Sandrine Bascouert
Photo Retoucher · Creative Artworker · Photo Retoucher Creative Artworker
16 articles · Jan 2025 — Mar 2026
Quotes
“Finding someone else who does the job is hard and time-consuming... They probably won't mind freelancers who charge more for the peace of mind.”
“I've sharpened my outreach a bit, which has paid off, and tried to use this time for learning new skills.”
“It doesn't even make business sense to keep one's secrets.”
“I can't count the many times I had to explain why I had that much money in my account, particularly three days before being due to pay the rent.”
“The key is to understand how my body works and work with it, not against.”
“The only way I can get past my reluctance is by looking at hard facts. That means I'll ask for a very detailed brief, ask tons of questions, and also run a timed test before I say yes.”
“I have a seven-day policy and statutory 8% for late payments.”
“I'm preparing my outreach, social media posts, and a new showreel.”
“The feast and famine circle has accelerated and deepened.”
“I always set my expectations from the start of the contract. My hours of business, when people are supposed to receive updates, and so on. I've found that when people know what to expect, they don't even try.”
Articles & interviews
- It gets easier: creatives share the lessons that changed everything
Creative Boom · Mar 17, 2026
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.
Noramblecareer|industry - What makes a freelancer indispensable? The answer might not be what you think
Creative Boom · Feb 18, 2026
The article by Tom May explores what truly makes freelancers indispensable to clients, arguing that reliability, communication, and relationship-building often outweigh raw creative skill. Through insights from multiple freelance designers and artists, it highlights professionalism, honesty, and empathy as the key traits that sustain long-term client relationships.
other - Taking stock after a challenging year: how creatives plan to move forward in 2026
Creative Boom · Dec 3, 2025
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.
And Something StudioUNIQLO UKcreative_industry - How to build kindness and empathy into your daily routine as a creative
Creative Boom · Nov 24, 2025
The article by Tom May explores how creative professionals can integrate genuine kindness and empathy into their daily routines. Through insights from designers, illustrators, and founders, it highlights practical ways to support peers, communicate respectfully, pay fairly, and share knowledge openly. The piece emphasizes that real kindness in the creative industry is about fairness, transparency, and emotional intelligence rather than superficial niceness.
- HMRC can now take tax straight from your bank account: how should freelancers respond?
Creative Boom · Nov 4, 2025
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May explores HMRC’s renewed use of its 'Direct Recovery of Debts' powers, allowing the UK tax authority to withdraw unpaid taxes directly from bank accounts. Freelancers and creatives share mixed reactions—some expressing distrust and concern about fairness, while others argue the fears are exaggerated. The piece advises freelancers to maintain communication with HMRC and highlights safeguards and appeal processes in place.
Man Madeother - Expert Tips for Achieving and Maintaining Creative Flow
Creative Boom · Sep 15, 2025
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.
D8 StudioAndsomething StudioBlumgiother - Creatives Share Effective Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Creative Boom · Sep 8, 2025
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May gathers insights from designers, illustrators, and creative directors on how they manage imposter syndrome. Contributors share practical techniques such as keeping 'feel-good' folders, naming their inner critic, and focusing on community and kindness. The piece emphasizes that imposter syndrome is a shared experience and can be transformed into motivation for growth.
Laundry Studioother - Creatives Share Tips on Managing Cashflow Stress
Creative Boom · Sep 1, 2025
Creative Boom’s 'Dear Boom' advice column, written by Tom May, gathers insights from freelancers and studio owners on managing cashflow stress. Contributors share practical strategies such as building financial buffers, enforcing payment terms, diversifying income, and structuring retainers to reduce anxiety during slow periods. The piece emphasizes proactive financial management and community support as keys to sustainable freelance careers.
Vow Studioother - Creatives React to Autumn Shift Amid Industry Changes
Creative Boom · Aug 26, 2025
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May gathers reflections from members of its community on how creatives are preparing for the shift into autumn 2025. Designers, illustrators, and consultants share mixed feelings of optimism, burnout, and strategic renewal as they face uncertain workloads and industry changes. The piece highlights themes of self-care, planning, and creative resilience amid seasonal transitions.
The StudioBig PixelSandstone Castlesother - 2025 Freelancers: Struggling or Flourishing?
Creative Boom · Apr 23, 2025
Creative Boom’s 2025 'State of the Industry' report explores the realities of freelancing in a turbulent creative economy. The article gathers insights from designers, illustrators, photographers, and other creatives about shrinking budgets, AI disruption, and shifting client expectations. Despite challenges, many freelancers are adapting through specialisation, repositioning, and stronger client relationships.
Middle Boop Studioindustry_analysis - How to Set and Keep Boundaries to Save Time and Energy
Creative Boom · Apr 14, 2025
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May explores how creatives can set and maintain professional boundaries to protect their time and energy. Through insights and quotes from various designers, illustrators, and directors, it outlines practical strategies for communication, expectation management, and self-care. The piece encourages creatives to view boundaries as essential to sustaining creativity and well-being.
Excelsior Studiosother - "Creative Boom Launches The Studio: A New Private Community for Creatives"
Creative Boom · Mar 25, 2025
Creative Boom reflects on the first month of its new private community platform, The Studio, designed as a social alternative for creatives seeking genuine connection. The article gathers feedback from members worldwide who praise its supportive, algorithm-free environment. Overall, the piece highlights optimism for the platform’s growth and its role in fostering authentic creative exchange.
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Creative Boom · Mar 10, 2025
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May explores what UK creatives hope to see in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Spring Statement. Freelancers and small creative business owners express concerns about financial insecurity, late payments, lack of safety nets, and rising costs. The piece highlights calls for better government support, arts funding, and small business relief to sustain the creative sector.
other - "13 Essential Lessons for Early Career Creatives"
Creative Boom · Mar 10, 2025
Creative Boom's article by Tom May compiles advice from experienced creatives on lessons they wish they'd known earlier in their careers. The piece covers topics such as networking, patience, collaboration, and the importance of soft skills and business acumen. It offers practical insights for designers, illustrators, and other creatives seeking long-term success and balance in their professional journeys.
HeadSpaceD8career|industry_advice - "Defining Success for Creatives in 2025"
Creative Boom · Jan 20, 2025
The article explores how creatives in 2025 are redefining success beyond traditional measures like awards and high-profile clients. Through insights from designers, illustrators, and photographers, it highlights a shift toward valuing personal fulfilment, balance, and purpose-driven work. The piece encourages creatives to define success on their own terms and celebrate the process rather than external validation.
RGLR Studioother - Redefining Creative Success in 2025
Creative Boom · Jan 20, 2025
The article explores how creatives in 2025 are redefining success beyond traditional measures like awards and high-profile clients. Through insights from designers, illustrators, and photographers, it emphasizes personal fulfilment, balance, and purpose as the new benchmarks of achievement. The piece encourages creatives to set personal goals, celebrate small wins, and find joy in the process rather than external validation.
RGLR Studioinsight