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

What happens when the creative discipline we've trained for cannot express what we need to say? London-based artist Adelaide Damoah takes us on a journey from racist bullying in a London primary school, through ill health and a dramatic career switch from pharmaceutical to art, all the way to Ghana where she fell in love with the exploration of her heritage through performance art and narrative.Why is it important to feel, and find out what is right for our creativity at any given time, when it is all too easy to stick with what we've always done, staying in our comfort zone?Adelaide's story is a superb showcase of the great things that can happen when we stay true to our heart and listen to the soul.The Creative Condition is supported by Illustration X. Head to https://illustrationx.com to see their incredible global range of illustrators and animators.Photograph by Carla Van De Puttellar https://www.instagram.com/carlavandeputtelaar/?hl=enhttps://adelaidedamoahart.com/https://instagram.com/adelaidedamoahhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.com

OFFF Festival founder Héctor Ayuso joins me ahead of the 22nd year of the giant Barcelona creative industry festival he created.Héctor talks candidly about childhood trauma, years of therapy, and a life spent facing fear to grow.We cover the role of socialising in the creative process, getting inspired, and what it felt like to return to the festival after the COVID-19 pandemic.OFFF runs from 22nd - 25th March and tickets are still available. Head to https://www.offf.barcelona/ now to find out more.The show is supported by Illustration X. You can see their global range of illustrators and animators at https://illustrationx.com now.

Many of us spend long hours, working passionately to make work we believe in. So why is getting the work seen not prioritised in the same way?Design Week editor gives us an insight into his new course, 'Designers and Creatives: How to Talk to the Press', and shares some golden tips for maximising exposure for our creative work.Enrol on the course now: https://www.talkingtopress.com/The show is supported by https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://designweek.co.uk

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many people tapped into some part of themselves they'd stopped listening to. As our lives got faster and more intensely paced than ever before, in the work hard, must achieve, and progress culture, we forgot to listen to our younger selves.Why did we want to create in the first place? What was it that made us feel the magic and wonder of being alive in those purer years of play and exploration? Why did we choose to go to art or design school? And when did we last stop to check we were still on the right course, and not just making money, or chasing someone else's definition of success?Peleg Top is a coach and mentor for accomplished creatives at a crossroads. We discuss his own story, and how his own emptiness as a designer left him in what he calls a 'spiritual crisis' before beginning to reconnect to his purpose. Digging into the observations and lessons he has learned, and now shares, we lay out some of the most common traps and remedies for others at their own personal creative crossroads.The show is kindly supported by Illustration X. See their global range of illustrators and animators, and learn about their work supporting the creative industry at https://illustrationx.com now.Get your in to feedback @bentallon, @bentallonpod or [email protected] more about Peleg's mentorship work at: https://www.pelegtop.com/Find him on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pelegtop/https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

The 4th in the series of articles written for Design Week, brought to you in audio format by The Creative Condition, supported by Illustration X.People are still, understandably struggling to return to the pre-COVID levels of social activity. How important are positive relationships to the creative process? Here are some thoughts.Read in full, along with other pieces at https://designweek.co.ukhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://illustrationx.com

Artist and fashion designer Sam D'Cruze is the founder of 'Child Of,' a project supporting the children of addicts through creativity, conversation and artistic expression.Sam candidly discusses the experience of managing her father's alcohol dependency, and the role it played in her creative and personal development. We get into the topic of using artistic expression to work through and cope with the insurmountable monsters in our lives.The show is supported by Illustration X. Check out their global range of illustration and animation portfolios now at https://illustrationx.comhttps://www.samdcruze.com/child-of#:~:text=child%20of%20launched%20at%20the,through%20art%2C%20mentorship%20and%20workshops.https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

