The Creative Boom Podcast
The Creative Boom Podcast is a weekly interview show for designers, illustrators, animators, and creative professionals. Host Katy Cowan talks to artists, entrepreneurs and creative thinkers about the realities of building a creative career – confidence, burnout, money, failure, reinvention, and imposter syndrome – in honest, warm conversations that don't dress anything up. It is part of Creative Boom, an independent magazine for the creative community established in 2009.
Episodes
The Spark: Rob Draper on Old-School Electro, Portrait-a-Day and Nike Dreams
In this bonus episode, Katy Cowan and Rob Draper swap the big career questions for something a lot more daft – a quickfire ramble through nostalgia, confessions and very questionable claims to greatness.
Rob shares his most controversial creative opinion (talking about it isn't doing it), the smallest thing that improves his work day, and the theme tune his creative style would have – an old
Why Starting From Scratch Might Be the Best Thing That Ever Happens to You, with Rob Draper
Lettering artist, designer and University of Worcester fellow Rob Draper joins Katy Cowan to close out the season with a warm, philosophical conversation about starting over and the art of creating something from nothing.
Rob opens up about the redundancy that upended his life at 40, the period when he cleared out a warehouse waiting for work that never came, and the decision that changed ev
The Spark: Katy Ennis-Hargreaves on croc hatred, accidental shoplifting and Vivienne Westwood
In the second, faster, slightly more feral half of the recording this week, Katy Ennis-Hargreaves of BOLDISM stays in the chair for The Spark – the rapid-fire round where the questions get cheekier and the answers get more honest.
Top of the agenda is her renowned and entirely unrepentant hatred of crocs, a feud so well known that former colleagues now send her "croc bait" on a weekly basis.
Why Being Yourself Is Your Biggest Creative Advantage, with Katy Ennis-Hargreaves of BOLDISM
Katy Ennis-Hargreaves of design studio BOLDISM joins Katy Cowan for an honest conversation about what happens when you stop watering yourself down and start living as your full self.
They dig into imposter syndrome as a driver rather than a hindrance, the years of being told you're "too awkward" or "too different", and the slow, organic transition toward going all in on who you really are.
The Spark: Malika Favre on Coffee, Dinner Party Dreams and a Cheeky Confession
It's time for the Spark – our weekly bonus episode where we step away from the work and get to know our guest a little better through a round of quick, fun questions. No prep, no warning, no idea what's coming.
This week, host Katy Cowan puts Malika Favre on the spot, and the result is exactly the sort of relaxed, slightly daft chat you'd have with a mate over a glass of wine. They cover the
Building a Career in Illustration on Your Own Terms, with Malika Favre
Artist and illustrator Malika Favre joins host Katy Cowan for a wide-ranging conversation about building a creative career on your own terms. They talk about why Malika left London after fifteen years for the slower, sunnier rhythm of Barcelona, and the strange guilt of trying to take it easy in a city that never lets you.
Malika reflects on becoming an illustrator later in life at 28, why t
The Spark: Jimmy Turrell on Snails, Rave Culture and Creative Chaos
Artist Jimmy Turrell returns for The Spark, where things get a little weirder and a lot more chaotic.
This week, we talk about the creative power of curiosity, the music that still puts Jimmy into a flow state, and why some of the best ideas come from getting out into the world and actually living a bit. There's also chat about rave culture, Anthony Bourdain, creative rituals, burnout, weigh
Creativity, AI and the Truth About Staying Original, with Jimmy Turrell
Jimmy Turrell joins host Katy Cowan for a sprawling, funny and unexpectedly moving conversation about creativity, working-class roots, growing up in the North East, and staying human in an increasingly artificial world. From childhood adventures that sound straight out of The Goonies to surviving bread factory shifts and discovering rave culture in the '90s, Jimmy reflects on the freedom and
The Spark: James Martin on Pasta, Pet Peeves and a Few Unfiltered Truths
Right, this is where things get a bit more… unhinged. In this bonus episode, Katy and James Martin ditch the big topics and just have a proper chat. It's looser, more playful, and exactly the kind of conversation you'd have if you were sat next to each other at the pub after the mics were meant to be off.
