Arrest All Mimics: The Original Thinking And Creative Innovation Podcast

What we learned about creativity from Brandon Consultants’ founder Richard Taylor: Roots grow deep. Origin stories matter.  You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to innovate Considered candour saves everyone time and frees up creativity Helping the human in front of you sets the foundations for great work If someone works hard and is good at what they do, get out of the way The full episode 232 in long and highlights form is out now! Richard Taylor has spent over 30 years in the design industry, working across branding, visual identity, packaging, and much more. For the past 12 or so years, he'd headed Brandon: "In a chaotic world, great brands can be ignored. We’re here to help. We switch brands on by understanding how they connect with people. Some call it research; we call it rigorous naivety. Exploring without arrogance or assumption to build a genuine picture of the real world. So we can unearth insights that help awaken brand potential." Richard shares his learnings, observations, beliefs, and eviden

The full length episode is also available now! Richard Taylor has spent over 30 years in the design industry, working across branding, visual identity, packaging, and much more. For the past 12 or so years, he'd headed Brandon: "In a chaotic world, great brands can be ignored. We’re here to help. We switch brands on by understanding how they connect with people. Some call it research; we call it rigorous naivety. Exploring without arrogance or assumption to build a genuine picture of the real world. So we can unearth insights that help awaken brand potential." Richard shares his learnings, observations, beliefs, and evidence of achievements in commercial creativity. Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024 and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua https://www.brandon-consultants.com/about Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com https://bentallonwriter.com/shop fo

The highlights episode is also available now! Richard Taylor has spent over 30 years in the design industry, working across branding, visual identity, packaging, and much more. For the past 12 or so years, he'd headed Brandon: "In a chaotic world, great brands can be ignored. We’re here to help. We switch brands on by understanding how they connect with people. Some call it research; we call it rigorous naivety. Exploring without arrogance or assumption to build a genuine picture of the real world. So we can unearth insights that help awaken brand potential." Richard shares his learnings, observations, beliefs, and evidence of achievements in commercial creativity. Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024 and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua https://www.brandon-consultants.com/about Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for

What we learned about creativity from UNICEF's Office of Innovation's Elinor Samuelsson. Nature’s systems run through everything – adopt them! Boredom is an abundant source of creativity, imagination, and understanding ourselves Studying and observing our feelings enables us to own them for a happier life Enabling true creativity requires great organisation and preparation Language can cast spells! AI is still evil, but there are beautiful uses of it Elinor Samuelsson lets us inside the work of UNICEF's Office of Innovation, which uses imagination, innovation, invention, and play to create across complex global systems. Language barriers, cultural differences, lack of technology, missing ambition, and access to vital services are just a few of the challenges that form puzzle-like project briefs for Elinor and her team when they seek to establish the children most in need of support. Creativity, design, and innovative systems can help to transform layered and ubiquitous information into directions to make a

(The highlights of this episode are also out now, for those with less time or patience to listen to my waffling!) Elinor Samuelsson lets us inside the work of UNICEF's Office of Innovation, which uses imagination, innovation, invention, and play to create across complex global systems. Language barriers, cultural differences, lack of technology, missing ambition, and access to vital services are just a few of the challenges that form puzzle-like project briefs for Elinor and her team when they seek to establish the children most in need of support. Creativity, design, and innovative systems can help to transform layered and ubiquitous information into directions to make a huge difference, and Elinor takes us through how this all works. This is a beautiful and awe-inspiring example of why creativity must take its rightful place in global education systems when we face myriad challenges to our way of life. Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends rep

This is the crunched edition of episode 231 for those with less time or patience for my prattling! The full-length episode is also out now. Elinor Samuelsson lets us inside the work of UNICEF's Office of Innovation, which uses imagination, innovation, invention, and play to create across complex global systems. Language barriers, cultural differences, lack of technology, missing ambition, and access to vital services are just a few of the challenges that form puzzle-like project briefs for Elinor and her team when they seek to establish the children most in need of support. Creativity, design, and innovative systems can help to transform layered and ubiquitous information into directions to make a huge difference, and Elinor takes us through how this all works. This is a beautiful and awe-inspiring example of why creativity must take its rightful place in global education systems when we face myriad challenges to our way of life. Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarter

'Invisible Hands' was a term American writer and professor Joseph Campbell used to describe the sense of flow in the right direction when creating purely, when following our bliss. I've become fascinated by it, and explore the idea in this episode. Logic is often king in our frightened brains, but when we commit to what instinct and the wellspring of our being suggest is right for us, and create accordingly, it's amazing how doors open, and people who can help us emerge in our lives. Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024 and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua https://mkgeeknight.co.uk/ Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/ https://baycroftpublishing.wixsite.com/baycroft https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

Seemingly overnight, Meta, Adobe, and Squarespace, among others, have issued robust terms to users that would see creative industry professionals surrender their work to train Artificial Intelligence models. This is a ramble from a confused illustrator who would rather not hit the big red button on Instagram, and would rather not have to quit Photoshop for the last time. But what does it mean to accept such an invasion of privacy, and how do we all feel? It's a worrying precedent and a corporate play that suggests the tightening of the net in late-stage capitalism. Here are some thoughts that might move the discussion forward between designers, artists, illustrators, photographers and many more visual communicators. Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024 and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua https://hbr.org/2023/04/generative-ai-has-an-intellectual-property-prob

This week's episode HIGHLIGHTS for those who can't spare the time for the long-form FULL episode. Enjoy! Radio remains a timeless and unique medium in the age of abundant TV and film streaming services. There's an intimacy and a human quality that has seen it endure despite countless technological advances, and it invites the imagination of the listeners in a way no TV broadcast ever could. Football commentary represents arguably the most passionate form of commentary, but what of the creativity of the people whose trained voices take us as close to the action as possible without stepping foot in stadiums? How does it work, how do we get into such a career, and what makes for a great sports broadcaster? BBC Radio 5's Alistair Bruce-Ball is best known for his football commentary and work as the host of the Fantasy 606 podcast. He joins me to discuss why radio is enduringly popular among football fans. What is its place in the 21st century? We also talk golf commentary, Alistair's career path, opportunities

The first in a new series of takeaway episodes in which I distill 5 key takeaway tips about creativity from this week's guest conversation. The full conversation is available now on episode 229, and you can see the video version of this podcast on The Creative Condition Youtube channel. Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024 and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua Alistair will be covering Euro 2024 on the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Radio remains a timeless and unique medium in the age of abundant TV and film streaming services. There's an intimacy and a human quality that has seen it endure despite countless technological advances, and it invites the imagination of the listeners in a way no TV broadcast ever could. Football commentary represents arguably the most passionate form of commentary, but what of the creativity of the people whose trained voices take us as close to the action as possible without stepping foot in stadiums? How does it work, how do we get into such a career, and what makes for a great sports broadcaster? BBC Radio 5's Alistair Bruce-Ball is best known for his football commentary and work as the host of the Fantasy 606 podcast. He joins me to discuss why radio is enduringly popular among football fans. What is its place in the 21st century? We also talk golf commentary, Alistair's career path, opportunities in the modern broadcasting industry, personality's role in success, and unlikely highlights covering more

Perfectionism can be extremely damaging to creativity. We live in the age of data, in which the bottom line creates a culture of fear. Here uncertainty is the enemy, and algorithmic creativity is causing a dramatic level rise in the sea of same. In the creative industry, this could be a death sentence, so I spoke to Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, and author of 'Flawed' Greg Chasson at length about the neuroscience and effects of perfectionism. As a man with a career built on imperfection, it was a joy to hear it so expertly articulated by Greg. Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024 and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua Flawed book: https://www.flawedbook.com/ https://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/faculty/gregory-chasson-phd https://bentallon.com https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book https://www.linkedin.c

Abby Lucas teaches drama and English at secondary/high school level in the midst of a growing mental health crisis. She sees the the positive impact it has on young people, their wellbeing, their communication skills, their learning, and their ability to take control of their lives. But she is only able to teach it within the curriculum for one hour each week. We discuss the tragic educational and wellbeing omission that is drama, the benefits of expanding its presence in the curriculum, and our frustrations in depth. Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024 and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua https://bentallon.com https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

