The Creative Condition podcast

Ben Tallon
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Nov 5, 2025 • 16min

The Creativity Diary Entry 23: Impermanence as a tool for a better perspective

As I continue to work on the downside of my high sensitivity to counter anxiety and overthinking, I turn to the Buddhist teachings and Marcus Aurelius' Meditations about impermanence after a sobering visit to my hometown. And of course, apply them to our current moment in the creative industry. As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com See the brand new illustrator-specific coaching offer now Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua The Railway History exhibition: https://railway200.co.uk/
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Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 5min

Ep 277: Anthony Burrill, artist and designer shares his story of crafting his own creative career

Few artists or designers transcend the industry when it comes to name recognition, but Anthony Burrill is one of them. His iconic typographic artworks, including 'work hard and be nice to people,' adorn the walls of many far beyond the creative industry, hitting the sweet spot between mass appeal and personal intimacy. I travel to Rye and visit Anthony's studio, which overlooks a stunning wildflower meadow created with his lovely wife and garden designer, Emma, where he takes me on a journey through his career. From working-class roots to his standing as an inspiration to many in the arts, via study in Manchester, London, and commercial art and design, it's a beauty. As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua
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Oct 22, 2025 • 13min

The Creativity Diary 22: Optimism my old friend, where did all the good websites go? and trends v the unknown

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary': Optimism returns Where did all the good websites go? Trends v unknown As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com See the brand new illustrator-specific coaching offer now Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua
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Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 21min

Ep 276: This Uncertain Moment with Claudine O'Sullivan, artist and illustrator

Is what you were enough anymore? Do we run for the hills as the machines come for our jobs, or drill even deeper into who we are, what we stand for, and where we were going? I'm joined by artist and illustrator Claudine O'Sullivan to share her story of adapting to life as a new mother, artificial intelligence, and economic unrest. We discuss the fear, the opportunities, and how the hell we begin to choose our direction in fast-changing times, no matter whether you're an illustrator, graphic designer, animator, creative director, or anything across the arts. As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua
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Oct 8, 2025 • 17min

The Creativity Diary Entry 21: Priming the mind, business maintenance, beanstalks and hooligans, and rose tinted glasses

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary': Brain lube Maintaining a multi-faceted business Multiple beanstalks and many Jacks The pain of the past As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua
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Oct 1, 2025 • 20min

Ep 275: Coaching for Illustrators announcement

After 1.5 years of creativity coaching through my one-to-one Pit Stop sessions, it's time to announce a new illustrator-specific offer. With 18 years in the game and over 300 interviews with creative industry and broader thought leaders, I've designed something to help illustrators to take control of their next moves as the market continues to shift. As ever, The Creative Condition podcast is supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session or my 'The Creative Condition' workshop now at https://thecreativecondition.com/coach Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua
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Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 8min

Ep 274: A Long Look into the Relationship Mirror with psychotherapist Allison Heiliczer

Relationships. Utterly key to our ability to function with optimism, contentment, and creativity. But how much do we take care of them? Relationship with ourselves? Partners, professional or romantic? With society? Psychotherapist Allison Heiliczer joins The Creative Condition for the latest in a series of specific mental health topic episodes as we take a long look into the relationship mirror. We cover: Chaotic brains Finding the right tribe for these brains Negative identities The finding time myth Loneliness and isolation The control illusion You can find out more about Allison at https://rethinkthecouch.com As ever, The Creative Condition podcast is supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session or my 'The Creative Condition' workshop now at https://thecreativecondition.com/coach Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua
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Sep 17, 2025 • 46min

Ep 273: 10 Things That Pulled Me Out of an Anxiety Spiral

It's heavy out there. Cost of living. Mental health. Climate. Extreme division. Capitalist mania. I opened my finances spreadsheet and freaked right out. Anxiety took hold and amplified it out of all proportion. Here are 10 things that got me out of the hole, things that can help you too, dear artist. As ever, The Creative Condition podcast is supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session or my 'The Creative Condition' workshop now at https://thecreativecondition.com/coach Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua
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Sep 10, 2025 • 18min

The Creativity Diary Entry 20: Are we all on ref cam? Newspaper identity, and lost between the primitive past and robot future

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary': Are we all on ref cam? Identity and belonging on the paper round AI agents and primitive idiocy As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua
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Sep 8, 2025 • 13min

Brew Brain Dump 8: A story about a nettle sting while reaching for a bag of dog shit, and why it links to Marcus Aurelius

A moment with The Creative Condition founder Ben Tallon as he shares creativity-led thoughts, insights, lessons, feelings, and observations for the duration of one brew (hot beverage). Today, join me as I reflect on a nettle sting sustained by reaching for a bag of dog shit, and why it links to Marcus Aurelius. As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session or my 'The Creative Condition' workshop now at https://thecreativecondition.com/coach Access creativity resources including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua

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