The Creative Boom Podcast Creative Boom

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.

If you think graphic design or illustration are challenging industries, try filmmaking. Although technology has made the craft more accessible and affordable, opening up many opportunities for anyone passionate about storytelling, the increased competition and ongoing cultural shifts mean that writing scripts and shooting scenes is more difficult than ever.


The entire sector continues to adapt as the way we consume movies seems to change yearly, if not weekly – not to mention the recent Hollywood strikes that, although deemed necessary, certainly didn’t make life easier for those independents fighting for recognition and income.


This week’s guest is no stranger to these things. Miles Watts is a British independent director and screenwriter for Hollywood, as well as a producer. He’s made four of his own movies so far and is a co-host on a Hammer horror podcast called Hammer Heads. And whenever he can, he tours the UK to teach screenwriting and film production at schools and universities.


Miles says that he’s been making movies since he was a kid, so with everything that’s changed since the late 1970s in the film industry, we wanted to know what it takes to survive this often-brutal sector. Miles gives us a fascinating insight into his world, from the glory days of 1980s cinema to some of the best films and TV shows today.


He shares how you must overcome rejection many times over, why you must stop focusing so much on that ultimate goal, perhaps holding that Oscar, thanking all you love and work with, and instead finding joy in the struggle. I guess that’s something we can all relate to.

Before we bid another year farewell, we thought a nice festive special might be in order where we bring back some former guests from the show and see how they're all doing.


We're talking motion designer Dan Silverstone, illustrative designer Lisa Maltby, cultural champion Boma Krijsman, graphic designer Kieron Lewis, illustrator Katie Chappell, design director and podcaster Harrison Wheeler, and artist and illustrator Barney Ibbotson. We even say hello to our old Creative Boom friend and our resident designer, Andy Mallalieu, of Nine Sixty.


Of course, Christmas means different things to different people. For those who aren't religious or don't formally mark the occasion, it's still a special time of year with family and friends, where we might be a little kinder to one another and find a moment to take stock. And also eat far too many Quality Streets.


It's been an especially tough 12 months for many of us. So, as we wind down for the festive break, we wanted to ask our guests a series of festive questions – you know, the important stuff like favourite Christmas movies and what pet peeve from the creative industry they might ask Santa to get rid of, that sort of thing. We even get a visit from the big man himself: good old Saint Nicholas.


Alongside plenty of laughs, we get some real heartwarming stuff, too, and discover the best advice everyone has and their message to the creative community for the year to come.


A word of warning. There is a little colourful language in this episode. It's why we've marked it as explicit. We hope you don't mind. After the year we've had personally, we just wanted to let loose and have some fun. On behalf of everyone at Creative Boom, have a wonderful Christmas and here's to a peaceful and prosperous 2024!

Have you ever looked at your career and thought, 'What's next?' You're not alone. It's a common myth that by our forties, we'll have it all figured out. Instead, we might find ourselves grappling with more questions than ever before, and the prospect of change feels as daunting as it is necessary.


It's something this week's guest, Graeme McGowan, knows only too well. As the creative force behind Jamhot, a Glasgow-based design studio, and the networking event Gab, Graeme has weathered economic storms and global upheavals, always emerging with new insights.


He may have started his business with the boundless energy of youth and nothing to lose, but today's responsibilities weigh heavier, adding pressure to an already high-stakes game. Through it all, Graeme champions a positive outlook, advocating that the best way to face challenging periods is with optimism and a readiness to embrace change. It's about finding the courage to do things differently and discovering that success sometimes lies in the unexpected and the uncharted.


So, how has he continued to evolve and keep his business vibrant and competitive in these turbulent times? What does success mean for a studio that has chosen to stay small on purpose? How does he manage to keep pace with a rapidly evolving industry? And why does he believe that not knowing your next step can be an advantage, especially when approached with a positive mindset?


As someone who thrives in the background, shying away from the spotlight, Graeme's journey in navigating the business world and attracting new clients is as unconventional as it is inspiring. His advice, grounded in honest experience and a positive embrace of the unknown, might just offer the fresh perspective you need.


Our conversation explores the unexpected joys of embracing life's uncertainties with a smile and reveals how staying positive in the face of the unknown can be the secret to ongoing creativity and innovation.