When was the last time you truly listened to someone? Not just wait for your turn to speak, but genuinely hear their story, even if you disagree? This week, on our season finale, we explore the power of listening and embracing diverse perspectives with a guest who's made a career out of connecting with others and having a blast along the way.

American actor, director, and musician Richard Speight, Jr. joins us today. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, and now living in LA, Richard's infectious charm and genuine curiosity have endeared him to fans and colleagues alike. From his roles in Supernatural and Band of Brothers to his work behind the camera and on stage with his band Dick Jr. & The Volunteers, Richard's warmth and wit shine through in everything he does. But it's not just about the roles he plays or the music he makes – it's about the connections he fosters and the joy he brings to every interaction.

We chat more about the importance of building relationships and connecting with people in the creative industry. We'll explore the value of embracing flaws and imperfections in storytelling and art, as well as the impact of social media on self-esteem and the need for authenticity. We'll reflect on how far we've come since the 1970s, the lessons we can learn from past mistakes, and the loss of boredom and its impact on creativity and personal growth. 

We'll also explore the depth of connection and understanding that in-person interactions provide, in contrast to the limitations of being online. And throughout it all, we'll discuss why it’s so important to have a sense of fun and perspective when being creative.

Art and design might feel like everything to you, but has it ever been a matter of life and death? This week, we're joined by Kelly Korzun, an individual for whom creativity has truly been a lifeline.

Kelly is not only an acclaimed artist and the visionary behind METAL & DVST, a vibrant art space that champions the voices of artists worldwide; she's also deeply invested in the nonprofit sector and passionate about education. Her journey through the realms of creativity and her advocacy for the arts as transformative tools are nothing short of inspiring.

Today, we'll take a closer look at a poignant chapter in Kelly's life where art transcended passion and became her lifeline during a critical moment in her youth. Our conversation will highlight the resilience of the human spirit and underscore the powerful role of art in healing and personal growth.

We'll also explore the significance of giving back to the creative community, a mission close to my heart through nearly 15 years at the helm of Creative Boom. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of creativity on our lives and the world around us.

Ever wonder how to make it big in animation when the industry is always on the move? How do you keep your focus and drive when everything around you is shifting so fast?

This week, we explore these important questions with Sean J. Cuttino, an influential figure in animation, illustration, and storytelling. His journey shines a light on what it really takes to stay ahead in a world where the creative landscape and technology never stand still.

The creative force behind J. Cutt Productions, Sean is known for his engaging YouTube content and impressive collaborations with big names like Google, the NFL, Slick Rick and Missy Elliott, showing us how creativity can really make an impact. But he's not just about making waves; he's helping shape how we experience art and design.

In our conversation, we learn how he keeps up with the fast-paced world of animation and design and about his latest passion project, The Storybook Traveling Adventures of Little J. and the Wonder Key. This talk isn't just about his career highs but also about the power of storytelling and how it draws us in.

Sean opens up about the rollercoaster of building a creative career, filled with ups and downs and the learning curve that keeps his work exciting and relevant. From viral animations to the enchanting world of Little J, his story is all about resilience, joy, and the love of creating.

For anyone who's got a thing for design, loves a good story, or is just curious about creative careers, this episode with Sean J. Cuttino is a treasure trove of insights and inspiration. It's all about finding your passion, embracing the inevitable challenges, and making those imaginative ideas a reality in a constantly evolving industry.

This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

Dan Silverstone started out as a graphic designer at a "safe" council job before he found the courage to leave and join GRIN, a creative studio in Birmingham. It was there that he developed his creative skills, becoming senior designer and later, art director. Today, he specialises in motion and loves to indulge in lots of side projects via his venture, Pica. In this episode, we chat about growing up in Birmingham, switching careers to do more of what you love, and his love of video games and cyberpunk.

Sophie Amono is a qualified journalist, marketing specialist, and founder of social media agency, Stuffs. Originally from London, she began her career working at Dazed & Confused and The Times, before moving to Glasgow in 2015. In this episode we chat about her journey, the struggles she's faced, about Covid-19 and the lockdown, feminism, and finding her voice. We talk about Black Lives Matter and how we hope the world is changing for the better. Sophie also shares her views on success and how we need to change its meaning, perhaps learning to slow down, too.