They get into the small stuff that says a lot. The daily rituals that keep you sane. Th
Personal Branding, Visibility and the Truth No One Tells You, with James Martin
What does "personal branding" actually mean anymore? And do we really need to be visible all the time to build a successful creative career?
In this episode, Katy sits down with designer and founder James Martin (Made by James) for a candid, funny and surprisingly deep conversation about the reality behind the buzzwords. From the pressure to show up online to the myth of "being your authenti
The Spark: Natty Harris on Good Pens, Big Feelings and Pasta Personalities
After a pretty emotional main episode, we ease things up a bit with Natty Harris in this week's Spark. And yes, there's still depth, but there's also plenty of laughs.
We get into the creative trends Natty's quietly over (sorry, sans serif lovers), the tiny things that can instantly improve your day, and why a really good pen might be one of life's greatest underrated joys. There's also a ve
Grief, Growth and Rebuilding a Creative Life, with Natty Harris
This week, Katy sits down with senior designer Natty Harris for a deeply honest and emotional conversation about grief, loss, and rebuilding your life when everything changes. At the heart of the episode is Natty's brother Thomas, who died suddenly at 24, and the profound impact he had on shaping who she is today.
Together, they explore the many forms grief can take, from losing a loved one
The Spark: David Airey on Hot Takes, Bad Habits, and Big Life Questions
n this Spark episode, things get a bit looser and a bit more revealing. Katy puts David Airey on the spot with a mix of quick-fire questions, unexpected tangents, and the kind of prompts that lead to surprisingly honest answers.
They get into David's most controversial creative opinion, why he's wary of social media and the way it shapes design, and the one thing he'd quietly challenge about
On 20 Years in Design, Letting Go of 'More', and Why Discipline Beats Passion, with David Airey
Katy sits down with legendary graphic designer and author David Airey to talk about two decades in the industry, but this isn't just a conversation about logos, books, and client work. It quickly becomes something deeper. A reflection on time, family, creativity, and what actually matters when you strip everything else away.
They explore what it means to build a long, sustainable creative ca
The Spark: Liz Seabrook on Matcha, Side Hustles and Being Seen
Photographer Liz Seabrook is back for The Spark. Slightly subdued, a little chaotic, but still brilliantly honest.
What starts as a playful chat about matcha and East London fashion quickly becomes more reflective. There's talk of cycling rage, parachute pants, and the strange freedom of dressing however you want. But underneath it all is a deeper thread about identity, confidence and findin
AI, Beauty Standards and the Death of Realness, with Liz Seabrook
What happens when everything starts to look the same? In this episode, Katy sits down with photographer Liz Seabrook to talk about image-making in a world that feels increasingly artificial. From AI-generated campaigns to face-tuned portraits, they explore what's being lost as perfection becomes the default.
They begin with AI, because it's impossible not to. But the conversation quickly mov
The Spark: Jessie McGuire on Why Fast Isn't Better, Imposter Syndrome and Dinner with Elton John
essie McGuire returns for The Spark, where things get a little looser and a lot more revealing.
She shares what she's tired of seeing in the creative world right now, including the obsession with speed and the pressure to react instantly to everything. It's a thoughtful take on why creativity needs time and space to breathe.
There's a brilliant moment on imposter syndrome, too. Jessie chall
Imagination, Conviction and Design That Isn't Neutral, with Jessie McGuire
What if design isn't neutral at all? In this episode, Katy sits down with Jessie McGuire, partner at New York design studio Thought Matter, to explore the real power of creativity and why it comes with responsibility.
Jessie shares her 10-year story at Thought Matter, working closely with founder Tom Jaffe to shape a studio built on experimentation, curiosity and big ideas. From those early
The Spark: Adam J. Kurtz on Getting a Dog, Wearing Socks and Letting Go of Cool
n this week's Spark, Adam J. Kurtz gets refreshingly honest about creativity, identity, and letting go of perfection.
