Arrest All Mimics: The Original Thinking And Creative Innovation Podcast

We live in a world of instant gratification, thanks to a world made smaller by technology. Amazon, Ebay, free postage, cheap and plentiful, on demand, next day delivery, you know the drill. The past 10-15 years has been apocalyptic for many high-street retailers and not just the independents. In fact, in many respects, the independent stores have led the way by cleverly adapting the way they provide more than just the goods they sell as part of the shopping experience.HMV almost went out of business in recent years and the lack of evolution from a simple vehicle of browse and buy seemed to cost them. But we are starting to see change. Perhaps partly influenced by the organic growth of the makers movement in response to the rise of online retail, fashion brands are beginning to think more creatively by utilising visual communicators who can work live in store, large scale and under pressure, giving customers a personal experience.That's where LIL come in. Live Illustration London are comprised of Willa Gebbie,

I could point you to a whole range of post graduation stories. Personally, I found the cut off from seven years in education very tough and in particular, the first six months were a huge struggle. I felt demotivated, directionless and couldn't see how a BA(Hons) degree in illustration would set me up for the real world. After hiring a tired old garage with several guys in the same boat, it all changed, but it would be two years before I became a full time, freelance illustrator.Every experience is different, with some flourishing right off the bat, going straight into jobs and thriving, but I wanted to show just how different it is for every person. Chatting to a wide range of graduates, people one year on from graduating, lecturers and people in industry, this is the graduation special, giving you insights into what people are going through and the tech savvy new breed that we in industry need to keep an eye out for. Sponsored by loyal supporters http://illustrationweb.com http://heartinternet.co.uk and ht

The creative industry has an increasingly prominent role in social issues. As a child, I would visit Blackpool, Morecambe and other seaside towns for family holidays. Whilst these towns still have many positives, there has undoubtedly been something missing since the advent of low-cost airlines and cheap access to European countries with better weather.Deco Publique, a local Morecambe creative company producing project commissions and delivering creative festivals are leading by example with the brilliant 'Street Art' project on Morecambe's Victoria Street. The creative regeneration project is utilising artists and designers to carry out a series of large scale works throughout the town centre.I head up to Morecambe Bay to talk to all the people involved about what creativity can bring to counter the loss of tourism and inspire both local people and visitors. Project leaders Deco Publique, Hemingway Design's Wayne Hemingway, 23 time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness, local artists and residents join me to

We all have a dream client, don't we? Whether it's Game of Thrones, Vogue Magazine, The Guardian or Grand Designs, there was always that college portfolio project that was a subconscious statement of intent. But how many of us truly believe it? Peter O'Toole is an illustrator and designer based in Huddersfield and he joins Arrest All Mimics at his studio in Bates Mill for the 30th episode of the show to take us on a journey that took him from casual clothing fan to working closely with his dream client Adidas.Peter is on hilarious form in this open, honest account of the journey we all hope to embark upon one day. He tells us why it's crucial to make it happen for yourself, why hard work is crucial, how Liam Gallagher came to be pictured holding the Adidas book he worked on and why mimicry in any art form will inevitably end in tears.Episode 30 of Arrest All Mimics is kindly supported by:Illustration Ltd: http://illustrationweb.comHeart Internet: http://heartinternet.co.ukPrinted.com: http://printed.comhttp:/

The word 'legend' is tossed around far too lightly. In the world of visual communication, I have no problem attaching that word to the name of British graphic designer, writer, educator, publisher and creative innovator Adrian Shaughnessy. Adrian co-founded Intro, a design studio, in the late 1980s, steering the company to 40 members of staff and pioneering work in digital media and motion graphics. He is now the senior tutor of visual communication at the Royal College of Art.Adrian's book, How To Be A Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul has sold over 80,000 copies worldwide and following this, he became a founding partner of Unit Editions, a publishing company producing books on design and visual communication.Taking us through his outstanding career, discussing the vastly changed design landscape we now exist in and the challenges we face, Adrian details the brilliant story behind their iconic work with the band Primal Scream and the XTRMNTR album art-direction, his work with British graphic design v

