The Creative Boom Podcast

When was the last time you truly listened to someone? Not just wait for your turn to speak, but genuinely hear their story, even if you disagree? This week, on our season finale, we explore the power of listening and embracing diverse perspectives with a guest who's made a career out of connecting with others and having a blast along the way.

American actor, director, and musician Richard Speight, Jr. joins us today. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, and now living in LA, Richard's infectious charm and genuine curiosity have endeared him to fans and colleagues alike. From his roles in Supernatural and Band of Brothers to his work behind the camera and on stage with his band Dick Jr. & The Volunteers, Richard's warmth and wit shine through in everything he does. But it's not just about the roles he plays or the music he makes – it's about the connections he fosters and the joy he brings to every interaction.

We chat more about the importance of building relationships and connecting with people in the creative industry. We'll explore the value of embracing flaws and imperfections in storytelling and art, as well as the impact of social media on self-esteem and the need for authenticity. We'll reflect on how far we've come since the 1970s, the lessons we can learn from past mistakes, and the loss of boredom and its impact on creativity and personal growth. 

We'll also explore the depth of connection and understanding that in-person interactions provide, in contrast to the limitations of being online. And throughout it all, we'll discuss why it’s so important to have a sense of fun and perspective when being creative.

Art and design might feel like everything to you, but has it ever been a matter of life and death? This week, we're joined by Kelly Korzun, an individual for whom creativity has truly been a lifeline.

Kelly is not only an acclaimed artist and the visionary behind METAL & DVST, a vibrant art space that champions the voices of artists worldwide; she's also deeply invested in the nonprofit sector and passionate about education. Her journey through the realms of creativity and her advocacy for the arts as transformative tools are nothing short of inspiring.

Today, we'll take a closer look at a poignant chapter in Kelly's life where art transcended passion and became her lifeline during a critical moment in her youth. Our conversation will highlight the resilience of the human spirit and underscore the powerful role of art in healing and personal growth.

We'll also explore the significance of giving back to the creative community, a mission close to my heart through nearly 15 years at the helm of Creative Boom. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of creativity on our lives and the world around us.

How do the world's most successful creatives stay focused, continuously come up with new ideas, and keep getting booked for new jobs? What does it take to stay relevant in today's competitive industry? Particularly with the threat of AI hanging over all of us?

That's what we're here to find out. This week's guest is the incredibly talented illustrator and visual storyteller Christoph Niemann.

Christoph's work has graced the covers of The New Yorker, National Geographic, and The New York Times Magazine and captured the hearts of art lovers around the world. His unique ability to blend humour with poignancy and simplicity with depth makes his illustrations instantly recognisable.

In this episode, we'll explore the essential elements of Christoph's creative process. For many of you, his approach will resonate deeply as it mirrors the universal challenges and joys of creative work. Christoph believes that the process itself is an integral part of the final artwork, emphasising that the journey is just as important as the destination.

We'll also delve into what it takes to be a successful illustrator in today's competitive environment. Christoph will share his insights on how the industry has evolved over the past two decades, discussing the significant changes in publishing that have led to fewer traditional opportunities and how the demands from brands have shifted, influencing the kind of work produced.

Moreover, we'll discuss the role of AI in art and illustration. As technology continues to advance, Christoph will offer his perspective on how this impacts the field and where it might lead us. We'll consider the importance of human authenticity and how it could be the key to thriving in a world where digital and artificial creations are becoming ever more prevalent.

But while talent can spark an artist's journey, it's relentless hard work and dedication that carve out a successful career. Christoph is here to remind us that no matter the changes and challenges, continuing to push through is what makes the difference.

This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

What gives a brand its spark? That little bit of magic that no one else has? Is it even possible for a brand to be unique anymore? As the world becomes ever more connected, the art of branding has never been more critical or more challenging.

This week, we are talking about brand strategy with G Torto, senior director at Koto in Sydney, Australia. G, originally from London and now a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, helps ambitious companies stand up, stand out, and scale smartly. He's a founding member of Koto's fifth studio, bringing a wealth of experience in branding for tech and Software as a Service businesses.

In this episode, we explore how strategic thinking and creative innovation blend to create some of the most iconic brands today. From the difficulty of maintaining originality in a saturated market to integrating new technologies like AI in work processes, G gives us a Koto insider's view on what it takes to create lasting value in the fast-paced world of brand strategy these days.

