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In this episode of Creative Conversations, Mia Moore sits down with Sally Morris, Editor-in-Chief of Swanky Mag and founder of the Swanky Media Group. Sally’s journey takes us from her roots in hair and make-up, through building a magazine empire, to mentoring the next generation of creatives. Together, they explore the value of collaboration, the challenges of running large creative projects, and the importance of supporting diversity and wellbeing in the industry.
🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:
✅ The Power of Networking – Sally shares how building strong industry connections helped her transition from hair and make-up to leading major creative projects and launching her own media group.
✅ Resilience and Reinvention – Overcoming personal setbacks, including a serious back injury, and how they led her to explore new skills and ultimately create Swanky Mag.
✅ Creative Ruts and Inspiration – The real experience of creative block, where to find inspiration, and the role of research, trend forecasting, and nature in sparking new ideas.
✅ Making Big Ideas Happen – The inside story on organising huge collaborative shoots (including a Viking epic and a striking blue Mohawk), and why teamwork and leadership are essential.
✅ Building Swanky Media Group – How a single magazine grew into an international media group, publishing across genres from fashion to wildlife, and supporting photographers and writers worldwide.
✅ Mentoring and Diversity – The responsibility of mentoring students and emerging creatives, and Sally’s passion for creating an inclusive community where everyone’s creativity is celebrated.
✅ Learning by Doing – Why practical experience is so important for students and young professionals, and Sally’s advice for getting your foot in the door—even if you have to start as a runner.
✅ Trend Forecasting & Accessibility – Bringing high fashion and trends to the masses, working with both luxury and high street brands, and making creativity accessible to all.
✅ Wellbeing in the Creative Industry – How Swanky Media Group champions mental health and resilience for creatives, encouraging balance, confidence, and kindness.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✨ Don’t be too hard on yourself – Creative success takes time, and everyone’s journey is unique.
🤝 Networking and mentoring are crucial – Build relationships and help others rise with you.
🌱 Experience matters – Volunteer, assist, and learn hands-on; every opportunity helps you grow.
🖌️ Diversity and inclusion fuel creativity – There’s space for every voice and every background.
💡 Stay curious and embrace change – The creative world moves fast; keep learning and adapting.
🎙️ About Our Guest:
Sally Morris is the Editor-in-Chief of Swanky Mag and founder of the Swanky Media Group, an international publishing company dedicated to celebrating creativity in all its forms. With a background in hair, make-up, and creative direction, Sally brings decades of industry experience to her mentoring and leadership. She is passionate about fostering community, guiding the next generation, and promoting diversity and mental wellbeing in the creative industries.
Connect with Sally & Swanky Media Group:
🚀 Join the Creative Movement!
Are you a creative with a story to share? Want to be featured? DM us on Instagram at @creative_conversations_pod or email [email protected] to be part of the show.
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🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.
This week, host Sophia Gray sits down with Meg, a model and photographer whose journey takes us from behind the lens to centre stage. Meg shares her experiences breaking the mould in boudoir photography, tackling self-confidence as a model, and how she channels personal struggles into compelling, authentic imagery.
🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:
✅ Male Boudoir & Breaking Stereotypes – Meg’s fascination with male boudoir photography, and how she’s working to empower men and those exploring their identity through softer, more expressive images.
✅ The Power of Self-Portraiture – How Meg turned the camera on herself to process emotion, explore self-love, and express vulnerability.
✅ Overcoming Shame & Finding Confidence – Meg’s candid account of facing stigma at university for her boudoir work, and how she stood firm in her creative choices.
✅ Art Nude & Storytelling – The artistry of art nude photography, why it’s about more than just the body, and how Meg uses movement, classical art references, and emotion to create meaningful images.
✅ Collaboration & Creative Partnerships – The magic that happens when model and photographer trust each other, and why the best work comes from shared vision and creative freedom.
✅ Challenging the Industry – Open conversation about body image, eating disorders, and the pressures of the modelling industry, including Meg’s battle with measurement obsession and learning to embrace her unique shape.
✅ Evolving as an Artist – Why Meg refuses to be put in a box, her passion for trying new genres, and the thrill of creative shoots like her now-iconic “paper dress” photos.
✅ Authenticity & Vulnerability – How true creative expression is rooted in vulnerability, and why faking emotion simply doesn’t connect with viewers.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✨ Creative journeys are never linear – Embrace experimentation, vulnerability, and change.
