Creatively Eccentric

Heather Ebanks - Graphic Designer | Empowering Creatives

Bold voices. Messy journeys. Zero apologies. A Podcast about Empowering Creatives, Embracing Uniqueness & Redefining Success Creatively Eccentric is a podcast about radically redefining what it means to be a creative in a world that still prefers conformity — where unapologetically bold, unconventional, and underrepresented creators get real about breaking rules, navigating rejection, and carving out success on their own terms. Too many creatives feel pressure to fit into narrow industry boxes that don’t reflect who they are. The creative industry still upholds gatekeeping, homogeneity, and burnout culture. There’s a lack of platforms that celebrate messy, multi-passionate, neurodivergent, and culturally diverse creators who are doing things differently. Join Graphic Designer and host Heather Ebanks, who will be offering honest solo reflection episodes, alongside conversations with talented creatives, and practical tools for thriving outside the traditional path. Creatively Eccentric doesn’t ask you to “find your niche” or play to the algorithm — it encourages you to build a career by being more of yourself.

  1. Overlooked to Unforgettable: Turning Your Identity Into Your Competitive Edge with Johanna Parvedy

    6 DAYS AGO

    Overlooked to Unforgettable: Turning Your Identity Into Your Competitive Edge with Johanna Parvedy

    Johanna, the founder of KCLAB,, shares her journey from a corporate marketing background to empowering culturally diverse creators. She discusses the importance of representation, visibility, and authenticity in marketing, emphasising the need for a supportive community. She also addresses the challenges faced by black, mixed, and POC entrepreneurs and the significance of unlearning societal norms to embrace one's true identity. The discussion highlights the power of storytelling and the necessity of creating spaces for diverse voices in the marketing landscape. Takeaways Challenges faced by culturally diverse entrepreneursStrategies for authentic visibility without burnoutThe role of identity and cultural fluency in branding Connect Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com Podlink Subscribe & Listen Apply to be a guest - Waitlist Instagram YouTube Playlist Buy a Ko-Fi Chapters 00:00 Empowering Diverse Voices in Marketing 03:05 Navigating a Messy Journey: From Science to Marketing 05:40 Unlearning Limitations: Embracing Authority and Visibility 08:11 The Importance of Representation in Branding 10:52 Authority vs. Visibility: Building Your Brand Identity 13:57 Being Unapologetically You: Embracing Authenticity 16:27 Breaking the Cycle: Redefining Visibility Strategies 19:30 Navigating Burnout and Community Support 21:06 The Importance of Representation in Entrepreneurship 22:58 Overcoming Barriers for Culturally Diverse Entrepreneurs 24:55 Monetizing Expertise Without Commodifying Identity 29:24 Lighthearted Insights and Creative Rituals 34:06 Authenticity and Its Impact on Future Generations Guest Instagram - Kclab - Media Made Visable By Jo Contact - Website Creatively Eccentric™

    36 min
  2. Why Being Misunderstood Might Be Your Creative Superpower with Steve Chapman

    16 APR

    Why Being Misunderstood Might Be Your Creative Superpower with Steve Chapman

    In this engaging conversation, Steve Chapman shares his multifaceted journey as an artist, writer, and podcaster. He reflects on the messiness of life, the importance of reconnecting with childhood creativity, and the human side of creativity as a means of self-expression. Connect Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com Subscribe & Listen Apply to be a guest - Waitlist Instagram YouTube Playlist Buy a Ko-Fi Guest Steve Chapman's Instagram Creative Adventures Podcast Website Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Steve Chapman and his creative identity 00:57 Resonance with bold voices and messy journeys 01:14 The beauty of messiness in creative life 01:36 Valuing strangeness and neurodivergence  02:29 Reconnecting with the playful, free spirit of childhood 03:10 The contrast between free childhood and cautious adulthood 05:48 How to reconnect with your creative innocence 06:35 Quantum flirting and openness to inspiration 08:44 Creativity as a way of being human 10:37 The essence of spontaneous self-expression 12:11 The internal and external freedom in creativity 13:27 Why we hide our process and how to celebrate wonkiness 14:44 The ongoing presence of fear and anxiety in creative work 16:59 The curious project of the silent podcast 18:13 The adventure of recording silence with celebrities 21:21 The power of silence and presence in conversations 22:18 The magic of stage presence and masks 23:59 Designing meaningful endings in creative projects 24:44 Drop in and out of the industry for freedom 26:00 Staying on the edges of creativity to protect authenticity 27:01 Challenging norms and questioning industry standards 29:23 The importance of inner work and self-belief 32:03 Masks as a mirror to hidden parts of ourselves 34:52 The transformative power of mask workshops 36:18 Unexpected insights from mask exploration 38:39 Deep empathy and intense moments in mask work 40:42 Handling intense emotional moments with masks 43:43 The unexpected items in the studio drawer 44:16 Breaking out of creative ruts with curiosity 46:35 Misunderstandings and assumptions about creative work 47:55 The most ridiculous item in the studio 49:38 The story of the crow friend and nature connection 51:29 Supporting your creative curiosity and fascination 52:10 Connecting with Steve via social media and website Mentions Jim Moir  Terry Waite Creatively Eccentric™

