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!

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424 episodes
Updated July 29
Explicit

Episodes424

Newest first

Aug 21, 2018 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep 117: Design psychologist and founder of Behaviour Studio Lauren Kelly talks Behaviour Design
Behaviour design is a fascinating concept with many facets. What is it and how can it become an asset individually, or at a bigger creative agency level?I'm joined by design psychologist and founder of BehaviourStudio Lauren Kelly who breaks it down and discusses practical steps to recognising and actioning negative patterns in our behaviour and allowing the positive habits to flourish.It's a great eye opener and may nudge some useful introspection!Get your thoughts over @arrestallmimics on social mediahttp://behaviour.studio/http://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://theaoi.comhttp://laurenkelly.me/
Aug 7, 2018 · 54 min
Ep 116: Advertising and ethics. Designer Micah Purnell discusses the idea of selling virtues
What if the advertising space in our cities was used in response to what we really need, focusing on happiness, not wants?Designer Micah Purnell has been working to do that and is developing Selling Virtues, a project looking to work with global advertising agencies and thinkers to consider a more ethical approach.He shares some scary stories about the impact of much advertising on well being and discusses where the ethical line sits.Share your thoughts and views on advertising now @arrestallmimics on social mediahttps://micahpurnell.com/http://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://theaoi.comhttp://instagram.com/micahpurnellhttps://twitter.com/MicahPurnellhttps://www.sellingvirtues.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/sellingvirtues/https://twitter.com/SellingVirtues
Jul 24, 2018 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep 115: CHANGE! Head of Art and Design at Anomaly London, Clara Mulligan on adapting
CHANGE. It scares and throws us out, but is it such a bad thing? Anomaly London's head of art and design Clara Mulligan joins me to share a wonderful journey full of it, setting out from Rhode Island School of Design for Seattle, via Microsoft, Creature, Sid Lee in Amsterdam and arriving at respected advertising agency Anomaly.Why is change a healthy thing and how best to manage the fear? Clara also discusses why she's building a design department at Anomaly and what she looks for.It's a must listen show with a trailblazer who was deservedly named in Business Journal's 40 under 40 for creative leadership in business.Get your stories of change to @arrestallmimics on socialmediahttp://www.claradise.com/http://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://theaoi.comhttp://instagram.com/claradisecityhttp://anomaly.com/https://www.creaturelondon.com/https://sidlee.com/en/
Jul 10, 2018 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep 114: Google Creative Lab exec creative director Steve Vranakis & New Blood SHIFTer Nate Agbetu
Last year, D&AD New Blood's SHIFT night school program was featured on the podcast. On the night before the 2017 application deadline, Nate Agbetu was alerted to this by a friend, a listener of the show who felt Nate's enterprising and creativity may suit such an initiative. He applied, made the program and has since gone onto exciting new beginnings with Wieden & Kennedy and Nike in various roles.I'm joined by Nate to share the story, alongside current D&AD president, Steve Vranakis, Executive Creative Director of Google Creative Lab, representing different levels of industry experience. I sit in the middle and try to keep up with two fascinating people.Join us as we discuss many aspects of creativity, energy, raw talent and upbringing with some hilarious tales of youthful misbehaviour, incredible young innovation and SHIFT 2018, which is now open for applications.Be a part of the conversation @arrestallmimics on social media now!https://www.dandad.org/en/d-ad-new-blood-shift-london/https://www.8o8nate.com/http://stevevranakis.com/https://www.creativelab5.com/http://instagram.com/8o8natehttps://twitter.com/stevevran?lang=en
Jul 3, 2018 · 1 hr 8 min
Ep 113: Flow’s founder and Creative Director Karl Doran shares the story behind the animation & film
Flow is a creative agency specialising in animation, film and video production. I'm joined by founder and Creative Director Karl Doran who shares a great story of yet another unconventional, longer route into the arts. Karl discusses the recent run of awards, how the work of Barney Ibbotson in the studio windows brought in a crucial job for Arts Council England and why it's essential to create a dynamic environment of respect for all staff at an agency, with space for individuality and ideas breeds great results.We also discuss the current Manchester creative scene, the city's transformations over the last decade and why growing up on formerly Europe's largest council estate, Wythenshawe wasn't such a bad thing.Get your thoughts over on social media @arrestallmimics and tell us how you deal with the awkward scenario of not recognising someone you chat to on social media, in real life!http://www.weareflow.uk/https://www.instagram.com/weareflow/https://twitter.com/kddoranhttps://twitter.com/We_Are_Flow