This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

How does technology affect our daily lives and interactions, and what role does design play in making it more humane and delightful? Today, we're in conversation with Clara Gaggero Westaway, co-founder and creative director of Special Projects. Recently celebrating its tenth anniversary, the London-based design and innovation studio is known for its work in humanising technology, creating experiences that prioritise user friendliness and satisfaction.

Clara's expertise has guided Special Projects in partnerships with some of the biggest names in tech and research, like Samsung, Google, and King's College London, turning complex tech challenges into accessible solutions. From digital therapy tools for individuals with psychosis and enhancing smartphone usability for older people to helping us step away from our smartphones a little, her work exemplifies the power of empathetic design.

But what does it all mean? We ask Clara about the intricacies of creating technology that's helpful and not intrusive, the challenges and surprises of designing for a global audience, and the future trends she sees shaping the industry. We'll also take a closer look at her creative process, how her educational roles influence her professional practice, and how she and her team tackle the ethics of technology and design.

In this episode, Clara also shares how she sees everyday frustrations as opportunities and how drawing on them can create those "warm, fuzzy feelings" she loves so much. This conversation lies at the fascinating intersection of creativity, technology, and human-centric design with one of the industry's leading voices.

This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

We never really know how we’ll feel when we turn 30 or even 40. For some, it’s no big deal; for others, it can be a shock to the system. Where does the time go? And how do we keep going with work, responsibilities? How do we even stay relevant in the creative industry when so much new and young talent floods into the market every year?

And what about turning 50? For our next guest, it proved to be quite an earth-shattering event. Aaron Draplin is a legendary graphic designer who began his career in the snowboarding world before he went solo and worked for clients as big as Nike, Burton, Esquire, Ford Motor Company, and even the Obama Administration.

Any creative will know that Draplin is a huge name in the industry and is always around on the festival circuit. He’s also been featured on TED Talks and talks at Google. In 2019, he designed the Star Ribbon, a US postal stamp. He is the co-founder and designer for the Field Notes brand.

With so much success, you’d think he was happy to continue this momentum. But turning 50 last year changed everything. Draplin wants to slow down. Perhaps embrace minimalism. Figure out how to do less. And focus on more of the stuff that matters.

But is it easy for someone who’s never been shy of hard work to slacken the pace? Can Draplin find a way to stop running when he’s still got a decent amount of time left to design – if that’s what he wants to do? Or is graphic design becoming less of a priority? We sat down with Draplin to see where his head is at in 2024.

This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

We don't know where you grew up or where you call home, but we're from Stoke-on-Trent. Oatcakes, Port Vale, the friendliest and funniest people on Earth. Northern Soul and the rave scene. Shelleys, Kinetic, and Golden. And, of course, Wedgwood and Brindley.

Have you never heard of it? As a kid, we'd tell people we were from Manchester because everyone knows Manchester, and it's cool. But Stoke? Pah. We're ashamed to say we never sang its praises. But what did we know? We left Stoke for Manchester, seeking our fortune. But that was many years ago. And we've recently returned to the area. We see Stoke with fresh eyes now and proudly tell people that's where we're from.

Funny enough, we weren't the only ones with this attitude. Stoke has an unfair reputation, which is absurd given its affectionately known as The Potteries – a creative city that creates art from dirt and is now named the World Capital of Ceramics. But despite its incredible industrial heritage, the local and national news just seems to spout negative stories, and everyone talks about its decline.

But one person is hoping to change all that. Simon Davies is an industrial and product designer and co-founder of Protect-a-Pet, a company that sells his inventions worldwide, which help protect cats from the risk of free roaming. Si has big ambitions for the city. He is hugely passionate about the region and believes it's on the brink of a resurgence. A rebirth.

Fed up with seeing a place in post-industrial decline and driving past derelict buildings each day on his way to work, he and some others have set up a Community Interest Company called The Teapot Factory to bring people together and drive change. He's also behind a 'netwalking' event called the Teapot Tours, the first of which was attended by a few Chamber of Commerce members and some local artists. The idea was to bring together creatives and business people, something Stoke is famous for. The walks are guided by a local history expert and end at a venue with an interesting speaker or poet.

We wanted to find out more about a city with so much potential, a proud history, a talented workforce and a network of local creatives determined to make the Potteries legendary once more.

