Black and white photograph of designer Julie Nicholls drinking a mug of tea

Blog

My occasional thoughts, musings and insights on all things design and marketing.

An orange mug of tea with the words "today is the day everything goes according to plan". It sits on a bright green coaster on a wooden desk next to a white clay model of a polar bear head. There is a photo frame in the background with a black and white kitten in it.

8 years. 1398 jobs. 8852 hours.

From the first brief to becoming a trusted partner. My 8 year journey as a freelance designer.

Can AI replace me as a designer? (Plot spoiler: I’m still here)

I decided to see if AI could replace me as a freelance designer. Plot spoiler: I’m still here! Here's what I learned from my experiment.

A packet of crisps (and an en dash)

This week my business turns seven. No traditional birthday cake for me though. I’ll be celebrating with a packet of crisps (and an en dash).

Be more Jim

We should all be a bit more 'Jim'. 97 years old and a creative inspiration. Even if he doesn't realise it!

The grave matter of kerning

Have you ever wondered if your brain is wired a little differently? A recent walk around a graveyard made me think mine might be.

Six years and counting

This month my business turns six. Here's what this year taught me about freelancing.

Two sides to every story

Can you be doing more to create a lasting relationship with clients?

Design matters

Designers might not be saving lives, but we can still make a difference. Here's what a care home taught me about the importance of design.

The power of five

This month my business turned five. That's not a sentence I ever thought I would write. I was never one of those designers that dreamed...

Picture this

To create great content that moves people to action, you need the perfect balance of words and pictures.

Whistles and bells

What does it take to be a freelancer besides design talent? Patience. Bucket loads of patience and an ample supply of swear words.

Saying no to 'jam tomorrow'

There are a handful of times in your life when the alarm goes off & you get out of bed totally unaware of the significance of the day ahead.

Fighting on the Home Front

75 years on and some of these World War 2 propaganda posters still have a powerful message to deliver.

Ginger cake and tears

I made a client cry last month. Now I’m pretty sure that’s up there with the things you are not supposed to do as a freelancer. Just...

Time for reflection

Wishing all my clients and fellow collaborators a very Happy New Year.

Celebrating a loss

Today I'm celebrating not winning a pitch. And here's why...

Holly Hall, Brazil Street

I can honestly say it’s been a total joy working with you and I’ve really loved your take on things, really refreshing! So I have no hesitation in recommending you far & wide :)