The Creative Condition podcast

Ben Tallon

Welcome to 'The Creative Condition' podcast: an ongoing exploration of human creativity to help you navigate an increasingly automated world with your story and soul. The show is hosted by creativity coach, Founder of The Creative Condition, author and illustrator Ben Tallon. Creativity is an often misunderstood pillar of human happiness, something far bigger than artistic talent and crucial for fulfilling lives and careers. But in a data and efficiency-obsessed world, self-awareness, story and soul are more important than ever.

Featuring exclusive interviews with experts and thought leaders, including illustrators, designers, artists, founders, rock stars, sensitivity experts, musicians, emergency service workers, Olympic gold medal winners, comedians, microbiologists, photographers, fighters, and many others. Supported by founding sponsor Illustration X, Paradiso Institute the Ukrainian Institute.

For more creativity resources or coaching opportunities with Ben, head to The Creative Condition official website.

If you wish to support the show's cause of elevating creativity in our societies, please consider telling a friend about the show and rating, reviewing, or subscribing wherever you get your podcasts!

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

424 episodes
Updated July 29
Explicit

Episodes424

Newest first

May 6, 2019 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep 135: Collins San Francisco Creative Director Ben Crick on inspiration variety and design traps
Collins strategy and brand experience design company Creative Director Ben Crick joins me to share his story, from Australia to San Francisco, via New York City.Working on projects with clients including Spotify, Vitamin Water and Mail Chimp, he discusses why we must avoid designing for the approval of other designers, but instead listen to the client's needs in order to create the strongest possible solution to brief challenges.What's it like to work with and learn from Brian Collins, a highly respected and vastly experienced Chief Creative Officer?Ben explains why he feels it's dangerous and destructive to all share the same inspiration pool in the digital age and offers many more great insights.Send your feedback on the show over to @arrestallmimics now!Episode 135 is supported by http://illustrationweb.com, http://heartinternet.co.uk, http://foilco.co.uk and http://theaoi.comhttps://www.wearecollins.com/https://twitter.com/wearecollinshttps://www.instagram.com/thisiscollins/http://lendmeyourearart.comhttp://yuaf.org.ukhttp://thecalmzone.net
Apr 22, 2019 · 56 min
Ep 134: O Street design studio on the right balance between fun, hard work and personal passions
Glasgow based design studio O-Street join me to discuss their superb portfolio of work, detailing the balance of play, research, hard work and leading with personal passions.Tessa Simpson and Jonny Mowatt explain the process of making the new Scottish banknote and why a love of beer has lead them to some of their favourite clients.It's a great insight into why pleasure in work is crucial, no matter how nuanced.Feedback at @arrestallmimicsSupported by http://illustrationweb.com, http://heartinternet.co.uk, http://foilco.co.uk and http://theaoi.comhttp://www.ostreet.co.uk/http://www.ostreet.co.uk/https://twitter.com/ostreetstudio?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/ostreetstudio/http://www.ostreet.co.uk/label-o-love/
Apr 1, 2019 · 57 min
X5: The internet and the mind. Moodrise founder Michael Phillips Moskowitz on digital nutrition
We spend close on 12 hours a day consuming content and we do not yet know the long term impact on our mental and physical health.As creative professionals, we are often reliant upon the internet to operate...Ex Ebay chief curator and Moodrise founder Michael Phillips Moskowitz joins me to talk about the neuroscience of happiness and his hopes for the new Moodrise app.It's a fascinating insight into the science of our time spent interacting with technology and feeding the mind, its effect on mental health and where we go from here.Get your feedback over @arrestallmimics!Episode X5 is supported by http://illustrationweb.com, http://heartinternet.co.uk, http://foilco.co.uk and http://theaoi.comhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/moodrise-by-aebeze-labs/id1400832226?mt=8https://www.aebeze.com/mobile-app/
Mar 25, 2019 · 1 hr 48 min
Ep 133: PRICING CREATIVITY! Blair Enns on value, confidence in your worth and pricing the client
Pricing creative work is like a dagger made of ice for many professionals, sending chills down our spine, keeping us awake at night. Much industry talk of late has made it hard to ignore that independent professional visual communicators are underselling their talents and earning too little as a result. Who could blame them? There are many variables to consider, not to mention individual circumstances when it comes to putting a number of creativity.That's where Blair Enns comes in. Blair's book, Pricing Creativity: Profit Beyond the Billable Hour has been a success and he breaks down the topic in expert style. Blair explains why a conversation of value is key, why we should price the client and not the work and explains why we should never post definitive prices on our websites.Get your thoughts and pricing experiences over to @arrestallmimics on social media.Episode 133 is supported by http://illustrationweb.com, http://heartinternet.co.uk, http://foilco.co.uk and http://theaoi.comhttps://www.winwithoutpitching.com/https://www.instagram.com/winwithoutpitching/https://twitter.com/blairenns
Mar 11, 2019 · 1 hr 20 min
Ep 132: Jane Bowyer, designer/illustrator on confidence, comfort zones & the need for weirdness
Jane Bowyer, designer and illustrator returns to the show to catch up on the progress of her wonderful and inspiring 'Women In Print' celebration of creative ladies. Back on episode 35, Jane was in the early days of her freelance career and we have much to catch up on. How has she adapted to the brutal world of flying solo in the arts? We get into the difficulties of titling yourself, the idea of making it up as you go along and not straying too far from what you like to do, even if it feels strange.It's an exciting time for a lady on fire right now.Get your thoughts over @arrestallmimics on social mediaEpisode 132 is supported by http://illustrationweb.com, http://heartinternet.co.uk, http://foilco.co.uk and http://theaoi.comhttp://bowyerjane.co.uk/http://instagram.com/bowyerjanehttp://twitter.com/bowyerjanehttp://www.womeninprint.uk/
Mar 7, 2019 · 43 min
Ep 131: Chart toppers Ward Thomas on going against the grain - International Women’s Day special!
It's International Women's Day 2019 on 7/3 and i'm joined by two women on the frontline of creativity, UK country music duo Ward Thomas. The twin sisters, Lizzie and Catherine are passionate, hard working and lovely people who open up about their art, from songwriting in sixth form to a UK number one album. How about the art direction of their three albums to date and why self-obsession is so unhealthy on social media?In the midst of their UK tour, we grab a sit down in Manchester's beautiful Albert Hall and discuss creativity and how it feels to be a part of an exciting time for women as the fight for equality continues.Get your thoughts and feedback over to @arrestallmimics on social media now!Episode 131 is supported by http://illustrationweb.com, http://heartinternet.co.uk, http://foilco.co.uk and http://theaoi.comhttps://www.wardthomasmusic.com/https://www.instagram.com/wardthomasmusic/https://twitter.com/wardthomasmusic
Feb 25, 2019 · 43 min
X4: Shaun Ryder on original ideas, avoiding trends, Tony Wilson’s role and his creativity in 2019
Shaun Ryder is a bonafide rock star with stories to tell. The Happy Mondays and Black Grape frontman joins me to share his creativity, his back story and why he feels as energised as ever before with Black Grape due to start a fresh UK tour off the back of returning album Pop Voodoo.Not one to hold back with the truth, Shaun touches upon why trends are the worst thing to follow, how he learned on the job and the key role played by Tony Wilson who appreciated not just their technical abilities, but the whole aura, attitude and appearance of the band and allowed them freedom to develop creatively.It's a spellbinding glimpse into one of music's most interesting minds.Get us your thoughts on social @arrestallmimics, listen and subscribe on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher and more.Episode X4 of Arrest All Mimics is kindly supported by http://illustrationweb.com, http://heartinternet.co.uk, http://foilco.co.uk and http://theaoi.comBlack Grape tour tickets at: http://www.blackgrapemusic.com/tourPre Order Wrote For Luck at https://www.faber.co.uk/shop/music/9780571330935-wrote-for-luck.html
Feb 18, 2019 · 46 min
Ep 130: FOIL! That shiny stuff on your books, mags, posters and booze. Foilco explain it all
Episode 130 of the pod is out Monday. Copy below, images attached - I've included 3 separate images for Instagram stories - please share them on there if you use it!!We all see it, all of the time and we love it. FOIL shimmers and shines on so many surfaces, adored by designers but shrouded in mystery.I'm joined by Matt Hornby from Foilco, who takes us inside the work of foil, details the sheer range of creative possibilities within and explains why the design industry is critical to their work.We find out about their brilliant Multiplicity events, where creative speakers share stories and foiling workshops take place in the UK and overseas.Get your shine on and share thoughts now @arrestallmimics and hit them up at http://foilco.co.ukEpisode 130 is kindly supported by Illustrationweb.com, heartinternet.co.uk, theaoi.com and foilco.co.ukhttp://instagram.com/foilcoltdhttp://twitter.com/foilco
Feb 4, 2019 · 53 min
Ep 129: Creative trends and trusting naivety with Shutterstock curator Robyn Lange
Shutterstock is a gigantic stock image platform with over a billion images available. But the creative side of stock runs deep. The 2019 creative trends report has just dropped and Shutterstock curator Robyn Lange joins me to break it all down along with her inspiring journey.Robyn set out from an American farm community, working out of a car and ended up in the Empire State Building curating one of the biggest image libraries in the world.Join us to hear this inspiring tale and why 80s opulence and zine culture might just be where it's at this year!Get your thoughts on trends over @arrestallmimics on social now!Supported by http://illustrationweb.com, http://heartinternet.co.uk and http://theaoi.comhttps://www.shutterstock.com/https://twitter.com/shutterstockhttps://www.instagram.com/shutterstock/
