Ritchie has unveiled a global rebrand for KFC, centering its entire identity around the iconic bucket in what it calls the 'Bucketverse'. The project introduces a 3D logo, custom typefaces, refreshed Colonel illustration, and a unified design system spanning packaging, environments, and digital touchpoints. The rebrand aims to evolve KFC from a quick-service restaurant to a 'quick experience restaurant' while maintaining its heritage and recognisable assets.