Send a text

Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. 

Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose art!

Well, if you're of a certain age, then that might sound a little bit familiar, but on this episode, we're joined by an artist who has done just that... they've chosen art.  

An artist who now uses their love of creativity, screen prints, fluorescent inks, and, in their words, potty mouth high jinks to shine a light on some of the inequalities and injustices in the world that make them angry.

On this episode, we are joined by Blam from Grow Up Art. 

Blam grew up wanting to be an artist, but not knowing what that looked like, he found himself working as a designer within the film and music industry.

And it was here that Blam helped create some of the most iconic imagery of the nineties. When a brief for the Danny Boyle film Trainspotting landed on his desk, he was asked to design the poster. 

Yeah, that's right! Blam designed the original Trainspotting poster, and that alone would be a great reason to have him on the podcast. But the creative journey didn't stop there.

Leaving the limitations and deadlines of the design world behind him when his children were born. Blam began to pursue different avenues of creativity and, for the next 10 years, worked on his own ventures and, more importantly, on being a dad to his children. 

The transition from designer to artist came much later, when Blam and his eldest son, Jack, began working and creating together as Grow Up Art, producing a wide spectrum of work, all with that comedic potty-mouth edge. 

But now, having grown apart, Blam is riding solo, and with his influences in punk, his work has taken a slightly more political edge, using art and creativity in his words to 'Call out Cunts!'

The most famous of which being the 'Turd Reich'. A piece of work that went viral in 2025, being picked up by The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Guardian.  And a piece that was released for free and has been downloaded over a hundred thousand times worldwide. 

We discuss the whole journey and so much more. We talk about everything from making work that makes people spit their drinks out. The Broken Filters, Democratic Art and Blam's latest project with Atom Gallery, TrainSpotters, the exhibition. 

An exhibition that takes us full circle, and which celebrates the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting. Revisited and reimagined by 30 other artists, and where some of the profits will go to The Big Issue.

You can check out the links to Blam's work while you're listening to the podcast, of course. 

But we go into so much in this one that it's probably best to leave it up to the Blam to tell the story. 

Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

GROW UP ART INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/grow_up_art_/

GROW UP ART WEBSITE: https://www.growupart.com/

Support the show

CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/join

CNL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/creativenowhereland/

CNL PODCAST MUSIC: https://www.instagram.com/jjodabeats/

Send us a text

Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. 

Art is shit! Or is it?

On this episode, we are joined by Artist, Mr Edwards, who describes his work as a Pop Dada Party filled with a cast of characters, all of his own making. As long as it makes him laugh, anything is fair game when it comes to him creating.

Mr Edwards has had an interesting creative journey. From studying at St. Martin's and the Royal College of Art to a career spent as a designer working for ID magazine. Then running his own agency, Nice. Where he was working with high-profile clients like Converse and Levi's.

A collector of all things visual. We discuss all of that and more, like the big decision to immigrate to Australia and the shift that pushed Mr Edwards towards art and creating without worrying if people get offended or not. Because, well, sometimes they do get offended.  

You can check out the links to Mr Edwards' work while you're listening to the podcast, of course. 

But we go into so much in this one that it's probably best to leave it up to the self-confessed troublemaker and Justin Bieber lookalike, Mr Edwards, to tell the story. 

Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

MR EDWARDS INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/misteredwards/

MR EDWARDS SHOP: https://www.etsy.com/shop/misteredwards

Support the show

CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/join

CNL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/creativenowhereland/

CNL PODCAST MUSIC: https://www.instagram.com/jjodabeats/

Send us a text

Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. 

Casual and meaningless are everywhere right now, but real connections are rare, and finding those connections in a world that seems increasingly disconnected is what the podcast is all about. It's what I'm all about! 

It's a little unusual, but when you feel that connection, sometimes you just have to act, and this episode is the epitome of that idea.

Completely unplanned. Just two humans who the universe aligned in a city of over 2 million people and who found a connection through honesty, vulnerability, art, darkness, and the beauty that can be found in some of that darkness.

I believe that everything is connected and that I was always supposed to meet the guest who's on this episode. He's a creator, a graphic designer, he draws, he's a DJ, a music producer, and he has his own record label, and he uses all of these ways to express himself creatively. 

But this episode isn't about the work as such. It's more about two people connecting through vulnerability, honesty, and openness.

