The Creative Condition podcast

Jane Bowyer joins me to talk about celebrating inspiring women through creativity in her recent exhibition, 'Women In Print.'The Manchester based show sees 16 designers and artists each creating a piece of work celebrating 16 women from Manchester and surrounding areas.We discuss Jane's recent shift to freelance design, how she made the exhibition happen and shares some tremendous stories including how a lady from Leigh is revered in Japan.Episode 35 is supported by http://Illustrationweb.com http://HeartInternet.co.uk and http://Printed.comhttp://www.womeninprint.uk/ - Women In Print official siteSupport Manchester Women's Aid by buying prints at: http://womeninprint.bigcartel.com/http://bowyerjane.co.uk - Jane Bowyer official siteExhibitors:Eve Warren - http://evewarren.com/Laura Boast - http://ljbstudio.co.uk/Anna Mullin - http://sneakyraccoon.com/Helen Musselwhite - http://www.helenmusselwhite.co.uk/Tash Wilcocks - http://tashatime.tumblr.com/Emma Reynolds - http://www.emmareynoldsillustration.com/Kat Loveday - http://katloveday.co.uk/Memo - http://madebymemo.com/Rachael Whale - http://www.rachaelwhale.com/Nell Smith - http://www.nellsmithprints.com/Ellie Thomas - http://ellie-thomas.co.uk/Sarah Cowan - http://www.oneowlplease.co.uk/Amy Rodchester - http://www.amyrodchester.com/Angela Roche - https://www.designbyday.co.uk/Vicky Carr - http://www.textbook.studio/

It’s funny how we begin creating at a young age, simply for pleasure. Wax crayons, felt-tip pens, glitter-glue, pencil-crayons, all tools that we use to depict something that makes us happy or interests us in some way. Liam Gall is a 10 year old who freelances as an artist, illustrator and cartoonist at primary school. The first time I tried to make any money from my creative skills came when I was 14 years old. My friend convinced me that there was money to be made by sketching David Beckham with no clothes on. I panicked and destroyed the masterpiece before we ever found out whether there was indeed anyone willing to pay for such mischief. Many of us abandon the innocent enjoyment of making something from nothing when adult life starts to come into play. Parental pressure, grades in education, living costs, self-imposed ideals and trends are just a few of the factors, but I wanted to talk to Liam to see how he felt about his creative talent and how going into business at such a young age had happened. We discuss the lack of tonal range in felt-tip pens, how it feels to know your work is on a girl in your class’s bedroom wall, the difficulties in drawing human beings instead of cartoons, the patience and practice required to develop your skills and what role Disney and WWE’s John Cena play in all of this.

We live in a world of instant gratification, thanks to a world made smaller by technology. Amazon, Ebay, free postage, cheap and plentiful, on demand, next day delivery, you know the drill. The past 10-15 years has been apocalyptic for many high-street retailers and not just the independents. In fact, in many respects, the independent stores have led the way by cleverly adapting the way they provide more than just the goods they sell as part of the shopping experience.HMV almost went out of business in recent years and the lack of evolution from a simple vehicle of browse and buy seemed to cost them. But we are starting to see change. Perhaps partly influenced by the organic growth of the makers movement in response to the rise of online retail, fashion brands are beginning to think more creatively by utilising visual communicators who can work live in store, large scale and under pressure, giving customers a personal experience.That's where LIL come in. Live Illustration London are comprised of Willa Gebbie, Emma Block and Miss Magpie Fashion Spy and they join me to discuss the launch of their brand new live illustration collective, why the time is right to embrace the concept, how social media has become a key channel for PR and marketing through customers and the differences between working solo and as a collective.This eye opening new group have a lot to say and are provide valuable insights into the world of live art in London and worldwide. Do not miss!http://liveillustrationlondon.com/ - LIL official sitehttps://twitter.com/LIL_Collective - LIL on Twitterhttp://instagram.com/lil_collective - LIL on Instagramhttp://www.willagebbie.com/ - Willa Gebbie official sitehttp://www.emmablock.co.uk/ - Emma Block official sitehttp://missmagpiefashionspy.com - Miss Magpie official sitehttp://www.yoillo.com/ - Yo Illo illustrators monthly London meetup

