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Letting go of perfection can be the turning point.
Fieldwork Facility went looking for answers in the flood marks.
Robin Howie, creative director at Fieldwork Facility, took the studio on a field trip to Bath to photograph and sketch the marks beneath Halfpenny Bridge.
It's a conversation about letting go of perfection, embracing change, and finding a version of success that actually feels good to live with.
This isn't an AI hype conversation. It's a grounded, generous one with a whole heap of hope.
Both ads are exactly what good advertising should be: rooted in genuine humanity, shot through with humour, and quietly saying something real about the way we mark life's moments.
What people seem to be craving in the mid-2020s isn't perfection or polish; it's connection.
Turns out that quality design still matters. Good content, thoughtfully presented, still cuts through the noise.
Subway has launched the 'Sleeping Bag-uette', a three-metre-long sleeping bag shaped like its Italian B.M.T. sandwich, aimed at Gen Z festivalgoers who prioritise comfort and rest. The campaign ties into research showing younger audiences prefer cosy, restful festival experiences. The novelty product will be available through a limited-time Instagram giveaway.
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features Jimmy Turrell in conversation with host Katy Cowan about creativity, originality, and staying human in an AI-driven world. Turrell reflects on his working-class upbringing, his analogue creative process, and how embracing uncertainty has shaped his career. The discussion explores themes of authenticity, collaboration, and resilience in the evolving design industry.
The 2026 D&AD Awards marked the most global edition in the event’s history, with entries from 89 countries and notable wins from Singapore, India, and the UAE. The results highlight a shift in creative excellence toward emerging markets and reaffirm the value of craft and storytelling in an era dominated by technology. D&AD President Lisa Smith and CEO David Patton praised the diversity and innovation of this year’s winners.
Creative Boom’s podcast ‘The Spark’ features a relaxed conversation between host Katy Cowan and designer James Martin of Made by James. The episode takes a playful, unfiltered approach, touching on daily rituals, creative frustrations, and humorous personal stories. It offers candid insights into the realities of creative life without the usual polish or pretense.
The article by Katy Cowan offers a personal reflection on attending Pictoplasma 2026, a small, character design-focused creative festival in Berlin. It highlights the event’s intimate, introvert-friendly atmosphere and the sense of community among illustrators and animators. Through interviews and observations, Cowan portrays Pictoplasma as a slow-burning but deeply rewarding experience for creatives seeking genuine connection.
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features designer James Martin of Made by James in conversation with host Katy Cowan about the realities of personal branding and visibility in the creative industry. They discuss the pressures of online presence, authenticity, and building a career based on trust rather than performance. The episode offers a grounded perspective on how creatives can sustain meaningful careers without succumbing to social media expectations.
Creative Boom’s Katy Cowan highlights five distinctive sunglasses brands that offer alternatives to mainstream eyewear. The article features Cubitts, Kaleos, Akila, Retrosuperfuture, and Monokel, emphasizing craftsmanship, sustainability, and individuality in design. Each brand is praised for its unique materials, color palettes, and limited-run collections that help wearers stand out.
This Creative Boom podcast episode features senior designer Natty Harris in conversation with host Katy Cowan about grief, loss, and rebuilding a creative life after personal tragedy. Harris reflects on her experiences as a young carer, the impact of her brother’s death, and how these experiences shape her creative practice and outlook on work and life. The discussion explores emotional resilience, therapy, and the intersection of creativity and humanity.
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 podcast episode features photographer Liz Seabrook in conversation with host Katy Cowan about the impact of AI and beauty standards on photography and authenticity. They discuss how technology and social media have shaped visual expectations, the pressures creatives face, and the importance of maintaining realness in image-making. The episode ends on an optimistic note about creativity’s enduring value.
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features Jessie McGuire, partner at New York studio Thought Matter, in conversation with host Katy Cowan. Jessie reflects on her decade-long journey at the studio, its experimental ethos, and the belief that design carries social responsibility. The discussion explores imagination as a cultural force, the impact of political and social events on creative practice, and the importance of conviction and collaboration in meaningful design work.
