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 1, 2017 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep 82: Bruce Duckworth on creative excellence and the role of awards
The relationship with awards in the creative industry is something of a Jekyll and Hyde one. The buzz of a win and the hurt of missing out. But creative excellence must be rewarded, right?I'm joined by Bruce Duckworth, co-founder of brand identity design firm Turner Duckworth and 2016/17 D&AD president, to discuss his own background, inspirations and why it's crucial to stand back and allow people to be brilliant in order for them to flourish.We discuss his time as D&AD president, how he feels about the new generation of creative talent and the challenges that await them in industry. I also chat to several graduates showing their work at the New Blood awards including 'Ones To Watch' winners and their plans heading out into the creative industry.It's a fascinating look at experience extremes, Bruce with 32 years and industry wide respect and the new generation of talent with the world and all its possibilities ahead of them.Get your thoughts on awards over at http://twitter.com/arrestallmimicshttp://www.turnerduckworth.com/http://dandad.orghttps://www.behance.net/gianinnapawlynhttps://www.liambelldesign.com/https://www.emilycharlottecroft.com/
Jul 25, 2017 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep 81: Ex Buzzfeed UK illustrator Rebecca Hendin
Illustration doesn't have too many formal, full-time in-house roles. Rebecca Hendin, however, worked as the in-house illustrator at Buzzfeed UK and joins me to discuss her brilliant work with the online news company along with her own projects.Rebecca shares her fascinating journey from Mid West U.S.A to London and how she got into the illustration game. She explains how she ended up at Buzzfeed, what it's like to work in-house at such a company and how she stays inspired in London.We talk about her illustrations of the many people who had weird dreams about Jeremy Corbyn...Get your thoughts over @arrestallmimics on Twitter now!https://www.rebeccahendin.com/https://www.buzzfeed.com/https://twitter.com/HendinArtshttps://www.instagram.com/rebeccahendin/?hl=en
Jul 18, 2017 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep 80: Do you need to go to university? D&AD New Blood’s SHIFT program raises a big question
The landscape of higher education has changed. With student loans said to be every bit as vicious as a mortgage debt and tuition fees bordering on criminal, do you need to go to university in 2017 to make it in the creative industry?But what of the social and independence aspect of formal education?I head down to the D&AD offices to talk to Hilary, Steph and Sophie, Jake and Leanne about SHIFT, a new program taking raw creative talent without agency experience or a degree and helping them to make sense of their abilities, passion and ideas. I wanted to find out if we are seeing the beginnings of long awaited competition for the dusty old higher education model, for those who cannot afford to go to university or feel their efforts would be better supported in something else entirely.We discuss the pros and cons of a different approach, results in industry from the first wave of SHIFT participants and how things might start to move forward.I'm eager to hear people's views on a big topic, so hit @arrestallmimics on Twitter with feedback to join the conversation!The deadline for SHIFT applications is 21st July 2017 so hurry!https://www.dandad.org/en/d-ad-new-blood-shift-london/https://www.dandad.org/https://www.dandad.org/en/d-ad-new-blood-awards/https://twitter.com/DandADNewBloodhttps://twitter.com/dandadhttps://www.instagram.com/d_and_ad/https://www.facebook.com/DandADuk/
Jul 11, 2017 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep 79: Digital Arts editor Neil Bennett on getting noticed, diversity in design & digital
Digital Arts editor Neil Bennett joins me to take a look at where the creative industry is today and where it's heading during a time of fast-paced technological developments. We talk about staying current and finding the right balance of creativity and strong ideas in creative work.Neil details the magazines transition from print publication to digital magazine and why classic methods of getting your work noticed still hold up in today's industry.Diversity in the arts and disability first design are two big topics as we address new, old and forward thinking.Get your ideas over on twitter, @Arrestallmimicshttp://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/https://twitter.com/digital_artshttps://twitter.com/NeilBennetthttps://www.facebook.com/DigitalArtsMagazine
Jul 4, 2017 · 39 min
Ep 78: Annie Atkins, graphic designer for film on Wes Anderson, Stephen Spielberg & her journey!