We get deep on this one. We talk about the journey, and we discuss difficult topics like grief and loss and how leaning into some of those harder emotions and connecting to the deeper side of ourselves is often where you'll find the most beautiful stuff.

We discuss living in the moment, resilience and how we have to keep going no matter what happens in life because we are the art!

There's no such thing as a coincidence, and the universe put us together when we needed to meet. Two like-minded souls, finding connection through art and experiences. And that's what the podcast is all about. 

He doesn't call himself an artist. He's an expressor, and his name is Lolo. 

Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

LOLO INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/l0_l0s/

Support the show

CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/join

CNL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/creativenowhereland/

CNL PODCAST MUSIC: https://www.instagram.com/jjodabeats/

Send us a text

Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

Now, this might seem like a massive question, but are you living your life with purpose? 

Maybe it's something that you haven't even thought about until right now, or maybe you think it's about finding that single grand calling or once-in-a-lifetime revelation that's reserved for the lucky few who have just managed to get it all worked out well.

On this episode, we are joined by the wonderful Hannah Miller. An author, a businesswoman, and a strength coach who specialises in helping to guide people to live lives with more intention and purpose. And she has literally written a book on it.

Studies have shown that having a clear sense of purpose improves not only our mental and physical health but also boosts our wellbeing, lowers our stress levels, and even increases life expectancy. 

So Hannah's here to help. By explaining why purpose isn't just reserved for the select few and why it's not about a single grand calling, but that finding our purpose can happen for anyone in any situation, as long as we're willing to do the work. 

We discuss how purpose is something that builds, something that evolves and shifts over time when we understand who we are as people and our values. It's something that's already within us based on our talents, personalities, and experiences. 

But I get it. It all probably still sounds a bit daunting, right? 

But that's why we also go into some of the practical and actionable steps in Hannah's book, 'The Purpose Pursuits: Eight Steps to the Life You've Been Searching For.' Steps that we can all use to try and uncover or build a sense of purpose in our lives. That's shaped by our own unique strengths and passions. 

You can check out the links to all of Hannah's platforms, including the link to buy the book, while you're listening to the podcast, of course.

But for now, sit back and let Hannah explain why purpose isn't just about discovering what you are here to do, but actually about who you are here to be.

Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

BUY IT NOW: 'The Purpose Pursuits: Eight Steps to the Life You've Been Searching For.' 

HANNAH MILLER WEBSITE: https://www.hellosidekick.co/

HANNAH MILLER INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/hellohannahmiller/

Support the show

CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/join

CNL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/creativenowhereland/

CNL PODCAST MUSIC: https://www.instagram.com/jjodabeats/

Send us a text

Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

What's the difference between art therapy and having a creative practice that feels therapeutic? 

As it turns out, quite a lot—and in this episode, art psychotherapist and practising artist Claire Hilton helps us understand those differences.

Claire has always been creative and understood the benefits of creating from a young age as a way of processing some of the feelings related to her father being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

With this understanding, Claire went on to study Fine Art and then a Master's in Art Psychotherapy, turning her love of creating and her love of people into something that has a real impact for the clients that she works with.

For many of us, art is a way to express something or communicate a feeling, often with a finished piece in mind. But art therapy isn’t about creating a final outcome. It’s about connecting with ourselves, exploring what’s happening beneath the surface, and focusing on the process. As an art psychotherapist, Claire witnesses that process and helps join the dots of what may be going on internally for her clients.

In this episode, we talk about Claire's creative journey, her path to becoming an art psychotherapist, and how she balances that with her own art practice.

We also explore why there’s no such thing as good or bad art, why people with an existing creative practice may struggle with art therapy, the bravery it takes to create, and the value of making art no one else ever sees.

Claire also shares tips for beating creative block and, a big one for many of us, how to overcome the fear of things not being perfect.

Check out the links below to both Claire's psychotherapy work as well as her personal artwork while you're listening to the podcast, of course!  

But for now, get comfortable and let's find out why maybe we all need a little bit of therapy.

Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

CLAIRE HILTON ART THERAPY WEBSITE: https://www.creatingspacesessions.com/

CLAIRE HILTON ART THERAPY INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacesessions/

CLAIRE HILTON ART INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/misshiltonink/

Support the show

CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/join

CNL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/creativenowhereland/

CNL PODCAST MUSIC: https://www.instagram.com/jjodabeats/

Send us a text

Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. 

