The Creative Condition podcast

Today, change occurs almost constantly, at a speed never before seen in human history. We are in a technological revolution that some are likening to the advent of agriculture. Incomprehensible news headlines bombard us, and underneath it, we must still find a way to make sense of it and create for a living.

Los Angeles and New York-based creative company Sibling Rivalry is a shining example of adaptation and flexibility in this ne...

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 coachin...

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 w...

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 rea...

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-chan...

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+ podca...

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://ill...

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...

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'...

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 h...

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 fou...

Aaron Becker, Seth Kleinberg, and Troy James Miller from Los Angeles-based Filmograph join me to take us inside their brilliant studio.

Their output is insane and inspiring, from The Penguin to Mission Impossible via Aquaman, a visit to their portfolio is a must for any serious film fan.

We cover:

• The importance of respect for the concept over trends
• Filmograph's origins
• The importance of time off
• Changing plans in the service ...

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary':

• Golden hour comfort
• Learning through humour 
• Burning bridges
• Gallows humour

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://thecreativeco...

After reading a beautiful piece of writing about Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke's football strike partnership in 1999 by Matt Dickinson, I was reminded of the vital importance of our creative partners in life.

To help you recognise and value yours, I work through some that spring to mind in my life, how they vary, and why they matter for our creativity.

I dig into:

• Why partners matter for our creativity
• Types of partners
• The differ...

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary':

• Three nice things after a bad night's sleep
• A tiny assault on my peace 
• Telling an authentic story

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 a...

The world is heavy. It always was. But today, we're slammed by a constant wall of white noise, and the vast majority of what we're told is negative.

Anxiety is heightened perhaps more than ever before as a by-product of our hyper-connected digital way of life.

Too many people spend their days exhausted and locked in a state of fear. It's damaging our ability to create, to feel hopeful, optimistic, and curious.

Every one of us lives...

A responsive instalment of The Creativity Diary as I drive under a motorway bridge and struggle to get past the graffiti message painted on it.

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://thecreative...

PJ Richardson discovered graffiti. It brought him fulfilment when chaos was present in his early life.

The chaos hasn't gone away; it has only changed shape and form. We discuss his journey from painting walls to leading a Los Angeles-based motion and design studio, what today's chaos looks like, and how he finds the space to create great art within it in the commercial world.

We discuss:

• Trauma and resilience
• Abandon mindset w...

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary':

• The perfect nap
• Porn magazine reflections and the importance of accepting our roots and creativity context
• Parenting lessons and humans encountering their element

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...