Annie Atkins, graphic designer for film joins me in Dublin to discuss her on and off screen work. Annie has worked on many productions including The Grand Budapest Hotel, with cult director Wes Anderson, Bridge Of Spies with Steven Spielberg and Penny Dreadful.Her role on film and TV is an incomprehensibly broad one, with fresh challenges on every production. Annie takes me through her industry origins and background in a small village in Snowdonia, Wales.She discusses ego on film sets, working with various directors and why it's crucial to get off Google and under the skin of the project in order to create authentic work for screen.Annie also gives us a little insight into her fantastic weekend workshop in graphic design for film!This is a must listen episode for one revered lady with a growing fan base.Get your feedback over at @arrestallmimics on Twitterhttp://annieatkins.comhttps://twitter.com/annieatkins
Jun 27, 2017 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep 77: DixonBaxi, creative agency on staying creative, binning ego & Premier League visual identity
DixonBaxi are a London based brand and creative agency. They work with a broad range of clients including The Premier League, The History Channel, CNBC and Sony among others. I join Simon and Aporva, founding members to discuss how they've evolved, stayed creative and continued to produce consistently great work over the years.We talk about DixonBaxi's attitude to shaping your own creative path, designing for people and avoiding ego traps. Their part in rebranding the Premier League was a key one, drawing on latest technologies and we get under the skin of the project along with why they feel it's important to get excited about the next thing.Get us your thoughts on Twitter @Arrestallmimicshttp://dixonbaxi.com/https://vimeo.com/dixonbaxihttps://twitter.com/dixonbaxihttps://www.instagram.com/dixonbaxi/
Jun 20, 2017 · 51 min
Ep 76: Claudine O’Sullivan, winner of the World Illustration Awards advertising category!
Claudine O'Sullivan has just picked up the prize for the advertising category in the World Illustration Awards 2017. Her distinct, vibrantly coloured illustration crosses many contexts and platforms and her stunning Apple iPad campaign work has landed her the big prize only one year into her full-time freelance career.The Dublin born illustrator joins me to discuss how her organic style translated to digital, why she's enjoying learning new things on the job and the importance of learning from good art-directors and clients.Claudine also muses on the benefits of taking your time when taking on professional agency representation.Get your feedback over @arrestallmimics on Twitter!http://www.claudineosullivan.comhttps://www.instagram.com/claudine_os/https://twitter.com/claudine_oshttp://www.theaoi.com/awards/winner-details.php?id=231https://www.facebook.com/claudineosullivanillustration/http://www.folioart.co.uk/illustration/folio/artists/illustrator/claudine-osullivan
Jun 13, 2017 · 1 hr 16 min
Ep 75: Sir John Hegarty on creativity. The advertising legend answers the big questions!
Since it’s episode 75 of the Arrest All Mimics podcast, somebody allowed me to slip through the net to spend an hour with one of creativity’s greatest minds. Sir John Hegarty is quite simply an advertising legend. He is one third of BBH, advertising agency renowned for their innovative campaigns. With half a century of work in the creative industry under his belt, John talks about what exactly constitutes creativity. It’s one of the big questions in life and somehow, he manages to make it all sound so easy. As the creative director behind the iconic Levi campaigns of the 1990’s, including iconic yellow puppet, Flat Eric, John explains how he had to fight for the idea to switch to a puppet hero for a fashion brand. He also made the decision to use vorsprung durch technik in its native German form for Audi’s campaign. How crucial is positive thinking and turning a disadvantage into an advantage? We break down the fundamentals of creativity and why fun, passion, observation and irreverence play such integral roles in achieving greatness.What is creativity to you? @arrestallmimics on Twitter
Jun 6, 2017 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep 74: Graduate creative industry advice with Artsthread’s Katie Dominy
It's that time of the year where graduates realise that they need to make sense of the creative industry! I'm joined by Artsthread's Katie Dominy to discuss what helps someone looking to make an impact achieve their goals. Artsthread are a graduate platform who provide online and offline support for many artistic disciplines, through events, talks, portfolio surgeries, exhibitions and making those connections with industry.We talk about common pitfalls, being seen, attractive traits and using your unique personality effectively once in the world of work.Katie also shares some standout examples of people who have impressed and others who have stumbled.This is a must listen show to pick up some crucial pointers if you're starting out, or looking to further refine your own path in the arts.Get us feedback on Twitter @arrestallmimicshttp://artsthread.comhttps://www.instagram.com/artsthreadhttps://twitter.com/ARTSTHREADhttps://www.facebook.com/ARTSTHREAD
May 30, 2017 · 1 hr 17 min
Ep 73: Character design & development with writer & artist Karen McLeod