On this episode, we're joined by Poet, Writer, Educator, and Performer Casey Bailey. 

Casey is a storyteller and, from a young age, realised the power of words to influence people in both a positive and sometimes negative way.

His work spans Poetry, Music, Theatre, Books, and TV, creating work for both the Commonwealth Games and the Hit TV show, The Peaky Blinders. But, at the core of it all is education and community. For Casey, it's all about being a positive input. To create a positive impact. 

Things could have easily gone very differently for Casey though. Growing up in an environment of crime, poverty, and gang culture, Casey had to try and balance two lives, one studying for university, and one in and around the streets. A balance that nearly cost him his life. While trying to diffuse a situation, Casey got stabbed, a life-changing moment that could have gone either way.

Luckily, Casey chose to turn that negative into a positive, and what he's achieved as a result has created an unquestionable impact on many people's lives. 

In this episode, we discuss Casey's journey from being kicked out of English class to becoming Birmingham's Poet Laureate. Being stabbed and balancing two lives, forgiveness, and not being defined by our mistakes.

We talk about music, poetry, and theatre, and how limitations can actually aid creativity. We discuss teaching and how we help open conversations to inspire young people, but most importantly, how if you can't stop and feel like the stuff that you've done has been positive for you or other people, then what's the point?

Check out the links below to see Casey's website and social media while you're listening to the podcast, of course!  

Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

CASEY BAILEY WEBSITE: https://caseybailey.co.uk/

CASEY BAILEY INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/casey_bailey/

Support the show

CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/join

CNL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/creativenowhereland/

CNL PODCAST MUSIC: https://www.instagram.com/jjodabeats/

Send us a text

Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. 

Faces become vessels of lingering memory. The world falls away, but the human remains. 

Beautiful Right?  Well, these are just some of the poetic ways that our latest guest uses to describe her work.

Emma Woolley is a contemporary portrait artist with a bold and expressive style who uses her work as a way of processing emotions and memories, not only to connect with herself, but also as a way of connecting with other people.

Emma studied fine art and then went back to study graphic design and illustration at university, and has spent the last 20 years working as an art director using her creativity to tell stories, problem-solve, and translate ideas for big brands and businesses.

But after a series of life-changing events, including sadly losing her Mum, forced her into stillness for the first time in a very long time. Emma found her way back to painting, realising that she could use it as a way of finding hope again, and a light at the end of a very dark tunnel. 

No longer neglecting herself as an artist, painting has been at the forefront for the last few years, and she's been prolific. Emma has produced multiple bodies of work, including 'The Wonder Series' and 'The Space Between Us'. She's been shortlisted for the Women in Art Prize, there's been a solo exhibition and also a beautiful 72-page hardback book, 'Paint Lingers', which acts as a time capsule or kind of visual diary of Emma's journey back to painting.
 
In this episode, we discuss the whole creative journey so far. 

Everything from Emma finding her style and, in her words, painting in mid fidelity, to what it's like to balance being an art director with being an actual artist.

The need for creatives to feel fulfilled,  the use of art to process some of those tough emotions, why telling your story is so important and why connection never stops and why it's one of the most important things for us humans to hold onto. 

Check out the links below to see Emma's work while you're listening to the podcast, of course!  Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

EMMA WOOLLEY WEBSITE: https://www.emma-woolley.co.uk/

EMMA WOOLLEY INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/emma_woolley_artist/

Support the show

CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/join

CNL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/creativenowhereland/

CNL PODCAST MUSIC: https://www.instagram.com/jjodabeats/

Send us a text

Welcome to The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

When do you get to call yourself a 'proper' artist? 

Is it when you sell your first piece of work? Is it when you've done a master's degree? Is it when you've exhibited internationally, had sellout shows, and amassed a huge social media following? Or is it when your work is recognised by huge art world names like the Saatchi Gallery or The Royal Academy?

Well, our guest on this episode, Sophie Derrick, has done all of that and more, and even she sometimes struggles with that question. 

Sophie is a portrait artist, often using herself as the subject and the canvas. Who plays with the dualities of photography and painting, the real and the abstract, tactile paint and the flat image to create work that is both bold and in your face, and also kind of hidden and intriguing.