Creative Boom’s Katy Cowan curates five beautifully designed bicycles in celebration of World Bicycle Day. The article highlights models from Quirk Cycles, Brompton, Moustache Bikes, VanMoof, and Veloe, emphasizing craftsmanship, innovation, and aesthetic appeal. Each bike represents a different approach to modern cycling, from handmade frames to advanced e-bike technology.
Fieldwork Facility has designed the brand identity, wayfinding, and interpretation system for Bath River Line, a new 10km riverside trail through Bath. Inspired by historic flood marks carved into local stone, the project reconnects the city with its watery past and natural environment. The work combines heritage, ecology, and design to create an engaging public experience.
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features artist and author Adam J. Kurtz in conversation with host Katy Cowan. Speaking from Hawaii, Adam reflects on leaving New York, redefining success, and the evolution of his creative practice. The discussion touches on burnout, change, and his forthcoming book 'Now What?', exploring how creatives can find meaning and balance in their work and life.
Creative Boom reports on CeraVe's new UK campaign 'Demanded by Hardworking Skin', created by DEPT as a humorous and minimalist response to the overcomplicated skincare market. The campaign uses a faux-laboratory setting and short-form video strategy to highlight the brand’s dermatologist-backed simplicity. Supported by Publicis, it marks DEPT’s first campaign as CeraVe’s lead creative agency for 2026.
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features Aporva Baxi, co-founder of DixonBaxi, in conversation with host Katy Cowan. They discuss how taste and originality define creative work in an era dominated by AI and accessible tools. The conversation explores the importance of maintaining individuality and optimism amid rapid technological change.
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.
Pentagram’s London team, led by Luke Powell and Jody Hudson-Powell, created a dynamic title sequence for Riz Ahmed’s new Prime Video series 'Bait'. The design uses colour filters, motion, and typographic layering to explore shifting identity and perception, mirroring the show’s themes of cultural expectation and self-image. The restrained yet conceptually rich approach reflects Pentagram’s ability to translate narrative ideas into visual systems.
The Creative Boom Podcast’s Season 11 opens with an interview between host Katy Cowan and Nicki Sprinz, CEO of ustwo. They discuss why most wellness apps fail, how behavioural design can improve digital health tools, and what the rise of AI means for creative careers. The episode offers an optimistic look at technology’s role in human wellbeing and creative growth.
Creative Boom reports on the second collaboration between French shoemaker Paraboot and Nottingham-based Universal Works. The project revisits Paraboot’s 1960s Thiers silhouette with a lighter construction and natural materials, celebrating craftsmanship and imperfection. The release also includes a small clothing capsule inspired by vintage Paraboot advertising.
Creative Boom reports on KFC's latest marketing stunt, the 'Pickle Puffer' — a real puffer jacket filled with sliced pickles and brine, complete with a straw. The bizarre product was created to promote KFC's limited-edition Pickle menu, tapping into the viral pickle craze on social media. The campaign blends absurdist humour with cultural commentary on internet trends.
Creative Boom reports that the Northern Design Festival returns to Lancaster in May 2026 with a new theme of 'Heritage' and a bespoke typeface called Lancer, created in collaboration with F37. The identity extends into a regional billboard campaign exploring northern creative identity, while the festival continues its community-driven approach with talks, workshops, and collaborations across the UK creative scene.
Creative Boom reports on the global launch of Coloursource, the dyed-through uncoated paper range by James Cropper, now distributed worldwide by Winter & Company. The campaign features hand-made paper sculptures by photographer Susan Castillo and screen-printed posters by Dan Mather, highlighting the tactile and visual qualities of the material. The collaboration marks a new chapter for the long-standing partnership between the two paper specialists.
Creative Boom’s Katy Cowan reflects on Galaxy’s new campaign, The Unhumble Project, which encourages women to confidently celebrate their achievements. Developed by Onward in partnership with Young Women’s Trust, the initiative includes a free confidence training hub led by Tiwalola Adebayo and a live activation featuring Rachel Parris. The piece explores how the campaign reframes confidence as a learnable skill and challenges cultural modesty norms.
