I'm joined by the Executive Creative Director of Wasserman, Rich Jones. Wasserman is a sports & entertainment marketing company based in LA and Rich shares his experience of fighting for creativity, and keeping things fresh in a time-based industry.We dig into the importance of healthy relationships and a dynamic, fun environment for staff not just to do their job, but to be themselves and a part of something in which they matter.Rich reminisces about the days of big drawing desks and the smell of marker pens, but also offers some interesting thoughts on adapting creativity to new roles and new technologies as times change.As ever, the show is supported by founding sponsor, Illustration X. You can view their global range of illustrators and animators at https://illusrationx.com. The agency recently gained B-Corp accreditation!https://www.teamwass.com/https://bentallon.comRich on Linkedin: https://shorturl.at/gN249

Kelly Korzun made the decision not to make money from her art. The purity of it meant too much to her, and we get into that, along with the twinned journey with Marc Chagall she grew aware of.How did her artist interview and feature project, 'METAL & DVST' originate, and why is it essential to embrace your 'shadow' self for mental wellbeing.We get onto the unlikely, but interesting topic of pornography.As ever supported by founding sponsor and b-corp Illustration X - https://illustrationx.comhttps://www.metalndvst.com/https://www.instagram.com/metalndvst/?hl=en-gbhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

Automation is here. At first subconsciously, then consciously, I found myself factoring AI into my decision-making - the work I chose to create, the direction I chose to push forward in, and the broader value of each of my skills.As an artist, illustrator, letterer, podcaster, writer, and speaker, each of my disciplines came under the lens of this new technology.Like all tech before it, much good and bad will come of it. So where do we, as independent artists, illustrators, designers, and writers fit into the conversation? I chose to conduct an audit of my practice and share it with you in the hope it might encourage similar audits and introspections. We are already late, and if we are to thrive moving forward, we have to understand the role of AI in our industry, what it might enhance, and of course, what it might eradicate.The show is supported by Illustration X, a certified B Corp representing the world's best illustrators, animators and artists. https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://theaoi.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Pretty Clever is a Bournemouth-based design studio. Described as 'smart, caring, ethical folks who are keen to make a positive impact on the world' I'm joined by founder John Burton who discusses their recent B Corp accreditation, when he realised he wanted to make work for good, and the winding road he had to take to get there.We sign off on a hopeful message in worrying times for humanity, to hopefully drag a few heads out of the soupy despair...Check out the Pretty Clever home at: https://prettycleverstudio.com/Supported as ever by fellow B Corp agency Illustration X. Browse their global range of illustrators and animators now at https://illustrationx.comFor my art: https://bentallon.comFor my words: https://bentallonwriter.comPlease do consider leaving a review, subscribing, and spreading the word to support the show.

Graphic designer Kieron Lewis joins me to discuss his work and creative story, from south London roots to freelancing, via Olga & Kay, his brilliant collaboration creating meaningful work for great causes, to his recent design for 'Still Breathing: 100 Black Voices on Racism' - a staggering showcase of the power of considered, impactful activism.The show is sponsored by founding supporter Illustration X. Head to https://illustrationx.com now to see their global range of illustration and animation portfolios.https://kieronlewis.com/https://www.olgaandkay.com/abouthttps://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/still-breathing-100-black-voices-on-racism-100-ways-to-change-the-narrative-suzette-llewellyn/5038645?ean=9780310126737https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.com

Karalyte enables next-generation entrepreneurs, brand leaders, and creators to create meaningful and memorable brands for the world. Together with her team, founder, Egle Karalyte has helped to elevate such brands as Cooper/DesignIt, Fotolia/Adobe, MTV Lebanon, The New School, Paris Telecom Incubator, Google Campus London.She joins me as she launches 'Bloomerang' - her impressive new game design to help anyone, whether they are creating a brand, an art piece, or simply searching for their way under the sun. Bloomerang supports all creators no matter where you are in your adventure.We discuss the value of guardrails when trying to direct our creativity, the organic growth of Egle's idea to use the game format to share the work and learning she's been brilliantly doing for years, and looking for fairies in childhood.Episode 191 is supported by founding sponsor, Illustration X. See their global range of illustration and animation portfolios at https://illustrationx.comTo learn more about Egle and Bloomerang, visit https://karalyte.com/ and follow instagram.com/bloomerang.game for the latest on Egle's events.Any reviews and subscriptions are incredibly valuable, as is sharing the show with those who might enjoy it!https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

'Life on a Lamppost' is a short fiction story written by Ben Tallon, for a book produced by OFFF Festival 2023.Here is the exclusive audio version with a score by Dirty Freud.The times are troubled and we've all felt the rising panic in our stretched minds. Here is one take on it.The show is supported by Illustration X. See their global range of illustrator and animator portfolios at https://illustrationx.comFor Dirty Freud's Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dirtyfreud or his Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2c5NcXidirDDqL3sc3vW8Shttps://www.offf.barcelona/https://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.com

In a capitalist society, knowing how to do the right thing is tough. Katie Klencheski showed signs from an early age - through her drawing and ideas - that she cared about something bigger than herself. Via a winding road, she founded what became Smakk Studios - a New York-based agency supporting brands that want to make a positive impact.We get into the confusing world of ethics from a consumer, creative, and business standpoint, discussing work in packaging, branding, design, and more, and the nature of conversations had around sustainability with clients.How much room is there for us as individuals and agencies to ethically challenge our clients?Get our thoughts and feedback over @bentallon or @bentallonpod on social media, or [email protected] via email.The show is supported by the founding sponsor, Illustration X. See their global range of illustrators and animators at www.illustrationx.comhttps://smakkstudios.com/https://www.instagram.com/smakk_studios/https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comMusic for the show by: https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/

Jeffrey Madoff described branding as a story well told. The founder and CEO of New York's Madoff Productions joins me to delve into effective, strong branding, and the creativity that has to drive it.Jeffrey discusses the importance of projecting with confidence, and why building relationships with clients is everything.Madoff Productions have worked with the likes of Victoria's Secret and Ralph Lauren for many years and Jeffrey lets us in on the inner workings.The podcast is supported by Illustration X. Https://illustrationx.com for their global range of illustrators and animators.https://madoffproductions.com/https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

Column 5 in the ongoing series of articles written by The Creative Condition host, and illustrator Ben Tallon.Exploring the nature and behaviour of creativity, the latest looks at vulnerability and it's potential value in sending the right message to potential clients.You can read any of the previous columns at https://designweek.co.ukThe Creative Condition is sponsored by Illustration X. You can see their global roster of artists, illustrators and animators at https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com