Michael C Place is a Yorkshire-born graphic designer, creative director and founder of the successful design studio, Build. Prior to setting up his own business, he famously worked for Trevor Jackson at Bite It! and with Ian Anderson at The Designers Republic in the 1990s. We chat about those early days, the design industry in general and some of his most memorable projects. He also shares lots of wisdom on running a small studio outside of London. This is an honest and humble chat with one of the biggest names in design.

Graphic designers and friends Eve Warren and Anna Wanczyk have recently joined forces to launch the first chapter in Yorkshire of Kerning the Gap, a community founded in 2015 to get more women into leadership roles in the design industry. Eve is currently working at Robot Food in Leeds while Anna has recently set up her own studio. It was great to hear about their different career paths and see how they navigate the usual roller coaster of being a creative professional. We also talk about being women in the creative industries, share stories of what we've encountered, and what we hope to see change.

Known for his bold and innovative typographic artworks, Craig Black is a Scottish-born designer, lettering artist and typographer whose worked tirelessly over the last five years to build his own design studio near Glasgow. Here, he shares some of the secrets to his success, including some helpful ideas to boost productivity, improve mental wellbeing and achieve your goals. This is an eye-opening, utterly honest treat that will leave you feeling energised and ready to take on anything.

Illustrator Ana Jaks creates work that is full of shape, colour, pattern and inclusivity. Originally from the Isle of Man, she went to Falmouth University to study Illustration and then did a Masters in Visual Communications at Bath Spa before graduating in 2015. She's always worked for herself and has so far picked up clients such as Facebook and Nike. I headed down to Bristol in March to meet Ana and chat about freelancing, work/life balance, and why she's spending more time on her hobbies these days.

Award-winning British designer Craig Oldham is behind Office of Craig, the creative studio based in Manchester. He's also written a few books, notably Oh Shit, What Now to support emerging designers. More recently, he's published They Live, a book that celebrates the sci-fi cult movie by John Carpenter. There was much to discuss when I met Craig in Manchester pre-lockdown, including the state of the creative industries, favourite movies, and where he gets his no-nonsense attitude from.

Lisa Congdon is an artist of many talents. Based in Portland, Oregon, she does everything from fine art to illustration, but is best known for her colourful graphic drawings and hand lettering. With an amazing career so far, Lisa has so much advice to share on building a successful creative business. Here, she talks about getting started, surviving the ups and downs, and reveals helpful marketing tips.

Loz Ives is a Manchester-based graphic designer, typographer and illustrator, and one of the co-founders of Fieldwork – a digital and branding agency which began eight years ago and has gone through many changes. In this episode, we talk about the ups and downs of growing a design studio and why staying "small" isn't such a bad option.

Kaye Dunnings is the creative director of Shangri-La at Glastonbury Festival, which was set to celebrate its 50th anniversary this June until it was postponed. Pre-lockdown, we met in Bristol to chat about how the festival has evolved over the last decade, its wilder days, and how she came to be Shangri-La's creative director. Kaye also shares her thoughts on climate change, alternative living, and why she hopes the future is looking brighter.

We're kicking off a new season of The Creative Boom Podcast with something a little bit different. Today, we're talking about posture and how we can stay pain-free as creatives. Because let's face it, we all spend so much time sitting, working, and leaning over laptops and gadgets – perhaps getting into bad habits; it's inevitable we'll run into trouble unless we look after ourselves. Of course, we want to help you avoid that, or – if you're already suffering (myself included) – then we'll hopefully help you find a way out.

To talk us through this big topic, our guest this week is Eleanor Burt, otherwise known as Posture Ellie. Based in the beautiful Peak District in England, she's a posture coach who runs her own programmes, hosts in-person events such as special retreats and even shares a load of free stuff on YouTube to help a lot of people become more in tune with their bodies.

She doesn't claim to be an expert. And she certainly doesn't promise to "fix" anyone. But she's absolutely found her calling and is helping many people to empower themselves to move and feel better. Is your neck or back giving you grief? Are you suffering from sciatica, bulging discs in your spine, or do you just feel out of alignment? Then, this episode will introduce you to a new approach – one that doesn't rely on popping pills forever and might even get rid of your pain.

