The Creative Boom Podcast Creative Boom

Social media has come a long way over the last two decades. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter weren't just great places to connect with others; they became how we built our creative businesses, found clients, and promoted our work.


But all good things must come to an end. Profits and shareholders inevitably entered the fray, twisting algorithms and features upside down. We've spent much time and effort chasing likes and clicks until we became exhausted, disengaged, and ready to try anything to market ourselves other than fire out another update.


Perhaps we're going through a shift again, as this week's guest might allude. Julian Glander is a Pittsburgh-based multidisciplinary artist who grew his reputation and business online but is now redefining his relationship with social networks. As a self-described "Internet artist", he admits he's trying to break or retrain his social media habits and find ways to use his time online more productively and intentionally.


This new approach played a big part in developing his new film, Boys Go to Jupiter – a fantastical coming-of-age story that he has self-financed and put together with a small team over the last few years. The movie tells the story of a teenage delivery driver in suburban Florida whose life is turned topsy-turvy by the arrival of a mysterious and adorable creature from another world.


It's been a real labour of love and, by far, the most ambitious and demanding thing he's ever worked on. To get it done, though, he had to pull lessons from his experiences in many different fields: illustration, video games, music, and animation. But he also made the best use of the web, calling upon his social networks to cast and recruit almost every voice actor in this film, including Joe Pera, Sarah Sherman and Elsie Fisher. He's even embraced TikTok and found success there, making new contacts and finding fresh inspiration.


As our online habits continue to change, we wanted to find out how one successful artist is adapting and embracing what seems to be a new era of social media and how we might follow suit.


This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

Fear can hold us back and make us feel stuck. But if we don't face the things that scare us, how will we ever progress? That's certainly the case for us creatives. Whether we're afraid of going freelance, starting a side project, applying for that job, or making a complete lifestyle shift, embracing what terrifies us could actually lead us to happiness. And if it doesn't? Well, there's always a lesson to be learned.


Joanna Henly is no stranger to change. She spent her childhood moving around, as her parents' careers dictated. On making new friends at different schools and getting used to new roots, she naturally built resilience and, as a result, didn't shy away from her fears.


That's not always been the case. Just like any of us, Joanna has her ups and downs. But in 2019, she suddenly decided to leave London for Lisbon, completely changing her entire lifestyle and career. And when the global pandemic happened, that only encouraged her to pursue her dreams even more.


She became a creative mentor and now works with aspiring, emerging and mid-term career artists to propel their creativity and careers forward. She's taken everything she's experienced from her own journey of being an illustrator, muralist, fine artist, and digital and VR painter to help others. Joanna has worked with Reebok, Google, Vivienne Westwood, and Wacom. She's presented her work and ideas as inspiration sessions for Apple and sold out workshops and masterclasses at venues including The V&A, The Saatchi and National Portrait Galleries.


Her artworks have even hung in the Saatchi Gallery and Somerset House, while her books are stocked at the Tate and National galleries. She's curated and exhibited solo shows in London and Hong Kong. More recently, she's presented ideas and interactive art with everyone from Google to fashion giants Galliano, painted in VR for the Land Rover Evoque world premiere, and so much more.


So, how on earth do the rest of us face and overcome fear? How do we move forward as creatives and discover new ways of working and living? Essentially, how do we become unstuck and move forward? Joanna gives some excellent advice for anyone itching to make a significant change this year.


This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

Ever wonder how to make it big in animation when the industry is always on the move? How do you keep your focus and drive when everything around you is shifting so fast?


This week, we explore these important questions with Sean J. Cuttino, an influential figure in animation, illustration, and storytelling. His journey shines a light on what it really takes to stay ahead in a world where the creative landscape and technology never stand still.


The creative force behind J. Cutt Productions, Sean is known for his engaging YouTube content and impressive collaborations with big names like Google, the NFL, Slick Rick and Missy Elliott, showing us how creativity can really make an impact. But he's not just about making waves; he's helping shape how we experience art and design.


In our conversation, we learn how he keeps up with the fast-paced world of animation and design and about his latest passion project, The Storybook Traveling Adventures of Little J. and the Wonder Key. This talk isn't just about his career highs but also about the power of storytelling and how it draws us in.


