The Creative Careers and AI Podcast

What does it take to build a creative career when technology, client expectations and AI are constantly changing?

In this episode of The Creative Careers and AI Podcast, Jo talks to Tobias Donohoe, founder and director of TPD Creative, a Kent-based digital marketing and design agency.

Tobias shares his unconventional route into the creative industries, from engineering and industrial design to freelancing and eventually building his own agency. He discusses how the skills required in creative roles have evolved, how AI is changing design workflows and client expectations, and why creatives need to see AI as another tool rather than simply a threat.

The conversation also explores what employers are looking for from graduates entering a highly competitive jobs market, including strong portfolios, adaptability, communication skills and the ability to bring value from day one.

Tobias also shares practical advice on networking, freelancing, understanding the business side of creative work, and why following your creative interests still matters in an AI-driven world.

Topics include:

• Building a career across different creative disciplines
• How AI is changing agency workflows
• AI, Photoshop, CGI and 3D visualisation
• Changing expectations for entry-level creative roles
• What employers want to see in graduate portfolios
• Why communication and interpersonal skills matter
• Networking and building industry connections
• Freelancing and understanding the business of creativity
• Staying adaptable as creative technology continues to evolve

A useful conversation for students, graduates, educators and careers advisers thinking about how creative careers are changing in the age of AI.

We're back for Series 2 of the Creative Careers and AI podcast.

In this episode, Jo speaks with Ryan Grist, founder of Swwwift, a growing community supporting graphic designers across the UK. Drawing on almost 30 years of experience as a designer, freelancer, agency professional and business owner, Ryan shares his insights into how the design industry has evolved and what today's students and graduates need to succeed.

Together they discuss:

• The realities of freelancing and self-employment
• Why creative communities matter for career development
• Building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome
• The importance of networking and personal branding
• Essential software and skills for aspiring designers
• How AI is transforming design practice and employment opportunities
• Practical advice for educators preparing students for creative careers

Ryan offers a positive and pragmatic perspective on AI, encouraging emerging designers to embrace new technologies while continuing to develop the creative thinking, communication skills and design fundamentals that remain uniquely human.

Whether you're a student, graduate, educator or creative professional, this episode provides valuable insights into the future of graphic design and creative careers in an AI-driven world.

#CreativeCareers #GraphicDesign #AI #DesignEducation #CreativeIndustries #Freelancing

How is AI changing career pathways into the creative industries?

In this episode of The Creative Careers and AI Podcast, Jo speaks with Rosie Carter, Research Officer at Bectu, the UK's trade union for workers across the creative industries. Rosie shares insights from her research into how AI is affecting creative work, job opportunities, skills development and freelancing across sectors including film, television, broadcasting, theatre, digital media and live events.

Together they discuss:

• Whether AI is reducing entry-level opportunities

• How creative careers are evolving

• The growing importance of ethics, critical thinking and editorial judgement

• What educators can do to prepare students for the future workforce

• Why human creativity remains at the heart of the creative industries

• Advice for students concerned about AI and their future careers

This episode concludes Series 1 of The Creative Careers and AI Podcast.

A huge thank you to everyone who has listened, subscribed, shared episodes and supported the podcast over the past series.

We'll be back in September with Series 2 and more conversations exploring the future of creative careers in an AI world.

If you've enjoyed Series 1, please follow the podcast and share it with colleagues, students, graduates and educators. Your support helps grow the community and ensures you won't miss Series 2 when we return in September.

In this episode of The Creative Careers and AI Podcast, Jo is joined by Tom Box, Co-Founder of Blue Zoo Animation, one of the UK's leading animation studios.

From the early days of computer animation to today's rapidly evolving AI landscape, Tom reflects on how the industry has changed over the past 26 years and what the future holds for creative professionals.

Together, Jo and Tom explore how AI is being integrated into animation workflows, the opportunities and challenges it presents, and why creativity remains at the heart of successful creative careers.

The conversation also examines the skills employers are looking for, the future of graduate and entry-level roles, and how educators can help prepare students for an increasingly technology-enabled creative industry.

Whether you're studying animation, teaching creative subjects, or working in the creative industries, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of creativity, technology and employability.

Topics covered include:

• AI in animation and creative workflows
• The future of animation careers
• Creativity and emerging technologies
• Graduate employability and industry skills
• Adaptability, curiosity and problem-solving
• Preparing students for the future of work
• How animation studios are approaching AI

In this episode of The Creative Careers & AI podcast, Jo is joined by Christopher Linington, a Senior Environment Artist, to explore what it really takes to succeed in the games industry.

Christopher shares his journey from leaving university to landing his first paid role, offering an honest look at the challenges, persistence, and skills required to build a career as an environment artist.

Together, they discuss:

• What a Senior Environment Artist does
• How AI is shaping workflows in the games and creative industries
• The realities of transitioning from university into industry
• Practical advice for students aiming to break into environment art
• Key insights for educators preparing students for creative careers

Whether you're a student aspiring to work in games, or a tutor supporting creative talent, this episode is packed with real-world insight and actionable advice.

The Creative Careers & AI podcast explores how emerging technologies are transforming creative industries—and how you can prepare for the future.

How can educators design assessments that work with AI rather than against it? 
 
In this episode, Jo speaks with Simon Starr, Learning Designer at Canterbury Christ Church University, about the evolving role of AI in higher education. Together, they explore AI and sustainability, assessment design that reduces academic misconduct, an AI Assessment Scale, and how tutors are integrating AI into teaching.

Celia joins Jo to discuss how the Graphic Design industry has evolved over time from 30 years ago, when desktop publishing started up to the present day with the advances in AI. Some great insights and advice from Celia to all those interested in graphic design and creative students.

Join Jo as she chats with HaZ Dulull, CEO of Beyond The Pixels and Sammy Kingston, CEO of Virtual Umbrella. Find out how AI is changing not just the games and VR industries, but also gain insights from HaZ into the film industry. With top tips and advice for students hoping to enter these creative industries, this episode is not to be missed.

Join Jo as she chats with screen writer and director Charlie Tidmas about his role as screen writer and film director. Gain insights into what you can do to stand out from other graduates and hear about Charlie's screen writing process.

In the second part of the conversation with Michi Masumi, Jo talks with Michi about how she uses AI to give her poetry a voice to create her art songs and explores the deeper meanings behind the poetry. Michi also shares some great advice for students and young creatives.