The Creative Condition podcast

Creativity is ever-changing. It grows, shrinks, intensifies and quietens in response to the shape of our story as humans. Branding agency Middle-Boop Founder Gordon Reid returns to the show to discuss emerging from COVID and new parenthood, plotting a new way forward and being true to yourself. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben Tallon, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected] The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.

A book whispered to me. It was my own. The page it opened on resonated with my current creative need. What do you need? Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben Tallon, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected] The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.

Mumbai-based artist Archana Srivastava's work is rooted in history and spirituality. We discuss why art moves us and stirs something vital on a level politics and logic cannot. We touch upon Buddhist traditions, her childhood in India and trusting the things that speak to the heart in a world where logic and data rule the day. https://archanasrivastava.com/ Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben Tallon, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected] The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.  

It's too easy to slip into fear and scarcity. We all do it, but what changes when we make creative career decisions based on the life we want to live instead of in short-term mindsets? Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben Tallon, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected] The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.

Justin Wong, the new president of AIGA NY joins Ben Tallon to discuss how design support organisations can get behind creative communities, share equal opportunities and champion brave creativity in the 21st century. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! https://aigany.org/ Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected] The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.

I hadn't expected the act of peeling a boiled egg in the street to trigger raucous laughter and a wave of self-awareness, but here we are.  When it comes to story, who you are and creativity, there's a lot more to it than the big buzzwords. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected] The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.

Deyson Ortiz meets countless people with phenomenal lived experiences, big achievers and thought leaders who have no idea how to tell their story. When the camera goes on or the mic is in front of their face, they run for the hills. He helps them to change that. We're talking about confidence, why story matters and how to find confidence in our own story to illuminate the path ahead. Check Deyson out at https://deyson.com Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected] The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.

The return of Jackass to my life, a TV show that would not see the light of day in today's world, has exhumed a part of me that I've neglected too often. The mischief and dirty energy that informs so much of my creativity is harder to come by in middle age, but bad influences are good. It requires balance and moderation, and creativity to work it into our responsible adult lives, but without the crackle of naughtiness and subversion, can creativity truly thrive? I consider this idea on today's episode.   Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected] The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.

Is it mad or wise to be cleaning the dishwasher when you could be productive? I ponder this over a black chicory coffee replacement, no sugar. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected] The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.

Kendra Valentine is a Story Strategist who helps businesses, brands, and creative projects communicate their value clearly by translating complex ideas into authentic stories that resonate. Her book, How To Pitch Almost Anything, is a phenomenally helpful guide to distilling your offer into a compelling story, and she joins The Creative Condition to discuss how we can tell our best story. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! https://www.kendravalentine.com Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected] The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.

In the latest instalment of The Creativity Diary: Why I miss retail jobs Immersing the brain and creativity The new hairdresser's window Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected]

How the hell do you manage and inspire 200 employees in one branding agency? I don't know, but Thomas Kurppa, co-founder of Swedish branding agency Kurppa Hosk, does, and he takes us on a ride through electronic music, DJing, posters, album covers, and into the design industry.   Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! https://www.kurppahosk.com/ Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected]

We live in a data-obsessed society. Trapped by the tools and addicted to certainty, too few of us are creating with bravery, daring to fail or f**k up.  I reflect on 11 years of podcasting following the 300th episode and share stories of finding out, getting it wrong, growing, and playing through curiosity. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected]

Something silly and extra for the 300th episode of The Creative Condition podcast : )   Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! https://austinkleon.com/ Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected]    

Austin Kleon is a phenomenally successful author. His books, Steal Like an Artist, Show Your Work, Keep Going, and now, Don't Call It Art, have sold in obscene numbers for a great reason: he brings immense value to the lives of people who wish to create something true to them. For the 300th episode of The Creative Condition podcast, we're getting into everything that matters in this current, overwhelming moment, and the good news is, it's all very joyful! Austin likes analog, and we talk about parenting, creativity, learning from four-year-olds, creating before we have an idea to get an idea, and so much more, including common mistakes even the greats make. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! https://austinkleon.com/ Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected]  

Even the calmest of minds is being tested in these times. Drawing upon my inner work during a period of anxiety, stress and at times, despair I've compiled a list to serve as a possible sanity toolkit!  Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: [email protected]

Tina Rapp works with creatives, founders, and visionaries who appear successful on the outside yet feel disconnected from themselves in their creative and professional lives. Her work sits at the intersection of art, psychology, and spirituality, helping people untangle the performance patterns, expectations, and identities that once drove their success but no longer reflect who they truly are, so they can lead from a grounded, embodied sense of direction and authenticity. She joins me to discuss the importance of feeling over theory when seeking growth, change, and flowing creativity. To connect with Tina, find her on Linkedin or head to https://tinarapp.de Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/  