From why "good enough" is often more than enough, to the surprising power of putting on a pair of socks, Adam shares the small shifts that can make a big difference to your day. He reflects on trusting your instincts, embracing imperfection, and why chasing "cool" might be th
From New York to 'Now What?': Starting Over on Your Own Terms, with Adam J. Kurtz
In this week's episode, Katy sits down with artist, author and beautifully honest human Adam J. Kurtz to talk about what happens when you reach the thing you thought you wanted… and realise it's not the whole story.
Dialling in from Hawaii, Adam shares how leaving New York forced him to untangle his identity from his work, his city, and the version of success he'd been chasing for years. Wha
The Spark: Aporva Baxi on Music, Movies and Making Things Without Overthinking
In this week's bonus episode of The Spark, we get to know Aporva Baxi a little better. From photographing shadows and beams of light to whispering ideas into his phone in the supermarket, Aporva shares the small habits that shape his creative life.
We chat about music that fuels his thinking (hello Aphex Twin), the films that have stayed with him (Kubrick, of course), and why noticing the ev
Why Taste Matters More Than Ever in the Age of AI, with Aporva Baxi
Today's guest is Aporva Baxi, co-founder of DixonBaxi, one of the world's most respected branding agencies. Our host and founding editor Katy Cowan recently spent some time at their London studio, having a proper nosey at how they work. And what stayed with us wasn't just the output, it was the thinking behind it. The curiosity, energy, and that constant push to evolve.
So in this episode, w
The Spark: Nicki Sprinz on Tilda Swinton, Imaginary Albums and the Death of 'Follow Your Passion'
In this week's Spark, we swap strategy for spontaneity, as Nicki Sprinz, CEO of ustwo, returns for our quick-fire bonus round, where things get a little more personal.
We talk dream dinner parties featuring Tilda Swinton and Ann Patchett, why "just follow your passion" might be the worst advice in the creative industry, and what she's currently curious about in a world obsessed with short-fo
Why Wellness Apps Fail – and How to Fix That, with Nicki Sprinz of ustwo
Most wellness apps fail you. Not because you lack willpower, but because they were never designed around how humans actually change.
Season 11 of The Creative Boom Podcast opens with Katy Cowan and Nicki Sprinz, CEO of ustwo – the studio behind Monument Valley – digging into the digital coaching revolution. What it looks like in practice, why it works when it does, and what it means to build
The Spark: Chris Wilson on Confidence, Chaos and Keeping Your Creativity Alive
This bonus episode brings Chris Wilson of Stckmn back for a lighter, looser conversation to round off the season. After a deep, emotional main interview, Katy and Chris shift gears into something playful, candid, and full of spark.
Chris answers quick-fire questions about his quirks, his guilty pleasures, the creative advice he ignores, and what really happens behind the scenes when he's out
From Trauma to Triumph with Chris Wilson: Creativity, Resilience & the Courage to Keep Going
This final episode of the season closes on a note that feels right for a new year. Honest. Hopeful. A little raw and full of heart. Chris Wilson, the multi-disciplinary force behind Glasgow’s one-man studio Stckmn, joins Katy for a conversation about surviving life's sharpest edges and still choosing to create something good.
Chris grew up working class in Clydebank, a kid who took things ap
The Spark: Joy Nazzari on Fish and Chips, Street Art Dreams and Friday Studio Nostalgia
Joy Nazzari of DNCO is back for The Spark, and this time we're keeping things short, sharp and delightfully unhinged. In this bonus episode, she opens up about the creative hill she'll die on, the medium she secretly wishes she could master, and the project that left her thinking, oh god… this is huge.
There's talk of graffiti, guilty pleasures, strange compliments in Japan, and the emoji sh
Building Belonging: Joy Nazzari on 20 Years of DNCO, Saying No and Staying Sane
DNCO just turned 20, and founder Joy Nazzari is not done yet. In this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Joy joins Katy to talk honestly about building a place brand studio from two slightly rebellious thirty-somethings with no clients, to a 33-strong team working on cities and even a whole US state.
Joy shares why she and co-founder Ben walked out of permanent jobs with nothing lined up,
The Spark: Matt Baxter on Mistakes, Motörhead and the Magic of Play-Doh
We're back with the wonderful Matt Baxter of Baxter & Bailey for The Spark, our fun bonus episode with each week's guest. We talk about orange hats, forgotten skills, and the power of liking what you do. There's nostalgia, karaoke, and a bit of Play-Doh.
