Arrest All Mimics: The Original Thinking And Creative Innovation Podcast

We all need to use it, many of us struggle to get away from it. The internet has become the core of may of our worlds and in the creative industry of today, we have it at our fingertips at all times. But are we using all this glorious technology effectively? Where do we draw the line between cat video, selfie and portfolio? Heart Internet's Nick Leech has been heavily involved since the advent of the readily accessible world wide web and he joins me to talk about what SEO is, why it's important and how we can maximise our use of it. How do we boost our search engine rankings and how do we find the most effective use of social media for ourselves and our unique identity? Do we build a website from the ground up or use a tool such as Squarespace or Adobe Portfolio?With some great insights, tips and tales, Nick brings A-list internet experience to Arrest All Mimics to break it all down for us.http://heartinternet.co.uk - Heart Internet officialhttps://twitter.com/HeartInternet - Heart Internet on Twitt

Did you ever stop to think about how people perceive your brand, shop, artwork or look? For me personally, colour was always a way of conveying a mood, energy or method of instantly drawing a viewer into my artwork. But if I'm honest, I never truly stopped to consider the deeper psychological impact of colour. Whilst reading Malcolm Gladwell's Blink a few years ago, I was intrigued with a case study in the book. It informed me that 7up carried out a taste testing session as part of a rebrand. After adding 15% more yellow to the packaging, they found that the vast majority of subjects reported that the drink tasted more of lemon, when in fact, no change had been made.So after a chance introduction to Justine Fox, a colour psychologist and professional colour consultant, I had to find out more. Justine explains why certain branches of high-street stores failures could be linked to the interior design colour palette, how we perceive and digest the colours in the world around us and why Facebook is blue

Rohan Daniel Eason's stark black and white, pen and ink illustrations are rooted in the more traditional style of organic illustration. Often found in beautiful books with a dash of fantasy, they inspire freedom of imagination and transportation to a faraway land. But Rohan's real-life story is far more intriguing and inspiring than that. Taking the long road, his musical exploits, not without success, led him back to his childhood pleasure of drawing.He takes us through that tale, including school artworks sold to peers, open-minded parents not questioning subversive pieces including three girls sat on toilets and a less than conventional method of getting his place at Kingston University.Rohan's tale is hilarious, a great lesson to people who feel like they're existing down the rabbit hole in this confusing and often challenging creative industry.We take a look at Rohan's work for Unicef, creating animations for a recent campaign to raise awareness of the plight of child refugees, h

When Liz Atkin gets on the tube, pulls out her pack of charcoal and starts to feverishly draw on the free The Metro and The Evening Standard newspapers, there’s a refreshing break in the monotony of tired commuter journeys, littered with people with heads lodged firmly in their mobile devices, disconnected with the immediacy of right here, right now. For anyone who’s ever felt the self-conscious pinch when opening a sketchbook and getting to work in the public eye, or been overcome by the alarming notion that they are indeed the subject of a creative stranger’s work, Liz Atkin manages to shatter both discomforts.With energy and an inescapable charm, Liz, on face value, creates vibrant original artworks and hands them to fellow passengers. This alone is enough to snap many from their routine daily slumbers and provide them with an unexpected anchor point to the present moment. Some find it fun, watching with a curious smile and a raised eyebrow, delighted when Liz almost telepathically grows aware of their int

London based graphic designer, art-director and illustrator Gordon Reid (Middle Boop) joins me to discuss the dual sciences of specialist creative style and versatility. Gordon takes us through his career to date, a journey that has seen him evolve from editor of the magazine he created, via freelance illustration, to a more rounded, versatile role on a range of different projects in advertising, music, editorial design, public speaking with the likes of Saatchi & Saatchi, London Design Festival, Mogwai, Coca-Cola and many others.As an illustrator who has created a very distinct brand, I wanted to see where Gordon and I crossed over, the methods we’ve created over the years in order to facilitate the work we wanted and how perception and packaging can be the difference between treading water and significant progression.Episode 39 is a must listen for the modern creative professional who operates in an ever-changing digital landscape where adaptation and problem solving is paramount.http://middleboop.com -

