Escape Artists Marisha Pink

Full show notes and links to all the resources discussed can be found at marishapink.com



In this episode I'm interviewing freelance illustrator Hannah Asen who abandoned a promising career as a Media Communications Manager to pursue her passion for illustration. Born in London, Hannah relocated to Berlin in 2010 to take advantage of the vibrant creative scene, but three years later found that she had spent more time advancing her day job than her creative pursuits. Deciding that she wanted to do work that she was passionate about, after a few months of preparation, Hannah made the leap into full-time illustration. Producing all her illustrations by hand with a traditional dip pen and ink, Hannah splits her time between work on her own children's books, editorial and private commissions. She has produced illustrations for Broke In London, New York Tartan Week and the Scotland Now Shop, with plans to open her very own Etsy store later this year.



During the show we discuss how easy it is to fall into a job, even though you might not be passionate about the work, and why you must decide to break free. Hannah explains the importance of setting aside enough money to live on before you take the plunge and walks us through her experience of researching the industry in order to find a niche within the field of illustration. We explore how to create a portfolio to showcase your work and outline why you shouldn't wait for commissions or briefs to get started. Hannah explains how she used her existing network to make contacts and obtain feedback on her work and shares her tips on where to get practice, advice, support and training as an illustrator. We examine the importance of building a web presence and the highlight the opportunities that can come from sharing your work via social media. We discuss how crucial word of mouth and maintaining professionalism in your work are to your success, plus Hannah tells us how she structures her day and why maintaining flexibility is key. Finally, we discuss the importance of setting goals, staying motivated and networking to avoid loneliness, as well as how to ensure that you still enjoy your passion once it becomes your day job.

Full show notes and links to all the resources discussed can be found at marishapink.com



In this episode I'm interviewing debut author Emma Bamford who fled Fleet Street to sail the high seas with a complete stranger (and his cat), before penning a memoir about her adventures, which was recently published by Bloomsbury. Emma began her journalistic life working for regional newspapers, before transferring to Fleet Street - the epicentre of UK newspaper publishing - to join the rat race. She enjoyed a wildly successful career working first as a Deputy Features Editor for the Daily Express, and later as a News Editor for both The Independent and the i newspapers. Eventually tiring of working long hours and watching her friends settle down to husbands, babies and detached houses, Emma realised that it was time to embrace the freedom that she had as a single woman and decided to go in search of her own happiness. Answering an internet advert for "Crew Wanted", Emma packed in her job, bought a one-way ticket to Borneo, and began a sailing adventure that would culminate in her debut novel, Casting Off, and the discovery of a desire to write books instead of articles.



During the show we discuss personal change and why you alone are responsible for finding your own happiness. We explore writing as an artform and why not all types of writing are the same. Emma explains how she boldly pitched an editor and landed a book deal without having an agent, and walks us through the process of working with a publisher to turn a manuscript into a finished book. We discuss the realities of a publishing contract and what publishers will (and will not!) provide for their authors, plus Emma shares her tips on how to approach journalists/publications to get media coverage for your book/story. We examine the subjectivity of writing and Emma explains how to handle rejection, avoid brain drain and find the headspace to write. We explore funding sources for writers and discuss how to manage financial insecurity when you are starting out. Finally, Emma highlights the importance of a support network when you are working alone and explains why "making it" means different things to different people.

Full show notes and links to all the resources discussed can be found at marishapink.com



In this episode I'm interviewing award-winning documentary film producer Laura Shacham who turned down life as a lawyer to pursue her passion for producing films with a social impact.



Laura worked her way up to producer on the feature film 'Just Do It: A Tale of Modern Day Outlaws'. The premiere was a sell-out and the film had an extensive UK cinema release, with community and festival screenings stretching from Quebec to Kosovo. After teaming up with directorial duo Will Francome and Mark Pizzey, Laura now forms one third of production powerhouse Reel Nice. Their ground-breaking interactive documentary series, 'One For Ten', was nominated for a Webby, selected by the Guardian as one of the top ten web series of 2013, won Best Web Series at the Raindance Film Festival, and even went on to be acquired by Channel 4. Laura is currently producing the feature documentary 'A Mile Wide', slated for release in 2015, and co-runs Kino London, the capital's only open-mic short film night.



During the show we discuss how Laura accidentally discovered her passion for film-making and why it's important to volunteer for anything and everything to gain experience when starting out. Laura explains how she eventually found her niche within film, marrying creative producing with an interest in social and political issues, and walks us through the process of transforming an idea into a finished production. We explore alternative approaches to film funding and discuss why crowdfunding is about more than just the money, plus Laura schools us on the importance of tact and transparency when dealing with people. Finally, Laura shares details of an incredible opportunity to have your short film screened and network with other film folk.

Welcome to the first ever episode of Escape Artists. In this episode I'm interviewing talented singer-songwriter D'lys who escaped from the clutches of London's Square Mile.



D'lys has opened for Leo the Lion of The Streets, wowed Kevin Spacey at The Old Vic Theatre's Celebrity Gala, and performed live on a number of BBC radio shows, as well as on the new London Live TV channel. She unofficially released her debut album, FIND ME AN ANGEL, last year and this summer she has shows in both Europe and the USA, where she will be sharing festival bills with the likes of Joss Stone and The Jacksons.



During the show we discuss how D'lys nurtured her musical talent on the side until she felt confident enough to take the plunge, and how she used her job in the city to build up the funds to finance her escape. D'lys sheds some light on the process of writing your own music, working with producers, selling and promoting your own work. We talk about why it's important to get in front of people and not just rely on social media, and how to earn your stripes in the industry by finding and creating opportunities to record and perform. D'lys also reveals the shocking truth behind reality shows such as the X-Factor and explains why they're not the ideal platform for serious musicians. Finally, D'lys shares her thoughts on making money and treating yourself as a business/product.



Full show notes and links to all the resources discussed can be found at marishapink.com