138. The Spark: Barrington Reeves, going freelance and spooky children's illustrators

Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to carry you through the week. Whether you need motivation or insights, we've got you covered!

This week, we were joined by Barrington Reeves, founder and creative director at Too Gallus, a Glasgow-based studio shaking up the traditional agency model. We looked into the evolving landscape of creative agencies, highlighting how smaller studios are seizing opportunities thanks to the democratisation of technology and changing client demands.

The conversation touched on how agile, lean teams can achieve brilliant results, making them an increasingly attractive option for clients navigating economic challenges. Barrington shared his insights into the nuances of pitching, the importance of building strong client relationships, and the entrepreneurial drive behind Too Gallus. He also reflected on personal growth, the dynamics of agency expansion, and the role cultural connections play in shaping creative industries. Looking ahead, Barrington envisions creating a vibrant hub that fosters innovation while staying deeply rooted in culture.

In Creative News this week, Apple is set to launch a revamped Siri powered by advanced large language models in spring 2026. Meanwhile, Apple Intelligence will integrate third-party AI tools this December, including OpenAI's ChatGPT, marking a significant step forward in the company's AI strategy.

Elsewhere, Meta is introducing a global "reset" feature for Instagram, allowing users to clear algorithmic recommendations from their feeds. The tool will roll out ahead of the UK's Online Safety Act, ensuring stricter content controls from December. And to celebrate Formula 1's 75th anniversary, Lego is launching a series of F1-themed sets featuring all ten teams. From Duplo to Speed Champions, these models will hit shelves on 1 January 2025.

On The Spotlight, our writer Garrick Webster dives into the world of children's illustrators embracing themes of mystery and mild peril. From Helen Brady's haunting folktale-inspired works to Becky Colvin's eerie train story, The Scream Engine, these artists demonstrate how children's literature can blend spookiness with creativity to engage young readers. Discover more

Our Book of the Week is Read Write Own by Chris Dixon where he explores the transformative potential of blockchain technology, proposing a future where the internet becomes more decentralised and democratic. Dixon maps the internet's evolution through three eras—'read', 'read-write', and 'read-write-own'—and envisions a more equitable digital landscape. A must-read for those curious about the intersection of technology, community, and creativity. Get your copy

For our Tip of the Week, we look at going freelance in 2025. Switching to a freelance career can be both liberating and daunting. Brett Lair advises building an emergency fund to cover six months of expenses, while Jasmine Designs emphasises understanding your worth and avoiding underpricing. For more tips on navigating self-employment, check out our latest article.

On Monday, tune in as Christopher Doyle, founder of Christopher Doyle & Co., joins us to talk about 'The Great Unknown' – the unspeakable truths of the creative industry. From relentless competition to the overwhelming pace of work, this conversation promises to be refreshingly candid. Until next time!