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.

In this episode Jo speaks with photographer, poet, transdisciplinary artist and PhD student Michi Masumi about her creative work and why she has decided to experiment with using AI in her practice. A two time recipient of the London Photography Awards (2023 and 2024), Michi's PhD practice combines creative production with critical analysis, examining how AI systems reproduce bias and flatten identity.

The conversation with Michi spans over two episodes. In this episode we focus on Michi's digital artworks and photography.

Emma has returned to the podcast to interview former student Regan Dacey who is now a social media and marketing manager. Emma and Regan talk about how he uses AI in his workflow and offers some useful advice to creative students.

Join Jo as she chats to Chris about how he uses AI in his workflow, what challenges he has faced and what advice he gives creative students wanting to enter a career in virtual world building.