Matt shares what he wishes he were good at, how he handles creative jealousy, and a few stories that reveal the lighter side of life. T
Matt Baxter on What The Design Laundry Reveals About Creatives
Designer, writer and hat connoisseur Matt Baxter of Baxter & Bailey joins us on The Creative Boom Podcast this week to talk about imperfection, community, and the creative life.
Matt's been in the game for three decades – from Trickett & Webb and 300million to co-founding his Brighton studio with Dom Bailey in 2012. Since then, they've built thoughtful, human brands for Oxford Univer
The Spark: Pum Lefebure on Rituals, Awkward Beauty and a Unicorn-mermaid Imagination
In this bonus episode, Pum Lefebure of Design Army opens the studio door and lets us peek at the small rituals that keep her sharp, the mindset that replaces work–life "balance", and the travel habits that refill her creative well.
We talk about fear, firsts, and learning new tools the hard way. She shares the single phrase a client used to define Design Army's signature. It's a good one. Th
Pum Lefebure on Yard Sales, Ballets and Building a Dream Design Army
Pum Lefebure is the cofounder and chief creative officer of Design Army, the award-winning Washington DC studio behind bold campaigns for clients like The Washington Ballet, Bloomingdale's, and Hong Kong Ballet. Known for her clarity of vision, Pum set her sights on fashion, performing arts, and culture from the very beginning, building a portfolio that attracted exactly the clients she wante
The Spark: Jeff Staple on Inner Critics, Creative Habits and UFOs
Jeff Staple is back for The Spark – our quickfire after-hours chat where we dig beneath the surface and have a little fun. In this shorter episode, Jeff opens up about the small rituals that keep him grounded, how to turn jealousy into fuel, and why getting sunlight on your face at 6 a.m. can change your whole day.
We talk about his inner critic (which sounds suspiciously like his mum), the
Jeff Staple on Near-Death Moments, Big Risks and One Sneaker That Changed Everything
Jeff Staple is a designer, brand strategist and cultural icon who helped turn sneaker culture into a global movement. In this conversation, he opens up about growing up as an only child in New Jersey, how loneliness built his imagination, and how two near-death experiences changed the way he looks at risk, success and creativity.
We talk about the making of Nike's Pigeon Dunk, the sneaker th
The Spark: Ashley Johnson on Impulsive Adventures, Inner Critics and the Joy of Not Knowing
In this episode of The Spark, Katy welcomes back Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram in London, for a playful, after-hours chat that reveals a more mischievous side to the celebrated writer and strategist.
After their in-depth Creative Boom interview, this follow-up is all about quick-fire questions, impulsive stories and surprising confessions that shine a light on the pers
Ashley Johnson on Breaking Into Pentagram, Owning Your Voice and Leading with Bravery
n this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy chats with Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram in London, about the winding path that took her from Canadian TV journalism to one of the world's most respected design studios. Ashley shares how early experiences with online harassment pushed her out of the newsroom, why she calls her career "squiggly", and how she discovered a
The Spark: Zoë Thompson on Turning Creative Jealousy into Fuel and Dancing Your Way to Big Ideas
In this playful bonus of The Spark, Katy Cowan welcomes back Zoë Thompson, founder of Sweet Thang and proud zine entrepreneur, for a quick-fire round of joy-filled questions. After sharing her creative journey in Monday's episode, Zoë returns to talk about creative jealousy and how she reframes it with her "love it for you, want it for me" list. She makes a strong case for anti-hustle creativ
Zoë Thompson on the Power of Zines and Keeping Print Alive
For The Creative Boom Podcast this week, Katy Cowan chats with Zoë Thompson, the founder of Sweet Thang, an independent arts and literary zine that champions black creatives around the world. Zoë launched the publication when she was just 18, driven by a love of magazines and a desire to create a platform where underrepresented voices could shine. What began as a scrappy DIY project has grown
The Spark: Emily Penny on Kate Winslet, Fairies and Deputy Penny
We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. This time, host Katy Cowan is joined by Emily Penny – brand strategist, writer and founder of Be Colourful.
