As academics and researchers, we’re very good at reading and writing walls of text. Of course, it makes sense, as they’re the modus operandi of sharing our research that we learned during our PhDs and the traditional currency of success and progression in academia. However, there are better ways!

Universities invest significant time and resources into widening participation, student experience and research culture initiatives. Yet valuable insights often get condensed into a traditional report that only a small audience ever reads. 

More than anything, it was deeply refreshing to connect with like-minded peers who want to see academia transformed into a more inclusive space – one that meaningfully connects people, knowledge, and communities.

Last month, we had the pleasure of speaking at Process Events in Leeds. It was an evening of giggles and real-life stories. We had an amazing time! We spoke about “what they didn’t teach you at design school”.

The team at Buttercrumble are proud to celebrate our new partnership with the University of East Anglia (UEA) and our recent appointment to their Creative Services Framework. We’re a preferred supplier for internal staff teams and researchers for illustration, creative strategy, storyboarding and artworking.

2025’s motto was “find strength in unity”, and we certainly did! We forged new friendships overseas with our trip to the USA’s Library of Congress Festival, as well as strengthening relationships at home. There's been collaboration after collaboration, and y’all kept our spirits high.

Cuteness always sells. From teddy-bear motifs in the 1950s to the growing kawaii culture in the 21st century, retailers have long relied on “cute” as a marketing driver. Should you adopt this technique for your own brand?