    55 min
  3. The Renegade Designer: Kayleigh Hall on Design, Social Mobility & Confidence

    19 MAR

    The Renegade Designer: Kayleigh Hall on Design, Social Mobility & Confidence

    Kayleigh Hall’s creative journey doesn’t follow the usual rules — and that’s exactly the point. In this episode, Kayleigh shares how her upbringing, early work experiences, and fascination with human behaviour shaped her approach to branding as something far deeper than aesthetics.  From leaving formal education to falling in love with typography and design psychology, her path is a reminder that creativity often grows in unexpected places. We talk about social mobility, class, and the quiet inner conflict that can come with visibility when you didn’t start from the same place. She also reflects on confidence, clarity, and why understanding yourself — and your audience — can change how you show up in your work and your career. This conversation is for creatives embracing non-linear paths, trusting their intuition, and building work that actually feels like them. Takeaways Embrace your unique journey and the lessons learned along the way.Understand the psychology behind design to create meaningful connections.Align your creative endeavours with business goals for impactful outcomes.Never underestimate the value of practical experience in shaping your career.Connect Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com Podlink Subscribe & Listen Apply to be a guest - Waitlist Instagram YouTube Playlist Buy a Ko-Fi Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kayleigh Hall 02:28 The Journey of a Renegade Designer 04:39 Education: A Blend of Tradition and Rebellion 09:20 The Psychology Behind Design Decisions 12:19 Art and Science: Building a Sustainable Creative Career 15:54 Supporting Creatives: The Drop-In Clinic 20:41 Social Mobility and Creativity 27:57 Finding Comfort in Self-Employment 32:31 Advice for Aspiring Creatives 36:01 Studio Draw: Behind the Scenes of Creativity 45:43 Outro Guest Hall Creative Instagram LinkedIn Mentions: Mother London Creatively Eccentric ™

    46 min
  4. Hyper-Visible but Unheard: Reclaiming Your Voice as a Creative with Dominique Van Werkhoven

    5 MAR

    Hyper-Visible but Unheard: Reclaiming Your Voice as a Creative with Dominique Van Werkhoven

    Dominique reflects on finding her voice while navigating new cultures, languages, and identities — often starting from scratch. She shares how learning to speak in unfamiliar spaces became less about communication and more about claiming who she is. We also explore the tension of being hyper-visible yet unheard as a creative of colour, the pressure of representation, and why your voice deserves space without carrying everyone else’s weight. Connect Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com Subscribe & Listen Apply to be a guest - Waitlist Instagram YouTube Playlist Buy a Ko-Fi Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dominique Van Werkhoven  04:35 Embracing Bold Voices and Messy Journeys 07:12 Finding Your Voice in New Cultures 09:40 Navigating Hyper-Visibility and Invisibility 12:24 The Importance of Community and Safe Spaces 14:19 Owning Your Voice and Trusting Your Instincts 17:08 Supporting Underrepresented Voices in Business 23:47 Empowering Small Businesses Through Marketing 26:01 Leadership Lessons from Creative Collaboration 33:01 Balancing Support and Goals in Creative Work 35:35 Embracing Mistakes as Opportunities for Growth 38:55 The Journey of Being Seen and Finding Voice 43:57 Outro Takeaways Navigating hyper-visibility and invisibility is a common challenge for people of colour in creative spaces.Community support is crucial for individuals facing challenges related to visibility and identity.Leadership in creative spaces involves supporting others and fostering their ideas.Small businesses and nonprofits can create significant impact through visibility and effective marketing. Guest The Werks Linkedin - Dominique Linkedin - Gideon Instagram Creatively Eccentric ™

    44 min
  5. Fashion as Activism: How Daisy Riley Challenges the Status Quo

    19 FEB

    Fashion as Activism: How Daisy Riley Challenges the Status Quo

    What if fashion wasn’t just about aesthetics—but about power, politics, and who gets heard? In this episode of Creatively Eccentric, I chat with Daisy Riley, founder of the political fashion zine The Grey, to explore how creativity can be a form of activism. Daisy is redefining what fashion media can be by pushing past glossy trends and celebrity culture to spotlight substance, storytelling, and social impact. We dive into the creation of The Grey and why Daisy felt compelled to challenge the limitations of mainstream fashion publications. She shares how fashion operates as a universal language—one that reflects culture, identity, and inequality—and why it deserves deeper, more critical conversations. She also opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, particularly as a woman carving out space in a traditionally gatekept industry. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting your voice, embracing authenticity, and building confidence through meaningful work. If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. Connect Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com Podlink Subscribe & Listen Apply to be a guest - Waitlist Instagram YouTube Playlist Buy a Ko-Fi Guest The Grey Zine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreyzine/ Mentions London College of Fashion Alterist | Alexander McQueen | Vivienne Westwood Key Takeaways Imposter syndrome is a common challengeTokenism in fashion can lead to feeling visible but undervalued Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Daisy and The Grey 00:17 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 00:54 Host Introduction - Daisy Riley 02:14 Educational Background and Early Career 05:01 Fashion Lovers vs. Fashion Followers 07:03 The Value of Physical Print 08:55 Challenging the Frivolous Narrative of Fashion 10:46 Tips for Aspiring Creators 13:05 Experiences with Tokenism 14:27 Fashion's Historical Exclusivity 17:02 Using Fashion as a Tool for Self-Expression 18:43 Inspirational Figures in Fashion 21:11 Behind the Scenes: Studio Draw Segment 24:49 Fashion as Free Speech 25:25 Conclusion and Contact Information 26:05 Outro Creatively Eccentric™️