In this episode, Sophie talks us through her creative journey from studying fine art at Leeds University, finding her distinct style and some of the ideas behind that style, to some of the challenges of navigating the art world while doing a master's degree at the same time. Imposter syndrome, and the solitude of being alone in the studio a lot as an artist with little or no feedback coming your way.

We talk about taxidermied animals and about an interview to work for Damien Hirst. What it's like exhibiting internationally and at galleries like the Saatchi Gallery and what it was actually like to be selected for the Royal Academy Summer Show.

But we also talk about, in Sophie's words, her best body of work and solo show 'Close to Nothing'.

And most impressively, what it looks like when trying to create. Follow your passion and be a quote-unquote 'proper' artist, while being a busy mom of three young children. 

No, easy task, as I'm sure you can imagine!  

Check out the links below to see Sophie's work while you're listening to the podcast, of course!  Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

SOPHIE DERRICK WEBSITE: https://www.sophiederrickart.com/

SOPHIE DERRICK INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/sophiederrickart/

Support the show

CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/join

CNL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/creativenowhereland/

CNL PODCAST MUSIC: https://www.instagram.com/jjodabeats/

Send us a text

Welcome to The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

On this episode, we're joined by East London-based artist, painter, and printmaker Carl Stimpson.

Growing up in a small town, Carls' influences weren't the classic art from the big galleries because, well, it just wasn't easily accessible. His major art influences came from the stuff around him, the comic books, the cartoons, the magazines, and the advertising, all of which have helped define Carl's distinct style of work.

Despite battling terrible shyness, Carl's creative talents were recognised by his father. Who encouraged him to pursue a more creative life and go and study fine art at university, which set the wheels in motion to a life dedicated to creating.

In this episode, we discuss Carl's creative journey from perfecting his craft as a painter and a colourist, to overcoming the hurdles of being painfully shy and instead of talking, using his art as a means of communicating ideas and emotions to people.

We also talk about Carl's multiple solo shows, including a pretty crazy one in Russia, selling a painting to Noel Gallagher from Oasis, and how social media is actually great for building your network as an introvert.

We also talk about how, in the purest way possible, as long as Carl can create, it doesn't matter what it takes. 

It's all about creating!

Check out the links below to see Carl's work while you're listening to the podcast, of course!  Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

CARL STIMPSON WEBSITE: https://www.carlstimpson.com/

CARL STIMPSON INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/carl.stimpson/

Support the show

CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/join

CNL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/creativenowhereland/

CNL PODCAST MUSIC: https://www.instagram.com/jjodabeats/

Send us a text

Welcome to The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

Now, one of the things I love most about doing this podcast is getting to share the stories of people who take their creativity and actually turn it into something real. And today’s guest has done that in the most electrifying way possible—literally. Jack Quddus, the founder of Neon Cow

At just 23 years old, Jack has already achieved what many entrepreneurs spend decades chasing. He’s created custom neon signs for huge names like Gymshark, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Premier League football clubs, NFL teams, and even rapper Ja Rule.

But Jack’s story isn’t just about building signs—it’s about building a vision. Starting out at his mum’s kitchen table, Jack taught himself everything he knows through sheer determination, curiosity, and a relentless work ethic. His entrepreneurial spark was lit long before Neon Cow, from selling sweets in the school playground to learning vital business lessons from his grandparents, Derek and Pauline, who’ve run their Birmingham corner shop for over 60 years.

In this episode, we explore Jack’s journey from property finance to a solo trip to New York that changed everything, leading him to leave the corporate world behind and take the leap from side hustle into running his own creative business. 

We discuss what it's taken to get to where Jack is.  The non-negotiables, the power of 1% marginal gains, the importance of self-belief and gratitude, and why focusing on your own path is key to long-term success.

Jack’s story is a reminder that extraordinary things can start small. But if you’re willing to put in the work, the possibilities are endless.

Whether you’re dreaming of starting a side hustle, building a brand, or just looking for some motivation, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Check out the links below to the Neon Cow Instagram and the Website as you listen. Maybe ry their new AI 

NEON COW INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/neoncowco/

NEON COW WEBSITE: https://theneoncow.co.uk/

Support the show

CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/join

CNL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/creativenowhereland/

CNL PODCAST MUSIC: https://www.instagram.com/jjodabeats/