Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to carry you through the week. Whether you need motivation or insights, we've got you covered!

In this episode, host Katy Cowan reflects on her recent visit to Manchester and a heartfelt conversation with David Sedgwick, founder of Studio DBD. After nearly a year away from the city and a challenging year recovering from a back injury, Katy reconnects with both Manchester and a new friend in Dave. The two discuss the importance of resilience, kindness, and what truly defines success in the creative industry. Dave's insights remind us that success isn't about size or money but feeling proud of what you've built, and he reflects on the value of authentic relationships and collaboration.

In Creative News this week, we talked about Gabriel Kay, a young designer from De Montfort University, who has reimagined the kettle with Osiris, a fully repairable design aimed at reducing e-waste. Named after the Egyptian god of rebirth, this kettle symbolises sustainability and the future of repair-friendly design. Cornish artist Judy Joel's charming illustrations will be featured on Royal Mail's 2024 Christmas stamps, capturing iconic cathedrals across the UK in her unique, naive style. And the Glasgow School of Art has won the Ladislav Sutnar Prize, acknowledging its global impact on art and design education.

The Spotlight shines on James Hughes from Folio Art, who shares insights on the future of illustration in a world of AI. While AI images are on the rise, James reassures illustrators that there's still demand for the warmth and nuance only human creativity can provide. He encourages illustrators to keep honing their skills to stand out in an evolving industry.

Our Book of the Week takes us back to a classic: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this philosophical memoir prompts readers to reflect on the essence of "Quality" and the search for meaning, blending personal journey with profound insights—a must-read for anyone seeking deeper understanding.

Our Tip of the Week offers advice for creative freelancers and studios: focus on building a strong reputation, emphasising unique strengths, and growing from within. Success comes from consistency, high standards, and a positive, professional presence.

And finally, in our Letters to the Editor, there's a touching message from listener Nicky, who found comfort in Katy and Dave's reflections on resilience and life's silver linings.

Don't miss next Monday's episode, in which Katy chats with Khyati Trehan, a talented graphic designer and 3D visual artist from New Delhi currently working at Google Creative Lab. They discuss balancing side projects, preventing burnout, and staying healthy while pursuing creative passions.