Sean opens up about the rollercoaster of building a creative career, filled with ups and downs and the learning curve that keeps his work exciting and relevant. From viral animations to the enchanting world of Little J, his story is all about resilience, joy, and the love of creating.


For anyone who's got a thing for design, loves a good story, or is just curious about creative careers, this episode with Sean J. Cuttino is a treasure trove of insights and inspiration. It's all about finding your passion, embracing the inevitable challenges, and making those imaginative ideas a reality in a constantly evolving industry.


This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

We're kicking off a new season of The Creative Boom Podcast with something a little bit different. Today, we're talking about posture and how we can stay pain-free as creatives. Because let's face it, we all spend so much time sitting, working, and leaning over laptops and gadgets – perhaps getting into bad habits; it's inevitable we'll run into trouble unless we look after ourselves. Of course, we want to help you avoid that, or – if you're already suffering (myself included) – then we'll hopefully help you find a way out.


To talk us through this big topic, our guest this week is Eleanor Burt, otherwise known as Posture Ellie. Based in the beautiful Peak District in England, she's a posture coach who runs her own programmes, hosts in-person events such as special retreats and even shares a load of free stuff on YouTube to help a lot of people become more in tune with their bodies.


She doesn't claim to be an expert. And she certainly doesn't promise to "fix" anyone. But she's absolutely found her calling and is helping many people to empower themselves to move and feel better. Is your neck or back giving you grief? Are you suffering from sciatica, bulging discs in your spine, or do you just feel out of alignment? Then, this episode will introduce you to a new approach – one that doesn't rely on popping pills forever and might even get rid of your pain.


This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

Hey there, and welcome back to The Creative Boom Podcast. I’m Katy Cowan, and it’s so good to have you with us for another season, during which we get up close and personal with some of the most interesting folks in the creative industry.


This time around, we're keeping things laid-back but insightful, chatting about everything from the big questions to the little things that make our creative lives tick.


Picture this: Aaron Draplin sharing how he’s learning to take it easy after recently turning 50, finding peace amid the buzz. Or imagine getting some life-changing tips from Eleanor Burt on keeping those desk-bound aches and pains at bay.


We’re also diving into Sean J Cuttino’s adventure of bringing his first children’s book to life, and Teresa Ferreira will be sharing her journey towards a more sustainable design practice after almost seven years as head of design at the FT.


And then there’s Christoph Niemann, who’s going to walk us through his creative process, showing us how to shake off those stuck moments and spark new, vibrant ideas.


We’ve also got Joanna Henly joining us to talk about facing fears head-on and how that shapes our creative endeavours. And Simon Davies will share how creativity is rejuvenating Stoke-on-Trent, turning the Potteries into a beacon of culture and innovation once more.


But that’s just a taste. We’ve got a whole lineup of incredible guests this season, each with their own unique story and pearls of wisdom to share.


So, grab your favourite cup of something warm, find a comfy spot, and join us every Monday morning. It’s all about finding joy in the creative journey, learning a thing or two, and maybe even having a few laughs along the way.


Make sure you’re subscribed on your preferred podcast platform. If you haven't already, check out our archive of episodes – former guests include Paula Scher, Gail Anderson, Stefan Sagmeister, and Morag Myerscough.


Here’s to growing our creative careers together, one friendly chat at a time.

Have you ever seen a brand change its image and thought, 'Wow, that's bold!' or 'What were they thinking?' Today, we're unravelling the mysteries of successful brand transformation sparked by WHSmith's recent controversial trial to shift to 'WHS.' It was only a trial change but one that stirred debate. So, what can we learn from it?


To guide us through this maze, we're joined by Lee Rolston, chief growth officer at Jones Knowles Ritchie. Lee is a maestro in brand building, having steered JKR to craft iconic revamps for Burger King, Dunkin', and Budweiser. His agency's work doesn't just catch the eye; it wins hearts and awards.


But what makes a brand tick? Beyond public opinion, how do you measure true success? In a world brimming with ideas, can originality still make a mark? And how do you honour a brand's heritage while keeping it fresh and relevant?


Lee is here not just to answer these burning questions but also to share his vision for the future of design. Whether you're a seasoned designer, a brand enthusiast, or just curious, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the evolving world of branding today.