I could point you to a whole range of post graduation stories. Personally, I found the cut off from seven years in education very tough and in particular, the first six months were a huge struggle. I felt demotivated, directionless and couldn't see how a BA(Hons) degree in illustration would set me up for the real world. After hiring a tired old garage with several guys in the same boat, it all changed, but it would be two years before I became a full time, freelance illustrator.Every experience is different, with some flourishing right off the bat, going straight into jobs and thriving, but I wanted to show just how different it is for every person. Chatting to a wide range of graduates, people one year on from graduating, lecturers and people in industry, this is the graduation special, giving you insights into what people are going through and the tech savvy new breed that we in industry need to keep an eye out for. Sponsored by loyal supporters http://illustrationweb.com http://heartinternet.co.uk and http://printed.comA huge thank you to all who took the time to chat to me for this episode, despite the pressures of end of year shows, deadlines and facing up to the real world incoming!!!http://www.newdesigners.com/ - New Designers officialhttp://artsthread.com - Artsthreadhttp://www.uca.ac.uk/study/courses/ba-computer-animation-arts/ - UCA Computer Animationhttp://www.dorkfeatures.co.uk/ - Lauren Goodland http://faithearle.tumblr.com/ - Faith Earlehttp://www.louiseperryillustration.com/ - Louise Perryhttp://www.rc3.me - Rich Cahillhttp://deantaylordesign.com - Dean Taylorhttps://www.behance.net/rhyslowry - Rhys Lowry

The creative industry has an increasingly prominent role in social issues. As a child, I would visit Blackpool, Morecambe and other seaside towns for family holidays. Whilst these towns still have many positives, there has undoubtedly been something missing since the advent of low-cost airlines and cheap access to European countries with better weather.Deco Publique, a local Morecambe creative company producing project commissions and delivering creative festivals are leading by example with the brilliant 'Street Art' project on Morecambe's Victoria Street. The creative regeneration project is utilising artists and designers to carry out a series of large scale works throughout the town centre.I head up to Morecambe Bay to talk to all the people involved about what creativity can bring to counter the loss of tourism and inspire both local people and visitors. Project leaders Deco Publique, Hemingway Design's Wayne Hemingway, 23 time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness, local artists and residents join me to discuss.

We all have a dream client, don't we? Whether it's Game of Thrones, Vogue Magazine, The Guardian or Grand Designs, there was always that college portfolio project that was a subconscious statement of intent. But how many of us truly believe it? Peter O'Toole is an illustrator and designer based in Huddersfield and he joins Arrest All Mimics at his studio in Bates Mill for the 30th episode of the show to take us on a journey that took him from casual clothing fan to working closely with his dream client Adidas.Peter is on hilarious form in this open, honest account of the journey we all hope to embark upon one day. He tells us why it's crucial to make it happen for yourself, why hard work is crucial, how Liam Gallagher came to be pictured holding the Adidas book he worked on and why mimicry in any art form will inevitably end in tears.Episode 30 of Arrest All Mimics is kindly supported by:Illustration Ltd: http://illustrationweb.comHeart Internet: http://heartinternet.co.ukPrinted.com: http://printed.comhttp://www.peter-otoole.co.uk/ Peter O'Toole - official sitehttp://www.shannonassociates.com/artist/peterotoole - Peter's agency portfoliohttps://www.instagram.com/peterotooleart/ - Peter on Instagramhttps://www.facebook.com/Peterotooleart - Peter on Facebookhttps://twitter.com/peterotooleart - Peter on Twitterhttp://www.grammarstudio.co.uk/ - Grammar studio

The word 'legend' is tossed around far too lightly. In the world of visual communication, I have no problem attaching that word to the name of British graphic designer, writer, educator, publisher and creative innovator Adrian Shaughnessy. Adrian co-founded Intro, a design studio, in the late 1980s, steering the company to 40 members of staff and pioneering work in digital media and motion graphics. He is now the senior tutor of visual communication at the Royal College of Art.Adrian's book, How To Be A Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul has sold over 80,000 copies worldwide and following this, he became a founding partner of Unit Editions, a publishing company producing books on design and visual communication.Taking us through his outstanding career, discussing the vastly changed design landscape we now exist in and the challenges we face, Adrian details the brilliant story behind their iconic work with the band Primal Scream and the XTRMNTR album art-direction, his work with British graphic design veteran Ken Garland and his disdain of corporate culture.An hour with a man of Adrian Shaughnessy's stature and industry respect is rare, so this is a must listen episode for anyone with even the most tenuous connection to the arts.Episode 29 is supported by Illustration Ltd: http://illustrationweb.com, Heart Internet: http://heartinternet.co.uk and Printed.com: http://printed.comhttps://twitter.com/AJWShaughnessy Adrian on Twitterhttps://www.instagram.com/adrian.shaughnessy/ Adrian on Instagramhttp://www.uniteditions.com/ - United Editionshttps://www.instagram.com/uniteditions/ Unit Editions on Instagramhttps://twitter.com/uniteditions?lang=en-gb Unit Editions on Twitterhttp://www.rca.ac.uk/schools/school-of-communication/visual_communication/ RCA Visual Communication programmehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Graphic-Designer-Without-Losing-Your/dp/1856697096 - How To Be A Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soulhttp://www.intro-uk.com/about/intro/ - Intro Design