James Brown's Loaded Magazine was at the heart of the UK's cultural explosion in the mid-1990s. Despite the misperception that it was no more than soft porn, the magazine was built on fun, chaos, creativity and the desire to capture the voice of young men at a time when nobody was representing them.James learned his trade by making his fanzine 'Attack On Bzag' and was NME's features editor by the time he was 22. His story is among the greatest examples of using initiative, passion and play to overcome economic and cultural hurdles and make something unique, that had soul. He opens up about the ideas, attitude and methods behind it, and provides golden advice for those looking to thrive on their terms in troubled times.He would go on to edit GQ and Hotdog before creating Leeds, Leeds, Leeds Magazine through passion for his boyhood club, Leeds United and new time on his hand thanks to sobriety.James' excellent new memoir, 'Animal House' is incredibly motivating, and is out now: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/animal-house-9781787477902/9781787477940?gclid=Cj0KCQiAiJSeBhCCARIsAHnAzT-KAlLo3Pc0hiFXUEHH123ME-kkO-nXaRrVyqgRFEXmQsLlsYNBzrwaAoWjEALw_wcBhttps://twitter.com/jamesjamesbrownSHOW SPONSOR! Https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://twitter.com/TheMekons (Jon Langford, Attack on Bzag cover artist)Happy Mondays: https://twitter.com/Happy_Mondays?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthorhttps://www.instagram.com/alanmcgee93/?hl=en (Alan McGee)

One-half of Studio BND (But Never Dull) Ben Mottershead joins me to discuss allowing neurodivergent people to flourish in the right creative environment.Ben has ADHD and gives a great insight into the need for balance in a design environment so the weaknesses can be managed or carried by better-equipped people, and the strengths can be housed in a way that benefits all.We also get into the vital role of in-person socialising and positive relationships away from the screen among many other things.Out tomorrow! Supported by IllustrationX https://illustrationx.comhttps://studiobnd.com/https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

It's rough out there. We can't do it all on our own. Nor should we try.A ramble about protecting mental health by identifying our cause.Supported by Illustration X. https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.com

The 2nd in the new series of articles written for Design Week, brought to you in audio format by The Creative Condition, supported by Illustration X.The debates rage about AI art and design. Will we fall to the singularity, or can we assimilate this great tool into our profession? Only creativity and human empathy will decide.Read in full at designweek.co.ukbentallonwriter.combentallon.comillustrationx.com

DixonBaxi is 21. Founders Simon Dixon and Aporva Baxi return to the show after five years. A lot has happened.We talk about what it takes to stay fresh, creative, and energised over the course of a long-term project. Why it's critical to create work for yourself to ignite passion and the challenge of designing for football clubs.This one is jam-packed with advice and insights for those in the visual communication world.The show is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X. Their global portfolio of artists, illustrators, and animators can be seen at https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://dixonbaxi.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

What is a flow state? How do we enter them? When do we have them? I'm joined by Professor Anna Abraham, a neuroscientist and psychologist who specialises in creativity. We cover the value of switching off in a hyper-busy world, and why creativity has a critical role to play in our futures and human happiness.The show is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X. Their global portfolio of artists, illustrators, and animators can be seen at https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttp://www.anna-abraham.com/https://bentallonwriter.com

Illustrator Ollie Hirst joins me to discuss the importance of understanding the broader scope of illustration work, channeling our own adversities, and promotion.He is relatively new to the industry but has many valuable insights into working as an editorial illustrator and why it is unsustainable to rely on one market for income in these uncertain times.Stability is crucial for freelancers and he provides tips and experiences on the matter.Supported by Illustration X: https://illustrationx.comhttps://www.olliehirst.co.uk/https://bentallon.com

The 2nd in the new series of articles written for Design Week, brought to you in audio format by The Creative Condition, supported by Illustration X.'Be Yourself' is strong advice... if you know what yourself means. Ben Tallon explores the idea of the self and ways we can better embrace all aspects of personality and feeling to illuminate the right path for our creative lives.Read in full at https://designweek.co.ukhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://illustrationx.com

Dan Kieran decided to leave Unbound, the crowd-funding publisher he co-founded in 2010. From the outside looking in, this was not a logical decision. But returning to his role as a writer felt right. We discuss this in-depth, why our instincts and feelings are often our greatest compass, and why we routinely defy them.This is a mazy chat about finding our way by learning to see the crumbs left in our path. Dan shares an inspiring story of overcoming adversity that will blow your mind!Supported by https://illustrationx.comhttps://twitter.com/dan_kieranhttps://unbound.com/https://bentallon.comhttps://www.idler.co.uk/

