article thumbnail

How The Studio became an essential place for creatives to network and learn in 2025

Creative Boom

What began as a humble experiment has exploded into something far more powerful: a thriving community of over 4,500 members where freelancers find their tribe, employed creatives discover new opportunities, and everyone gets access to the kind of insider knowledge that was once reserved for those with the right connections.

article thumbnail

The future of design systems is decentralized

UX Collective

Other domains, from natural systems like ant colonies to technological innovations like blockchain networks, have tackled similar problems through innovative approaches to decentralization. These systems have demonstrated how to build networks that are transparent, collaborative, and community-driven. How are incentives structured?

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Richard Turley gives Air’s identity space to breathe through simplicity and parody

Its Nice That

You know the clichés – the self pride, the pompousness, the faux inspirational “here’s to the dreamers” – and so does Richard Turley, the creative director behind some of the most anarchistic and forward thinking visual identities of the 2010s. From that moment, it felt destined, like something set in motion beyond us,” says Richard.

article thumbnail

How to calculate your day rate as an Illustrator

Lisa Maltby

What does 150/day work out at as a yearly self-employed income? However, as we all know the self-employed dont get paid holiday so we need to deduct this time. less time may be spent on self promotion and more on communication once you have a reputation and more enquiries).

article thumbnail

Your Guide to Graphic Design Salaries in the USA

We And The Color

We’re talking about two main paths: employed designers and freelance designers. Employed Designers: The Steady Paycheck These are the folks who work for companies, agencies, or organizations. Network: Talk to other designers in your area. It relies on self-reported data from employees. That makes a huge difference.

article thumbnail

How creatives are surviving the 2025 slowdown

Creative Boom

And it's the self-employed and small creative businesses who feel the impact first and most acutely. Creative director Paul Leon emphasises the importance of access and networking. "My A confluence of economic pressures and rapid advancements in AI has created the perfect storm. No one wants to be around negativity or envy.

Freelance 492
article thumbnail

The power of doing nothing (and why it helps your creative work)

Creative Boom

These moments of stillness and disconnection allow your brain's 'default mode network' to light up—the bit responsible for daydreaming, mulling over memories, and making unlikely connections. Let's be honest: this is a radical idea, especially if you're self-employed. You're literally rewiring your brain for better ideas.