Creative Boom reports on JKR’s latest brand evolution for Firefox, introducing the 'More Fire. More Fox.' platform and the brand’s first mascot, Kit. The project amplifies Firefox’s existing visual equity and positions it as a challenger brand with renewed energy and purpose. Illustrator Marco Palmieri collaborated on the creation of Kit, a flame-bright fox symbolizing both protection and openness.
Written by Tom May for Creative Boom, this article explores how creatives can cope with redundancy and turn it into an opportunity for growth. Through personal stories from professionals across PR, marketing, and design, it highlights resilience, reinvention, and the potential for new beginnings after job loss.
Creative Boom reports on CoorDown’s 2026 ‘Just Evolve’ campaign, created with New York agency SMALL for World Down Syndrome Day. The film, directed by Martin Holzman and starring Noah M. Matofsky, urges people to abandon the use of the R-word and other harmful language. The campaign combines humor and historical parallels to promote inclusive communication and is supported by global Down syndrome organizations.
Creative Boom reports on Lucky Generals' new campaign for Yorkshire Tea, titled 'Some Moments Deserve Gold'. The humorous and heartfelt TV and social spots, directed by Andrew Gaynord at MindsEye, celebrate everyday moments that merit an upgrade to Yorkshire Gold. The campaign positions Gold as a companion to the classic blend, emphasizing warmth, wit, and authenticity.
Written by Katy Cowan for Creative Boom, this article offers practical advice on how to write professional emails that convey warmth and clarity rather than passive aggression. It explores common problematic phrases, suggests friendlier alternatives, and provides guidance on tone, disagreement, and formality in written communication.
Creative Boom reports that Pictoplasma Berlin 2026, the world’s leading conference on character creativity, will return to Berlin in May 2026 under the theme 'In and Out of Character'. The event will feature over 20 speakers including Christoph Niemann, Gemma Correll, and Marylou Faure, alongside workshops, animation screenings, and a public open house. Creative Boom will attend and cover the event, highlighting its focus on storytelling and creative experimentation.
In this opinion piece, Creative Boom founder Katy Cowan reflects on the gendered nature of unsolicited criticism she has received over 17 years of running the platform. After posting about her experience on LinkedIn, she found that many women in the creative industry shared similar stories of being undermined or second-guessed by men. The article explores themes of self-censorship, social conditioning, and the subtle ways gender bias manifests in professional interactions.
This Creative Boom podcast episode features Chris Wilson of Stckmn in a relaxed, humorous conversation with host Katy Cowan. They discuss creativity, confidence, parenting, and the challenges of staying inspired amid life's chaos. The episode offers a warm and candid close to the podcast season, filled with personal insights and laughter.
The Creative Boom Podcast episode features Chris Wilson, founder of Glasgow-based one-man studio Stckmn, in a candid conversation with host Katy Cowan. Wilson discusses his journey through trauma, resilience, and creative growth, reflecting on how personal hardship shaped his multidisciplinary design career. The episode explores themes of belonging, burnout, healing, and the power of creativity to rebuild and sustain purpose.
Mother Design has created a new brand refresh for Mindful Chef, expanding on Ragged Edge’s earlier rebrand with a more expressive, editorial and craft-led identity. The project spans typography, photography, motion and tone of voice, aiming to highlight care, quality and the joy of cooking. The refreshed identity rolls out across packaging, digital channels and print, positioning Mindful Chef as a premium yet approachable food brand.
Episode 190 of The Spark podcast from Creative Boom features Joy Nazzari of DNCO in a lively conversation with host Katy Cowan. The discussion touches on Joy’s creative inspirations, her love of street art, studio nostalgia, and the quirks of creative leadership. The episode offers a lighthearted glimpse into her personality and creative process.
The Creative Boom Podcast features Joy Nazzari, founder of DNCO, reflecting on 20 years of building a place branding studio. She discusses the studio’s growth, leadership transitions, and the realities of running a creative business post-pandemic. The conversation explores identity, ageing, gender, and the personal motivations behind her work in creating belonging through design.