Jun 12, 2018 · 1 hr 54 min
Ep 112: Weird World Cup - the visual side of the world’s greatest football tournament
The FIFA world cup is a cocktail of emotions, memories, opportunity and athletic prowess, but without the visual decadence we've had over the years, what would those memories be?Gordon Reid of Middleboop and Callum Stephenson created the wonderful 'Weird World Cup' following a throwaway conversation in a London pub. 20 visual communicators have designed 20 beer mats with their favourite weird world cup moment, with the proceeds supporting the fantastic Football Beyond Borders charity work and we sit down to discuss it, along with all things world cup design.It's a shambles, but we cover kits, logos, moments and the awesome response to such a heartfelt project. Do go and treat yourself to a succulent set of mats at http://weirdworldcup.com and get your own memories to @arrestallmimics on social media now.https://footballbeyondborders.org/http://middleboop.com/https://callumstephenson.com/
Jun 5, 2018 · 35 min
Ep 111: Dawinder Bansal, theatre producer and artist takes us to the 1980s and a special celebration
The third and final episode in the collaboration with the National Festival of Making.Travelling through cultural traditions, time and generations of family members, Dawinder Bansal collaborated with home-based artisans and the small businesses that ensured a 1980s wedding in Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities went ahead with the unforgettable sensations that Bansal remembers from her youth. Calling out to the Lancashire community, Dawinder rounded up day-and-night samosa makers, stitchers of opulent outfits and intricate mehndi body artists who work together to make everything necessary for a traditional wedding, letting in visitors to the festival.Hear the full story as I head to the festival and talk to Dawinder, Master Chef finalist Moonira Hinglotwala, the ladies from the Blackburn curry club as I fill my own samosa and people getting a taste of something wonderful!Supported by http://Illustrationweb.com, http://heartinternet.co.uk and http://theaoi.com and special thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund/Arts Council England.https://www.dawinderbansal.com/https://festivalofmaking.co.uk/https://twitter.com/moonira6
May 30, 2018 · 56 min
X3: GDPR Exposed. All you need to know as an independent creative with Silvia Baumgart
You don't need to opt back in on this show.In collaboration with the Association of Illustrators, I'm joined by Silvia Baumgart who answers many questions from a panicked creative freelancer. Look no further that episode x3, GDPR exposed.Relax and take a breath.http://theaoi.comhttps://jwssllp.com/http://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.uk
May 22, 2018 · 36 min
Ep 110: LJB Studio launches Design Giving Magazine & discusses print/tactile design
The debut Arrest All Mimics video podcast is live and here's a teaser of my guest, LJB Studio's Laura Boast and what you can expect.To enjoy the full episode and visual treats on offer as we discuss Laura's journey, love of print, childhood art crimes and brand new magazine, Design Giving, head to https://youtu.be/x6jcQSJX4_Y now.The film is directed and filmed by Jake Powell Videography. Special thanks to Real Junk Food Manchester for the location an set is designed by Igloo Design.You can help bring Design Giving to life by supporting the Kickstarter at http://designgiving.co.uk/designgivinghttp://ljbstudio.co.ukhttps://www.jakeowenpowell.co.uk/Supported by Illustration Ltd, Heart Internet and the Association of Illustrators
May 15, 2018 · 47 min
X2: Martyn Ware, founding member of Human League & Heaven 17 on creativity, soundscapes & work ethic
Martyn Ware joins me on the second of three special podcast episodes in collaboration with the National Festival of Making. We're waking the ghosts of Tony's Empress Ballroom, home of the Northern Soul all nighter for the wonderful 'Church of Rare Souls' soundscape.As part of Art in Manufacturing season 2, an electronic music pioneer takes us on a journey, explaining why retaining creative integrity saw him transition from selling over 50 million records as a musician and producer with the likes of Tina Turner, Erasure and his own Human League and Heaven 17 to limitless artistry of his own design, why taking the easy cash can be fatal for our happiness.Creating sonic murals and exhibitions worldwide with Illustrious Company, he explains why staying true to yourself if critical to progression in the arts and how today, he works with purity.Join us as Martyn explains why he's been inspired by the work ethic in Blackburn at WEC, Silent Night, Cherrytree Bakery, Graham and Brown and Darwen Terrecotta and how that led him to the weekend, Northern Soul dancing and the haunting Tony's Empress Ballroom.Kind thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England for the crucial support for this series.https://festivalofmaking.co.uk/http://www.illustriouscompany.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/thefestivalofmaking/https://twitter.com/festofmakinghttps://www.facebook.com/festofmaking/https://www.hlf.org.uk/https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/
