Illustrator
Spec work is key to positioning yourself and not waiting for permission to make the work you want to make.
Spec work is key to positioning yourself and not waiting for permission to make the work you want to make.
It's absolutely not dead! That's just what big tech wants you to believe.
This isn't enough time to establish yourself fully. Freelancing is always the tough route, but as this person says, the freedom and potential payoff are huge.
It's the place I go to identify the person at an organisation who has commissioning power, and I can target them directly.
If you find an aspect of yourself to infuse into your work, that's consistently going to be something you can own, despite how advanced a technology becomes.
I really believe that it's maybe not as much of a threat as the doomsday-style conversations make it out to be.
The article by Tom May explores the ethical implications of designers presenting speculative or concept work as if it were real client projects. Through insights from various industry professionals, it concludes that while concept work is valuable for learning and showcasing creativity, it must be transparently labeled to avoid misleading clients or employers. The piece emphasizes honesty and context as key to maintaining professional integrity.
The article by Tom May explores the ethics of presenting concept or speculative design work as if it were real client work. Through perspectives from various designers and creative directors, it concludes that concept work has value for learning and showcasing skills, but must always be clearly labelled to avoid misleading clients or employers.
The article explores whether illustration is 'dead' in the age of AI, featuring insights from illustrators and art directors who share both optimism and concern. While some creatives report declining budgets and fewer commissions, others highlight renewed appreciation for human-made, conceptual, and storytelling-driven work. The consensus is that illustration is evolving, not dying, as artists adapt to AI and shifting client expectations.
Creative Boom’s advice column by Tom May explores whether struggling freelancers should give up or persist. Through insights from illustrators, designers, and creative professionals, the article argues that freelancing challenges are common and often require mindset shifts, diversification, and patience rather than quitting. It encourages readers to balance financial stability with creative fulfillment and to redefine success on their own terms.
The article explores whether LinkedIn remains a valuable platform for creatives in 2025. Through insights from illustrators, designers, photographers, and agency leaders, it presents a balanced view: while LinkedIn still offers professional opportunities and positive networking, its algorithmic focus and AI-driven content have frustrated many users. The piece concludes that LinkedIn’s usefulness depends on how intentionally creatives engage with it.
Creative Boom’s insight article explores how illustrators can remain relevant in the age of AI-generated art. Featuring insights from illustrators Tom Woolley and Ollie Hirst, AI expert Alex Luketa, and creative director Claire Cheung, it outlines strategies such as developing a unique style, understanding AI’s limitations, and embracing new tools. The piece encourages creatives to adapt rather than fear automation.