Fiction, non-fiction, TV shows, film, stage or real life experiences at the pub. No matter the medium, we all love a good character. But what makes us engage with them? Why do we loathe a good movie villain? What makes us cry when we know a sad moment in a book is not real and what gives you the best chance of succeeding in the world of graphic novels? Author and artist Karen McLeod joins me to talk about her alter ego Barbara Brownskirt, who has a series of upcoming live shows and has performed at the Royal Albert Hall. She takes us along on a fascinating journey, which led to her sitting at the bus stop, reading the world’s worst poetry to anyone who’ll listen. Why is it important to understand the backstory of our creations in order to inform what the reader or viewer will see and how much of yourself should you use in character creation? This is a fascinating insight with much valuable advice for anyone interested in creating literary, audio or visual characters in all disciplines. Send us your character ideas and creations @arrestallmimics on Twitterhttp://www.karenmcleod.co.uk/http://www.karenmcleod.co.uk/barbarabrownskirt.htmlhttps://www.brightonfringe.org/box-office/shows/view/who-do-you-think-you-are-barbara-brownskirthttps://twitter.com/kazzymcleod?lang=enhttps://twitter.com/BBrownskirthttps://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Search-Missing-Eyelash-Karen-Mcleod/0099507978
May 23, 2017 · 44 min
Ep 72: Andy Council on his mix of illustration & street art, trash monsters and the Bristol dinosaur
Andy Council is a multi-disciplinary artist and illustrator. His iconic dinosaur and monsters, built from cityscapes and trash are full of life, energy and a dry humour.I meet Andy to discuss his roots, the origins of his creature creations and the Bristol creative scene. He has some hilarious tales of public interaction with his works, whilst out working live.We talk about the balance the range of digital and large scale works and the smell of Montana 94. Mmmmm.....Get us your thoughts on Twitter @arrestallmimics and don't forget to review the show on iTunes!http://www.andycouncil.co.uk/http://www.illustrationweb.com/artists/AndyCouncil/viewhttps://twitter.com/andycouncilhttps://www.instagram.com/andycouncil/https://www.facebook.com/AndyCouncilArt/
May 16, 2017 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep 71: Lucinda Rogers: Iconic award winning reportage illustration & travel tales
The work of Lucinda Rogers was pasted front and centre in my university workspace. Her expressive, loose reportage illustration left me in awe and eleven years after my graduation, she kindly gives me her time to hear her inspiring journey.We discuss drawing on location and the challenges, joys and oddities that come along with public working. Lucinda tells some great stories about working in new York City, Marakech and London.The importance of making sure we have great art directors and protecting London's creative scene are hot topics as one of the illustration industry's greats joins the show!Get us your thoughts and any of your own on location stories at @arrestallmimics on Twitter now!Episode 71 is supported by: http://illustrationweb.comhttp://heartinternet.co.ukhttp://printed.comShow notes:http://www.lucindarogers.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/Lucinda-Rogers-691769897581010/https://twitter.com/lucindadrawshttp://theaoi.com
May 9, 2017 · 57 min
Ep 70: Stephen Bliss on his iconic Grand Theft Auto artwork and his fantastic new creative evolution
Here are five things we learned about creativity from Stephen Bliss. Illustrator and artist Stephen Bliss moved to America to take on a job with Rockstar Games. Nobody could have envisioned the explosion of controversy that was the Grand Theft Auto video game series. I met Stephen in Brooklyn to talk about his journey pre-Rockstar, how it felt to be the man behind the cult video game artwork, and his fascinating new direction since leaving the company. New York City and its wealth of ripped subway posters have provided the basis for his stunning new large-scale originals and we talk about what it means to feed off the environment around you and why New York is so unique. Creating large-scale street art is something new to Stephen and we talk about breaking away from screens and how he's successfully transitioned to work on buildings. These are fascinating insights from a man who continues to set trends and move forward fast. http://stephenbliss.com https://illustrationx.com http://instagram.com/stephen_bliss http://twitter.com/iamstephenbliss https://www.facebook.com/stephenblissart/ http://www.ba-reps.com/https://www.rockstargames.com/
May 2, 2017 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep 69: Fancy a creative role in film/TV? Director David Cohen takes us inside film production
David Cohen, film director joins me to take us through The Lost Sands, his finalist movie in the Sci-fi London 48-hour film competition.See the film at: http://www.davidcohendirector.com/gallery-3/In a golden era of television and with mainstream movies reaching new levels of possibility, David pulls back the curtain to discuss what it takes to produce a film. He details the creative roles, what they mean and what is required of that person and the overall team.Set design, art-direction, direction of photography and sound are all covered and we talk about the advantages of disadvantage where budget and small crew numbers are concerned.This is must listen for anyone with aspirations of working in film.Get us your thoughts and own film production experiences over @arrestallmimics on Twitter.http://www.davidcohendirector.com/https://vimeo.com/davidcohendirector
Apr 25, 2017 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep 68: Sandra Dieckmann shares the inside story of her brilliant debut children’s book ’Leaf.’