📷 Modelling is storytelling – The best images come from genuine emotion and lived experience.
🌱 Growth through discomfort – Facing fears and pushing beyond your comfort zone is where art flourishes.
💪 Reject the box – Labels and niches are limiting; true artistry thrives on diversity and risk-taking.
🤝 Collaboration is vital – The best shoots happen when both photographer and model bring ideas, trust, and respect to the table.
🎙️ About Our Guest:
Meg is a model and former boudoir photographer known for her evocative, expressive imagery and her refusal to be confined by genre or expectation. Drawing on her own journey of self-discovery, Meg channels emotion, movement, and vulnerability into each shoot—whether it’s art nude, fashion, or creative portraiture. Her work advocates for body positivity, empowerment, and finding beauty in authenticity.
🚀 Join the Creative Movement!
Are you a model, photographer, or creative with a unique story to tell? Let’s collaborate! DM us on Instagram at @creative_conversations_pod or email [email protected] to be featured on Creative Conversations.
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⭐ Love this episode? Please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!
🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.
In this uplifting episode of Creative Conversations, Sophia Gray chats with floral artist Siobhan McEvoy, whose journey from a career in finance to thriving as a self-taught painter is as surprising as it is inspiring. Siobhan shares her story of discovering her creative spark during lockdown, how her very first painting sold instantly, and how she’s since built a flourishing career—literally and figuratively—by following her passion for flowers.
🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:
💡 Key Takeaways:
🌼 Creativity can start at any age – Siobhan’s story proves you’re never too late to start or succeed.
🌸 Let go of perfection – Embrace the beauty in imperfection and let intuition guide your art.
👩🎨 Art is connection – Through flowers, Siobhan finds peace, and hopes her collectors feel that same joy and calm.
🤝 Community matters – Genuine support and collaboration make all the difference, both online and in person.
🖐 Art should be fun – Paint with your fingers, try new tools, and don’t be afraid to get messy!
🎙️ About Our Guest:
Siobhan McEvoy is a self-taught artist based in the Norfolk Broads, best known for her vibrant, expressive floral paintings. From her first cherry blossom painting to major licensing deals and gallery representation, Siobhan’s work is rooted in childhood memories, a love of wild meadows, and a passion for helping others find happiness through art.
🚀 Join the Creative Movement!
Are you an artist or creative with a story to share? Let’s connect! DM us on Instagram at @granary_digital or email [email protected] to be featured on Creative Conversations.
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⭐ Love this episode? Rate & review us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!
🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.
In this lively episode of Creative Conversations, Sophia Gray catches up with actor Charlie Bentley for a candid discussion about the realities of a creative career on and off the stage. From the high-energy world of immersive acting at Goodwood Revival to juggling roles as a jazz club owner, sleazy TV host, and more, Charlie brings wit, warmth, and honesty about his journey through the ups and downs of professional acting.
🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:
💡 Key Takeaways:
🎙️ About Our Guest:
Charlie Bentley is an actor with a decade of immersive performance experience, known for his versatile character work at Goodwood Revival and beyond. Whether on stage or screen, Charlie infuses every role with humour and humanity, drawing from his own journey with dyspraxia and a determination to keep smashing through creative “brick walls”.
🚀 Join the Creative Movement!
Are you an actor, performer, or creative with a story to share? Let’s collaborate! DM us on Instagram at @creative_conversations_pod or email [email protected] to be featured on Creative Conversations.
🔗 Follow & Subscribe
⭐ Love this episode? Rate & review us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!
🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.
Sophia Gray sits down with Ray Leonardus, a violinist, musician, and holistic coach, to explore his multifaceted career and how he combines music, teaching, and mindfulness in his creative journey. Ray shares insights into his musical background, his experiences with burnout, and his approach to maintaining a healthy balance as a creative professional.
🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:
✅ The Musician’s Journey – From violin to viola, Ray shares how his career in music has evolved and how he’s learned to adapt to different instruments and styles.
✅ The Power of Music and Wellness – How Ray’s expertise in reiki and holistic coaching plays a crucial role in his music teaching and overall wellbeing.
✅ Finding Balance in Creativity – The importance of slowing down, practising mindfulness, and avoiding burnout in a world that often glorifies hustle culture.
✅ Teaching with Empathy – Ray reflects on how he helps his students develop not only technical skills but also a strong mindset to support their creativity.
✅ Reiki and Music – The connection between reiki healing and musical performance, and how Ray integrates both in his work with musicians and clients.
