Creative Pep Talk
Andy J. Pizza
A Weekly Podcast Companion for Your Creative JourneyTransform your creative potential into reality by making your creativity a practice. A “creative discipline” can feel like an oxymoron. Creativity is about doing something new. Discipline is about doing something consistently. The aim of this podcast is to help you strike that elusive balance. Each week, New York Times Bestselling Author Illustrator Andy J. Pizza shares everything he’s learning about building a thriving creative practice. Through solo episodes and interviews with top-tier creatives, Pizza brings you the strategies and stories that you need week in and week out to keep your inner critic at bay, bust through creative blocks and stay creatively pepped to the max!!Learn more: creativepeptalk.comCheck out the host: andyjpizza.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 48min
534 - New Fire for Sticking to the Path with Filmmaker Seth Worley
Seth Worley, a filmmaker known for his engaging short films and the feature Sketch, dives deep into the creative journey. He shares insights on the importance of sticking to long projects, even amidst doubt. Seth discusses the emotional rewards of completing a significant work and how proof-of-concept shorts can clarify ideas. He also reflects on the bittersweet grief that follows a release and the joy of tackling creativity with a mix of silliness and emotional depth. Plus, learn about his method of using iteration to hone his craft!
28 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 15min
533 - Make People Feel Things, Hope in AI Crazed World AND Create to Your Taste
Andy J. Pizza, illustrator and author, shares his insights on creativity and connection. He emphasizes the emotional impact of art and its relevance in a world influenced by AI. Discussing the balance between being good and being different, he encourages creatives to trust their unique taste. Andy also explores sustaining projects with personal meaning and the importance of human connection in art. He provides practical advice for young creatives navigating their fears about AI, focusing on interpretation and realism in their artistic journeys.
61 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 35min
532 - THIS is Your Creative Secret Weapon that You’re Ignoring
Feeling lost on your creative journey? Discover how standing out hinges on finding your unique twist! It’s all about your authentic perspective rather than radical inventions. Learn to notice the clues your curiosity gives you—those recurring interests can lead to perfectly tailored opportunities. Dive into the concept of 'creative salience' to spot what others overlook. Plus, get inspired to revisit past interests and uncover their potential in your work. Exciting insights await!
19 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 59min
531 - Risks that Land Big Jobs, Be Your Own Client & Find Your Sound with Composer Oli Julian
Oli Julian, a talented composer known for his work on Netflix's The Twits and Sex Education, shares insights into his creative journey. He discusses how inspiration from films like Eternal Sunshine reshaped his approach to scoring. Oli explores the balance between client work and personal projects, emphasizing the importance of finding a unique voice. He candidly reveals the challenges of writing his own album after years of working to briefs, and highlights the role of distinctive sounds and personal experiences in shaping his compositions.
39 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 14min
530 - Something Simple to Do When Mental Health Derails You with Frannerd
Fran Meneses, known as Frannerd, is an illustrator, comic artist, and YouTuber who shares her insights on navigating mental health challenges in the creative journey. She discusses how the pandemic led to introspection and the importance of radical acceptance when faced with limitations. Fran reflects on the isolation of freelance work and the evolution of her creative practice, including her transition from merchandise to graphic novels. This heartfelt conversation is filled with hope, self-compassion, and valuable advice for creatives.
25 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 42min
529 - Escape Your Creative Rut with This 5 Part Creative Hygiene Checklist
Feeling creatively stuck? Discover how to foster your creative flow with five actionable strategies. Learn the importance of artist dates for inspiration and how meeting your basic needs can reduce anxiety. Explore the best conditions for your creativity through observation, and conserve your energy with clear priorities. Plus, understand that consistent effort can lead to occasional brilliance. Ready to break free from your rut? This checklist will guide your journey!
25 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 18min
528 - Overcome Urge to Bury Artwork, Escape Overthinking, Cultivate Your Spark & Re-Find Magic
Jake Martin, a budding illustrator and podcaster, dives into the intricacies of the creative journey. He discusses how to overcome the initial disappointment of starting old creative practices and quiet the inner critic. The duo explores finding new sources of inspiration, balancing a creative side hustle with a full-time job, and the importance of building consistent creative habits. They also reveal strategies for managing distractions and suggest influential books for artistic growth, all while keeping that elusive creative magic alive.
21 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 53min
527 - Visual Journaling: Generate Ideas, Mindfulness and Creative Voice with Samantha Dion Baker
In this engaging discussion, Samantha Dion Baker, an author and illustrator known for her visual journaling books, explores how sketchbook practices cultivate creativity and mindfulness. She reflects on her transition from graphic design to daily drawing, emphasizing small habits that rekindle creativity. Samantha shares stories about capturing everyday moments, and she reveals how drawing helps deepen presence and find adventure in the mundane. Tune in for insights on turning chores into creative series and trusting your artistic instincts to foster a unique voice!
40 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 32min
526 - Your Niche is Hiding in The Last Place You’d Look
Feeling stuck on your creative journey? Discover where your unique niche might be hiding! Learn why natural talent isn’t the only key to standing out. Explore the power of journeyed experience and how embracing your shortcomings can become your biggest strengths. Dive into the concept of 'Squidge the Gap' as a way to transform weaknesses into unique attributes. Plus, get practical tips on using competitor analysis to refine your creative identity. This conversation ignites passion and provides actionable insights for your creative path!
27 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 43min
525 - The Prerequisite to Connecting with Potential Fans
Struggling to find your creative voice? This discussion tackles how to rise above the noise to connect meaningfully with fans. Explore the concept of the Hero's Journey and how rethinking your life story can fuel creativity. Learn the therapeutic power of storytelling and how embracing one's unique quirks can enhance personal growth. Andy shares insights on the ‘yellow door’ moments that lead to unexpected opportunities, highlighting the importance of fostering authentic connections through narrative.