May 8, 2018 · 51 min
Ep 109: Nicola Ellis, 1/3 special Art in Manufacturing episodes with National Festival of Making
In an exciting collaboration with the fantastic National Festival of Making, celebrating the UK making industry, comes the first of three special episodes covering Art in Manufacturing season 2.Crossing seven of the UK's most adventurous artists with the machinery of Lancashire's premier industrialists, Im first heading to Darwen's Ritherdon, where artist and sculpture maker Nicola Ellis is collaborating with the staff, inspired by the rich heritage and responding to the workplace environment to create a bespoke artwork in a company with a truly unique history approaching 125 years.I'll never look at a place of industry in the same way and I hope you won't too!Special thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England for supporting the seriesPlease pass on your thoughts @arrestallmimics on social mediahttps://festivalofmaking.co.uk/https://festivalofmaking.co.uk/projects/art-in-manufacturing/http://www.nicolaellis.com/https://www.hlf.org.uk/https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/
Apr 24, 2018 · 1 hr 30 min
Ep 108: Studio DBD founder Dave Sedgwick on honesty in design & creative development
As founder of Studio DBD, Dave Sedgwick joins me to discuss his journey as a graphic designer, art director and creative director. Working with a broad range of clients, Dave details the importance of honesty in design, listening to problems in order to arrive at the best solution for the clients and a philosophical tale of force fed sponge pudding.Full of insights, tips and hilarious lessons along the way, Dave does not hold back and we get into the fabric of what makes for a sustainable and dynamic creative practice.Get your thoughts over @arrestallmimics on social now!http://www.studiodbd.com/https://www.instagram.com/studiodbd/https://twitter.com/studiodbd
Apr 10, 2018 · 33 min
Ep 107: Typographic specimens. The creatures made of type, an adventure at sea & Charles Darwin
On the surface, Typographic Specimens is a collection of extraordinary creatures made entirely out of letterforms, numerals and punctuation marks. But behind this beautiful book is a fascinating tale of the Reverend Jackson Whitehead and his adventure aboard the HMS Pica, sister ship to HMS Beagle, which famously carried one Charles Darwin.I'm joined by A.W. Bainbridge, a lecturer in Graphic Communications and Creative Thinking at the University of Central Lancashire, who details the story of his eccentric ancestor.The book is available now via Ammonite Press.Get your thoughts over to @arrestallmimics on social channels nowhttp://www.ammonitepress.com/gift/typographic-specimens/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Typographic-Specimens-Natural-History-Letterforms/dp/1781453098http://instagram.com/frontaldepressionhttps://www.thedisciplesofdesign.com/
Mar 27, 2018 · 39 min
Ep 106: Jack Renwick Studio on work ethic, new design talent and adapting to challenges
Jack Renwick Studio is an independent branding and design agency in London. I chat to founder Jack Renwick about her journey from Glasgow roots, the challenges she encountered in making sense of the creative industry and her special design shoes.Now working on major projects worldwide, 'Make It Different, Make A Difference' is more than just a slogan. We discuss work ethic, the traits Jack looks for in new designers and why she continues to support new talent through D&AD and other channels.Overcoming adversity, the importance of team support, the origin of the red and white stripe identity and special design shoes are also addressed on episode 105.Get your feedback over @arrestallmimics on social platforms!http://www.jackrenwickstudio.com/https://twitter.com/jrs_londonhttps://www.instagram.com/jackrenwickstudio/
Mar 13, 2018 · 53 min
Ep 105: Inside the 3D surreal type and illustration of Made Up Studio with Charles Williams
Charles Williams takes us into his geometric, isometric, 3D, surreal type and illustration playground. His fascinating work tests the mind with its stunning depth, finesse, colour palettes and has graced the likes of Adobe, Wetransfer and The New York Times.Charles joins me to share the journey, from being, in his own words, 'a clever little shit' drawing 3D type at school, he took an interesting route through linguistics and design before returning to a drawing and type based practice.We discuss mimicry, the organic process behind his work and the intensity of Cinema 4D.Get your feedback over to @arrestallmimics on social channels.