✅ Life Lessons from a Landlady – Ray recalls valuable lessons from his landlady, a fashion consultant, that shaped his career and approach to creativity.
✅ Overcoming Self-Doubt – How Ray encourages his students and peers to embrace their individuality and take up space in the creative world, despite the challenges.
💡 Key Takeaways:
🎻 Creativity and Mindfulness – Embracing mindfulness practices like reiki can help creatives manage stress, enhance performance, and maintain balance in their careers.
🎼 Continuous Learning – Whether it’s mastering an instrument or honing a mindset, the journey of a creative is ongoing and requires dedication.
🌱 Avoiding Burnout – It’s essential for creatives to take time for themselves, prioritise mental health, and avoid the trap of overworking.
💪 Confidence in Your Craft – Embrace your uniqueness and don’t be afraid to push past the “struggling artist” stereotype to claim your worth and space in the industry.
🧘 Holistic Creativity – Creativity thrives when you take care of your physical and mental health.
🎙️ About Our Guest:
Ray Leonardus is a talented violinist, viola player, and holistic coach with a passion for helping others balance creativity with well-being. With years of experience in music performance and teaching, Ray is also a trained reiki practitioner, using his knowledge of energy healing to support musicians and creatives in maintaining a healthy, sustainable approach to their craft.
🚀 Join the Creative Movement!
We want to hear from YOU! 🎙️ Are you a musician, artist, or creative with a story to share? Let’s collaborate! DM us on Instagram at @creative_conversations_pod or email [email protected] to be featured on Creative Conversations.
🔗 Follow & Subscribe
⭐ Love this episode? Rate & review us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!
🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.
Mia Moore sits down with the incredible Jen Channer, the founder of Liberty Photography, to discuss how her creative journey has been shaped by the desire to empower women through portraiture. Jen opens up about her personal transformation, the impact of creativity on her own life, and how she now helps women see themselves in their most beautiful light.
🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:
✅ From a Hiatus to Photography – Jen reflects on her 10-year creative break and how rediscovering her passion for art led her back to the camera.
✅ The Power of Play – How Jen advocates for making art without the pressure of outcomes, and why creativity should be about joy and self-expression.
✅ The Impact of Criticism – Jen’s story of how harsh feedback in her youth stifled her creativity and how she eventually learned to embrace the process without fear of judgment.
✅ The Art of Capturing Women – Liberty Photography’s focus on empowering women through beautifully candid portraits that celebrate their individuality and confidence.
✅ The Heart of Creativity – Jen talks about her belief that creativity comes from listening to your heart and how important it is to feel unconditionally loved to fully step into your creative power.
✅ Overcoming Fear – How Jen shifted from a place of “need” in her business to creating from desire and joy, leading to greater success and fulfilment.
✅ Creating a Legacy – Jen’s goal to expand Liberty Photography globally, licensing the brand to help other photographers empower women through creative portraiture.
✅ Self-Worth and Creativity – How low self-esteem can block creativity and the importance of shedding limiting beliefs to unlock your creative potential.
💡 Key Takeaways:
🎨 Creativity is about self-expression – It’s not about the final product, but about releasing your emotions and having fun in the process.
📸 Empowerment through photography – Jen’s work is a testament to the power of seeing yourself in a positive light and using photography as a tool for self-empowerment.
🌱 Let go of perfectionism – Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from creating. Embrace the process, and the results will follow.
💖 Listen to your heart – True creativity comes from your inner self; when you listen to your heart, everything else falls into place.
💡 Self-love fuels creativity – When you embrace your own worth, you open the door to endless creative possibilities.
🎙️ About Our Guest:
Jen Channer is the founder of Liberty Photography, a photography business dedicated to empowering women through creative and emotionally charged portraiture. With a deep passion for helping women see their true beauty, Jen’s work is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about capturing the essence of each individual and helping them rediscover their confidence. Jen is also passionate about personal growth, coaching, and inspiring others to create from a place of desire rather than need.
https://thelibertylady.co.uk/
https://www.libertyphotography.co.uk/
🚀 Join the Creative Movement!
We want to hear from YOU! 🎙️ Are you a photographer, artist, or creative with a story to share? Let’s collaborate! DM us on Instagram at @creative_conversations_pod or email [email protected] to be featured on Creative Conversations.
🔗 Follow & Subscribe
⭐ Love this episode? Rate & review us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!
🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.