In a chaotic post-EU referendum political climate, the deep-rooted division in society is plain to see. Blame, insults and criticism flow freely whilst we all try to make sense of the bedlam and prepare to face what comes next. Shaz from Addatif joins me to discuss her creative workshops at youth centres, Ravensbourne College, National Art & Design Saturday Club and her upcoming workshop, 'Inclusion.' Addatif produced the 3D print used in the Arrest All Mimics branding and we discuss the great power we have as creative professionals to help bring together people from all different backgrounds, the role the arts will play in healing the damage caused in our society and how we can actively start to make a difference.Episode 28 is supported by Illustration Ltd: http://illustrationweb.com, Heart Internet: http://heartinternet.co.uk and Printed.com: http://printed.comhttp://www.addatif.com/ - Addatif official websitehttps://twitter.com/Addatif - Addatif on Twitterhttps://www.facebook.com/addatif?fref=ts - Adda

You wouldn't think that the host of an audio show, a person who interviews a range of interesting characters on a weekly basis would have any self-confidence issues. But I can tell you, each time I pick up the phone to call a prospective client, or head for a meeting in the city, I face a familiar wave of adrenaline, a tiny panic during which I doubt myself heavily.Despite those moments of crisis, admittedly, I am a social person, I thrive on meeting others and making new contacts all the time, but we all sit somewhere different on the introvert/extrovert spectrum of personalities. Much is made of the need to beat on doors until they open, revealing new opportunities, to attain any degree of success in the creative industries. But Cat Rose admits she is an introvert and begs to differ. She launched The Creative Introvert platform to bring together the quieter personalities and joins me to discuss the many upsides to a introverted personality, ways to own it and the finer details of self confidence.Episode 27

It almost feels wrong to introduce Rod Hunt. With a twenty year career at the top of the illustration game, he shouldn't need one. Former chair of the AOI, currently working with the ICON illustration conference and turning around a frightening array of high-profile commissions on a consistent basis, Rod is not just an industry heavyweight, but a man who loves, works incredibly hard to champion, protect and develop the business in many areas.The man behind the iconic Top Gear Where's Stig? books joins us to discuss all things serious, business, hilarious, weird and, well... erotic in this crazed creative world we inhabit. We also learn about the evolution of his iconic isometric illustrative style and the business itself in the digital age.For anyone with even a passing interest in illustration and visual communication, episode 26 with the I Ching of illustration is an absolute must listen. Episode 26 is supported by Illustration Ltd: http://illustrationweb.com, Heart Internet: http://heartinternet.co.uk and

Human After All represent a creative agency with a strong and forward thinking creative identity. With its origins at university, they have evolved to become an agency commanding respect from peers, industry and students alike. Having launched Little White Lies magazine, they have gone on to create striking campaigns for the BAFTAs, Studio Canal and Everyman Cinemas, earning them a strong reputation for their work in the movie world. Their portfolio reads as a body of work that might have been compiled by a student with ambitious professional dreams.I meet Paul Willoughby, Victoria Talbot and Angus MacPherson at their London studios to discuss how they have achieved this. We talk about the balance between strong client relationships and creative freedom, the importance of continuing to create personal projects in order to stay fresh and attract exciting client work and why it's crucial to have parameters in place.http://www.humanafterall.co.uk/ - Human After All official websitehttps://twitter.com/HumanAfterA

Author and Illustrator of the fantastic 'The Bear Who Stared' on Templar Books, Duncan Beedie talks us through the story of how a bear character illustration staring back at him in a moment of reflection would go on to become his debut book deal.Pulling back the curtain, Duncan details everything from the crucial importance of nuances to tell and effective story, to how he landed a three-book deal with Templar.This is not one to miss for anyone who has an interest in entering the world of children's book publishing.The Bear Who Stared is available online at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bear-Who-Stared-Duncan-Beedie/dp/178370375X and at most Waterstones book stores, plus independent outletshttp://www.illustrationweb.com/artists/DuncanBeedie/view Duncan Beedie on Illustration Ltdhttp://duncanbeedie.co.uk/ - Duncan Beedie official sitehttps://twitter.com/DuncanDraws Duncan Beedie on Twitterhttp://www.templarco.co.uk/picture-books.html Templar Publishing official site

One of the big success stories in the makers movement is the Crafty Fox Market. Founder Sinead Koehler joins Arrest All Mimics in the midst of the spring markets in London and Leeds to tell us how she began and established Crafty Fox as one of the world's most celebrated coming together of illustrators, makers, ceramicists, sculptors, fashion designers and more. What sets Crafty Fox apart from high street chain stores and might we be about to see a positive unison between the two?We're in the midst of a makers revolution. Whilst the digital age is likely to be around for many decades to come, people have started to yearn for something crafted by hand, to hear the story behind a product, gift or moment in time. Online retailers provide us with an overload of cheap global markets, but on the flip side, we have seen the rise of craft markets, beautiful oddities, modern artisans and people informing their ideas with great technology to produce something inherently human.Sinead details how motherhood has been a ke

Electronic musician and producer/DJ Dirty Freud underlines the benefits of having taken a different route into music. Dissuaded from studying music at school by a square teacher, he pursued creative writing, returning to making music with fresh approach to his peers.Having recently signed to an exclusive roster of artists supported by Jägermeister, Freud details his journey, the importance of embracing all forms of creativity and the value of embracing your inner geek. His love of science fiction and comic books brought about an alter-ego, Dirty Freud and we talk about the crucial role of his creative identity in establishing that persona, the effect it has on his music making and how his music career was largely down to a big mouth.Http://dirtyfreud.com - official sitehttp://twitter.com/dirtyfreud - DF on Twitterhttp://facebook.com/dirtyfreud - DF on FacebookBuy Dirty Freud's music on Beatport: https://pro.beatport.com/artist/dirty-freud/429734

The Hyena Kill join us to talk about the release of their debut record, 'Atomised.' They take us through what it takes for a DIY band to record, produce, fund, release, promote and package a traditional album in the modern music industry in part one of our two part special on creative identity in new music.I met drummer Lorna Blundell and lead vocalist/guitarist Steven Dobb mid tour in camden, five years after we started working together as art-director and band in a sweaty open-mic night in Manchester's Gullivers pub. Having seen the band grow and evolve into one of the UK's hottest artists, I wanted to chat about that journey, their methods of staying alive in a ravaged music industry where the days of signing a record deal and crashing a limo into a swimming pool are well and truly over.The pressure to be the full finished article is now on the musicians themselves. We discuss the importance of a strong visual identity, clever use of social media, possibilities in crowd-funding and maximising the support n

Caroline Hands takes us through a fascinating career as an artist and painter in China, London, rural England and many other places. Her solo show 'White Bird Flew to Blue' opens at No Format Gallery, Woolwich from 9th June and I insist that you come down.When I first moved to my studio at Second Floor Studios and Arts, Caroline was also moving in and as I helped her arrange a massive load of paintings, I realised just how energising she is and her work encapsulates three lifetimes worth of adventure.We discuss her time living in a Chinese lotus village, her decision to return to London life after a long time in the countryside, her upcoming show and why she ended up front page of a newspaper after jumping from a bridge. Caroline is a truly fascinating artist with much to tell.http://www.carolinehands.co.uk/ - Caroline's official sitehttps://twitter.com/BirdsHands - Caroline on Twitter

On location at the inaugural D&AD festival at the Old Truman Brewery, we bring you a series of chats with Grand Budapest Hotel designer Annie Atkins, iconic fashion and housing designer Wayne Hemingway, Little White Lies Creative Director Timba Smits and Lucienne Roberts. We also chat to guests, D&AD CEO Tim Lindsay and Bruce Duckworth of heavyweight advertising agency Turner and Duckworth and D&AD president elect for 2016/17. Lastly, legendary fashion designer Paul Smith passes his opinion on my rascal shirt...Whether you were there or not, this show is frantic and a product of a man quickly becoming the ultimate opportunist!For show notes, see part 1/Ep 19.

D&AD represents global creative, design and advertising communities and celebrates brilliance in commercial creativity. I recall D&AD being a big deal when I was finishing up my degree in illustration. Just this rabid buzz about the place, students stressed, excited, dejected and elated in equal measure throughout the whole awards process, like the rest of their lives depended on it. Maybe it did. Now in 2016, D&AD have launched an inaugural 3-day festival in conjunction with the awards judging process and subsequent decisions. I head down to the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, East London, armed with a press pass and a microphone to make some sense of it all.Part one of the resultant two-part special is an exclusive interview with the 2015-16 and current president of D&AD, Andy Sandoz. He is also Executive Creative Director of Havas Work Club. In an engaging and fascinating chat, Andy tells us why technology is not going to shoot us, why we must embrace it and use it as fuel to shape the cr

The world of independent filmmaking is a chaotic, high-octane melting pot, where hundreds of creative talents clash and click. Often working as part of a small production crew, working very closely with cast, the experience can be a lot of fun, but it can also break those unable to problem solve at a rapid rate. In a golden age of television, Mark tells us what it takes to work in the harsh environs of entry level film, where little to no budgets mean that organisation, DIY skills and creativity have to meet each other halfway. He gives us a fascinating account of thinking creatively and acting fast to carve out opportunities and we discuss his projects at length, including his debut feature film, The Lost Generation and Dailymotion's first ever original content, 'Portal.' For anyone looking to find and entry to the film world, indie or Hollywood, consider this your starter pack.

I wanted to draft in Jacqueline Bissett and Victoria Pearce to give me, a man preoccupied with televised wrestling, football and zombie fiction, with a very minimal understanding of the world of fashion, a valuable insight from the perspective of two people who have spent over two decades in the industry with great success.Jacqueline Bissett is a leading fashion illustrator signed to Illustration Ltd, where Victoria is a senior agent. The two take us through an entwined journey that began when Vicky's work as a stylist and then a fashion photography agent led her to Jackie, an exciting illustrator creating striking artworks in fashion. The two found their way to Illustration Ltd where Jackie thrives and Victoria plays a key role in the agency's continued global success.I meet the two as Jacqueline prepares to work live at the BAFTAs 2016, armed with a client list that includes Louis Vuitton, Selfridges, Kurt Geiger, Atelier Swarovski and Cartier. Where do we find today's fashion industry? How has the digital

Part two of the 30th anniversary of When Saturday Comes special, with art editor Doug Cheeseman.Doug takes us through the magazines story, from near cessation to a survivor of the digital revolution. We talk graphic design in sport, in football, publishing in the digital world and the role of an art director.See part one for show notes

When Saturday Comes Art Editor Doug Cheeseman takes us through his journey from a young football fan in Essex to art editor of one of the world's most beloved football magazines. I remember... During that gut-wrenching time of anxiety, when you’re gearing up for your graduation art show, the real world looming in the all too near future, I sat hidden between two of the floor-to-ceiling shelves in the journals section of the university library. In truth, I was sat there to escape spending more time writing the dissertation I’d lost interest in weeks earlier. Fortunately, where I sat on the heavy footstool that is more often used as a makeshift seat was perfect eye-level with an impressive chunk of the When Saturday Comes magazine archive. There I sat for the next two hours, thumbing through issue after issue of the fanzine turned magazine, reading past articles and reminiscing about bygone seasons in which my football team, Leeds United was not a circus of marvellous embarrassments. The biggest result here how