Dark nights, bad news and bad weather. The dangerous cocktail that awaits us in winter 2022 can be tempered and managed if we can find the right balance of physical activity, good nutrition and screen time.I'm joined by NuPhysio & Fitness founder Matt McArdle to discuss the vital importance of strengthening mental health by staying active and keeping our minds and creativity honed.With some great takeaway tips and insights for all levels of physical fitness.The show is supported by Illustration X. See their broad range of illustration and animation portfolios now at https://illustrationx.comhttps://www.instagram.com/nuphysioandfitness/https://bentallon.com

Public services budget cuts. Free public space built on, sold off, privatised. Poverty rising. Violent crime soars. The mental health crisis deepens.2022 UK is a fierce place to grow up in 2022 if you are born into a fight. Without love, kindness, money, or guidance, bad things happen. We know this. The research supports what we already see and know and yet education continues to allow these unfortunate young people, who are all of our futures, to fall into the cracks.Too many of them end up in various secure children's units, where great work is being done to give them a chance of rebuilding broken lives.I'm joined by an unnamed head of home from one of the units to discuss her experiences of using creativity, care, and respect to tune into young people who have suffered and caused suffering when it need not be this way.It's a fascinating look at why further punishment and demonisation are not the way, and why a broader life education is essential for those who have not had a good start in life.Please subscribe and review to support The Creative Condition for free, and visit the founding sponsor of the show, Illustration X at https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://www.instagram.com/bikestormz.co.uk/?hl=enhttps://www.duy.org.uk/https://www.yuaf.org/

Kerry Lyons shares an all too familiar story of chasing success on the wrong terms before changing direction for the better.As a coach for creatives, Kerry helps people change their narrative and break from ties to old lives, careers, and false beliefs about their personalities and capabilities.She provides some superb tips for those feeling any level of dissatisfaction, or simply wishing to streamline their own creativity.Today's show is supported by illustration and animation agency IllustrationX. Visit them at https://illustrationx.comhttps://www.kerrylyons.com/https://www.instagram.com/iamkerrylyons/https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

In September 2006 began one of the toughest spells in my creative industry career. It was the big monstrous 'before' bit. Suddenly cut off from tutorial input, peers, and credible workspace after 7-years in full-time arts education, I lost all sight of the dream freelance illustration career while working a full-time job, completely demotivated. This is detailed in chapter 4 of 'Champagne and Wax Crayons: Riding the Madness of the Creative Industries.' My debut memoir, a book about turning creativity into a career will soon be released in a new e-book format, so here is a reading of Chapter 4: 'Welcome to Freelancing.'I hope it will help all you new, soon-to-be, or once-upon-a-time graduates in some way, or at least make you laugh.https://www.bentallonwriter.com/shop/p/champagne-and-wax-crayons-riding-the-madness-of-the-creative-industrieshttps://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://twitter.com/bentallon

The first of a new series of articles written for design week, brought to you in audio format by The Creative Condition, supported by Illustration X.We kick off this new series exploring creativity's capacity for catharsis in the face of seemingly constant bad news and its destructive impact on our moods.Read in full at https://designweek.co.ukhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://illustrationx.com

Dotto founder, designer, and artist Dani Molyneux joins me to discuss the importance of visual communication's role in turbulent times. During the pandemic, while juggling work and homeschooling, Dani began to make her own work for personal reasons, in response to political and social triggers. The work sets a wonderful example of the power of the personal and offers a timely reminder that our role in inspiring positive change is key.Check Dani out, and sign up for her new Domestika course at: https://www.dotto.studio/The Creative Condition is hosted by Ben Tallon at https://bentallon.comThe show is supported by and Ben is represented by htts://illustrationx.comhttps://twitter.com/bentallonhttps://instagram.com/bentallonhttps://bentallonwriter.com

Why personal passion projects are vital as a creative compass - stylistically, building identity, and stating intent.I have so many stories of unexpected doors opening, unlikely relationships, and even building my identity as an artist in the first place, so here they are, told through a career-to-date worth of personal projects that worked, or didn't work in the best way.If you liked this, episodes 147/8 discuss some stunning passion projects by others.Supported be https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://instagram.com/bentallon

I'm joined by firefighter Joe Brady to discuss the creative thinking required to succeed in a job action-packed with intensity, unpredictability and high emotions. While not traditionally considered a creative profession, there are many wonderful takeaways and stories that will make you laugh, cry and shudder.https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://twitter.com/bentallonhttps://instagram.com/bentallonhttps://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/firefighter

Agency coach and marketing expert Oliver Duffy-Lee joins Ben Tallon to talk about promotion and marketing for freelancers, agencies, and why the latest government marketing advice is utterly ludicrous to anyone who understands economics and marketing, especially in the creative industry.Visit the Authority Agency website: https://www.authorityagency.co.uk/Oliver Duffy-Lee on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverduffylee/Illustration X, show sponsor home: https://illustrationx.comBen Tallon illustration: https://bentallon.comBen Tallon Author site: https://bentallonwriter.com

Why I'm donating 25 copies of my creative industry book to schools and public libraries, and why I believe the creative industry needs to try counter arts, youth services, and arts education cuts.The show is supported by Illustration X: https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://twitter.com/bentallonhttps://instagram.com/bentallonhttps://instagram.com/bentallonwriter

Working from home. In the office. In the studio. In the pub. Cafe dweller. Out of our minds. Happy days.The environment we put or find ourselves in is a defining variable in our creative flow. But do we really pay enough attention to the effect of our surroundings on our energy, feelings, thoughts, and productivity?I sit down and share some stories about the good, bad, and bizarre of past workspaces as I prepare to move into a newly built garden studio space.This episode is supported by Illustration X at https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://twitter.com/bentallonpodhttps://instagram.com/bentallon

I stole a child's drawing. Here's why.This is an episode about what we can unlearn with the help of children, about what their flippancy, naivety, passion, and curiosity represent. Creativity gets butchered by adults, by industries, by education systems, and our pride - our unwillingness to try and our aversion to mistakes.It holds us back and causes us to get lost in trends, repeats, and replications as we blindly chase perfection in a world that has none.It need not be so.Get your thoughts over @bentallon on socialsShow supported by https://weareillustrationx.com

Creativity is humanity's defining asset. I've been observing, studying, and feeling it since my teens, subconsciously taking it in since I was a nipper. Finally, I'm writing it all down in a new book that will share its name with this show. I am also writing a blog over at bentallonwriter.com.Here is the introduction to the book and what you can expect from the podcast moving forward. Let's talk creativity.Show supported by https://illustrationx.comhttps://twitter.com/bentallonhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

It's getting harder to cope. The pace, ferocity, and sadly, insanity of modern life are out of control. 24/7 we are exposed to terrifying news, and the subsequent arguments on social media, fear winning out every single time.That's why I write, that's why I draw, that's why I make these podcasts.Creativity is a fundamental pillar of human happiness and that's why I wanted to take the time to mark the release day of Stories for the Apocalypse #1: Notes on the New Normal with some thoughts on its vital role during these bizarre times.I share some personal experiences and a few favourite works that embody the lived experience.The podcast is supported by https://illustrationx.comYou can buy both 'Stories for the Apocalypse #1' and 'A Wolf in Sports Clothing' at https://bentallonwriter.com now. Also on all good e-book retailers.

Creativity happens on a different timeline for each of us. Horror writer Susan Earlam takes us on a winding path from a childhood full of artistic encouragement and everyday creativity, to fine art and teaching art, onto lifestyle blogging, and eventually - though not by chance - onto her wonderful horror writing.Her debut eco-horror novel 'Earthly Bodies' and 'Dark is the Water' are two big, unnerving, and distinct steps into a new phase of her creative career.https://susanearlam.com/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Water-Susan-Earlam/dp/1838379436https://www.instagram.com/susanearlam/https://twitter.com/SusanEarlamhttps://illustrationx.comhttps://theaoi.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://instagram.com/bentallonwriter

The cliche is true. Failure is one of our greatest compasses. It is never as simple as a waste of time. Following on from UCLan design conference week 11's talk under the same title, I wanted to share the story of Quenched Music - why it never got going in the way Dirty Freud and I envisioned but proved a valuable gateway to projects, people, ideas, and skills we had no other way of accessing.Get your near misses over at @bentallon on social, and a big thank you to show supporters Illustration X and the AOI.https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://instagram.com/dirtyfreud

Sarah Brown is an incredible vocalist with the likes of Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Roxy Music, Stevie Wonder, Simpl Red, Pink Floyd and many more. Sarah is letting us in on her adoration of Mahalia Jackson, and her upcoming tribute album to the queen of Gospel. It’s an immensely powerful, inspiring, uplifting conversation with an incredible person.We cover rebuilding after emotional trauma and damaging experiences, following feeling and the heart when it comes to creativity, trusting in the self, and power in doing the thing you are passionate about.This show is supported by https://illustrationx.com and https://theaoi.comhttps://www.instagram.com/sarahbrownvocal/?hl=enhttps://linktr.ee/sarahbrownofficialhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

A free audiobook version of 'The Elf in the Delph' for listeners of The Creative Condition podcast.A thank you for staying with me despite the sporadic releases of late.This story is available as a limited edition, 100-run illustrated zine at https://bentallonwriter.com/shop now.For the whole story of the zine, see two episodes ago.Written and narrated by Ben TallonEdited by David Woods-Hale

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated or provided space to make a change to our creative professions. Whatever the motivations or reasons, change is a scary word, and something a lot of us struggle to control or understand the nature of.Laura Hope has worked as a wonderful illustrator for a number of years. It wasn't always so. She tells us her fascinating story and explains why she has made the decision to take a job working in an art gallery in order to refocus her energy and skills.Share your own change stories @bentallon on social media. Please do subscribe to and review the Creative Condition Podcast on your chosen platform now.Supported by https://illustrationx.com and https://theaoi.comhttps://www.laura-hope.com/https://www.instagram.com/_laurahope/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/laurahopeillohttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop

Starting out in a whole new creative discipline can be a scary experience. When I started writing, it was a form of catharsis. A mental release that triggered a whole unexpected career path.Now as I release my first illustrated fiction zine, I thought it might be useful to share some of the hopes, fears, and learnings of building a new identity. The Elf in the Delph is a balance of my words and pictures, and the path has been a windy one.The rejection and self-doubt never fully goes away, so I wanted to chat about making a limited edition publication.The Elf in the Delph is available at https://bentallonwriter.com/shopThe show is supported by https://illustrationx.com and https://theaoi.com

It's been and continues to be a strange, surreal time of our lives. Creativity is a fundamental part of who we are as humans and moves hand in hand with the way we feel.I'm joined by self-described 'creative wander' brothers Brian and Michael Thibodeau to talk about their unique response to remotely remain close during lockdown/quarantine, which organically resulted in their 'Quarantined Portraits' book.We discuss why it's not about what you didn't or did create during the pandemic, but how you coped, how you stayed in touch and made it through.The show is supported by http://illustrationx.com and http://theaoi.comhttps://www.instagram.com/bthibbs.studio/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/michael.thibo/?hl=enhttps://www.blurb.co.uk/b/10650724-quarantined-portraitshttp://bentallon.comhttp://bentallonwriter.com

Matt Essam built a career he thought was the one for him. When he made it, it didn't feel too good. So he started again and focused on a different set of goals.He wanted well-paid and creatively, emotionally fulfilling work.Today he works with freelancers and small businesses to help them find and attract dream clients. Matt joins me to break down the reasons why so many people end up jaded with their work, believing the old misconception that well-paid work cannot be creatively fulfilling and vice-versa.This one is packed full of golden advice and you can download a free copy of Matt's book, Create and Prosper here: https://www.createandprosper.co/This show is kindly supported by http://illustrationx.com and http://theaoi.comWebsite: ​www.mattessam.co.uk Social handle: @matt_essam Instagram: ​https://www.instagram.com/matt_essam/ Facebook: ​https://www.facebook.com/mattessam/ Twitter: ​https://twitter.com/matt_essam LinkedIn: ​https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/http://bentallon.comhttp://bentallonwriter.com

So often, we create great work, have fresh ideas and know our skill set. But can we express ourselves with confidence, in an effective way that does the work justice?It's an age-old conundrum; one strong skill set balanced out by shortcomings. But does it need to be this way? Sara Coggin, illustrator and language teacher joins me to talk about breaking down misconceptions about confidence and why they are at the root of issues expressing our creativity. We dig into why it's crucial to join the emotional dots and why we have to be sympathetic to our personality.This podcast is kindly supported by http://illustrationx.com and http://theaoi.comhttps://saracogg.in/https://www.instagram.com/cogginsketchbook/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/speaklikeyou/?hl=enhttp://bentallon.comhttp://bentallonwriter.com

With the rise in tuition fees proving a gateway for many people who want to study at degree level, there's a bigger question mark than ever before over whether formal education is essential for a career in the arts.'Where did you study?' is the most interrogation I've ever faced as a freelance illustrator. When it comes to the writing and podcasting side of my work, there was no study, just a passionate interest and the desire to make it happen. Illustrator, designer and photographer Tim Easley did not study at all.He had no real inclination he wanted a career in the arts until a little later than most. When he felt it, he made the decision, in accordance with his personality, to educate himself. He now works across a broad range of clients, industries and disciplines with a distinct illustrative style and beautiful, independent books of hhis photography. Tim joins me to share the whole story, why he chose this unconventional path and why it is crucial to consider the character when navigating our own way through the often confusing arts.Available now on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher Podcasts and Google Podcasts.Supported by http://illustrationx.com and http://theaoi.comhttps://timeasley.com/https://twitter.com/timeasleyhttps://www.instagram.com/timeasley/http://bentallon.comhttp://bentallonwriter.com

Alan McGee is one of a kind. His tough start in 1970s Glasgow set him up for a tumultuous, glorious and legendary ride at the top of the 1990s and 2000s music scene as the head of Creation Records and the man behind the biggest band in the world at the time, Oasis.Primal Scream, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Teenage Fanclub and My Bloody Valentine, to name but a few, followed suit.I sit down with Alan as his movie biopic, directed by Nick Moran and written for screen by Irvine Welsh, 'Creation Stories' comes out to dig into what he describes as 'bonkers brave f**k you creativity.This is must listen, packed full of advice about making bold decisions and getting behind them, when they feel right, taking risks and not shying away from controversy when it comes to creativity.The podcast is supported by Illustration X (http://illustrationx.com) and The Association of Illustrators (http://theaoi.com)Creation Stories is out now on Sky Cinema.

The times we live in are tumultuous and challenging. The world is changing. We all need a voice. Good design is not enough to provide one. So how do we make work that matters, which we can deliver with results?ThoughtMatter have built a reputation as a creative agency who not only make thought provoking, meaningful work, addressing issues they care about, but work hard and smart to ensure it hits the spot.I'm joined by managing director Jessie McGuire to discuss her own journey, the evolution of ThoughtMatter and what it takes to break through the noise of modern life.https://www.thoughtmatter.com/https://www.thoughtmatter.com/inbetweenhttps://www.instagram.com/thoughtmatter/https://twitter.com/ThoughtMttrhttp://bentallon.comhttp://bentallonwriter.comhttp://illustrationx.comhttp://theaoi.com

When Ben Ryan, one of the most innovative coaches in world sport left his position as England rugby 7s coach, he was all set to take a comfortable role at a sports consultancy company.Then he saw a tweet advertising a vacancy for the national Fiji rugby 7s job. With twenty minutes to accept or decline the role, he listened to his raging instincts and set out on one of the all time great sporting stories, taking them, through countless challenges, to an Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.Ben shares the mind-bending story, his valuable insights to human empowerment, tips for adapting to adversity and why it's vital to establish the right conditions for creativity and happiness to flourish in and around us.This episode of the Creative Condition Podcast is supported by Illustration X and the Association of Illustrators. http://illustrationx.com // http://theaoi.comThe Ben Ryan Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ben-ryan-podcast/id1553400216Ben's Sevens Heaven book: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/39102941-sevens-heavenhttps://www.instagram.com/benryan7s/https://twitter.com/benjaminryanhttp://bentallon.comhttp://bentallonwriter.com