In a chaotic post-EU referendum political climate, the deep-rooted division in society is plain to see. Blame, insults and criticism flow freely whilst we all try to make sense of the bedlam and prepare to face what comes next. Shaz from Addatif joins me to discuss her creative workshops at youth centres, Ravensbourne College, National Art & Design Saturday Club and her upcoming workshop, 'Inclusion.' Addatif produced the 3D print used in the Arrest All Mimics branding and we discuss the great power we have as creative professionals to help bring together people from all different backgrounds, the role the arts will play in healing the damage caused in our society and how we can actively start to make a difference.Episode 28 is supported by Illustration Ltd: http://illustrationweb.com, Heart Internet: http://heartinternet.co.uk and Printed.com: http://printed.comhttp://www.addatif.com/ - Addatif official websitehttps://twitter.com/Addatif - Addatif on Twitterhttps://www.facebook.com/addatif?fref=ts - Addatif on Facebookhttps://www.instagram.com/addatif/ - Addatif on Instagramhttp://www.ravensbourne.ac.uk/ - Ravensbourne collegehttp://saturday-club.org/ - National Saturday Club

You wouldn't think that the host of an audio show, a person who interviews a range of interesting characters on a weekly basis would have any self-confidence issues. But I can tell you, each time I pick up the phone to call a prospective client, or head for a meeting in the city, I face a familiar wave of adrenaline, a tiny panic during which I doubt myself heavily.Despite those moments of crisis, admittedly, I am a social person, I thrive on meeting others and making new contacts all the time, but we all sit somewhere different on the introvert/extrovert spectrum of personalities. Much is made of the need to beat on doors until they open, revealing new opportunities, to attain any degree of success in the creative industries. But Cat Rose admits she is an introvert and begs to differ. She launched The Creative Introvert platform to bring together the quieter personalities and joins me to discuss the many upsides to a introverted personality, ways to own it and the finer details of self confidence.Episode 27 is supported by Illustration Ltd: http://illustrationweb.com, Heart Internet: http://heartinternet.co.uk and Printed.com: http://printed.comhttp://thecreativeintrovert.com - The Creative Introvert official sitehttps://twitter.com/creativeintro - The Creative Introvert on Twitterhttp://www.kylapaolucci.com/ - Printed.com print story feature is Kyla Paolucci.

It almost feels wrong to introduce Rod Hunt. With a twenty year career at the top of the illustration game, he shouldn't need one. Former chair of the AOI, currently working with the ICON illustration conference and turning around a frightening array of high-profile commissions on a consistent basis, Rod is not just an industry heavyweight, but a man who loves, works incredibly hard to champion, protect and develop the business in many areas.The man behind the iconic Top Gear Where's Stig? books joins us to discuss all things serious, business, hilarious, weird and, well... erotic in this crazed creative world we inhabit. We also learn about the evolution of his iconic isometric illustrative style and the business itself in the digital age.For anyone with even a passing interest in illustration and visual communication, episode 26 with the I Ching of illustration is an absolute must listen. Episode 26 is supported by Illustration Ltd: http://illustrationweb.com, Heart Internet: http://heartinternet.co.uk and Printed.com: http://printed.comhttp://rodhunt.com/ - Rod Hunt official sitehttps://twitter.com/rodhuntdraws Rod Hunt on Twitterhttp://www.ba-reps.com/illustrators/rod-hunt - Rod Hunt agenthttps://www.instagram.com/rodhuntdraws/ - Rod Hunt on Instagramhttp://theaoi.com/ - The Association of Illustratorshttp://theillustrationconference.org/ - The ICON Illustration conference