It took me a long time to acknowledge the shame of being caught shoplifting. At age 13, I stole an Ian Wright football figurine and got caught, earning me a UK-wide ban from Woolworth's department store. It took years to own this one, but when I did, I saw so many lessons in the importance of the shadow self, what such missteps can teach us about our personality, and its value in our creativity. Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024 and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua https://bentallon.com https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Multidisciplinary artist and designers Abi Everett (Evergooood) and Steph Martin (Stuff) are close friends and regular collaborators. They join me in conversation about the dangers of (conscious or unconscious) gatekeeping, which underpins 'More Than One Seat', their new project created to encourage collaboration, and not the kind of gatekeeping Steph became aware of while working in the advertising industry. This a great example of the joys of being a champion for another, in encouraging growth, and collaborative play, which leads to great ideas and optimal creativity. You can find out more about 'More Than One Seat' here: https://www.morethanoneseat.com/ and follow Abi: https://www.studioeverett.com/about and Steph: https://stuffstudio.net/ On socials:  https://www.instagram.com/evergooood/ https://www.instagram.com/stuffcreativestudio Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_ap

I had to explain to my kids why manageable jeopardy is good for them on this morning's nursery run. This tested my understanding and articulation of it. Then I get home and YouTube's algorithm tosses me Jimmy Carr telling Steven Bartlett why risk and living life without too much fear is crucial for young people and their mental health.It all set in motion a train of thought about jeopardy's role in optimal creativity... join me and climb aboard.Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.comand the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uahttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Stefan Sagmeister - legendary designer and pioneering creator - returns to continue our conversation from episode 199, only this time live on the main stage at OFFF Festival Barcelona.We continue to explore the notion of understanding our minds in order to find an optimistic baseline, from which we can work to resolve our collective problems.The chat took place in front of a live 2000+ audience in Disseny Hub and now is your chance to hear it too.The show is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X: https://illustrationx.comand the Ukrainian Institute: https://ui.org.uaYou can grab Stefan's 'Now is Better' from: https://www.phaidon.com/store/design/now-is-better-9781838666965/The Creative Condition book is out now. Signed copies at: https://bentallonwriter.com/shop

Radim Malinic returns 103 episodes after we talked on episode 119 of the podcast. Now he is back with not one, but two new books: Mindful Creative and Creativity for Sale. The two books are designed to work as a set of two and delve into the way we work, all the way from our evolutionary tendencies, to our perceptions of creativity, the way it functions, and how we can be happy while making money, producing the work we always wanted to.We cover it all. This is a deep, candid chat, the only way Radim knows how.The show is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X: https://illustrationx.comYou can grab both of Radim's books everywhere, signed copies at https://brandnubooks.co.ukThe Creative Condition book is out now. Signed copies at: https://www.bentallonwriter.com/shop

Too many people are downbeat. The heaviness of 24-hour news cycles are locking people's creativity and spirit away in dank, lightless basements.Here are five tips to turn the tide, and find a baseline of excitement and optimism from which to contribute to solutions for the problems that make us feel like the world has gone to sh1t.As ever the show is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X: illustrationx.comand the Ukrainian Institute. You can help a wonderful organisation by supporting the Ukrainian creative community as they struggle to keep making during the horrific war: ui.org.ua/The Creative Condition book is available to pre-order now at: https://www.bentallonwriter.com/shop/p/the-creative-condition-understanding-and-embracing-human-creativity-signed-paperback-pre-order-april-11th-releaseFor the ebook version: https://shorturl.at/bkBDEhttps://bentallon.com

Today is the release day for 'The Creative Condition' - my 2nd non-fiction book.This time out I chose to publish independently. Here's how, why, what to consider if you want to do this too.Supported by founding sponsor: https://illustrationx.com and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uaThe Creative Condition is out now at: https://www.bentallonwriter.com/shop/p/the-creative-condition-understanding-and-embracing-human-creativity-signed-paperback-pre-order-april-11th-release