In this after-show, Emily reveals the actress she's convinced should play her in the movie of her life, the hill she'd happily die on when it comes to creative
Emily Penny on the Secrets Behind Standing Out as a Design Studio
In this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan chats with Emily Penny – brand strategist, writer and founder of Be Colourful – about why so many design studios blend into the crowd, and the secrets to finally breaking free.
Emily shares findings from her new report, Fully Saturated, which analysed over 150 UK branding agencies. The results reveal a sector drowning in sameness – stu
The Spark: Claire Blyth on Madonna, Magpies and the Hacienda
We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. This time, host Katy Cowan is joined by Claire Blyth, founder of Red Setter and a passionate advocate for design PR.
In this light-hearted after-show, Claire shares the rituals that keep her grounded, the superstition she secretly (or not so secretly) follows, and the
Claire Blyth on Why PR Still Matters in the Age of AI
In this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan chats with Claire Blyth, founder of Red Setter, the PR agency championing design.
Claire reflects on how the industry has transformed since she started out – from mornings spent clipping newspapers to today's reality of AI search and zero-click content. She shares why human connection still matters more than ever, how design needs a st
The Spark: Brian Collins on Poetry, Playfulness and the Perfect Cookie
We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. This time, host Katy Cowan is joined by Brian Collins – legendary designer and co-founder of COLLINS.
In this playful after-show, Brian reveals the piece of creative advice he always ignores, the guilty pleasure he'll defend to the death, and the oddest compliment he'
Brian Collins on Fighting Second Dragons, the Power of Orange Ties and the Future of Creativity
In this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan sits down with Brian Collins – the legendary co-founder of COLLINS, the design company behind work for Spotify, Dropbox and Mailchimp – for a conversation that's part masterclass, part storytelling, and entirely unforgettable.
Brian reveals how a childhood moment involving a bright orange tie taught him the importance of standing out,
The Spark: Haraldur Thorleifsson on Impulsive Adventures, Inner Critics & Dream Guests
We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. Host Katy Cowan is joined this time by Haraldur 'Halli' Thorleifsson – designer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of Ramp Up Reykjavik.
In this playful after-show, Halli reflects on the first book that changed him, the moments he's felt out of his depth, and t
From Twitter to Ramps & Resilience: Haraldur Thorleifsson on Building with Kindness
In this episode of the Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan chats with Haraldur 'Halli' Thorleifsson – designer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and now podcaster – about what it really means to lead with kindness.
Halli opens up about the personal challenges that shaped his outlook, from losing his mother to living with muscular dystrophy. He talks candidly about how pain, addiction and loss have
The Spark: Paul Benney on Creative Envy, Childhood Freedom & a Dream Dinner with Tony Wilson
We're back with a brand-new season of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. Host Katy Cowan is joined once again by Paul Benney – co-founder of Jockey Slut, Bugged Out! and the biannual magazine Disco Pogo.
In this episode, Paul reveals the discipline he secretly wishes he was good at, admits who has sparked a little creative envy, and shares
From Rave Culture to Print Revival: Paul Benney on Jockey Sl*t, Bugged Out! & Disco Pogo
Kicking off the new season of The Creative Boom Podcast, host Katy Cowan sits down with Paul Benney – co-founder of the cult dance magazine Jockey Slut, the legendary club night Bugged Out! and, today, the beautifully crafted biannual Disco Pogo.
Paul looks back at the golden days of music magazines and club culture in the '90s, sharing stories of launching a fanzine on a shoestring, running
The Creative Boom Podcast Trailer
Are you just as curious about the people behind the work as you are about the work itself? The Creative Boom Podcast goes beyond the portfolio to uncover what really drives creative minds.
Join host Katy Cowan for warm, candid conversations with fascinating guests – from celebrated names like Paula Scher, Gail Anderson, and Stefan Sagmeister to emerging talents making waves in their own uniq
The Spark: James Greenfield of Koto on Apple Rants, Mr Bingo Dreams & Pitch Mishaps
In this bonus episode of The Spark, Koto CEO and founder James Greenfield returns for a lighter, weirder, and more wonderfully random chat. From his most controversial creative opinion (spoiler: it involves Apple) to dreams featuring Mr Bingo demanding to be called 'The Way', nothing is off-limits.