We default to tools, to software, to digital prisons before we've considered how best to play, to serve the idea. A reflection on analogue's role in the information age.   Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua

Here's a little tool I've begun helping my creativity coaching clients with. 'Your Universe' can bring a vital lift in lethargic, low, or pensive moments. Here's how it works. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua  

It's all, always unfolding. As we change and grow, so must our creativity. Otherwise, that way lies discontent, frustration, and diminishing returns. Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua    

Tethering Presence is a stunning project, encapsulating the truisms of Micah Purnell and the photography of Harris, exploring the role of distraction and smartphones in our lives across two books – a London and a New York edition. They join me to discuss the role of smartphones in our creativity and our lives, and the origins of the project.   The book is out now: https://micahpurnell.com/books-prints/p/power-giclee-69gmj-g9sks-atjb6 https://micahpurnell.com https://www.the1harris.co.uk/ Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua    

I reminder to self, and to all artists that we are artists, and this is our way of life. Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua  

The latest instalment of The Creative Condition's Creativity Diary. Covered in this edition: Fear over AI ignorance and analog loyalty Being unafraid of disorder and acknowledging the messy ways of creativity An old friend returns in a second-hand bookshop Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua  

Owen Smith was delighted to see I'd discovered and had begun using Stoicism teachings to improve my mental health and creativity. He told me so, and we hopped on a call to talk about getting active in your own rescue and the exhilarating feeling of being the author of the career you want to live. We cover: Responding, not reacting Recognising what you can impact Being the author of your next chapters The upsides of shitty situations life throws our way https://abbyandowen.com/ Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua

Humans have finite mental energy. Creativity thrives when our battery is well-managed. But we live in a world drowning in information and data. Some thoughts on the mental battery. Hear the full episode of Do Radio on the mental battery now at https://thedoradio.com Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua

The creative industry is deep in a damaging obsession with the external. We're terrified of the tools, spending our energy arguing in black and white about artificial intelligence, starting the design process trapped in programmes before we've considered what will serve the idea. But really, we should be starting with the internal, and that's all grounded in self-awareness. Only then can we truly connect in the wider world. Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor https://open.spotify.com/artist/2c5NcXidirDDqL3sc3vW8S?si=bL3qx6zWQn6Mn03anHRPfQ https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua

We all need to DO something. I'm doing a new radio show. Here's what, why, and where you can listen. https://thedoradio.com Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor https://open.spotify.com/artist/2c5NcXidirDDqL3sc3vW8S?si=bL3qx6zWQn6Mn03anHRPfQ https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua

Dirty Freud takes time out of composing an opera to talk about the many directions his music career has taken him. We discuss the need to evolve, how variation or specialising fits different people in different ways, and the role of personality in proceeding in a way that's right for you. Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor https://open.spotify.com/artist/2c5NcXidirDDqL3sc3vW8S?si=bL3qx6zWQn6Mn03anHRPfQ https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua  

A few years ago, I wrote a silly, speculative science fiction story about a teenager getting stuck in Snake 2. Now we live in a world where it's dated because someone in Silicon Valley has put a fruit fly's brain on a chip and it's doing fly things in the insect matrix. Let's sit with that and consider what it means for our mental health and creativity. Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua Guardian article in this episode: https://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/mar/16/petri-dish-brain-cells-playing-doom-cortical-labs My short story: https://www.bentallonwriter.com/shortstories/snake2-b7mew

As the world gets noisier and our heads fill up quicker by the day, there's a growing appetite for quieter, intimate, real-life connections.  All Flows and Pooleyville co-founders Richard Wiggins and Simon Wright have cultivated a wonderful creative industry scene in Milton Keynes, and they join me to discuss the power of local collaboration and the personality of a place ahead of All Flows 2026, which is on 13th-15th May. Find out more here! https://pooleyville.uk/ Visit the founding sponsor's stunning global roster of illustrators and animators. Support the Ukrainian creative community. Coach one-to-one with Ben Tallon and access more creativity resources.  

