Illustrator
I stopped treating my practice like a hobby I was hoping someone would notice, and started treating it like a business I was already running.
Protect your pace. Build tiny systems that save your future self. Say no when you need to.
For me, self-compassion means going with the flow, tuning into my energy levels and knowing creativity doesn't have to happen on a strict schedule.
Tiny and honest posts build trust far faster than one giant shout.
My favourite is a creative outfit. As soon as I put it on, my brain switches into maker mode.
I'm a multi-passionate creative, a multi-disciplinary illustrator and workshop facilitator. Being a 'Jack of all trades' is what makes my creative life actually work.
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May gathers insights from designers, illustrators, and other creatives about the lessons they’ve learned over their careers. Contributors discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to say no, finding meaning in their work, and developing confidence. The piece offers reassurance and practical wisdom for those navigating early creative careers.
Creative Boom’s Tom May gathers reflections from UK creatives on how they’ve navigated a turbulent 2025 and plan to approach 2026. Designers and illustrators share lessons on persistence, authenticity, pacing, and community support amid economic uncertainty. The article highlights resilience and self-awareness as key themes for the coming year.
Written by Tom May for Creative Boom, this article explores how creatives can cultivate self-compassion to sustain their creativity and mental wellbeing. Featuring insights from illustrators, designers, and photographers, it highlights practical ways to replace self-criticism with kindness, rest, and reflection. The piece encourages a shift from pressure-driven productivity to a more humane, sustainable creative practice.
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May explores how creatives can market themselves authentically without discomfort. Featuring insights from designers, illustrators, and creative directors, it offers practical advice on honesty, consistency, and reframing self-promotion as connection rather than bragging. The piece emphasizes confidence, community, and enjoyment in sharing creative work.
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May gathers insights from various creatives on how to achieve and maintain a state of creative flow. Contributors share personal rituals, time management strategies, and environmental cues that help them focus and protect their creative energy. The piece highlights the importance of self-awareness, boundaries, and intentional disconnection in sustaining creativity.
The article explores the growing value of creative generalists in the design industry, arguing that versatility and multi-disciplinary skills have become a competitive advantage in 2025. Through insights from designers, creative directors, and founders, it highlights how being adaptable across disciplines helps creatives thrive amid AI disruption, economic shifts, and evolving client demands.