Illustrator Sandra Dieckmann returns by popular demand to talk about her debut children's book, Leaf. The story is an incredibly moving and visually impactful tale of acceptance, understanding, alienation and empathy, published by Flying Eye Books.Sandra's stunning array of colours, warmth, detail and natural world are showcased in spectacular fashion as we follow the journey of a polar bear who one day arrives unexpectedly in the woods, facing distrust, fear and isolation from the residents. She joins me to talk about the process of getting the book published, how she created Leaf and what challenges came with writing the story, ahead of its imminent release.Sandra is much loved in the world of makers and illustration and her second outing on the show gives us more invaluable insights into those industries and children's publishing.This is must listen for anyone interested in children's literature and conveying an important message through their work.Get your thoughts over to @arrestallmimics on TwitterPre-order Leaf NOW!!! flyingeyebooks.com/shop/leaf http://www.sandradieckmann.com/http://flyingeyebooks.com/http://nobrow.net/https://twitter.com/sandradieckmannhttps://www.instagram.com/sandradieckmann/https://www.facebook.com/DieckmannSandra/
Apr 18, 2017 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep 67: From high-street employment to an independent art career. Angela Morris-Winmill shares all
Angela Morris-Winmill joins me to discuss her intriguing journey, switching from a successful career at the forefront of London high-street fashion, to working as an independent multi-disciplinary artist.Angela took bold steps in leaving the world of full-time employment to pursue her creative ambitions when the time was right. She talks about knowing when to make such a big change, the risks and challenges in doing so and how she went about making the leap.We also explore the idea that coming from a different background into the art world can be a huge advantage and how to recognise stand out skills leaned in employment. Angela's fusion of fashion, sculpture, painting and drawing has brought about unique results with a sexuality and character and we dissect the eyeballs, torso and anatomy of her brilliant work!Let us know if you'd like to switch from freelance to employment, vice versa or whether you have done so at @arrestallmimics on Twitter.http://www.angelamorriswinmill.com/https://twitter.com/sculptressbydayhttps://www.instagram.com/sculptressbyday/
Apr 11, 2017 · 53 min
Ep 66: Arsenal photographer David Price on being self-taught & maximising your passions
Pricey has been working as a photographer at Arsenal Football Club since 2002. He works in many areas of the club, for both the women and men’s teams and on the media side of the game. Self-taught, he worked his way up the ranks, beginning with a trainee role at Colorsport. For a man who admits he never really harbored any serious creative aspirations, his portfolio of football photography is second to none and loved by Arsenal and football fans globally. We discuss the lessons he’s learned along the way, the magic of the moment, the crucial balance of instinct and technical ability and why former goalkeeper Jens Lehman now refuses to play in goals! Let us know if you’re self-taught and favourite sporting photograph @arrestallmimics on Twitter.https://twitter.com/priceyd101http://arsenal.com
Apr 4, 2017 · 45 min
Ep 65: From education to the real world of the creative industry. Where and how do you start?
The transition from education to the harsh environment of the 21st century creative industry is not an easy one. Few of us know where we want to go or how to get there, even if we do.Hazel Mead, 3rd year illustration and fine art student at the University of Coventry details the experience, how she’s starting to build bridges into industry, hopes, fears and dreams. The lack of guidance upon entering the industry can be a culture shock and we discuss ways to help your self, make those crucial early connections and more.Get your experiences and thoughts over on Twitter @arrestallmimicshttp://hazelmead.wixsite.com/artisthttps://twitter.com/HazelMeadArthttps://www.instagram.com/hazel.mead/Graduate portfolio/support site: https://www.artsthread.com/
Mar 28, 2017 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep 64: The iconic film & TV artwork of Paul Shipper!
Paul Shipper’s stunning film and TV artwork began with movie posters on a bedroom wall and inspiring trips to the video library in Manchester. His contemporary twist on a classic era of movie posters has earned him a following comprised of both cinema fans and industry icons alike.He joins me to discuss the journey, from being wowed by the artwork from such timeless films as Star Wars and Indiana Jones as a boy to joining Simon Pegg for movie premieres! Paul and I also discuss why digital is not a dirty word, his wonderful Carrie Fisher tribute illustration for Empire and upcoming Star Wars work.Get us your feedback over @arrestallmimics on Twitter.http://paulshipperstudio.com/https://twitter.com/paulshipperhttps://www.instagram.com/paulshipper/https://www.facebook.com/paulshipperstudio
Mar 21, 2017 · 42 min
Ep 63: The weird & wonderful world of Slayzy! South London artist & illustrator
Welcome to Slayzytown, where ice cream eyes and inverted pop culture characters are the tip of the ice berg. I meet the south London street artist and illustrator to talk about the weird, wonderful world he creates.How does a modern artist try to make a living whilst staying true to the world they wish to create? Slayzy talks about galleries, prints, sharing the inside of his lively mind with fans of his work and influences from the world of Japanese animation among many others.Come with us on a tour of the town he runs, where anything is possible if you can just pour your mind into a cone and stick a flake in it. Enjoy your stay!Get your Slayzytown experiences to us at @arrestallmimics on Twitterhttps://www.instagram.com/slayzy/http://slayzytown.bigcartel.com/https://twitter.com/slayzytown