Do you get excited? As we grow into adult life, the glee of childhood changes. But do you stay attuned with what excitement is for you now, or get trapped in routines and habits?    This is one of creativity's biggest blind spots.   Covered in this show: Excitement's role in creativity The sense of wonder and magic The dangers of habituation, routines, and being a passenger in our story   As ever supported by the show's founding sponsor, Illustration X   Support the Ukrainian Institute here   Coach directly with Ben

I work hard to avoid using AI on environmental grounds. This has brought about some deeper thinking about analog methods and how I can thrive in my creative practice as a luddite.  The latest ramble over a brew. Covered in this show: AI resource use Working around AI  Deeper connections by having to find alternative solutions to the done thing As ever supported by the show's founding sponsor https://illustrationx.com Support the Ukrainian Institute here: https://ui.org.ua Coach with The Creative Condition Founder Ben Tallon now See Ben's art here

Flawed, clumsy, and crass are a few of the words that came to mind as I dug out as much as I could find of my first illustration portfolio in 2008. But I also saw the fire, the humour, and the strong personality I'd packed into it. We live in the information age, where everyone has the tools, so we have to tell our unique story in a visual brand. Technical competency is no longer enough. Join me as I work through all 19 images and reflect on what makes for a strong point-of-view in a brand and portfolio. Head here to do so! https://www.thecreativecondition.com/articles/my-first-portfolio Covered in this show: Creative industry positioning Personality in a portfolio and brand Storytelling, humour, and intent The balance of abilities and the desired state As ever supported by the show's founding sponsor, Illustration X Support the Ukrainian Institute here Coach directly with Ben   Show less

Who else wakes up with a sense of existential dread? Maybe it's just my midlife crisis, but it's also nothing new. How can we channel thoughts bigger than us, that wrestle with the nature of existence into something interesting and cathartic? Covered in this show: Mortality and creativity Existential dread and anxiety Storytelling, purpose and meaning As ever supported by the show's founding sponsor https://illustrationx.com Support the Ukrainian Institute here: https://ui.org.ua Coach with The Creative Condition Founder Ben Tallon now See Ben's art here

The Fax Club Experiment was an idea by the Founder of The Do Lectures, David Hieatt. Once a week for 52 weeks, anonymous members would receive a question via fax. A question that insists on deep introspection, time with inner parts of ourselves that tend to be forgotten in the fever pitch of modern life in the information age. Four of the 32 who saw the project through, Adam, Claire, Judy, and Grace, join me to discuss the project, the book, and slowing down, thinking, and listening for greater life fulfilment and creativity. Covered in this show: Technology and hectic, stressful lives Anxiety, creativity, hearing, and being heard Deeper thinking, meaning, and intentionality in our lives The joys of anonymous, positive discourse Get the book: https://thefaxclubexperiment.com/ As ever supported by the show's founding sponsor https://illustrationx.com Support the Ukrainian Institute here: https://ui.org.ua Coach with The Creative Condition Founder Ben Tallon now See Ben's art here

Reflections about the opportunity for better creativity and joy in our lives if we learn how to slow down and communicate properly. Covered in this show: Technology's sweet spot Anxiety and mental illness in the information age Creativity and communication As ever supported by the show's founding sponsor https://illustrationx.com Support the Ukrainian Institute here: https://ui.org.ua Coach with The Creative Condition Founder Ben Tallon now See Ben's art here

We reach for the destructive object in our pockets without conscious awareness. We know the damage it does to our minds and our souls, but we're too far gone. It keeps us from our peace and our creativity. Are you Gollum? Supported as ever by the founding show sponsor, Illustration X. https://illustrationx.com Support The Ukrainian Institute, fighting for the Ukrainian creative community during a horrific time of war. https://ui.org.ua Coach with The Creative Condition Founder Ben Tallon at https://thecreativecondition.com/coach

Kevin Murphy taught himself to be an artist. By breaking down the craft into systemic steps, he earned himself a career as an illustrator and artist working with The Rolling Stones, Barnes & Noble, National Geographic, and LucasArts before he started Evolve Artist. We discuss why the program proves time and time again that talent is a lie, and the story behind it. Learn more about Evolve Artist here As ever supported by the show's founding sponsor https://illustrationx.com Support the Ukrainian Institute here: https://ui.org.ua Coach with The Creative Condition Founder Ben Tallon now See Ben's art here

The Gravedigger's Theory is a term in journalism that refers to the story of Jimmy Breslin, a journalist who, when offered the chance to cover JFK's funeral along with the world's media, chose to interview Clifton Pollard, the man tasked with digging the grave. Creativity depends on thinking differently, and I reflect on this, and a career made of parts for which I wasn't trained. Supported by The Creative Condition's founding sponsor, Illustration X.  Consider supporting the Ukrainian Institute's creative community at https://ui.org.ua For coaching, more podcasts, and other opportunities, head to https://thecreativecondition.com For my art: https://bentallon.com  

