It costs nothing, but means everything.
The creative industry is in a weird place.
We’re adapting daily, trying to stay relevant while everything around us feels like it’s shifting. Budgets are tighter. Expectations are higher. AI is encroaching. Clients want more for less. Designers are burnt out. Recruiters ghost. Teams are under pressure. Senior talent is being pushed out, junior talent is underpaid and overworked, and those in the middle are stuck holding everything together.
It’s hard out there.
But here’s the thing. We don’t have to make it harder for each other.
Too many people in this industry treat each other like competition. They act like someone else’s win automatically means their loss. Some even tear others down just to feel taller. That behaviour doesn’t reflect the talent or heart this industry is built on.
There’s no need to feel threatened by someone else’s talent, or their post, or their success. We’re all just trying to get paid doing what we love. That’s it. No one is out to take anything from you. Most people are simply looking for a little recognition, a sense of community, and a reason to keep showing up.
So here’s a thought. Just be a little nicer.
If you see something good, give it a thumbs up.
If someone looks happy, leave a heart.
If it made you laugh, use the damn laughing emoji.
If someone said something smart, thank them.
Seriously. That’s it. It’s not performative. It’s just human.
You never know what someone is going through. That one bit of kindness might be the thing that keeps them going. A small gesture can carry more weight than anyone realises.
Share your thoughts. Add something helpful. Offer your perspective. Give credit when it’s due. It doesn’t take much. You don’t need to post motivational quotes or start every comment with “Love this!” Just show a little appreciation. You might be the only person who does, and that might matter more than you’ll ever know.
We’ve all heard Jony Ive speak about caring deeply for the work. What about caring for the people doing the work. That part matters just as much. Maybe more. Because good ideas don’t come from stressed, bitter, isolated people. They come from people who feel seen, supported, and respected.
This might read like one of those toxic-positivity Instagram posts that usually get an eye roll. But this isn’t that. This is just from the heart. I’m tired of watching talented people turn cold on each other. Especially when they’re far more alike than they think.
The saddest part is seeing two creatives with the same experience, the same passion, and the same energy treat each other like enemies. That kind of behaviour comes from ego, insecurity, or some strange need to feel superior. It’s unnecessary and unkind.
At the very least, we can all be professional.
Tearing down someone’s work serves no purpose.
If there’s real feedback, offer it constructively.
If there’s nothing helpful to add, silence is better than cruelty.
Hate speech isn’t critique. It’s not useful. It helps no one. Not even the person who posts it.
This industry is already tough. What we all need is a little encouragement. A little kindness. A smile, even if it’s just in the form of a blue thumbs up.
Be a kind creative.
It’s free.
And it might just save someone’s day.