We chat about parenting, drum and bass, the strange comfort of Marcus Aurelius audiobooks, and
10 Years of Koto: James Greenfield on Leadership, Growth & Grit
For the final episode of Season Nine, we're joined by James Greenfield, founder and CEO of Koto, the global brand agency celebrating its 10th anniversary.
James reflects on a decade of building one of the most talked-about studios in the industry, from humble beginnings and "recycling problems" to global offices, high-profile clients like Amazon, and a team that now numbers over 180.
We exp
The Spark: Fiona McGarva on Rituals, Rockets & Reinvention
In this joyful bonus episode of The Spark, Katy Cowan and Fiona McGarva let their hair down after the main show, diving into the quirky, honest and oddly profound bits that make us who we are.
From early mornings in silk gowns (or just pyjamas) to the emotional support cuddly toy that's seen it all, we explore the rituals, irrational comforts and unlikely talents that fuel creativity.
Fiona
Rewilding Comms: Fiona McGarva on Glastonbury, Print, and Creative Freedom
In this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy Cowan is joined by Fiona McGarva, founder of Sundae Communications and longtime collaborator with Shangri-La at Glastonbury Festival.
They explore how Fiona and the team have completely reimagined how they communicate with audiences—ditching traditional social media announcements in favour of handmade risograph posters, seed packets, and dir
The Spark: Kenny Gravillis on Creative Rules, '80s Movies and Fruit Pastilles
In this bonus episode, The Spark, our founding editor Katy Cowan reunites with Kenny Gravillis for a more playful, off-the-cuff chat that lifts the lid on the personality behind the creative powerhouse. With the serious stuff out of the way, it's time to talk rules, rituals and ridiculous snacks.
Kenny shares the one design rule he tries not to break (but sometimes does) and how his relation
The Human Touch: Kenny Gravillis on Biggie, the Oscars & Outsmarting AI
He branded the Oscars. Designed the iconic Ready to Die album cover. Created film campaigns for Inglourious Basterds, West Side Story, Dune and more. In this episode, our founding editor Katy Cowan chats with creative director Kenny Gravillis, the East London-born designer who's helped shape the visual language of contemporary film.
The founder of Gravillis Inc., Kenny shares how he went fro
The Spark: Emily Jeffrey-Barrett on Creative Graft, Imposter Syndrome & Wyoming Dreams
In this joyful, laugh-out-loud episode of The Spark, our founding editor Katy Cowan sits down (again!) with the brilliant Emily Jeffrey-Barrett, founder of creative agency Among Equals, to continue where they left off—with less business chat and more banter.
Expect everything from shameful Brownie troop confessions and controversial creative opinions (spoiler: she doesn't think we're artists
No Shame, Big Goals: Scaling & Selling a Creative Agency with Emily Jeffrey-Barrett
In this candid and energising conversation, our host, Katy Cowan, sits down with Emily Jeffrey-Barrett, founder of creative agency Among Equals, to mark its fifth anniversary. From launching in lockdown with nothing but patio furniture and ambition to opening a second office in Dubai, Emily shares the real story of building an agency entirely on her own terms.
They talk openly about what it
The Spark: Adrian Carroll on Making the Logo Bigger, Noseybonk Nightmares, and Tokyo Dreams
Welcome back to The Spark, your extra dose of insight and fun from this week's guest. Today, Adrian Carroll of D8 returns to answer a few quick-fire questions—and as you'd expect from someone with decades of experience, his answers are full of wisdom and wit.