Jan 21, 2019 · 1 hr 3 min
Ep 128: Freelance? Small Studio? Big Agency? Raw design Studio’s Rob Watson on creativity and size.
Supposed is a dangerous word. Too many of us see what has gone before, what already exists and aspire to emulate it, believing success is achieving that goal. Rob Watson, one half of Raw design studio shares his story of beginning and growing his agency before realising he was far away from the creativity he cherished. So he downsized and lead with quality work, wellbeing and focusing on what felt right for him and Ruth Watson, the two who now comprise the core of Raw studio.In today's digital world, the old models can be destructive and we get deep into size and why it matters.Get us your thoughts over on @arrestallmimics now and don't forget to share a review of the show on iTunes and with a friend!Supported by http://Illustrationweb.com, http://heartinternet.co.uk and http://theaoi.comhttp://weareraw.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/rawdesignstudio/https://twitter.com/weareraw
Jan 7, 2019 · 45 min
Ep 127: Studio Sutherl&’s Jim Sutherland on importance of personal work, love of process and fun!
Jim Sutherland of Studio Sutherl& is creating some of the best design in the world right now. Since going out alone, he has worked with Royal Mail, Agatha Christie, D&AD and Star Rite among many others to create work that has its roots in the importance of the idea, fun and curiosity.He joins me to talk about the importance of creating work that matters to you and using it to attract the right clients. We get into Jim's background, why love of the the process will be evident in the quality of good design and how his current practice feels like his own MA degree!Get your feedback over @arrestallmimics on social now!The show is kindly supported by Illustration Ltd, Heart Internet and The AOI.http://studio-sutherland.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/studio_sutherland/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/andsutherland?lang=enhttp://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://theaoi.com
Dec 17, 2018 · 1 hr
Ep 126: Tash Willcocks on optimal anxiety, doom/delight loops, creativity, illustration and wizards!
Tash Willcocks is many things. Illustrator, Hyper Island creative business school programme leader, thinker, do-er, but most importantly, she's an energetic, highly-creative human.We discuss a range of topics including optimal anxiety - the 'just outside the comfort zone' space when we are at our best, doom loops, delight loops and turtles on broomsticks.It's an inspiring chat not to be missed and I want your feedback @arrestallmimics on social.https://www.instagram.com/tashwillcocks/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/hyperislanduk/?hl=enhttp://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://theaoi.comhttps://www.instagram.com/tashwillcocks/?hl=en
Dec 3, 2018 · 1 hr 24 min
Ep 125: Superfried Design. Perception of success, childhood logo obsession and type as image!
Superfried is the design studio of Mark Richardson. His succinct, visually seductive brand, identity, design and illustration work covers many disciplines.We get into his background including childhood logo obsession and wall drawing, the smoke and mirrors that can lead creative professionals into dissatisfaction when it needn't be so and his work with the Leonardo DiCaprio foundation.It's a fascinating look into the world of one talented man.Get your feedback over on social @arrestallmimicshttp://www.superfried.com/index.htmlhttps://www.instagram.com/superfrieddesign/https://twitter.com/Superfriedhttp://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://theaoi.com
Nov 19, 2018 · 53 min
Ep 124: Illustrator Laura Greenan on taking the freelance plunge.
Laura Greenan's bright, fun, psychedelic 1960s inspired illustration hits you straight in the mouth and leaves you feeling slightly intimidated. But don't be fooled. There's a deeper layer at work here.Laura is new to the world of freelance illustrator after spending years working as a designer in full time employment.We talk about the fears, the early steps, why this time is critical for establishing your personal style and where she'd like to go. Get your feedback and thoughts on those first breaks in the professional world to @arrestallmimicshttps://lauragreenan.com/http://illustrationweb.com/lauragreenanhttps://www.instagram.com/lauragreenan/https://twitter.com/greenandraws?lang=enhttp://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://theaoi.com
Oct 29, 2018 · 50 min
Ep 123: The Walking Dead comic artist Charlie Adlard on 15 years illustrating the undead!