Sophia Gray chats with Josh Champion, the visionary behind Magpie Latex. Known for his innovative latex fashion designs, Josh takes us on a journey through the world of latex, from its tactile appeal to its ability to transform an outfit into something powerful and unique. Together, they explore his creative process, the balance between elegance and edginess, and his approach to creating stunning fashion that challenges norms.
🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:
💡 Key Takeaways:
🎙️ About Our Guest: Josh Champion is a latex fashion designer and the founder of Magpie Latex. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for avant-garde designs, Josh blends elegance and edginess in his creations, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion. Drawing inspiration from a mix of personal experiences, spirituality, and a love for tactile materials, Josh continues to redefine what latex fashion can be, offering unique custom pieces for those who want to stand out.
https://www.instagram.com/magpie_latex/
🚀 Join the Creative Movement! We want to hear from YOU! 🎙️ Are you a designer, model, or creative with a story to share? Let’s collaborate! DM us on Instagram at @creative_conversations_pod or email [email protected] to be featured on Creative Conversations.
🔗 Follow & Subscribe ⭐ Love this episode? Rate & review us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!
🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.
Sophia Gray sits down with Simon Carter, a talented photographer with an eclectic background that spans from circus performance to lighting design and professional photography. Simon takes us on a journey through his unique career, blending his mathematical precision with his creative flair, and shares insights into his approach to photography, lighting, and storytelling.
🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:
✅ From Mathematician to Circus Performer – Simon reflects on his unconventional path, from studying mathematics to joining the circus, and how this shaped his creative process.
✅ The Power of Collaboration – How working together with models, dancers, and other creatives brings out the best in a photoshoot, and the importance of creating a collaborative space.
✅ Photography as Performance – Simon compares his experience in the circus to photography, discussing the parallels between performing and capturing dynamic moments in a shoot.
✅ The Art of Lighting – A deep dive into Simon’s expertise in lighting, from creating dramatic shadows to setting up the perfect scene, and how light is used as a tool to shape the story of a photo.
✅ Overcoming Creative Blocks – How Simon has used mentorship and collaboration with other photographers to overcome creative frustration and push his work forward.
✅ Capturing Movement – Simon’s experience working with dancers and acrobats, and the challenges of photographing movement in action, from ballet to contemporary dance.
✅ Behind the Scenes of Fashion and Editorial Shoots – The dynamics of working with large teams, models, and stylists to create compelling fashion and editorial imagery.
💡 Key Takeaways:
🎨 Creativity is a journey of discovery – Simon’s career path shows that creativity can evolve through different experiences, from mathematics to the circus and photography.
📸 Lighting is everything – Mastering lighting techniques can make or break a photo, and Simon’s technical expertise shines through in every shot.
💥 Collaboration is key – Working with others, whether in the circus or photography, leads to the most dynamic and successful creative outcomes.
💡 Push through creative blocks – Don’t be afraid to ask for help and get out of your comfort zone when you feel stuck in your creative process.
✨ Enjoy the process – Embrace the unpredictability of creativity, whether it’s working with dancers or finding the right moment in a photoshoot.
🎙️ About Our Guest:
Simon Carter is a multifaceted photographer with a diverse background in circus performance, mathematics, and lighting design. Specialising in fashion, editorial, and performance photography, Simon brings precision and creativity to every project. Known for his expertise in lighting and his ability to capture movement, Simon has worked with top models, dancers, and performers, creating stunning imagery that tells a unique story.
🚀 Join the Creative Movement!
We want to hear from YOU! 🎙️ Are you a creative with a story to share? Let’s collaborate! DM us on Instagram at @granary_digital or email [email protected] to be featured on Creative Conversations.
🔗 Follow & Subscribe
⭐ Love this episode? Rate & review us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!
🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.
In this episode, Sophia Gray chats with Mel Price, the owner of a local franchise of The Creation Station, a creative hub offering art classes for children and adults. Mel shares her journey from working in a pharmacy to owning her own creative business, and how she’s bringing out the best in both kids and grown-ups through art, creativity, and fun.
🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:
✅ From Pharmacy to Creative Business – Mel shares how she made the leap from working in a pharmacy to owning a Creation Station franchise, looking for flexibility and a creative outlet.
✅ Encouraging Creative Exploration for Kids – How The Creation Station helps children explore creativity without the pressure of perfection, focusing on the process rather than the outcome.
✅ The Importance of Mess and Play – Why Mel believes in letting kids get messy with their creativity and how it’s an important part of their development.