Creative Boom editor Katy Cowan reflects on 2025, a year marked by challenges in the creative industry and a renewed focus on human connection. She recounts launching The Studio, a thriving online community, expanding into real-world events, and growing Creative Boom’s YouTube and podcast presence. The piece highlights adaptation to AI, collaboration with Love & Logic on social strategy, and the importance of authenticity and community in creative work.
Episode 188 of The Spark, Creative Boom’s bonus podcast series, features Matt Baxter of Baxter & Bailey. The conversation covers creative playfulness, handling creative jealousy, and the joy of doing what you love, with lighthearted topics like orange hats and Play-Doh. The episode offers a humorous and human look at the creative process.
Creative Boom features 'Camping Flash', a new photography book by French photographer François Prost that documents the quirky, communal world of French campsites. Shot with flash over several years, the series captures the humor, intimacy, and humanity of camping culture. The self-published book, produced under Prost’s Flashlight Edition imprint, includes 150 images and is distributed by Interart and Antenne Book.
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features Matt Baxter, co-founder of Baxter & Bailey, discussing his career, creative philosophy, and side project The Design Laundry. The conversation explores imperfection, community, and maintaining humanity in design practice. It also touches on Brighton’s creative scene and the importance of reflection in a fast-paced industry.
Episode 184 of The Spark podcast from Creative Boom features designer Jeff Staple in a lighthearted conversation about creative rituals, managing inner critics, and finding inspiration in everyday life. The discussion touches on topics like jealousy as motivation, morning routines, and creative heroes such as Bruce Lee.
This Creative Boom Podcast episode features designer and cultural icon Jeff Staple, who discusses his journey from a lonely childhood in New Jersey to becoming a key figure in global sneaker culture. He reflects on the creation of Nike’s Pigeon Dunk, the challenges of being defined by one success, and his experiences building a creative agency. The conversation explores resilience, reinvention, and the philosophy behind creative risk-taking.
Creative Boom’s Katy Cowan curates a 2025 list of independent UK shops worth supporting during the festive season. The article highlights small, design-led retailers across cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, and London, celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability, and local creativity. It encourages readers to buy gifts from independent makers rather than large corporations.
Episode 182 of The Spark podcast features Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram London, in a lively conversation with host Katy Cowan. The discussion explores impulsive adventures, creative vulnerability, and the joy of embracing uncertainty, offering a more personal glimpse into Johnson’s approach to creativity and storytelling.
In this Creative Boom Podcast episode, host Katy Cowan speaks with Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram London, about her unconventional career path from Canadian TV journalism to leading brand storytelling at one of the world’s top design studios. Johnson discusses the intersection of writing and design, the importance of authenticity, and how feminist leadership and psychological safety empower creative teams.
Episode 180 of The Spark podcast features Zoë Thompson, founder of Sweet Thang, in conversation with host Katy Cowan. The discussion explores creative jealousy, anti-hustle creativity, and the rituals that keep Zoë inspired, from dance breaks to nostalgic scents. The episode offers an uplifting look at how play and balance can fuel creative work.
This Creative Boom Podcast episode features Zoë Thompson, founder of the independent arts and literary zine Sweet Thang. Host Katy Cowan talks with Zoë about the origins of the publication, its mission to champion Black creatives, and the enduring appeal of print media in a digital world. The conversation explores the DIY spirit of zine-making, community building, and the creative freedom that comes from imperfection.
Episode 178 of Creative Boom’s podcast ‘The Spark’ features Emily Penny, brand strategist and founder of Be Colourful, in conversation with host Katy Cowan. The lighthearted after-show explores Penny’s creative quirks, personal inspirations, and reflections on her creative journey. It serves as a companion to her main interview released earlier that week.
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features brand strategist Emily Penny, founder of Be Colourful, discussing her new report 'Fully Saturated' which analyses over 150 UK branding agencies. She and host Katy Cowan explore why many studios struggle to stand out, the emotional barriers behind sameness, and how Penny’s Brandstrand framework helps agencies define their unique positioning. The conversation offers practical insights for creative professionals seeking differentiation and authenticity.