Mar 7, 2018 · 45 min
X1: Legendary graphic designer Malcolm Garrett
An exclusive conversation with iconic graphic designer Malcolm Garrett as part of the first in the new X series of unplanned episodes.Released on the day that the 'Orgasm Addict Reframed' exhibition opens at the G.F Smith Show Space in central London, I talk to Malcolm in the midst of hanging the work about his roots, early punk days, work in music and the benefit of restriction.Malcolm shares his love of Design Manchester and why it's important to share local talent globally. We talk technology, politics and THAT Buzzcocks record cover!A big thanks to G.F Smith and Jane Crowther for letting me into their home to make this happen. Orgasm Addict Reframed can be seen from 7-16th March at G.F Smith Showspace, 27-28 Eastcastle Street, London.https://www.malcolmgarrett.com/https://www.gfsmith.com/https://designmcr.com/http://www.buzzcocks.com/site/index.htmlhttps://www.instagram.com/beingmalcolmgarrett/https://twitter.com/malcolmgarrett
Feb 27, 2018 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep 104: Identity and creativity - Photographer Owen Harvey on belonging, demonisation & subculture
Who are you? What do you do for pleasure? What are you drawn to and from where do you get your sense of identity?It's one of the most valuable things we have, the thing that sets us apart and brings us together for all the right reasons, our armour in the arts.Photographer Owen Harvey joins me to discuss why his portfolio is 100% personal passion work, how he developed his iconic projects documenting subcultures, groups of often wrongly demonised social circles and intriguing characters.Is it better to get a bar job to pay the bills, or create work that you do not love?We go deep on the theme of identity, get us thoughts and feedback over @arrestallmimics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook now.http://www.owen-harvey.com/https://www.instagram.com/ojharv/https://twitter.com/ojharv
Feb 13, 2018 · 49 min
Ep 103: Gail Armstrong lets us in behind the scenes of her stunning paper sculpture creations
Gail Armstrong's intricate and stunning paper sculptures have formed the basis of many iconic campaigns, editorial features and intriguing artworks. I visit Gail's studios to see the inner workings and hear her story, from studying in Glasgow to working as a graphic designer and the origins of her unique artwork style.We talk confidence, quiet spells, Kleenex and befriending Amazon delivery people in a inspiring look at Gail's world!Get your feedback over to @arrestallmimics on social media.
Jan 30, 2018 · 1 hr 28 min
Ep 102: Studio Murugiah - from design & architecture to Star Wars & Little White Lies illustration
I'm joined by Sharm Murugiah, London based illustrator. Sharm's journey is an intriguing one and we discuss resistance to pursuing an art or design career path from parents and peers, comic book influences and the surreal aspects of his stunning artwork.Sharm's Little White Lies cover adorned a D&AD award winning issue and he shares the story.A longer journey to pursuing his passion of drawing, via architecture brought its own benefits and we muse on the impact of exposure to horror films at an early age!What made an impact on your psyche at an early age? @arrestallmimics on Twitter and Instagram!http://studiomurugiah.com/https://www.instagram.com/studio_murugiah/https://twitter.com/StudioMurugiahhttps://www.pinterest.co.uk/sharmmurugiah/
Jan 16, 2018 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep 101: Creative Boom’s Katy Cowan talks online creative news platforms & the relaunch
Katy Cowan joins me to discuss Creative Boom, the online magazine she founded and has just rebranded. The platform covers projects, people and news stories right across the creative industry and has evolved over the years to become one of the major showcases for new and established artistic talent. What makes for a news worthy piece of work? How did the magazine start and grow and how does Katy feel about the state of things in 2018?It's a must listen show for those looking to get more eyes on their work and connect with the creative press!Get your feedback over to @arrestallmimics on Twitter and Instagram.