Photo Retoucher · Creative Artworker · Photo Retoucher Creative Artworker
Long story short: this stuff isn't production-ready, at least not for critical work.
The skill I gained by accepting something I was always fearful of doing was not the technical skill, but the communication skill.
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.
Creative Boom’s Tom May surveys members of its private community, The Studio, to explore how creative professionals’ attitudes toward AI have evolved by May 2026. The article reveals a nuanced mix of skepticism, cautious experimentation, and pragmatic adoption across designers, illustrators, and copywriters. While some creatives reject generative AI on ethical or quality grounds, others find value in using it for repetitive or administrative tasks.
Written by Tom May for Creative Boom, this article gathers insights from several creative professionals about the lessons learned from failure. Through candid stories of health crises, failed collaborations, and embarrassing mistakes, the piece explores how setbacks can lead to growth, resilience, and better creative judgment. Each contributor shares a personal experience that reshaped their approach to work and life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.