Adrian shares his most controversial creative opinion (and it's a good one), the best advice he's ever received, and the one ordinary
Adapting & Thriving: 26 Years of Change with Adrian Carroll of D8
In this episode, our founding editor Katy Cowan sits down with Adrian Carroll, co-founder and executive creative director of D8, a leading creative agency with studios in Glasgow, Amsterdam, and beyond. With over 26 years in the industry, Adrian reflects on the constant change he's weathered—from the dawn of the internet to economic crises, the rise of social media, and the latest wave of AI
The Spark: Emma Barratt on Being Yourself, Bad Buzzwords and Winning Every Argument
In this bonus Spark episode, Emma Barratt returns for a funny, honest, and brilliantly unfiltered chat with Katy Cowan. She takes on some of our favourite quick-fire questions — from the best advice she's ever received to the song she'd like played at her funeral.
Emma shares her most controversial creative opinion (spoiler: not everything is "transformative"), the word that gives her the ic
From Council Estate to Creative Director: Owning Your Story, with Emma Barratt
In this raw and energising conversation, Katy Cowan is joined by Emma Barratt, global executive creative director at Wolff Olins, to talk about class in the creative industry, imposter syndrome, and the kind of diversity we don't discuss enough. With honesty, grit, and a huge amount of heart, Emma opens up about her working-class roots in Salford, the long road into the design world, and the
The Spark: Liz Mosley on Courage, Cringe & Creative Joy
In this bonus episode, Liz Mosley returns for a relaxed, thoughtful catch-up with Katy Cowan. They chat about building confidence, embracing cringe, and the joy of just having a go — plus Liz answers some of our favourite Spark questions.
From the best advice she's ever received to a dream she can’t forget, Liz shares her most controversial creative opinion, the word that drives her mad, and
Authenticity Over Perfection: The Power of Podcasting, with Liz Mosley
In this laugh-out-loud, heart-on-sleeve conversation, Katy Cowan is joined by branding designer and podcast host Liz Mosley to explore the messy, magical world of podcasting. With over 120 episodes of the Building Your Brand podcast behind her, Liz shares the honest truth: podcasting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up as yourself.
Together, Katy and Liz dive into the highs and l
The Spark: Sam Gilbey on Pop Culture, Practice & Meeting Tony Hart
In this bonus episode, The Spark, we welcome back Sam Gilbey, the pop culture illustrator whose work brings our favourite films to life, for a lighter, more personal chat. After Monday's nostalgic deep dive into his creative journey, Sam returns to answer some of our signature questions, offering a glimpse of the person behind the prints.
From his controversial view on talent (spoiler: he's
From Storms to Success: Playing the Long Game, with Sam Gilbey
This week, we’re joined by the brilliant Sam Gilbey – a celebrated illustrator known for his detailed, painted portraits of cult movie characters, iconic pop culture figures, and, more recently, football heroes.
In a lively and nostalgic conversation, Sam and host Katy Cowan explore what it means to survive and thrive as a creative today — through economic downturns, industry disruption, and
The Spark: Gnome Taylor on Socks, Soft Skills and Saying What You Mean
In this bonus episode, The Spark, we welcome back Gnome Taylor, senior creative at Grey London, for a lighter, more personal chat. After Monday's powerful conversation on resilience, Gnome returns to answer some of our signature questions—giving us a glimpse of the person behind the job title.
From why kindness is the best lesson she's learned in her career, to the odd comfort she gets from
Resilience, Chaos & Carving Your Own Path in Advertising, with Gnome Taylor
This week, we chat with Gnome Taylor, senior creative at Grey London, about the resilience it takes to make it in the creative industries—especially when life starts out tough.
Gnome shares her incredible journey from growing up in foster care to carving out a thriving career in advertising. With honesty and humour, she reflects on the chaos of her early years, the stereotypes she battled, a
The Spark: Christine Smith on intuition, escaping dates, and talking to animals
Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we share a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration—and this season, we've switched things up.
Each Spark now features a bonus conversation with our guest from earlier in the week. Today, we're once again joined by the award-winning creative director, Christine Smith, who returned fo
Becoming the Role Model You Never Had, with Christine Smith
In this episode, Katy is joined by award-winning creative director Christine Smith to explore the topic of role models and their critical importance, particularly for women in the creative industries.
Christine shares her personal journey of navigating a male-dominated field, describing how she spent her early career without any female figures to look up to. This gradual realisation shaped h
The Spark: Kiser Barnes on kerning, nemeses and the power of nostalgia
Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration. And this season, we've switched things up.
