2025 in review: Creative Boom editor reflects on freelancer struggles and finding human connection in a digital world
By
Katy Cowan
5mo ago· 11 min readenOpinion
100/100
Golden Brown
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Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
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Summary
Creative Boom editor Katy reflects on 2025, acknowledging the stark contrast between her personal success and the widespread struggles faced by creatives globally. Freelancers are experiencing severe dry spells, studio budgets remain tight, and confidence is low. The article explores finding human connection and choosing presence in an increasingly digital world, offering a personal perspective on navigating these challenges.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledFreelancers are struggling to find work. Jobs feel harder to come by. Studio budgets remain tight. Confidence has taken a knock.
Some illustrators, in particular, have described experiencing months of nothing; the worst dry spells in years.
I'm not daft: I know what's going on. I hear it daily from creatives all over the world.
My reflections on 12 months of finding human connection and choosing presence in a digital world.
Hello, I'm Katy, the editor of Creative Boom, and both personally and professionally, I've had a fant...
