About Creative Boom

The home for creatives across art, design and visual culture, from emerging artists to industry leaders.

No gatekeeping. No jargon. No pretending this industry is any easier than it is.

Creative Boom is an independent art and design platform for the creative industry, founded in 2009 by journalist and editor Katy Cowan. We've been here through recessions, a pandemic, the freelance boom, and now the rise of AI – always on the side of the people doing the work.

We exist for graphic designers, illustrators, animators, photographers, filmmakers, and visual thinkers who are shaping the world around us. Whether you're starting out, freelancing, running a studio or leading a team, this is your space.

Independent. Inclusive. Human.

Every week, we spotlight the projects that excite us, profile the emerging talent you need to know about, and tell the honest stories behind creative careers – the wins, the false starts, and all the stuff the highlight reel leaves out. We publish practical advice on everything from pricing your work to protecting your wellbeing, alongside the tools and books actually worth your time.

And because a creative life isn't lived on a screen alone, we've built the rest of it too: a jobs board where every role shows its salary – that's the house rule – free meet-ups in cities from Manchester to New York, city guides to the studios, events and people shaping your local scene, and The Studio, our online community for creative professionals.

More than a publication, this is a place where creatives feel seen, supported and part of something real.

Wherever you are in your creative life, we're glad you're here.