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

May 17, 2016 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep 22 part 2: Electronic musician & producer Dirty Freud on unconventional creative career paths
Electronic musician and producer/DJ Dirty Freud underlines the benefits of having taken a different route into music. Dissuaded from studying music at school by a square teacher, he pursued creative writing, returning to making music with fresh approach to his peers.Having recently signed to an exclusive roster of artists supported by Jägermeister, Freud details his journey, the importance of embracing all forms of creativity and the value of embracing your inner geek. His love of science fiction and comic books brought about an alter-ego, Dirty Freud and we talk about the crucial role of his creative identity in establishing that persona, the effect it has on his music making and how his music career was largely down to a big mouth.Http://dirtyfreud.com - official sitehttp://twitter.com/dirtyfreud - DF on Twitterhttp://facebook.com/dirtyfreud - DF on FacebookBuy Dirty Freud's music on Beatport: https://pro.beatport.com/artist/dirty-freud/429734
May 17, 2016 · 1 hr
Ep 22 part 1: Music! Art! Design! A DIY band masterclass with The Hyena Kill
The Hyena Kill join us to talk about the release of their debut record, 'Atomised.' They take us through what it takes for a DIY band to record, produce, fund, release, promote and package a traditional album in the modern music industry in part one of our two part special on creative identity in new music.I met drummer Lorna Blundell and lead vocalist/guitarist Steven Dobb mid tour in camden, five years after we started working together as art-director and band in a sweaty open-mic night in Manchester's Gullivers pub. Having seen the band grow and evolve into one of the UK's hottest artists, I wanted to chat about that journey, their methods of staying alive in a ravaged music industry where the days of signing a record deal and crashing a limo into a swimming pool are well and truly over.The pressure to be the full finished article is now on the musicians themselves. We discuss the importance of a strong visual identity, clever use of social media, possibilities in crowd-funding and maximising the support network around you. Sound familiar? Yep, it's not just bands!The Hyena Kill are a shining example of how DIY can still be done effectively in the absence of capital.Buy 'Atomised' for an adrenaline soaked blast of filth-rock at https://thehyenakill.bandcamp.com/Keep up to date with The Hyena Kill's gig listings at http://thehyenakill.comFollow them on:Twitter: http://twitter.com/thehyenakillInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehyenakill/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehyenakill/Check out the Atomised art-direction and artwork: https://www.behance.net/gallery/37228763/The-Hyena-Kill-Atomised-album-art-direction
May 5, 2016 · 58 min
Ep 21: Caroline Hands joins us to talk travel, art, painting and London
Caroline Hands takes us through a fascinating career as an artist and painter in China, London, rural England and many other places. Her solo show 'White Bird Flew to Blue' opens at No Format Gallery, Woolwich from 9th June and I insist that you come down.When I first moved to my studio at Second Floor Studios and Arts, Caroline was also moving in and as I helped her arrange a massive load of paintings, I realised just how energising she is and her work encapsulates three lifetimes worth of adventure.We discuss her time living in a Chinese lotus village, her decision to return to London life after a long time in the countryside, her upcoming show and why she ended up front page of a newspaper after jumping from a bridge. Caroline is a truly fascinating artist with much to tell.http://www.carolinehands.co.uk/ - Caroline's official sitehttps://twitter.com/BirdsHands - Caroline on Twitter
Apr 28, 2016 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep 20: D&AD Festival special part 2: Grand Budapest designer Annie Atkins, Paul Smith and more!
On location at the inaugural D&AD festival at the Old Truman Brewery, we bring you a series of chats with Grand Budapest Hotel designer Annie Atkins, iconic fashion and housing designer Wayne Hemingway, Little White Lies Creative Director Timba Smits and Lucienne Roberts. We also chat to guests, D&AD CEO Tim Lindsay and Bruce Duckworth of heavyweight advertising agency Turner and Duckworth and D&AD president elect for 2016/17. Lastly, legendary fashion designer Paul Smith passes his opinion on my rascal shirt...Whether you were there or not, this show is frantic and a product of a man quickly becoming the ultimate opportunist!For show notes, see part 1/Ep 19.
Apr 26, 2016 · 40 min
Ep 19: D&AD Festival special Part 1: President, Andy Sandoz on the creative & advertising industries
D&AD represents global creative, design and advertising communities and celebrates brilliance in commercial creativity. I recall D&AD being a big deal when I was finishing up my degree in illustration. Just this rabid buzz about the place, students stressed, excited, dejected and elated in equal measure throughout the whole awards process, like the rest of their lives depended on it. Maybe it did. Now in 2016, D&AD have launched an inaugural 3-day festival in conjunction with the awards judging process and subsequent decisions. I head down to the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, East London, armed with a press pass and a microphone to make some sense of it all.Part one of the resultant two-part special is an exclusive interview with the 2015-16 and current president of D&AD, Andy Sandoz. He is also Executive Creative Director of Havas Work Club. In an engaging and fascinating chat, Andy tells us why technology is not going to shoot us, why we must embrace it and use it as fuel to shape the creative ideas we put out into the world and why it's important and more interesting to fuck up. He tells us what it means to be president of D&AD and discusses the current state of the advertising industry.A must listen no matter what you do, Andy Sandoz left a real positive impression on me and validated my own love of the mistake and artistic imperfection.In part two, I’m chatting to D&AD CEO Tim Lindsay, Grand Budapest Hotel designer, Annie Atkins, Wayne Hemingway, Lucienne Roberts and Little White Lies creative director, Timba Smits. You’ll also find out what iconic fashion designer Paul Smith thinks of my shirt.https://twitter.com/sandoz - Andy Sandoz on Twitterhttps://www.instagram.com/sandoz/ - Andy Sandoz on Instagramhttp://dandad.org - D&AD official sitehttp://twitter.com/dandad D&AD on Twitterhttps://www.instagram.com/d_and_ad/ - D&AD on Instagramhttp://www.thebeautifulmeme.com/ The Beautiful Meme official sitehttps://twitter.com/beautifulmemes The beautiful Meme on Twitter
Apr 19, 2016 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep 18: Want a creative role in the movie world? Indie film producer & director, Mark Ashmore
The world of independent filmmaking is a chaotic, high-octane melting pot, where hundreds of creative talents clash and click. Often working as part of a small production crew, working very closely with cast, the experience can be a lot of fun, but it can also break those unable to problem solve at a rapid rate. In a golden age of television, Mark tells us what it takes to work in the harsh environs of entry level film, where little to no budgets mean that organisation, DIY skills and creativity have to meet each other halfway. He gives us a fascinating account of thinking creatively and acting fast to carve out opportunities and we discuss his projects at length, including his debut feature film, The Lost Generation and Dailymotion's first ever original content, 'Portal.' For anyone looking to find and entry to the film world, indie or Hollywood, consider this your starter pack.
Apr 7, 2016 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep 17: Fashion Illustrator Jacqueline Bissett & Illustration agent Victoria Pearce
I wanted to draft in Jacqueline Bissett and Victoria Pearce to give me, a man preoccupied with televised wrestling, football and zombie fiction, with a very minimal understanding of the world of fashion, a valuable insight from the perspective of two people who have spent over two decades in the industry with great success.Jacqueline Bissett is a leading fashion illustrator signed to Illustration Ltd, where Victoria is a senior agent. The two take us through an entwined journey that began when Vicky's work as a stylist and then a fashion photography agent led her to Jackie, an exciting illustrator creating striking artworks in fashion. The two found their way to Illustration Ltd where Jackie thrives and Victoria plays a key role in the agency's continued global success.I meet the two as Jacqueline prepares to work live at the BAFTAs 2016, armed with a client list that includes Louis Vuitton, Selfridges, Kurt Geiger, Atelier Swarovski and Cartier. Where do we find today's fashion industry? How has the digital revolution influenced fashion and trends? Jacqueline and Vickie pull back the curtain on two very successful, complimentary and inspiring careers in a fast paced business that so many wish to enter.http://www.illustrationweb.com/artists/jacquelinebissett/view Jacqueline's illustration portfoliohttps://twitter.com/jabissett Jacqueline on Twitterhttps://www.facebook.com/Jacqueline-Bissett-Ltd-219624968150694/ Jacqueline on Facebookhttp://illustrationweb.com Illustration Ltd official websitehttps://twitter.com/Illustrationweb Illustration Ltd on Twitterhttp://instagram.com/illustrationltd Illustration Ltd on Instagramhttps://www.facebook.com/IllustrationLtd/ Illustration Ltd on Facebook
Mar 29, 2016 · 35 min
Ep 16 Part 2: Graphic Design on the job with WSC Art Editor Doug Cheeseman
Part two of the 30th anniversary of When Saturday Comes special, with art editor Doug Cheeseman.Doug takes us through the magazines story, from near cessation to a survivor of the digital revolution. We talk graphic design in sport, in football, publishing in the digital world and the role of an art director.See part one for show notes
Mar 29, 2016 · 41 min
Ep 16 Part 1: Football visual culture: WSC Magazine is 30
When Saturday Comes Art Editor Doug Cheeseman takes us through his journey from a young football fan in Essex to art editor of one of the world's most beloved football magazines. I remember... During that gut-wrenching time of anxiety, when you’re gearing up for your graduation art show, the real world looming in the all too near future, I sat hidden between two of the floor-to-ceiling shelves in the journals section of the university library. In truth, I was sat there to escape spending more time writing the dissertation I’d lost interest in weeks earlier. Fortunately, where I sat on the heavy footstool that is more often used as a makeshift seat was perfect eye-level with an impressive chunk of the When Saturday Comes magazine archive. There I sat for the next two hours, thumbing through issue after issue of the fanzine turned magazine, reading past articles and reminiscing about bygone seasons in which my football team, Leeds United was not a circus of marvellous embarrassments. The biggest result here however, was the revelation that each edition of WSC contained 2-3, sometimes more illustrations. The publication was noted, contacts written down and immediately slotted alongside The Guardian, Leeds United and WWE in my dream client hit list. Of course, I had essays and exhibitions to worry about, but two-years later, this moment would prove pivotal. Then, in 2008, I landed my first client. I’d kept the email address for Doug Cheeseman, art-editor of WSC and after weeks of sending him sample illustrations of football’s current issues created especially for his attention, he called me up and commissioned me. My first professional freelance job triggered an ongoing relationship between art-editor and illustrator, which has taught me a lot and helped me to craft my distinct style. In this two-part special, Doug takes us on his personal journey, growing up with 1970’s and 1980’s football and his transition from lazy student to graphic designer and art-editor at WSC, one of the UK’s best loved football magazines, now in its 30th year. He also shares the story of the cult-magazine and its fascinating evolution through football’s darker days, to the filthy-rich modern day game. We discuss art-direction, graphic design and the art of pitching up – a crucial tool in the arsenal of any self-respecting creative. Football’s visual culture is covered in depth and we discuss the role of the printed magazine in the digital revolution.http://www.wsc.co.uk/ - official websitehttp://www.dougcheeseman-design.co.uk/ Doug's official sitehttps://twitter.com/WSC_magazine WSC on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/dougcheese Doug Cheeseman on Twitterhttps://www.facebook.com/When-Saturday-Comes-The-Half-Decent-Football-Magazine-113835206404/?fref=ts WSC on Facebook
Mar 15, 2016 · 51 min
Ep 15: New York photographer, Marius Bugge shares an intriguing freelance success story
New York based photographer Marius Bugge takes us through his fascinating journey from Oslo, Norway, to New York city via Italy, where he works with clients including WWE, PLayboy, Ferrari, Pride and Stuff among many others.We discuss what it takes to build a reputation and network in an over-saturated market, the importance of learning from others and working with great art and creative directors.Marius also tells us all about his recent trip to Havana to photograph the New York Cosmos football team and street finds.For Marius' portfolio, check him out at http://mariusbugge.com and follow him on Instagram at @mbuggenycFor my WWE Faces of Evil set design, with Marius' photography: https://www.behance.net/gallery/9779425/WWE-Faces-Of-Evil-Set-DesignFor our 'Angels and Demons' collaboration:https://www.behance.net/gallery/10981249/(AD)
Mar 1, 2016 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep 14: Eden Orfanos, Hollywood Makeup Artist & Art Therapist
Eden Orfanos worked for years as a make-up artist in Hollywood, on a broad range of projects, including blood for TV show, Dexter, makeup on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and cadavers for the CSI detective shows. She also worked with the likes of George Clooney, Jude Law and Kristen Stewart, along with set design, stylist and producer roles. After growing tired of the more negative tendencies in the Hollywood world, so embarked on a journey to Africa, working with deaf mute children, using art therapy as a form of communication and teaching.Eden is a rare talent with touching and fascinating stories from her unbelievably varied career and I had to record one of our conversations which I can assure you, are always far from dull! Now getting stuck into an art therapy degree, we discuss the extremes of her journey so far, the unexpected routes it has taken her and how she now starts to see much method to seeming madness with the benefit of hindsight. Eden is a testament to how we all have the scope to shift between the many disciplines in the creative industries with the right mix of personality, patience ability, desire and hard work.Please sign the petition mentioned in this show to support the arts in our education system: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/111731Check out Eden's work at: http://edenorfanos.com and also: http://edenmakeupartist.com/https://twitter.com/EdenOrfanos Eden's Twitter accountPhoto: Pablitomas http://pabloaguilar.com/ x
Feb 18, 2016 · 1 hr 3 min
Ep 13: What makes for news worthy creative projects? Design Week explain
I illustrated on a monthly rotation for Design Week, a heavyweight player in the creative press world, from late 2009 until it's end as a print magazine in 2011. Shortly afterwards, Angus Montgomery became the editor of it's new online publication format. I wanted to meet Angus and discuss the challenges he faced in steering the magazine from 25 years of print newsstand prominence into an entirely digital existence. Plunged into the ever deeper digital ocean of content, he had to think laterally, tell strong stories to stand out in the face of overwhelming competition for clicks and become very fluid in responding to such a fast moving platform. We discuss how we as creative professionals can ensure our work is news worthy, what makes an attractive story in the design world, the Design Week Awards, the broad content in Design Week and its mind-bending print archive of the publications history.Show Notes:http://www.designweek.co.uk/ - Design Week official websitehttp://awards.designweek.co.uk/ - Design Week awardshttps://twitter.com/Design_Week Design Week on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/AngusMontgomery Angus Montgomery's Twitterhttps://www.facebook.com/DWDesignWeek/?fref=ts Design Week FacebookBen Tallon's 'Freelance State of Mind' columns: https://www.designweek.co.uk/author/ben-tallon/
Feb 3, 2016 · 55 min
Ep 12: Sarah Beetson, illustrator & head of Illustration X talent recruitment
With a moniker like 'the Rainbow Crusader,' artist, illustrator and head of Illustration Ltd joins us to discuss her signature neon, pop style of image making, fashion design and impressive list of clients in the arts. Sarah tells us about her role as head of talent recruitment at Illustration Ltd, how she has come to so perfectly embody her creative style through personality and interest in fairground visual identity. Sarah takes us on a journey to her dream project, a crowd-funded residency at Coney Island in New York City.http://www.illustrationweb.com/artists/SarahBeetson/view Sarah Beetson on Illustration Ltdhttp://www.sarahbeetson.com/ Sarah Beetson official sitehttps://twitter.com/sarahbeetson Sarah Beetson on Twitterhttps://www.instagram.com/sarahbeetson/ Sarah Beetson on Instagramhttps://www.facebook.com/sarahbeetsonillustrator/?fref=ts Sarah Beetson Facebook
Jan 19, 2016 · 1 hr 14 min
Ep 11: Ray Richardson, London painter, described as ’the Martin Scorsese of painting.’
London painter, Ray Richardson has been described as 'the Martin Scorsese of painting.' His filmic compositions of scenes that suck in the viewer, allowing them to envision their own book-ends to the powerful moment depicted as only Richardson can, invite us into his own London.We talk about his upcoming show, 'London Soul' at Beaux Arts, the strong presence of English Bull Terriers in his work, working in Chicago and his path from Goldsmiths University at a time when conceptual art was becoming prominent, to becoming one of the UK's most respected painters.http://rayrichardson.co.uk/ Ray's official websitehttps://twitter.com/RayRichardson1 Ray on Twitterhttps://www.facebook.com/Ray-Richardson-Londons-No-One-149640825114988/?fref=ts Ray's official Facebook pagehttps://www.instagram.com/rayrichardson1/ Ray's Instagram
Jan 5, 2016 · 57 min
Ep 10: PR, communication & self-promo insights with editor & former PR specialist David Woods
Humm Media work with a wide range of clients to create striking and unique PR and communications campaigns. David Woods, one half of Humm, offers us a unique insight into the world of PR, communications and marketing your work in an original way.We discuss the importance of the personal touch and storytelling when aiming to stand out and reach your target audience and client base. We cover social media, e-etiquette, the importance of the human touch and why many artists, designers and other creative professionals struggle with self-promotion and marketing. We all face the challenge of channeling our personality and character into our work and we touch upon how others read that as a brand.Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidpaulwoodsHumm Media official website: http://www.hummmedia.com/Humm Media on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HummMedia
Dec 14, 2015 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep 9: Sandra Dieckmann, artist, illustrator and maker discusses what makes a creative style
We join German artist, illustrator and maker, Sandra Dieckmann at her fantastic 'Mama Wolf' studio and shop to talk about her popular nature inspired artworks.Sandra talks about fairytale influences, growing up in Germany and her prominent positioning in the Etsy and makers scene.We talk about the David v Goliath challenge of making money from hand made goods as an independent maker, especially when faced with heavyweight Christmas competition from the likes of John Lewis, Liberty's and other department stores vying for your festive pennies.Sandra's official site: http://www.sandradieckmann.com/Sandra's Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SandraDieckmannSandra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sandradieckmannSandra's Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/sandradieckmann/Sandra's Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/DieckmannSandra
Dec 3, 2015 · 33 min
Ep 8: Don Letts, filmmaker, musician, DJ and a pivotal player in the punk/reggae music scene.
Cult UK filmmaker, DJ and musician Don Letts played a key role in introducing reggae music to the punk scene in 1970's London. He lives by the code of 'hustle,' famously sneaking into Bob Marley's hotel room to talk with him and then becoming friends.Don continues to make films and hosts 'Culture Clash Radio' on BBC 6Music on Saturday and Sunday night.For a slightly shorter talk than usual, Don packs a lot of audio dynamite into our conversation, discussing what we've lost in the digital revolution and why he still considers himself an aspiring filmmaker.Don Letts' Culture Clash Radion show on BBC 6 Music: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0072pzt
Nov 25, 2015 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep 7: Kyla Paolucci, Graphic Designer, Illustrator on ’While We’re Young’ movie.
Kyla Paolucci joins us in Brooklyn, New York to discuss her work with HBO, WWE and her recent work in the production design department of 'While We're Young,' starring Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts. We also tackle the issue of ageing gracefully, New York Fashion, geriatric starlets and why it's cool to be a weirdo.Kyla's official site: http://www.kylapaolucci.com/Kyla on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kpaoluKyla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciaolucci/
Nov 10, 2015 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep 6: Rob O’Connor, Creative Director of Stylorouge (Blur, Trainspotting, Spinal Tap art-direction)
Creative Director of Stylorouge, Rob O'Connor joins us to discuss the fundamentals of the London based creative consultancy company's astounding success over several decades.Well known for their work with Blur and on the iconic poster designs for Trainspotting, Rob discusses their wider work and the importance of creative collaboration, freedom and why total democracy is not always the best method of running design projects.Rob also explains why the creative process is a bit like making a cup of tea...Stylorouge official website: http://www.stylorouge.co.uk/
Oct 27, 2015 · 57 min
Ep 5: Art & the education system disaster with John Newbigin, Creative England Chair
John Newbigin, chair of Creative England, who mentor, support and invest in the UK Creative Industries joins me to discuss creativity in education, how crucial it is and how the current system is outdated and cruel.We discuss what the arts bring to a rapidly transforming society in the digital revolution and break down Education Secretary Nicky Morgan's comments about children choosing arts and humanities limiting their careers...Looking for feedback on this one guys, big issues and real life content!Creative England official website: http://www.creativeengland.co.uk/John's brilliant Guardian article: http://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2015/jun/17/academic-subjects-alone-wont-set-every-child-up-for-lifehttps://twitter.com/newbijohn John on Twitter