This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

Jordan Yates is a Manchester-based designer, illustrator and animator who's recently gone freelance. As well as navigating the world of self-employment, he's also one of the co-founders of Design Recovery, a free event that gives people a "safe place" to talk openly about mental health. In this episode, we find out the story behind such a positive venture, his own experiences as a male designer, and how he's found freelancing so far.

Katie Cadwell is a Welsh-born, Falmouth-raised designer, who worked for Supple Studio in Bath until recently. She's just left the UK to join Design Studio as its senior designer in Sydney, Australia. We discuss her new life overseas, being a woman in design and why it's so important to support the next generation of creatives.

Zipeng Zhu is a designer, illustrator and animator living in Brooklyn. Chinese-born, he's been in the States since moving to New York in 2009 to study at the School of Visual Arts. After graduation, he worked at Pentagram and Sagmeister & Walsh before starting his own studio, Dazzle. We talk about his career so far, and why a quiet childhood in China inspired him to "dazzle". And if you can hear anyone in the background, that's his boyfriend, Angel Crawford.

Illustrator and animator Abbey Lossing is known for her delightful portraits of people, working for clients such as Google, Facebook, and The Washington Post. In this episode we chat about life as a freelancer in New York, her love of rock climbing, and why she's trying to be more mindful in her work.

New York-based British artist Jon Burgerman reveals his love of googly eyes and his sense of humour, plus we hear tips on making it as an independent artist today. We also chat about being a creative introvert in the Big Apple and why he prefers his own company, unlike his stuffed friend 'Burgsy' who always seems to steal the show.

British artist and designer Liam Hopkins is the man behind Lazerian, a creative studio in Manchester with clients including Bloomberg, Virgin and Habitat. Claire McDivitt runs Lost Heritage, one of the North West of England's leading printing firms. Partners in both business and life, they've had a challenging couple of years lately. We sat down to chat about doing what you love, overcoming loss, and why family always comes first. Some laughs as well as tears here.

Ian Anderson is one of the co-founders of The Designers Republic, the iconic studio known for its electronic music logos, album artwork and "anti-establishment aesthetics". In 2019, Ian published the A to Z of The Designers Republic, a book that explores TDR's output and its influence on a whole generation of graphic designers. Here, we unveil some of the fascinating (and often funny) stories behind Warp, Wipeout and thirty years of The Designers Republic.

Emma Reynolds is a freelance children's book illustrator and author based in Manchester. She's also behind the global #KidLit4Climate campaign which brings together thousands of children's illustrators and authors from over 50 countries to stand in solidarity with the youth climate strikes. In this episode, we chat about freelancing, mental health, and climate change. And we touch on the joys of city living when you've grown up in a quiet village.

Rankin is the British photographer, publisher and film director renowned for his portraits of Bowie and Bjork, and for being co-founder of Dazed & Confused. We chatted to the fearless man behind the lens about his fascinating career and were surprised to hear him open up about his childhood, his father, his regrets and mistakes. This is an honest delve into the heart and mind of one of the biggest names in photography.

Jaheed Hussain and Yasmin Banks are Salford University graduates in graphic design and have recently entered the working world as freelancers. On the side, Jay also runs the Fuse Directory, a non-profit platform celebrating ethnic minority creatives in the city. Curious to hear more about their journey so far, we talk about being a creative 20-something today, overcoming modern challenges, being aware of mental health, and why they feel positive about their future.

Jane Bowyer is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Manchester, and the person behind Women in Print, a side project that opened many doors for Jane and encouraged her to go freelance. In our conversation, we talk about her experience of running a business, share tips on freelancing in general, and chat about favourite biscuits, circus tricks, and her "Jack Nicholson eyebrows".

British illustrators Barney Ibbotson and Stanley Chow both grew up in Manchester, and went to the same school where they became life-long friends. They’ve followed similar paths, both pursuing a career in art and design. In this episode, we chat about how they've become successful artists and share laughs on university days before the Internet, Drum n' Bass mixtapes, and keeping egos in check.

Sheffield-based freelance designer, illustrator and lettering artist Lisa Maltby is a force for good in supporting the creative community. In 2019, she created a pricing survey for illustrators and shared the helpful results online. If you're struggling to set your day rate, decide how you charge, or have any questions about freelancing, then this episode is essential listening.