This season is proudly sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

We all want to lead more sustainable lives, but what about work? Are we doing enough to connect with clients that are making a difference? Do we even have any power as creatives to steer brands in the right direction if they're not quite there yet?

Of course, no one is perfect, but it's great that so many companies are taking strides towards becoming more sustainable and doing some good in the world. This week's guest is a brand consultant and creative director who hopes more will catch on. Teresa Ferreira launched her own design studio in 2023 after working as head of design at the Financial Times for nearly seven years. She enjoyed her time there and gained a holistic method of branding, which she applied to all her projects, but she was ready for change.

Passionate about the environment and hoping to make a difference, she's based her new venture on elevating brands in the sustainability and positive impact space. She has 15 years of experience and has worked across various industries, including media, health, travel, and luxury, and she's now supporting purpose-led businesses that are doing great things. She believes there is so much more she can do. As she puts it, we face many environmental and social challenges, and being a creative, I understand my power to influence businesses in the most conscious practices.

We wanted to get into that and much more, and we were curious to discover if establishing her own studio had met her expectations after almost 12 months of going solo.

This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

Social media has come a long way over the last two decades. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter weren't just great places to connect with others; they became how we built our creative businesses, found clients, and promoted our work.

But all good things must come to an end. Profits and shareholders inevitably entered the fray, twisting algorithms and features upside down. We've spent much time and effort chasing likes and clicks until we became exhausted, disengaged, and ready to try anything to market ourselves other than fire out another update.

Perhaps we're going through a shift again, as this week's guest might allude. Julian Glander is a Pittsburgh-based multidisciplinary artist who grew his reputation and business online but is now redefining his relationship with social networks. As a self-described "Internet artist", he admits he's trying to break or retrain his social media habits and find ways to use his time online more productively and intentionally.

This new approach played a big part in developing his new film, Boys Go to Jupiter – a fantastical coming-of-age story that he has self-financed and put together with a small team over the last few years. The movie tells the story of a teenage delivery driver in suburban Florida whose life is turned topsy-turvy by the arrival of a mysterious and adorable creature from another world.

It's been a real labour of love and, by far, the most ambitious and demanding thing he's ever worked on. To get it done, though, he had to pull lessons from his experiences in many different fields: illustration, video games, music, and animation. But he also made the best use of the web, calling upon his social networks to cast and recruit almost every voice actor in this film, including Joe Pera, Sarah Sherman and Elsie Fisher. He's even embraced TikTok and found success there, making new contacts and finding fresh inspiration.

As our online habits continue to change, we wanted to find out how one successful artist is adapting and embracing what seems to be a new era of social media and how we might follow suit.

This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

Fear can hold us back and make us feel stuck. But if we don't face the things that scare us, how will we ever progress? That's certainly the case for us creatives. Whether we're afraid of going freelance, starting a side project, applying for that job, or making a complete lifestyle shift, embracing what terrifies us could actually lead us to happiness. And if it doesn't? Well, there's always a lesson to be learned.

Joanna Henly is no stranger to change. She spent her childhood moving around, as her parents' careers dictated. On making new friends at different schools and getting used to new roots, she naturally built resilience and, as a result, didn't shy away from her fears.

That's not always been the case. Just like any of us, Joanna has her ups and downs. But in 2019, she suddenly decided to leave London for Lisbon, completely changing her entire lifestyle and career. And when the global pandemic happened, that only encouraged her to pursue her dreams even more.

She became a creative mentor and now works with aspiring, emerging and mid-term career artists to propel their creativity and careers forward. She's taken everything she's experienced from her own journey of being an illustrator, muralist, fine artist, and digital and VR painter to help others. Joanna has worked with Reebok, Google, Vivienne Westwood, and Wacom. She's presented her work and ideas as inspiration sessions for Apple and sold out workshops and masterclasses at venues including The V&A, The Saatchi and National Portrait Galleries.

Her artworks have even hung in the Saatchi Gallery and Somerset House, while her books are stocked at the Tate and National galleries. She's curated and exhibited solo shows in London and Hong Kong. More recently, she's presented ideas and interactive art with everyone from Google to fashion giants Galliano, painted in VR for the Land Rover Evoque world premiere, and so much more.

So, how on earth do the rest of us face and overcome fear? How do we move forward as creatives and discover new ways of working and living? Essentially, how do we become unstuck and move forward? Joanna gives some excellent advice for anyone itching to make a significant change this year.

This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.