Creative Rebels

Nishant Jain went from studying for a PhD in neuroscience to becoming an artist. With pit stops as a political cartoonist and stand up comedian Nishant tried a lot before he found his thing. During writing a novel, Nishant was frustrated with the process and as a way to unwind, started urban sketching. Not wanting anyone to see that he was an amateur artist, he would draw ‘sneakily’ - and the sneaky artist was born. This episode is packed with useful advice for artists, as well as some timely conversation on the state of art right now. Everyone can be an artist and we will over throw our robot overlords!If you need !more! deep conversations with incredible creatives, Creative Rebels is your podcast.Weekly episodes to help you navigate a creative career. To hear more, visit creativerebels.substack.com

If you’ve got big ideas, this is probably the most important episode we’ve ever done.God is a Woman is the pinnacle of a 17 year stand up comedy career.Luisa Omielan has created a musical comedy that tells the truth about Mary Madeline and what happens when you wipe women’s stories from history.The show might not get made.Luisa has sold everything she owns and moved to the states to pursue its creation.That’s how strongly she believes in the idea and how committed she is to doing everything in her power to get it made.Luisa knows that the best chance of success for her musical, is in LA.But the USA is, ‘politically uneasy’ right now. Stewart Lee has stated he wouldn’t tour there at this moment in history.But Luisa is there.She’s there because she believes in her idea and she believes that art is revolution.She believes in using your voice. In saying the hard things, the inconvenient things.She lives on a razors edge. No marketing budget. No PR team. No management.When you don’t have financial backing you have to get inventive and you have to ask for help.Which is one of the hardest things to do. I’m so bad at it when it comes to my own work. But when it comes to other creatives I have no hang ups…If you listen to this episode and you think this project should get made, you should help make it.Luisa is funded by Patreon, where over 500 people, who share her vision, give a small amount each month.You can join them. It’s a revolutionary act, to find your favourite artists and support them.Your whole life, people have projected their doubts onto you. They have told you that obsession is weird. ‘Chase your dreams’ is a cliche. No one tells you how and no one expects you to actually do it.Do you have an idea that you’d sell everything for? If you do, go after it, CHASE it, with every fibre of your being.Luisa's PatreonGod Is A Woman - LIVE in L.A. To hear more, visit creativerebels.substack.com

Social media has changed my life. I’m able to support myself as a full time artist. When I have a new show, event or print release, I post online and make sales. I’ve managed to connect with incredible creatives and famous celebrities. It’s a powerful tool.But I don’t enjoy it. I hate the pressure. I feel like everyone all of a sudden hates my work if a post performs badly. I don’t post consistently so I’m often in the instagram dog house. Making a reel takes me forever; I need B roll, a script and a catchy ‘hook’. I’m tired.I JUST WANT TO MAKE ART DAMMIT!Navigating all of this is hard, so I was so happy to chat with Seth Werkheiser who offers a bunch of alternative ways to connect with your audience. Ways that don’t involve spending six hours producing a video that won’t be shown to the people who have chosen to follow you!I hope this ep. inspires you. Let me know if you decide to do something different after listening.I’m so happy to be back, making these episodes. Thanks for listening - I’m so glad they’re helping. To hear more, visit creativerebels.substack.com

Dani Ortiz is a self-taught metalsmith who makes some pretty cool jewelry.We spoke about the burning need to be creative and the rollercoaster of learning a new skill. It was super interesting to hear about her journey - let me know if it inspired you to get started on something new!Follow Dani’s brand Sage Silver on insta: https://www.instagram.com/sage_silver/And TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sagesilverjewelry?lang=enSage Silver Website: https://sagesilverjewelry.com/ To hear more, visit creativerebels.substack.com

Justin Schuman, a content creator and social media expert, shares his insights on navigating authenticity in the digital age. He discusses the shift from polished content to genuine storytelling, emphasizing the importance of being brave and embracing vulnerability. Justin highlights how platforms like TikTok can foster real connections and encourages creatives to own their narratives. He also delves into how to effectively monetize creativity through genuine engagement, making a compelling case for valuing one’s unique contributions.

I think this might be our best EVER episode and I'm betting it will be our most listened to episode, too. Whatever pain you’re dealing with as a creative, it will most likely be answered by Aimee over the course of this hour. She is a powerhouse, a visionary, a legend. So buckle up, listen.Buy Aimee’s Book: https://www.amiemcnee.com/pre-order-we-need-your-art-book-amie-mcneeAimee’s website: https://www.amiemcnee.com/For more creative rebels content, and to support the podcast, visit https://creativerebels.substack.com/ To hear more, visit creativerebels.substack.com

Mackenzie ThorpeMackenzie Thorpe is a world renowned artist. From humble origins, Mackenzie has pursued his calling and at an early age discovered that he’s on this planet to make art. The story that unfolds during this podcast is one of love. Mackenzie's process and story - are so inspiring. He is a natural story teller - I didn’t look at my notes once!Mckenzie’s insta: https://www.instagram.com/artistmackenzie/?hl=enFor more creative rebels content, and to support the podcast, visit https://creativerebels.substack.com/ To hear more, visit creativerebels.substack.com

ElijahElijah is founder of the Yellow Squares, a project he uses to share thoughts, ask questions, and start debates.  I knew I needed to interview him when I saw a square (which became the title of his new book): Close The App, Make The Ting. This is a really insightful chat - he has a similar mindset to me and it was fascinating to pick his brains about everything - so listen, then close your apps, and make something. Elijah’s Yellow Squares insta: https://www.instagram.com/eli1ah/?hl=enElijah on X: https://x.com/eli1ah?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorElijah’s book: https://velocitypress.uk/product/elijah-close-the-app-make-the-ting/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacbfTWJ1gaY1DFOrG5w11j9GX8fn0wjXV0zjLaepFZSznsPrzzb2jHXOuWrKQ_aem_9P9viZz3jtu3VELLX_Nx6gFor more creative rebels content, and to support the podcast, visit https://creativerebels.substack.com/ To hear more, visit creativerebels.substack.com

Emma GannonA record breaking fourth appearance on the show for Emma Gannon - to kick off a brand new season with me (David Speed - hi!) solo in the presenting seat. Emma chatted to me about breaking up from her podcast, finding creative 'balance' and why she’s now excited to stop work at 2pm. Find Emma on Substack: https://thehyphen.substack.com/Emma’s new book Table for One:  https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/table-for-one-emma-gannon?variant=41818765099086For more creative rebels content, and to support the podcast, visit https://creativerebels.substack.com/ To hear more, visit creativerebels.substack.com

In this episode we go deep in audience building and social media.Follow us; @adambrazier & @davidspeeduk To hear more, visit creativerebels.substack.com