Creative Rebels

Zoë Allen is founder of Artistic Statements - essentially she puts art into spaces. Zoë is great at talking about getting your work seen and communicating with people about it, whatever that may be.

The wonderful thing about working with someone like Zoë, is that you can just be an artist. We need curators, we need cheerleaders and we need people who will empower us to focus on making our best work.

With this show I’ll always try to...

There seems to be a mini-theme of ‘finding yourself’ on the podcast at the moment.

Last week we spoke to tattooist Rosie Rackham (in a hugely well received episode) about being lost as a creative, until you find your *thing*.

This week Zack Evans is up and before the success of Create.Repeat, he was struggling. The crazy thing is that on the surface, everything was peachy - he was an early internet ‘influencer’. His comedy skits were...

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...

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 belie...

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 do...

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=en

Sage Silv...

Social media has moved on so much since this podcast was last in the world three years ago, and Justin’s a person who’s owning it and can teach us how to really show up online in a way which is open and honest. Talking to him has shown me that I need to be more brave - he was a great interviewee and I hope you get a lot out of this too. 

Find Justin on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@justinschumanofficial?lang=en

Justin’s Insta: htt...

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-mcnee

Aimee’s website: https://www.amiemcnee.com/

For more creati...

Mackenzie Thorpe

Mackenzie 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=en

For more crea...

Elijah

Elijah 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 Ye...

Emma Gannon

A 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...