Designer
Discipline matters more than passion.
Less hustle, more intention. Fewer projects, better balance.
Build something that's yours. It doesn't have to be polished. It just has to show that you care about the work beyond a client brief.
When I think about what's most important, it's how I treat the people that I love and how they might remember me.
Episode 204 of Creative Boom’s podcast 'The Spark' features designer David Airey in a candid conversation with host Katy Cowan. The discussion covers Airey’s creative opinions, his skepticism about social media’s influence on design, and reflections on discipline, passion, and career lessons. The tone is relaxed and introspective, offering personal insights into the realities of creative life.
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features designer and author David Airey in conversation with Katy Cowan about his 20-year career in design. The discussion explores themes of balance, discipline, and sustainability in creative work, touching on how priorities shift with time and family. Airey reflects on staying grounded amid industry pressures and technological change.
Creative Boom’s Tom May gathers advice from leading designers, creative directors, and illustrators to help 2026 graduates navigate a challenging job market. The article emphasizes showing creative thinking in portfolios, building genuine networks, being strategic in job applications, and maintaining creative momentum after graduation. Contributors from studios like Fiasco Design, Like Magic Studio, and Edna Studio share practical, encouraging insights for emerging creatives.
Creative Boom announces the return of its podcast for Season 11, hosted by founder Katy Cowan and supported by Adobe. The season explores how creatives remain human amid rapid technological and cultural change, featuring guests such as Nicki Sprinz, Aporva Baxi, Liz Seabrook, and Jessie McGuire. Through personal stories and reflections, the series highlights resilience, authenticity, and the enduring value of human creativity.
Creative Boom marks its 16th anniversary with a virtual celebration hosted in its online community, The Studio. The event includes games, surprise guests, and over £2,000 worth of creative prizes from brands like Adobe, Pentagram, and Yod&Co. The article reflects on Creative Boom’s journey since 2009 and invites its global creative community to join the festivities.
Creative Boom’s 'Hotlist 2025' compiles the top graphic design books as voted by designers, highlighting essential titles that shape design thinking and practice. The article, written by Tom May, features classics like 'Grid Systems in Graphic Design', 'Thinking with Type', and 'Identity Designed', offering a mix of foundational and contemporary insights. It also acknowledges books addressing diversity and critical perspectives in design.