Arrest All Mimics: The Original Thinking And Creative Innovation Podcast

Dance school was a cheap hobby for Stephanie Powell-Baxter and her siblings to attend. Now she performs choreography and dances on Strictly Come Dancing, in London West end musicals, and in major movies.We discuss different types of intelligence, the community spirit of dance schools, creativity in schools, and Steph's parental perspective on making sure her children get the right balance. There's also a fantastically grungy road story from the world of dancers after dark.Supported by the brilliant Illustration X, founding sponsor of The Creative Condition podcast. View their global roster of illustrators and animators at https://illustrationx.comPhoto by Amy Cook: https://www.amycookphotography.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/p/ChkuzrjI4xA/https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

Mac Ferrari and Jake 100 share the inspiring Bikestormz story. Together they built something from the ground up to help people come together through community and creativity, through something simple and positive against a backdrop of troubled young people hurting each other.We discuss what the bike represents, the misconceptions, demonisation, and the evolution of the ride-outs and bikelife community since it began.What's next for Bikestormz as Mac shares his feelings on handing the reins to Jake for the next phase of a beautiful project.The show is supported by Illustration X. See their illusration and animation portfolios now at https://illustrationx.comPhotography by Adam Corbett Studio. http://www.adamcorbett.com/The next ride-out is August 19th 2023: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/19th-august-bike-stormzhttps://instagram.com/jake100https://www.instagram.com/bikestormz_/?hl=en

I'm joined by the Executive Creative Director of Wasserman, Rich Jones. Wasserman is a sports & entertainment marketing company based in LA and Rich shares his experience of fighting for creativity, and keeping things fresh in a time-based industry.We dig into the importance of healthy relationships and a dynamic, fun environment for staff not just to do their job, but to be themselves and a part of something in which they matter.Rich reminisces about the days of big drawing desks and the smell of marker pens, but also offers some interesting thoughts on adapting creativity to new roles and new technologies as times change.As ever, the show is supported by founding sponsor, Illustration X. You can view their global range of illustrators and animators at https://illusrationx.com. The agency recently gained B-Corp accreditation!https://www.teamwass.com/https://bentallon.comRich on Linkedin: https://shorturl.at/gN249

Kelly Korzun made the decision not to make money from her art. The purity of it meant too much to her, and we get into that, along with the twinned journey with Marc Chagall she grew aware of.How did her artist interview and feature project, 'METAL & DVST' originate, and why is it essential to embrace your 'shadow' self for mental wellbeing.We get onto the unlikely, but interesting topic of pornography.As ever supported by founding sponsor and b-corp Illustration X - https://illustrationx.comhttps://www.metalndvst.com/https://www.instagram.com/metalndvst/?hl=en-gbhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

Automation is here. At first subconsciously, then consciously, I found myself factoring AI into my decision-making - the work I chose to create, the direction I chose to push forward in, and the broader value of each of my skills.As an artist, illustrator, letterer, podcaster, writer, and speaker, each of my disciplines came under the lens of this new technology.Like all tech before it, much good and bad will come of it. So where do we, as independent artists, illustrators, designers, and writers fit into the conversation? I chose to conduct an audit of my practice and share it with you in the hope it might encourage similar audits and introspections. We are already late, and if we are to thrive moving forward, we have to understand the role of AI in our industry, what it might enhance, and of course, what it might eradicate.The show is supported by Illustration X, a certified B Corp representing the world's best illustrators, animators and artists. https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://t

Pretty Clever is a Bournemouth-based design studio. Described as 'smart, caring, ethical folks who are keen to make a positive impact on the world' I'm joined by founder John Burton who discusses their recent B Corp accreditation, when he realised he wanted to make work for good, and the winding road he had to take to get there.We sign off on a hopeful message in worrying times for humanity, to hopefully drag a few heads out of the soupy despair...Check out the Pretty Clever home at: https://prettycleverstudio.com/Supported as ever by fellow B Corp agency Illustration X. Browse their global range of illustrators and animators now at https://illustrationx.comFor my art: https://bentallon.comFor my words: https://bentallonwriter.comPlease do consider leaving a review, subscribing, and spreading the word to support the show.