Overthinking can be second nature to creative thinkers. A classic downside to empathy and sensitivity. I've battled with anxiety in recent years, and my overthinking has been out of control. Constant rumination, wild and unmanaged responses to news headlines, and an uncharacteristically gloomy outlook leading to sleepless nights and worry spirals. I'm slowly getting a handle on it, and I want to help others suffering the same barriers to a calmer, more optimistic basis for their creativity. Nikki Emerton, a therapist, trainer, and coach, joins me to discuss the brain, the patterns of thought and traps we fall into, and how we can help ourselves break this destructive cycle. As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session, or work with me to write your story in the brand new 'The Internal' story coaching program now at https://thecreativecondition.com (https://thecreativecondition.com/) Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua

In this entry of The Creativity Diary: Understanding the self over job titles and skills The need for space to avoid overwhelm and nervous system activation Stoicism as a tool for managing uncertain times 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 (https://thecreativecondition.com/) See the Pit Stop flagship coaching session and an illustrator-specific coaching offer now. Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua

Journaling was one of several tools I used to tackle a tough year of anxiety. While reflecting upon a previous entry, I noticed that the list of helpful habits to support my mental well-being was more or less interchangeable with core components of healthy creativity, so I wanted to explore that idea a little more. I'd love to hear your take on this, so get in touch about it, or anything else at [email protected] As ever The Creative Condition podcast is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X. https://www.basedesign.com/about/min-lew For more creativity resources, including coaching opportunities, reading lists and articles, head to the official The Creative Condition site. Please consider supporting The Ukrainian Institute, who champion the brave and inspiring Ukrainian creative community during this awful time of war.    

'Lived data' is how Min Lew, head of Base Design in New York City, described intuition. I loved this. Min has quite the story, and she joins me to discuss her work overseeing the creative output and business of Base. We discuss why moodboards have their place, but often stifle thinking big and differently in the creative process, travel, cultural lessons, the future of branding, and much more in an inspiring conversation with a bona fide creative industry leader. As ever The Creative Condition podcast is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X. https://www.basedesign.com/about/min-lew For more creativity resources, including coaching opportunities, reading lists and articles, head to the official The Creative Condition site. Please consider supporting The Ukrainian Institute, who champion the brave and inspiring Ukrainian creative community during this awful time of war.  

After a personal and generally challenging year, much has been learned, and the message is strong: we must fight for a baseline of optimism for creativity to thrive! This will be the final episode of 2025, back to the usual weekly podcasts January 7th. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! As ever supported by Illustration X. See their global range of illustration and animation portfolios at https://illustrationx.com Help the brave Ukrainian creative community during this horrible time of war at https://ui.org.ua For all The Creative Condition's creativity resources, head to https://thecreativecondition.com  

In this entry of The Creativity Diary: Two massively overlooked pillars of creativity and their role in anxiety Unexected wisdom and electronic tags on the bus 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 (https://thecreativecondition.com/) See the brand new illustrator-specific coaching offer now Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua

Wiedemann Lampe uses the beautiful term 'cultureful brands' to describe their work. They work globally, at scale, on entire cities and cultureful institutions. I joined co-founders Benji Wiedemann and Alex Lampe in London to talk about creating impact at scale, their methods of forging a meaningful brand, and their origin stories, and there's a lot to get through!   As ever The Creative Condition podcast is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Today's guests can be found here: https://wiedemannlampe.com/ If you're looking for some personal creative elevation, 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://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua

A bonus chat with last week's guest, author and vanlifer Charlotte Bradman in which we discuss the current challenges facing working-class people and stifling their creativity. In a divided, expensive, technologically obsessed society, it's increasingly hard for those even with moderate incomes to make ends meet, to free up enough psychological safety to create, let alone those living from week to week, day to day. And because of this, we all miss out on rich points of view and different thinking. https://www.yellowkitebooks.co.uk/titles/charlotte-bradman/the-happy-nomad/9781399720588/ 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://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua  

Charlotte Bradman had to go through major trauma, including the repossession of her house, before she could truly access her creativity. Now she lives full-time in her converted camper van, and she joins The Creative Condition to share her story. In a cost-of-living crisis, under financial strain and facing much upheaval in our creative industry, designers, artists, writers, and all kinds of creators are struggling to make ends meet, but Charlotte has some wise words and a beautiful story to tell that might just change our thinking around money and the traditional version of success. 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://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua      

Covered in this instalment of 'The Creativity Diary': Muppets bring light to a dark moment AI me? Time wasted or time well spent? A creative conundrum for all of us A Final Fantasy VII cut scene conjures a rich thought 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://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua     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 reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua

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 new economy. Co-founder Mikon van Gastel joins me to share the agency's story. As someone who went into business shortly before 9/11, has steered the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, and now, like the rest of us, attempts to understand and move harmoniously with artificial intelligence, Mikon explains what it takes to keep growing and creating with joy in this crazed economy. As ever, The Creative Condition podcast is 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 And find out about the new illustrator-specific coaching offer. Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua