Creatively Eccentric
Creatively Eccentric is a podcast that empowers creatives to embrace their uniqueness and redefine success on their own terms. Hosted by graphic designer Heather Ebanks, it features honest solo reflections and conversations with unconventional, underrepresented creators. The show challenges industry gatekeeping, burnout culture, and the pressure to conform, offering practical tools for thriving outside traditional paths.
Episodes
From Design Talks to Real Connections: A Birmingham Design Festival 2026 Debrief (Bonus)
Is networking really about making connections, or can it sometimes feel transactional? Are design festivals built for extroverts? In this bonus episode, I'm joined once again by graphic designer Bhavini to reflect on our experiences at Birmingham Design Festival 2026. We share honest reflections on attending events as designers, overcoming networking anxiety, finding confidence in creative spaces,
From Almost Quitting to Finding Joy Again with Bhavini Lakhani
Bhavini Lakhani, a graphic designer and branding specialist, shares her journey of creativity, confidence, and self-discovery. She discusses the impact of her structured upbringing on her design approach, the challenges of client experiences, and the process of rebuilding self-confidence.ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistIn
Why Being Misunderstood Might Be Your Creative Superpower with Steve Chapman
In this engaging conversation, Steve Chapman shares his multifaceted journey as an artist, writer, and podcaster. He reflects on the messiness of life, the importance of reconnecting with childhood creativity, and the human side of creativity as a means of self-expression.ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistInstagramYouTube Playlist
The 4% Perspective: Shari Fairclough on Culture, Memory & Visual Storytelling
Sunni shares insights on cultural representation, emotional impact, and finding inspiration in unexpected places. The conversation also explores the challenges of transitioning careers, the impact of storytelling in design, and the significance of visibility and representation in the design industry.ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest
Journalist to Entrepreneur Kala Paul-Worika on the Importance of Representation in Your Business
Kala shares her journey as a creative entrepreneur, navigating spaces where representation matters, and embracing her African heritage through fashion and business. She discusses overcoming industry pressures, building confidence, and supporting other women founders.ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlinkSubscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - WaitlistInstagramYouTube Playlis
The Power of Showing Up: Wins, Lessons & Community
In this solo episode, I reflect on how Q1 2026 shifted from fear to momentum in my creative journey. What started as doubts about finding guests quickly changed when I began putting myself out there—experimenting with outreach, newsletters, and genuine connection.I’ve learned that people are more open than we think, and that building relationships matters more than having a perfect plan. This is a
Creative Confidence: Emmelie Coulson on Building a Sustainable Design Business
Emmelie identifies as a self-taught designer, a label that fills her with both confidence and uncertainty. While she has gained valuable skills on her own, the absence of a formal degree can sometimes make her question her capabilities.Despite societal pressures to pursue traditional education, Emmelie’s journey illustrates that creativity can flourish outside of conventional pathways. Her story i
Different by Design: Gary Lewis On Why Not Fitting In Is a Creative Advantage
Gary Lewis, a multifaceted copywriter, shares his journey through the creative landscape, emphasising the importance of embracing messy journeys and neurodiversity.He discusses the evolution of copywriting, the significance of emotional connections in marketing, and the challenges faced by working-class creatives. He also highlights the power of storytelling and the role of allyship in fostering s
Perfectly Imperfect with Berenice Howard-Smith: How Grief Reshapes Creative Work
Berenice Howard Smith shares her multifaceted journey as a designer, podcaster, and advocate for those who are childless not by choice. She discusses the importance of embracing creativity as a means of survival and healing, the value of community and support networks, and the challenges of navigating social media as a creative.Berenice emphasises the significance of authenticity in storytelling a
Overlooked to Unforgettable: Turning Your Identity Into Your Competitive Edge with Johanna Parvedy
Johanna, the founder of KCLAB,, shares her journey from a corporate marketing background to empowering culturally diverse creators. She discusses the importance of representation, visibility, and authenticity in marketing, emphasising the need for a supportive community.She also addresses the challenges faced by black, mixed, and POC entrepreneurs and the significance of unlearning societal norms
The Renegade Designer: Kayleigh Hall on Design, Social Mobility & Confidence
Kayleigh Hall’s creative journey doesn’t follow the usual rules — and that’s exactly the point.In this episode, Kayleigh shares how her upbringing, early work experiences, and fascination with human behaviour shaped her approach to branding as something far deeper than aesthetics. From leaving formal education to falling in love with typography and design psychology, her path is a reminder that cr
Hyper-Visible but Unheard: Reclaiming Your Voice as a Creative with Dominique Van Werkhoven
Dominique reflects on finding her voice while navigating new cultures, languages, and identities — often starting from scratch. She shares how learning to speak in unfamiliar spaces became less about communication and more about claiming who she is.We also explore the tension of being hyper-visible yet unheard as a creative of colour, the pressure of representation, and why your voice deserves spa
Fashion as Activism: How Daisy Riley Challenges the Status Quo
What if fashion wasn’t just about aesthetics—but about power, politics, and who gets heard?In this episode of Creatively Eccentric, I chat with Daisy Riley, founder of the political fashion zine The Grey, to explore how creativity can be a form of activism. Daisy is redefining what fashion media can be by pushing past glossy trends and celebrity culture to spotlight substance, storytelling, and so
Why Hiding Your Work is Hurting Your Reach
In this solo quarter-year reflection, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes reality of starting Creatively Eccentric. Four months into the podcast, I reflect on how fear, perfectionism, and waiting to feel “ready” kept me hiding my work—and how that was hurting my reach.I talk about why visibility isn’t the problem—fear is, and how letting go of rigid expectations, embracing imperfection, and introduc
Unmasking Visibility: Louisa Shaeri on the Power of Being Seen
In this conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Louisa Shaeri about her powerful work as a coach for neurodivergent creatives and culture shapers. As we talked, I found myself deeply resonating with her reflections on value, identity, and the systems we move through—systems that so often feel ill-fitting for people who think and create differently.MentionsWebsite: https://www.valorize.sy
Ink, Imperfection: The Art of Letting Go
In this solo episode, I share my journey as a creative, reflecting on the lessons I've learnt from embracing imperfection and the challenges I've faced while drawing with permanent ink. I discuss the importance of thinking differently, the significance of problem-solving in my creative process, and how art doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful. Through a specific project involving the use of
Honesty Over Hype: Stories That Resonate
In this episode, I delve into the essence of authentic storytelling, questioning the idea that storytelling should merely be a strategy.I highlight the significance of honesty, creativity, and the genuine connections that stories can foster. Reflecting on my own journey as a creative, I discuss the tension between market-driven narratives and the raw, unfiltered truths that truly resonate with aud
When to Nurture & When to Abandon Ideas
In this solo episode of Creatively Eccentric, I delve into the creative process, exploring the inner turmoil I often face as a creative when deciding whether to hold onto or let go of ideas. I discuss the delicate balance between nurturing concepts and recognising when it's time to move on. Through sharing my personal insights, I invite you to reflect on your own creative journey, hoping to inspir
No More Apologies: Angela Lyons on Diversity, Visibility & Self-Worth
This week on Creatively Eccentric, I’m joined by graphic designer Angela Lyons, who has made visibility her power move in a design world that hasn’t always seen her. She shares how she built community, set meaningful boundaries, and stopped waiting for permission to show up fully. From her design practice to Font Love Friday, Angela’s work is rooted in joy, purpose, and representation.TakeawaysDon
Beast Mode Mindset: How Jeba Nessa Navigates Creative Chaos and Cultural Expectations
In this episode, I chat with Jeba, founder of Beast Mode Media and BTS Brunch Club, about the realities of building a creative career. We dive into the importance of community, cultural identity, and resilience while unpacking the challenges of balancing authenticity, self-care, and ambition. Jeba shares her journey, insights on empowering underrepresented creatives, and the beauty in embracing th
Goddesses, Grit & Gratitude: Nathalie Edwards Explores the Therapeutic Power of Art and Its Role in Fostering Community
In this episode of Creatively Eccentric, I chat with Nathalie Edwards, a ceramic artist and project manager who transitioned from a corporate career in London to a creative life in France. Nathalie shares her journey of self-discovery, the challenges of moving to a new country, and the importance of community in her artistic endeavours. She discusses her experiences with guilt, the pressures of a
From Designer to Filmmaker: Shamsul Rosunally on Storytelling, Identity & Reinvention
In this conversation, Shamsul Rosunally shares his journey from the corporate world to embracing his passion for storytelling and creativity. He discusses the challenges of self-doubt, burnout, and the importance of mentorship in navigating the creative industry. Shamsul emphasises the power of storytelling, the need for representation, and the impact of AI on creativity. He reflects on the signif
Your Story Matters: Turning Life into a Creative Journey Worth Telling (Bonus Episode)
In this bonus episode of Creatively Eccentric, I want to talk about why your story matters.Not just the shiny, polished parts — but the messy, uncertain, beautifully real moments too.Because storytelling isn’t just about showing what you do, it’s about connection — it’s how we relate, grow, and remind each other that we’re not alone in this creative chaos.Every creative journey deserves to be seen
Design, Diversity, and Determination: The Story Behind Creatively Eccentric
In this first episode of Creatively Eccentric, my friend Roziah and I dive into the realities of creative careers — from our university days and job market challenges to navigating burnout and toxic workplaces. We talk about the power of community, collaboration, and personal branding, and I share my own journey of healing and rediscovery after leaving a demanding job. Creativity has been my guide
Creatively Eccentric Podcast: Bold voices. Messy journeys. Zero apologies
Hello I’m your host Heather Ebanks a graphic designer — and I’m here to help you as a underrepresented creative to stop shrinking, start creating, and own your voice like never before.Alongside solo reflection episodes and sharing practical tools for thriving outside the traditional path; I talk with talented creatives, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs who live a little differently, think a l
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