Graphic designer Kieron Lewis joins me to discuss his work and creative story, from south London roots to freelancing, via Olga & Kay, his brilliant collaboration creating meaningful work for great causes, to his recent design for 'Still Breathing: 100 Black Voices on Racism' - a staggering showcase of the power of considered, impactful activism.The show is sponsored by founding supporter Illustration X. Head to https://illustrationx.com now to see their global range of illustration and animation portfolios.https://kieronlewis.com/https://www.olgaandkay.com/abouthttps://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/still-breathing-100-black-voices-on-racism-100-ways-to-change-the-narrative-suzette-llewellyn/5038645?ean=9780310126737https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.com

Karalyte enables next-generation entrepreneurs, brand leaders, and creators to create meaningful and memorable brands for the world. Together with her team, founder, Egle Karalyte has helped to elevate such brands as Cooper/DesignIt, Fotolia/Adobe, MTV Lebanon, The New School, Paris Telecom Incubator, Google Campus London.She joins me as she launches 'Bloomerang' - her impressive new game design to help anyone, whether they are creating a brand, an art piece, or simply searching for their way under the sun. Bloomerang supports all creators no matter where you are in your adventure.We discuss the value of guardrails when trying to direct our creativity, the organic growth of Egle's idea to use the game format to share the work and learning she's been brilliantly doing for years, and looking for fairies in childhood.Episode 191 is supported by founding sponsor, Illustration X. See their global range of illustration and animation portfolios at https://illustrationx.comTo learn more about Egle

'Life on a Lamppost' is a short fiction story written by Ben Tallon, for a book produced by OFFF Festival 2023.Here is the exclusive audio version with a score by Dirty Freud.The times are troubled and we've all felt the rising panic in our stretched minds. Here is one take on it.The show is supported by Illustration X. See their global range of illustrator and animator portfolios at https://illustrationx.comFor Dirty Freud's Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dirtyfreud or his Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2c5NcXidirDDqL3sc3vW8Shttps://www.offf.barcelona/https://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.com

In a capitalist society, knowing how to do the right thing is tough. Katie Klencheski showed signs from an early age - through her drawing and ideas - that she cared about something bigger than herself. Via a winding road, she founded what became Smakk Studios - a New York-based agency supporting brands that want to make a positive impact.We get into the confusing world of ethics from a consumer, creative, and business standpoint, discussing work in packaging, branding, design, and more, and the nature of conversations had around sustainability with clients.How much room is there for us as individuals and agencies to ethically challenge our clients?Get our thoughts and feedback over @bentallon or @bentallonpod on social media, or [email protected] via email.The show is supported by the founding sponsor, Illustration X. See their global range of illustrators and animators at www.illustrationx.comhttps://smakkstudios.com/https://www.instagram.com/smakk_studios/https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comM

Jeffrey Madoff described branding as a story well told. The founder and CEO of New York's Madoff Productions joins me to delve into effective, strong branding, and the creativity that has to drive it.Jeffrey discusses the importance of projecting with confidence, and why building relationships with clients is everything.Madoff Productions have worked with the likes of Victoria's Secret and Ralph Lauren for many years and Jeffrey lets us in on the inner workings.The podcast is supported by Illustration X. Https://illustrationx.com for their global range of illustrators and animators.https://madoffproductions.com/https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

Column 5 in the ongoing series of articles written by The Creative Condition host, and illustrator Ben Tallon.Exploring the nature and behaviour of creativity, the latest looks at vulnerability and it's potential value in sending the right message to potential clients.You can read any of the previous columns at https://designweek.co.ukThe Creative Condition is sponsored by Illustration X. You can see their global roster of artists, illustrators and animators at https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

What happens when the creative discipline we've trained for cannot express what we need to say? London-based artist Adelaide Damoah takes us on a journey from racist bullying in a London primary school, through ill health and a dramatic career switch from pharmaceutical to art, all the way to Ghana where she fell in love with the exploration of her heritage through performance art and narrative.Why is it important to feel, and find out what is right for our creativity at any given time, when it is all too easy to stick with what we've always done, staying in our comfort zone?Adelaide's story is a superb showcase of the great things that can happen when we stay true to our heart and listen to the soul.The Creative Condition is supported by Illustration X. Head to https://illustrationx.com to see their incredible global range of illustrators and animators.Photograph by Carla Van De Puttellar https://www.instagram.com/carlavandeputtelaar/?hl=enhttps://adelaidedamoahart.com/https://instagram.com/ad

