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The Creative Boom Podcast

Latest episodes

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Oct 6, 2024 • 1h 6min

123. The Future of Creativity: AI, emotional intelligence, and authenticity, with Seema Sharma

In this thought-provoking episode, Seema Sharma joins us to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the creative industry. With AI advancing at an incredible pace, it's clear that the tools we use and the roles we play as creatives are evolving. We discuss how AI is helping streamline workflows, generate new ideas, and even open doors to previously unimaginable innovations. But along with these opportunities come significant challenges. A creative director and author of The New Creatives, Seema reflects on the critical balance between efficiency and authenticity in an era when algorithms are increasingly driving creativity. She emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence—an irreplaceable human trait—as technology takes on more of the tasks that were once the domain of creatives. Together, we explore how AI can enhance creativity without replacing the soul and originality behind the work. The discussion also dives into the ethical concerns with AI, particularly around intellectual property and the potential risks of over-automation. As companies rely more on technology to meet demands, the traditional agency model is being redefined. Seema shares her thoughts on how small studios and freelancers might benefit from this shift, allowing them to take on larger projects without needing massive teams. Yet, she also emphasises the importance of maintaining creative integrity in a time when so much can be automated, reassuring us about the future of our work. Seema's insights on the future of creative roles offer hope and practical advice for anyone feeling uneasy about the changes brought on by AI. She encourages creatives to embrace these tools while staying true to what makes their work meaningful and impactful. The conversation also explores how the creative industry must adapt to remain relevant and why authenticity will always be at the core of great creative work, regardless of the tools we use. This episode offers a deep, candid conversation about the future of creativity, touching on everything from the rise of AI to the enduring importance of human connection in an ever-changing landscape.
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Oct 2, 2024 • 10min

122. The Spark: Brian Cannon, mental health tips, and Gilmore Girls

Welcome to The Spark, your creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode to give you that midweek boost of inspiration. We’ll share creative news, practical tips, book recommendations, and even some emails from our listeners. Whether you’re looking for a quick shot of creativity or need some insights to carry you into the weekend, The Spark has got you covered. In this episode, we looked back on Monday’s interview with Brian Cannon and the incredible listener feedback we received about the golden days of designing for Oasis in the '90s. Plus, we teased our next guest, Seema Sharma, and the fascinating conversation we’ll have about creativity and AI—exploring what it means for the industry, and whether AI is a friend or foe. In Creative News, we discussed Mozilla's new retro-inspired brand identity designed by JKR, and Meta's latest AI innovations, including celebrity-voiced chatbots and AR glasses. Closer to home, Factory International's creative skills training in Manchester is making waves in local venues. And we revealed the UK creative industries' impressive £124.6 billion contribution to the economy. In The Spotlight, we shone on Shaping Tomorrow, a groundbreaking new podcast series produced by Hear Art that amplifies the voices of deaf creatives in the industry. Our Book of the Week, The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop, is a memoir that goes beyond acting to explore resilience, women's rights, and personal triumphs. For Tip of the Week, we had a mental health reminder from Liam Hopkins of Lazerian Studio on nurturing your mind and embracing rest as a creative tool. Finally, in Letters to the Editor, we shared thoughtful listener emails about balancing work, managing perfectionism, and why it’s refreshing to have platforms that don’t always focus on the bigger industry names. If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, or any from our show, send your thoughts to letters@creativeboom.com, and we'll do our best to read them out during next week's The Spark.
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Sep 29, 2024 • 1h 2min

121. Designing Oasis: The art, legacy and long-awaited reunion, with Brian Cannon

We're thrilled to kick off another season of The Creative Boom Podcast with an exclusive episode featuring someone who is undoubtedly a hero to many graphic designers and creatives. We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Brian Cannon of Microdot fame, the legendary graphic designer behind some of the most iconic album covers of the '90s, including Oasis' unforgettable artwork for classics like Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. With Oasis recently announcing their highly anticipated reunion tour, Brian takes us on a nostalgic journey through his incredible career, sharing untold stories from the heart of Britpop. We delve into the creative magic that sparked his long-standing collaboration with the Gallagher brothers, the rebellious punk-rock spirit that inspired his early work, and the defining moments that cemented his legacy in music history. From designing album sleeves in his bedroom to working on re-releases for Oasis today, Brian offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the art, the pressure, and the sheer joy of crafting visuals for one of the world's most beloved bands. Whether you're a fan of Oasis, fascinated by graphic design, or love a good creative story, this episode is packed with insight, humour, and nostalgia. So grab a brew and get ready as we bring you the art, the legacy, and the stories behind the scenes with Brian Cannon.
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Sep 22, 2024 • 2min

The Creative Boom Podcast Trailer (Season Eight)

Are you just as interested in the people behind the work as the work itself? The Creative Boom Podcast takes a unique approach—it's not just about the finished project; it's about what makes creatives tick. Join host Katy Cowan for warm, candid conversations with fascinating guests, from well-known names like Paula Scher, Gail Anderson and Stefan Sagmeister to lesser-known but equally inspiring creatives making waves in their own right. In each Monday episode, we dive into personal breakthroughs, creative frustrations, and the human side of creativity. And now, with The Spark, a new Thursday bonus episode, you'll get a quick pick-me-up with creative news, practical tips, and listener stories to keep you inspired through the week. So whether you're after deep conversations or a burst of inspiration, The Creative Boom Podcast has you covered. Subscribe now and join the conversation.
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Jun 30, 2024 • 1h 1min