I'm joined by Designers block ahead of their events at the 2016 London Design Festival. Rory Dodd and Bud Moore take me through the Designers Block story, bringing European design ideas to east London in the late 1990s and seeing the potential of the Old Truman Brewery long before it was hip! As a three-person core, Designers Block carry out huge design and arts events in many unconventional spaces worldwide, from craft fairs to talks and forward thinking projects ahead of time.The guys divulge the story of the mind-blowing, forthcoming 'Painted Oceans' project, run by Tristan Eaton, involving Shepard Fairy, How & Nosm, Futura 2000 and The London Police, including why the 'James Bond' approach to filming was considered...This not to be missed insight into one of the creative industry's real gems is essential for all, no matter your position, veteran or student!http://verydesignersblock.com - DB officialhttp://twitter.com/designersblock - DB Twitterhttps://www.facebook.com/Des

One year on from her first appearance on Arrest All Mimics, Miss Led returns. In summer 2015, we met in Brooklyn, New York to discuss her creative roots, journey to becoming one of the most recognisable and loved illustrators in the business and plans to expand. (You can listen to that on episode 4 of the show) It’s been one crazy year and I meet her at ‘Miss Led Towers’ in London to hear all about the imminent launch of her online video tutorial course. We also hear about inspiring adventures to a solo show in Hong Kong, live painting with Escoda Brushes in Barcelona and much more. We talk about how Miss Led’s evolution from freelance illustrator to functioning as a more rounded creative professional, dabbling in art-direction with Lynx, taking on an assistant and how a huge, hard-earned social media following can bring global exposure and opportunities. This lady is one inspiring professional and she lays down a perfect example of the commitment, self-belief and individuality required to continue progressin

Illustrator and designer Kingsley Nebechi joins me to discuss the release of his debut artist book, the wonderful post-apocalyptic illustrated Tribe Hunters. Kingsley’s fascinating journey involved a move from his native Italy to London at the age of fourteen and he’ll tell us all about the challenges he faced, possessing only a very basic grasp of the English language before thriving and embracing the sink or swim nature of the English high school and the cultural differences. We recount our first meetings through Twitter, when Kingsley came across my angry blog and we connected because whilst my freelance lifestyle ramblings resonated with him, he feared it was getting to me a little too much! We find out why Kingsley’s mother’s notepad doodles during phone calls influenced him during childhood and became subtle foundations in the beautiful patterns seen throughout Tribe Hunters. He also tells us why thoughts become things if you believe in the work you’re doing and work hard, how he landed a job with his d

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.emmareynoldsill

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 di

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 Ge

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 a

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

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

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 g

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

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.Episod

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.

Human After All represent a creative agency with a strong and forward thinking creative identity. With its origins at university, they have evolved to become an agency commanding respect from peers, industry and students alike. Having launched Little White Lies magazine, they have gone on to create striking campaigns for the BAFTAs, Studio Canal and Everyman Cinemas, earning them a strong reputation for their work in the movie world. Their portfolio reads as a body of work that might have been compiled by a student with ambitious professional dreams.I meet Paul Willoughby, Victoria Talbot and Angus MacPherson at their London studios to discuss how they have achieved this. We talk about the balance between strong client relationships and creative freedom, the importance of continuing to create personal projects in order to stay fresh and attract exciting client work and why it's crucial to have parameters in place.http://www.humanafterall.co.uk/ - Human After All official websitehttps://twitter.com/HumanA

Author and Illustrator of the fantastic 'The Bear Who Stared' on Templar Books, Duncan Beedie talks us through the story of how a bear character illustration staring back at him in a moment of reflection would go on to become his debut book deal.Pulling back the curtain, Duncan details everything from the crucial importance of nuances to tell and effective story, to how he landed a three-book deal with Templar.This is not one to miss for anyone who has an interest in entering the world of children's book publishing.The Bear Who Stared is available online at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bear-Who-Stared-Duncan-Beedie/dp/178370375X and at most Waterstones book stores, plus independent outletshttp://www.illustrationweb.com/artists/DuncanBeedie/view Duncan Beedie on Illustration Ltdhttp://duncanbeedie.co.uk/ - Duncan Beedie official sitehttps://twitter.com/DuncanDraws Duncan Beedie on Twitterhttp://www.templarco.co.uk/picture-books.html Templar Publishing official site