✅ Paint and Sip for Adults – Mel talks about her experience running adult painting sessions and how it helps grown-ups relax and tap into their creativity.
✅ Working with Kids vs Adults – Mel compares the differences between teaching children and adults and how both groups bring their own challenges and rewards.
✅ The Art of Balancing Business and Creativity – How Mel manages her growing business and ensures she still makes time for her own creative expression.
✅ Creative Advice for Everyone – Mel offers advice on how to keep creativity alive and how even everyday activities can spark your creative side.
💡 Key Takeaways:
🎨 Creativity is for everyone – No matter your age, creativity is within you, and it’s a great way to express yourself.
🎭 The process matters more than the result – Encouraging kids (and adults) to focus on the creative process rather than the final outcome helps them grow without the pressure.
✨ Mess is part of creativity – Letting go of the need for a tidy environment can actually free up your creativity and allow for more fun.
💡 Don’t be afraid to try something new – Whether it’s painting, crochet, or problem-solving at work, creativity can be found in everything.
🖌️ Art is about exploration – Even if you’ve never painted before, you can create something beautiful just by exploring your own artistic instincts.
🎙️ About Our Guest:
Mel Price is the owner of a Creation Station franchise in Chichester, where she leads art sessions for children and adults. With a passion for fostering creativity, Mel has created a space where kids can let their imaginations run wild, and adults can unwind and discover their own artistic abilities. She believes in making art fun and accessible to everyone, no matter their background or skill level. She also runs Paint & Sip sessions for adults.
🚀 Join the Creative Movement!
We want to hear from YOU! 🎙️ Are you a teacher, artist, or creative with a story to share? Let’s collaborate! DM us on Instagram at @granary_digital or email [email protected] to be featured on Creative Conversations.
🔗 Follow & Subscribe
⭐ Love this episode? Rate & review us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!
🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.
Sophia Gray is joined by the wonderfully talented Angela Brown, a multi-disciplinary artist with a passion for painting, photography, and sculpture. Angela shares her journey from initially contemplating a military career to embracing her true creative calling and experimenting with various art forms. Get ready to dive into the world of colorful expression, emotional storytelling, and the beauty of letting creativity flow.
🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:
✅ The Journey to Art – Angela talks about her unconventional start in art, moving from contemplating the military to picking up a paintbrush and realising her love for creating.
✅ The Role of Music in Art – How listening to different genres like classical, jazz, and rap influences Angela’s creative process, from color choices to brushstrokes.
✅ The Power of Experimentation – Angela discusses her commitment to trying new things, from sculpting to exploring different mediums, and how experimentation has become a core part of her process.
✅ Art as a Reflection of Emotion – How her work is often a direct expression of her emotions, with each piece capturing a specific moment in time, from joy to sorrow.
✅ Photography and Painting – Angela's dual passion for photography and painting, and how she’s been combining both to create more meaningful connections with her audience.
✅ The Importance of Slow Down – The importance of taking time for yourself and your art, and how slowing down has helped Angela connect more deeply with her creative journey.
✅ Building a Community – How social media platforms like Instagram have helped Angela build a supportive community of fellow creatives and how she uses her platform to share her work and connect with others.
💡 Key Takeaways:
🎨 Art is ever-evolving – Angela’s style is a reflection of her growth, and she embraces the fact that her work evolves as she does.
🎶 Music fuels creativity – Angela shares how different types of music impact her art, from the tempo of the song to the color palette she chooses.
🌱 Embrace experimentation – Don’t be afraid to try new things. Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones and experiment with new ideas and mediums.
💖 Art is emotional – Whether it’s joy or sadness, art is a reflection of the artist’s emotions, and creating from that space can be deeply meaningful.
🌍 Building a creative community – Connect with fellow artists, share your work, and foster a supportive environment to help your creativity flourish.
🎙️ About Our Guest: Angela Brown is a dynamic and versatile artist, known for her abstract paintings, photography, and sculptural works. She explores themes of emotion, beauty, and self-expression, blending various mediums to tell stories and capture moments. Angela is passionate about using her work to inspire others and create a sense of community among fellow creatives.
🚀 Join the Creative Movement! We want to hear from YOU! 🎙️ Are you an artist or creative with a story to share? Let’s collaborate! DM us on Instagram at @granary_digital or email [email protected] to be featured on Creative Conversations.
🔗 Follow & Subscribe ⭐ Love this episode? Rate & review us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!
🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.
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