120. Embracing Fun: The fuel for creative sparks, with Richard Speight, Jr.

When was the last time you truly listened to someone? Not just wait for your turn to speak, but genuinely hear their story, even if you disagree? This week, on our season finale, we explore the power of listening and embracing diverse perspectives with a guest who's made a career out of connecting with others and having a blast along the way. American actor, director, and musician Richard Speight, Jr. joins us today. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, and now living in LA, Richard's infectious charm and genuine curiosity have endeared him to fans and colleagues alike. From his roles in Supernatural and Band of Brothers to his work behind the camera and on stage with his band Dick Jr. & The Volunteers, Richard's warmth and wit shine through in everything he does. But it's not just about the roles he plays or the music he makes – it's about the connections he fosters and the joy he brings to every interaction. We chat more about the importance of building relationships and connecting with people in the creative industry. We'll explore the value of embracing flaws and imperfections in storytelling and art, as well as the impact of social media on self-esteem and the need for authenticity. We'll reflect on how far we've come since the 1970s, the lessons we can learn from past mistakes, and the loss of boredom and its impact on creativity and personal growth.  We'll also explore the depth of connection and understanding that in-person interactions provide, in contrast to the limitations of being online. And throughout it all, we'll discuss why it’s so important to have a sense of fun and perspective when being creative.
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Jun 23, 2024 • 1h 3min

119. The art of giving a f**k, with Kelly Korzun

Art and design might feel like everything to you, but has it ever been a matter of life and death? This week, we're joined by Kelly Korzun, an individual for whom creativity has truly been a lifeline. Kelly is not only an acclaimed artist and the visionary behind METAL & DVST, a vibrant art space that champions the voices of artists worldwide; she's also deeply invested in the nonprofit sector and passionate about education. Her journey through the realms of creativity and her advocacy for the arts as transformative tools are nothing short of inspiring. Today, we'll take a closer look at a poignant chapter in Kelly's life where art transcended passion and became her lifeline during a critical moment in her youth. Our conversation will highlight the resilience of the human spirit and underscore the powerful role of art in healing and personal growth. We'll also explore the significance of giving back to the creative community, a mission close to my heart through nearly 15 years at the helm of Creative Boom. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of creativity on our lives and the world around us.
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Jun 16, 2024 • 59min

118. Lines & Legacy: Exploring the creative process amidst industry shifts, with Christoph Niemann

Join illustrator Christoph Niemann as he discusses the evolution of the creative industry, the impact of AI on art, and the importance of authenticity in a digital world. Learn about staying relevant, navigating tight deadlines, and balancing creativity with self-promotion in the modern art landscape.
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20 snips
Jun 9, 2024 • 1h 4min

117. Branding brilliance and crafting iconic identities at Koto, with G Torto

G Torto, a senior director at Koto in Sydney, specializes in crafting unique brand identities for ambitious companies. He dives into the challenges of maintaining originality in a saturated market, highlighting how strategic thinking and creativity merge to build iconic brands. G discusses the evolving landscape of post-pandemic branding and the impact of AI on design processes. He emphasizes the importance of strong brand values and authentic storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on navigating today’s competitive branding world.
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Jun 2, 2024 • 1h 6min

116. The beauty of design in turning frustrations into delight, with Clara Gaggero Westaway

How does technology affect our daily lives and interactions, and what role does design play in making it more humane and delightful? Today, we're in conversation with Clara Gaggero Westaway, co-founder and creative director of Special Projects. Recently celebrating its tenth anniversary, the London-based design and innovation studio is known for its work in humanising technology, creating experiences that prioritise user friendliness and satisfaction. Clara's expertise has guided Special Projects in partnerships with some of the biggest names in tech and research, like Samsung, Google, and King's College London, turning complex tech challenges into accessible solutions. From digital therapy tools for individuals with psychosis and enhancing smartphone usability for older people to helping us step away from our smartphones a little, her work exemplifies the power of empathetic design. But what does it all mean? We ask Clara about the intricacies of creating technology that's helpful and not intrusive, the challenges and surprises of designing for a global audience, and the future trends she sees shaping the industry. We'll also take a closer look at her creative process, how her educational roles influence her professional practice, and how she and her team tackle the ethics of technology and design. In this episode, Clara also shares how she sees everyday frustrations as opportunities and how drawing on them can create those "warm, fuzzy feelings" she loves so much. This conversation lies at the fascinating intersection of creativity, technology, and human-centric design with one of the industry's leading voices. 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.
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May 26, 2024 • 1h 10min

115. Middle age and 'slowing this whole mess down', with Aaron Draplin

We never really know how we’ll feel when we turn 30 or even 40. For some, it’s no big deal; for others, it can be a shock to the system. Where does the time go? And how do we keep going with work, responsibilities? How do we even stay relevant in the creative industry when so much new and young talent floods into the market every year? And what about turning 50? For our next guest, it proved to be quite an earth-shattering event. Aaron Draplin is a legendary graphic designer who began his career in the snowboarding world before he went solo and worked for clients as big as Nike, Burton, Esquire, Ford Motor Company, and even the Obama Administration. Any creative will know that Draplin is a huge name in the industry and is always around on the festival circuit. He’s also been featured on TED Talks and talks at Google. In 2019, he designed the Star Ribbon, a US postal stamp. He is the co-founder and designer for the Field Notes brand. With so much success, you’d think he was happy to continue this momentum. But turning 50 last year changed everything. Draplin wants to slow down. Perhaps embrace minimalism. Figure out how to do less. And focus on more of the stuff that matters. But is it easy for someone who’s never been shy of hard work to slacken the pace? Can Draplin find a way to stop running when he’s still got a decent amount of time left to design – if that’s what he wants to do? Or is graphic design becoming less of a priority? We sat down with Draplin to see where his head is at in 2024. 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.

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