Each Spark now features a bonus conversation with our week's guest. Today, we're joined once again by Kiser Barnes, partner and CCO at Red Antler, who returns for some quick-fire fun.
Creativity in the Age of AI, with Kiser Barnes
What does creativity look like in a world increasingly shaped by technology and AI? In this episode, Katy Cowan speaks with Kiser Barnes, partner and chief creative officer at Red Antler, about the evolving relationship between technology and creativity. Together, they explore how AI presents both thrilling opportunities and existential challenges for the creative industry. Kiser emphasises t
The Spark: Michael Johnson on party tricks, blues guitars and what he no longer believes
Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration. And this season, we've switched things up.
Now, each Spark features a bonus conversation with our week's guest. For this first revamped episode, we're joined by Michael Johnson, the founder of Johnson Banks, who returns to have
Design in the Age of Sameness, with Michael Johnson
Are we in a phase where all design looks the same? In this thought-provoking episode, host Katy Cowan is joined by Michael Johnson, the founder of Johnson Banks, to explore the creeping sameness in today’s visual landscape.
From swirling animations to hyper-minimalist logos, we unpack why charities, fintechs, and universities now often look indistinguishable. Is it the influence of AI, digit
The Creative Boom Podcast Christmas Special 2024
'Twas the night before deadline, and all through the house, not a keyboard was silent, not even the mouse... Welcome to a very festive edition of The Creative Boom Podcast.
As another year draws to a close, it's time to wrap up projects, reflect on your achievements, and embrace the magic of the holiday season. In this special episode, founding editor and podcast host Katy Cowan invites some
Shaping design and culture at The New York Times, with Jessi Brattengeier
In this final episode of the season for The Creative Boom Podcast, host Katy Cowan is joined by the inspiring Jessi Brattengeier, Creative Director at The New York Times. This engaging conversation takes a closer look at the world of design, storytelling, and the culture behind one of the world's most iconic publications.
Jessi shares what it's like to shape and innovate within the establish
The Spark: Joseph Parsons, networking tips, and a fresh look at history
Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to carry you through the week. Whether you need motivation or insights, we've got you covered!
This week, we welcomed Joseph Parsons to the podcast. By day, Joseph is a freelance graphic design
Re-designing Life: From graphic designer to stand-up comedian, with Joseph Parsons
This week on The Creative Boom Podcast, our host Katy Cowan welcomes Joseph Parsons, a graphic designer by day and stand-up comedian by night. In this lively and candid conversation, they explore Joseph's unconventional journey from the structured design world to the unpredictable comedy stage.
Joseph opens up about how his dual careers have shaped his creative path, shedding light on the ch
The Spark: Christopher Doyle, how life works, and a word of the year that sums up 2024
Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to carry you through the week. Whether you need motivation or insights, we've got you covered!
This week on the podcast, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting Christopher Doyle, who brightene
Unpacking 'The Great Unknown' in a competitive design industry, with Christopher Doyle
This week, The Creative Boom Podcast brings a ray of sunshine with Christopher Doyle, the award-winning founder and creative director of Christopher Doyle & Co., based in Sydney, Australia. Over nearly two decades, Christopher has built an impressive career filled with accolades, global talks, and a reputation for bringing a candid and refreshing perspective to the creative industry.
In
The Spark: Barrington Reeves, going freelance and spooky children's illustrators
Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to carry you through the week. Whether you need motivation or insights, we've got you covered!
This week, we were joined by Barrington Reeves, founder and creative director at Too Gallus, a Gla
Recommended
10 Bell Pod
The Infinite Inning
Guiding God‘s Girls
The Clinic Marketing Podcast | Local SEO & Healthcare Online Marketing Tips for Clinic Owners & Wellness Providers
Money Magnet Mode | Daily Affirmations That Work,
DJ BURST 305
The No BS Spiritual Book Club with Sandie Sedgbeer
The Daily
Doctor Zhivago Slow Read
Conspiracy Files with Paige Carter
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
The Theory of Psychoanalysis - Carl Jung