    26 min
  6. 5 FEB

    Why Hiding Your Work is Hurting Your Reach

    In this solo quarter-year reflection, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes reality of starting Creatively Eccentric. Four months into the podcast, I reflect on how fear, perfectionism, and waiting to feel “ready” kept me hiding my work—and how that was hurting my reach. I talk about why visibility isn’t the problem—fear is, and how letting go of rigid expectations, embracing imperfection, and introducing solo episodes helped me move forward. Some of the episodes I’ve doubted most have resonated deeply with listeners, reminding me that work doesn’t need to be perfect to be valuable. This episode is a reminder that hiding your work doesn’t protect you—it limits your reach. Visibility requires showing up imperfectly, accepting fear and vulnerability as part of being human, and learning as you go. If you’re a creative with a bold voice, a messy journey, and zero apologies, I’d love to hear from you—Creatively Eccentric is always looking for guests who align with the podcast’s values and mission. Details in the description Takeaways: Visibility isn’t the problem—fear is. Waiting to feel ready or perfect often delays progress more than it protects your work.Hiding your work limits your reach. If people can’t see what you’re creating, they can’t connect with it or support it.Starting imperfectly creates momentum. Progress comes from showing up, learning in public, and allowing the work to evolve.Your work doesn’t need to be perfect to resonate. What you doubt as a creator may be exactly what someone else needs. Timestamps 00:00 The Journey Begins: Launching the Podcast 04:26 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Imperfection 06:13 Visibility and Opportunities: Breaking Free from Fear 07:12 Listener Questions 08:39 Guest Call-Out Invitation 08:53 Outro Mentions: Emerging Voices https://www.instagram.com/emergingvoicesstudio/ The thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own. If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. Connect Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com Subscribe & Listen: Creatively Eccentric Podlink Send a voice-note idea Apply to be a guest Instagram: Creatively Eccentric YouTube Playlist LinkedIn: Heather Ebanks Support the show: Buy a Ko-Fi

    9 min
  7. Unmasking Visibility: Louisa Shaeri on the Power of Being Seen

    22 JAN

    Unmasking Visibility: Louisa Shaeri on the Power of Being Seen

    In this conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Louisa Shaeri about her powerful work as a coach for neurodivergent creatives and culture shapers. As we talked, I found myself deeply resonating with her reflections on value, identity, and the systems we move through—systems that so often feel ill-fitting for people who think and create differently. Mentions Website: https://www.valorize.systems/ Podcast: The Unmasking Unschool Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisashaeri/ Thinking Systems - Donella Meadows https://theautisticadvocate.com/ https://theneurodivergentbrain.org/audhd/ Takeaways Fitting into an ill-fitting system limits potential and growth.Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in traditional coaching environments.Self-doubt can prevent individuals from fully embracing their value.Unmasking is a continuous journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Louisa Shaeri and Her Work 04:45 The Journey of Finding One's Voice 08:53 Understanding Systems and Their Impact 12:30 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Value 16:32 The Role of Education in Creative Industries 20:29 Cognitive Justice and Unmasking 24:51 The Importance of Visibility and Self-Discovery 25:25 Understanding AUDHD and Neurodivergence 30:03 The Creative Process and Identity 30:51 Studio Draw: The Messy Side of Creativity 35:26 Advice on Finding Your Value in Creativity 37:37 Outro The thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own. If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe Connect Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com Subscribe & Listen: Creatively Eccentric Podlink Send a voice-note idea Apply to be a guest Instagram: Creatively Eccentric YouTube Playlist LinkedIn: Heather Ebanks Support the show: Buy a Ko-Fi

    38 min
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Bold voices. Messy journeys. Zero apologies. A Podcast about Empowering Creatives, Embracing Uniqueness & Redefining Success Creatively Eccentric is a podcast about radically redefining what it means to be a creative in a world that still prefers conformity — where unapologetically bold, unconventional, and underrepresented creators get real about breaking rules, navigating rejection, and carving out success on their own terms. Too many creatives feel pressure to fit into narrow industry boxes that don’t reflect who they are. The creative industry still upholds gatekeeping, homogeneity, and burnout culture. There’s a lack of platforms that celebrate messy, multi-passionate, neurodivergent, and culturally diverse creators who are doing things differently. Join Graphic Designer and host Heather Ebanks, who will be offering honest solo reflection episodes, alongside conversations with talented creatives, and practical tools for thriving outside the traditional path. Creatively Eccentric doesn’t ask you to “find your niche” or play to the algorithm — it encourages you to build a career by being more of yourself.