The Walking Dead has become a pop culture phenomenon. Maybe we're all sensing the end and need to find an exciting spin to put on it, or maybe the storytelling is just THAT addictive. Charlie Adlard, the man behind the artwork for 15 years of the comic's existence joins me at the Lake District Comic Art Festival 2018 to share his story from mesmerised childhood comic fan, to turning the words of Robert Kirkman into hard hitting, dynamic illustrative pieces of magic.We discuss the origins of his role on The Walking Dead, his first steps into the comic book industry and how he feels about the TV show and seeing his drawing come to life in such blockbuster fashion at AMC.The fantastic music on this week's show is courtesy of Dirty Freud, 'Jumping at Shadows' ft. Ruby Tingle. http://instagram.com/dirtyfreudGet your feedback over @arrestallmimics on social!Show support from:http://illustrationweb.comhttp://theaoi.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttps://www.skybound.com/the-walking-dead/walking-dead-comics-story/https://twitter.com/charlieadlard?lang=enhttp://www.charlieadlard.com/https://www.comicartfestival.com/
Oct 15, 2018 · 53 min
Ep 122: Dave Haslam, Hacienda DJ, writer & broadcaster discusses creating with passion
Dave Haslam was the last DJ to man the decks at the Hacienda, following an incredible run at the famous Manchester nightclub that was responsible for so much creativity, innovation and fresh ideas in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Following the release of his memoir and 5th book, Sonic Youth Slept on My Floor, he joins me to talk about creativity at large, his 35 years of self-employment and the diverse nature of his work as a DJ, writer, broadcaster and more. We talk about why local might be important once more with political chaos ahead, why passion has always lead the way in channeling his creativity and reliability.Get your feedback over now @arrestallmimicsPhotograph in artwork by Seb Mattheshttp://www.davehaslam.com/https://twitter.com/Mr_Dave_Haslamhttp://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.ukhttp://theaoi.com
Oct 8, 2018 · 1 hr 29 min
Ep 121: Alternative conversations in mental health. We Are Willow’s ’A Different Light.’
It's World Mental Health Day on 10th October and Manchester based arts and music collective We Are Willow have collaborated with Manchester Mind to create 'A different Light,' a multi-media event and album release to address the male mental health problem.Chris Butler and Daren Newman join me to talk about their decision to come at the topic through film, music and art and why it is so crucial to empty the mind of issues.Self-expression, the generation divide, 'getting deep' and music are all tackled in an in-depth talk about how we're feeling.http://wearewillow.com/http://illustrationweb.com/http://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://theaoi.comhttp://gfsmith.comhttps://www.manchestermind.org/https://homemcr.org/
Oct 1, 2018 · 57 min
Ep 120: G.F Smith. Paper, print & tactile w/ Jane Crowther from the UK’s biggest specialist paper co
They said print was dying. Remember when vinyl was all but condemned to the memories of another generation and minidisc was the one? Well...Print is arguably more loved than ever before, but instead of mass and cheap, we're all using it to wow. I'm joined by G.F Smith's Jane Crowther who lets us inside the UK's largest specialist paper manufacturer and we're talking tactile, print, graphic design, paper and the ethics of it all.Let us know your thoughts and share your sexiest work that you can hold in your hands @arrestallmimics on social channels.https://www.gfsmith.com/https://twitter.com/janetcrowther?lang=enShow support kindly provided by:http://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://theaoi.com
Sep 17, 2018 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep 119: Radim Malinic of Brand Nu talks Book of Ideas Vol 2, indie publishing and Burnout!
Burnout, taking control of the direction of your creativity, indie book publishing and challenging clients is just a flash of this chat with Radim Malinic, known to many as Brand Nu.Graphic Design, illustration, ideas and writing - Radim's great energy and passion for creativity takes him many places and he shares the story, along with what we can expect from the wonderful Book of Ideas Volume 2.Hit up the show with your thoughts and feedback @arrestallmimics on social channels and spread the word!https://www.brandnu.co.uk/http://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://theaoi.comhttps://twitter.com/brand_nuhttps://www.instagram.com/brand__nu/
Sep 3, 2018 · 1 hr 20 min
Ep 118: OVERTHINKING!!! CK Goldiing joins me to talk one big old issue...
OVERTHINKING. The double edged sword of a an introspective mind. The kind of mind that enables us to use creativity to forge a career in the arts, but also leaves us wide open to worry, procrastination and vulnerability where others just walk on by.I'm joined by CK Goldiing, content creator and filmmaker who was challenged to walk from his home in Sheffield, to the city centre and hug 61 strangers in an effort to overcome his overthinking problem.We get into the thick of that big, nasty word and find out what about his new project.Get your your experiences of overthinking over on social @arrestallmimics now!http://ckgoldiing.com/http://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://theaoi.comhttps://www.youtube.com/user/CKGoldiing/videoshttps://www.instagram.com/ckgoldiing/https://www.facebook.com/officialckhttps://twitter.com/61hugs?lang=enhttps://www.facebook.com/61Hugs/http://instagram.com/61hugs