Art and design might feel like everything to you, but has it ever been a matter of life and death? This week, we're joined by Kelly Korzun, an individual for whom creativity has truly been a lifeline. Kelly is not only an acclaimed artist and the visionary behind METAL & DVST, a vibrant art space that champions the voices of artists worldwide; she's also deeply invested in the nonprofit sector and passionate about education. Her journey through the realms of creativity and her advocacy for the arts as transformative tools are nothing short of inspiring. Today, we'll take a closer ..read more

What gives a brand its spark? That little bit of magic that no one else has? Is it even possible for a brand to be unique anymore? As the world becomes ever more connected, the art of branding has never been more critical or more challenging. This week, we are talking about brand strategy with G Torto, senior director at Koto in Sydney, Australia. G, originally from London and now a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, helps ambitious companies stand up, stand out, and scale smartly. He's a founding member of Koto's fifth studio, bringing a wealth of experience in branding for ..read more

How does technology affect our daily lives and interactions, and what role does design play in making it more humane and delightful? Today, we're in conversation with Clara Gaggero Westaway, co-founder and creative director of Special Projects. Recently celebrating its tenth anniversary, the London-based design and innovation studio is known for its work in humanising technology, creating experiences that prioritise user friendliness and satisfaction. Clara's expertise has guided Special Projects in partnerships with some of the biggest names in tech and research, like Samsung ..read more

We never really know how we’ll feel when we turn 30 or even 40. For some, it’s no big deal; for others, it can be a shock to the system. Where does the time go? And how do we keep going with work, responsibilities? How do we even stay relevant in the creative industry when so much new and young talent floods into the market every year? And what about turning 50? For our next guest, it proved to be quite an earth-shattering event. Aaron Draplin is a legendary graphic designer who began his career in the snowboarding world before he went solo and worked for clients as big as Nike, Burt ..read more

We all want to lead more sustainable lives, but what about work? Are we doing enough to connect with clients that are making a difference? Do we even have any power as creatives to steer brands in the right direction if they're not quite there yet? Of course, no one is perfect, but it's great that so many companies are taking strides towards becoming more sustainable and doing some good in the world. This week's guest is a brand consultant and creative director who hopes more will catch on. Teresa Ferreira launched her own design studio in 2023 after working as head of desi ..read more

Social media has come a long way over the last two decades. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter weren't just great places to connect with others; they became how we built our creative businesses, found clients, and promoted our work. But all good things must come to an end. Profits and shareholders inevitably entered the fray, twisting algorithms and features upside down. We've spent much time and effort chasing likes and clicks until we became exhausted, disengaged, and ready to try anything to market ourselves other than fire out another update. Perhaps we're going through a shift again, as ..read more

Fear can hold us back and make us feel stuck. But if we don't face the things that scare us, how will we ever progress? That's certainly the case for us creatives. Whether we're afraid of going freelance, starting a side project, applying for that job, or making a complete lifestyle shift, embracing what terrifies us could actually lead us to happiness. And if it doesn't? Well, there's always a lesson to be learned. Joanna Henly is no stranger to change. She spent her childhood moving around, as her parents' careers dictated. On making new friends at different schools and getting used to ..read more

Ever wonder how to make it big in animation when the industry is always on the move? How do you keep your focus and drive when everything around you is shifting so fast? This week, we explore these important questions with Sean J. Cuttino, an influential figure in animation, illustration, and storytelling. His journey shines a light on what it really takes to stay ahead in a world where the creative landscape and technology never stand still. The creative force behind J. Cutt Productions, Sean is known for his engaging YouTube content and impressive collaborations with big ..read more

If you think graphic design or illustration are challenging industries, try filmmaking. Although technology has made the craft more accessible and affordable, opening up many opportunities for anyone passionate about storytelling, the increased competition and ongoing cultural shifts mean that writing scripts and shooting scenes is more difficult than ever. The entire sector continues to adapt as the way we consume movies seems to change yearly, if not weekly – not to mention the recent Hollywood strikes that, although deemed necessary, certainly didn’t make life easier for those independents ..read more

Have you ever looked at your career and thought, 'What's next?' You're not alone. It's a common myth that by our forties, we'll have it all figured out. Instead, we might find ourselves grappling with more questions than ever before, and the prospect of change feels as daunting as it is necessary. It's something this week's guest, Graeme McGowan, knows only too well. As the creative force behind Jamhot, a Glasgow-based design studio, and the networking event Gab, Graeme has weathered economic storms and global upheavals, always emerging with new insights. He may have started his busi ..read more