OFFF Festival founder Héctor Ayuso joins me ahead of the 22nd year of the giant Barcelona creative industry festival he created.Héctor talks candidly about childhood trauma, years of therapy, and a life spent facing fear to grow.We cover the role of socialising in the creative process, getting inspired, and what it felt like to return to the festival after the COVID-19 pandemic.OFFF runs from 22nd - 25th March and tickets are still available. Head to https://www.offf.barcelona/ now to find out more.The show is supported by Illustration X. You can see their global range of illustrators and animators at https://illustrationx.com now.

Many of us spend long hours, working passionately to make work we believe in. So why is getting the work seen not prioritised in the same way?Design Week editor gives us an insight into his new course, 'Designers and Creatives: How to Talk to the Press', and shares some golden tips for maximising exposure for our creative work.Enrol on the course now: https://www.talkingtopress.com/The show is supported by https://illustrationx.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://designweek.co.uk

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many people tapped into some part of themselves they'd stopped listening to. As our lives got faster and more intensely paced than ever before, in the work hard, must achieve, and progress culture, we forgot to listen to our younger selves.Why did we want to create in the first place? What was it that made us feel the magic and wonder of being alive in those purer years of play and exploration? Why did we choose to go to art or design school? And when did we last stop to check we were still on the right course, and not just making money, or chasing someone else's definition of success?Peleg Top is a coach and mentor for accomplished creatives at a crossroads. We discuss his own story, and how his own emptiness as a designer left him in what he calls a 'spiritual crisis' before beginning to reconnect to his purpose. Digging into the observations and lessons he has learned, and now shares, we lay out some of the most common traps and remedies for others at

The 4th in the series of articles written for Design Week, brought to you in audio format by The Creative Condition, supported by Illustration X.People are still, understandably struggling to return to the pre-COVID levels of social activity. How important are positive relationships to the creative process? Here are some thoughts.Read in full, along with other pieces at https://designweek.co.ukhttps://bentallonwriter.comhttps://bentallon.comhttps://illustrationx.com

Artist and fashion designer Sam D'Cruze is the founder of 'Child Of,' a project supporting the children of addicts through creativity, conversation and artistic expression.Sam candidly discusses the experience of managing her father's alcohol dependency, and the role it played in her creative and personal development. We get into the topic of using artistic expression to work through and cope with the insurmountable monsters in our lives.The show is supported by Illustration X. Check out their global range of illustration and animation portfolios now at https://illustrationx.comhttps://www.samdcruze.com/child-of#:~:text=child%20of%20launched%20at%20the,through%20art%2C%20mentorship%20and%20workshops.https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com

James Brown's Loaded Magazine was at the heart of the UK's cultural explosion in the mid-1990s. Despite the misperception that it was no more than soft porn, the magazine was built on fun, chaos, creativity and the desire to capture the voice of young men at a time when nobody was representing them.James learned his trade by making his fanzine 'Attack On Bzag' and was NME's features editor by the time he was 22. His story is among the greatest examples of using initiative, passion and play to overcome economic and cultural hurdles and make something unique, that had soul. He opens up about the ideas, attitude and methods behind it, and provides golden advice for those looking to thrive on their terms in troubled times.He would go on to edit GQ and Hotdog before creating Leeds, Leeds, Leeds Magazine through passion for his boyhood club, Leeds United and new time on his hand thanks to sobriety.James' excellent new memoir, 'Animal House' is incredibly motivating, and is ou

One-half of Studio BND (But Never Dull) Ben Mottershead joins me to discuss allowing neurodivergent people to flourish in the right creative environment.Ben has ADHD and gives a great insight into the need for balance in a design environment so the weaknesses can be managed or carried by better-equipped people, and the strengths can be housed in a way that benefits all.We also get into the vital role of in-person socialising and positive relationships away from the screen among many other things.Out tomorrow! Supported by IllustrationX https://illustrationx.comhttps://studiobnd.com/https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com