Graphic artist, print-maker and design Anthony Burrill is probably best known for his typographic prints and posters, including the now-famous 'Work Hard and Be Nice to People' – something that has become a mantra for the design community. Here, we chat about where his positive attitude comes from, his love of acid house, and why he still suffers from imposter syndrome.

British designer Malcolm Garrett talks about designing album covers for bands like Buzzcocks, Duran Duran, and Peter Gabriel in the 1980s. He also shares his thoughts on technology and why his agency was the first to embrace digital in 1990. There's even some insight into what it was like to be an art student in the 1970s – we'll give you a clue, it involves a tin of black paint and jeans!

Have you ever seen a brand change its image and thought, 'Wow, that's bold!' or 'What were they thinking?' Today, we're unravelling the mysteries of successful brand transformation sparked by WHSmith's recent controversial trial to shift to 'WHS.' It was only a trial change but one that stirred debate. So, what can we learn from it?

To guide us through this maze, we're joined by Lee Rolston, chief growth officer at Jones Knowles Ritchie. Lee is a maestro in brand building, having steered JKR to craft iconic revamps for Burger King, Dunkin', and Budweiser. His agency's work doesn't just catch the eye; it wins hearts and awards.

But what makes a brand tick? Beyond public opinion, how do you measure true success? In a world brimming with ideas, can originality still make a mark? And how do you honour a brand's heritage while keeping it fresh and relevant?

Lee is here not just to answer these burning questions but also to share his vision for the future of design. Whether you're a seasoned designer, a brand enthusiast, or just curious, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the evolving world of branding today.

If you think graphic design or illustration are challenging industries, try filmmaking. Although technology has made the craft more accessible and affordable, opening up many opportunities for anyone passionate about storytelling, the increased competition and ongoing cultural shifts mean that writing scripts and shooting scenes is more difficult than ever.

The entire sector continues to adapt as the way we consume movies seems to change yearly, if not weekly – not to mention the recent Hollywood strikes that, although deemed necessary, certainly didn’t make life easier for those independents fighting for recognition and income.

This week’s guest is no stranger to these things. Miles Watts is a British independent director and screenwriter for Hollywood, as well as a producer. He’s made four of his own movies so far and is a co-host on a Hammer horror podcast called Hammer Heads. And whenever he can, he tours the UK to teach screenwriting and film production at schools and universities.

Miles says that he’s been making movies since he was a kid, so with everything that’s changed since the late 1970s in the film industry, we wanted to know what it takes to survive this often-brutal sector. Miles gives us a fascinating insight into his world, from the glory days of 1980s cinema to some of the best films and TV shows today.

He shares how you must overcome rejection many times over, why you must stop focusing so much on that ultimate goal, perhaps holding that Oscar, thanking all you love and work with, and instead finding joy in the struggle. I guess that’s something we can all relate to.

Before we bid another year farewell, we thought a nice festive special might be in order where we bring back some former guests from the show and see how they're all doing.

We're talking motion designer Dan Silverstone, illustrative designer Lisa Maltby, cultural champion Boma Krijsman, graphic designer Kieron Lewis, illustrator Katie Chappell, design director and podcaster Harrison Wheeler, and artist and illustrator Barney Ibbotson. We even say hello to our old Creative Boom friend and our resident designer, Andy Mallalieu, of Nine Sixty.

Of course, Christmas means different things to different people. For those who aren't religious or don't formally mark the occasion, it's still a special time of year with family and friends, where we might be a little kinder to one another and find a moment to take stock. And also eat far too many Quality Streets.

It's been an especially tough 12 months for many of us. So, as we wind down for the festive break, we wanted to ask our guests a series of festive questions – you know, the important stuff like favourite Christmas movies and what pet peeve from the creative industry they might ask Santa to get rid of, that sort of thing. We even get a visit from the big man himself: good old Saint Nicholas.

Alongside plenty of laughs, we get some real heartwarming stuff, too, and discover the best advice everyone has and their message to the creative community for the year to come.

A word of warning. There is a little colourful language in this episode. It's why we've marked it as explicit. We hope you don't mind. After the year we've had personally, we just wanted to let loose and have some fun. On behalf of everyone at Creative Boom, have a wonderful Christmas and here's to a peaceful and prosperous 2024!

Have you ever looked at your career and thought, 'What's next?' You're not alone. It's a common myth that by our forties, we'll have it all figured out. Instead, we might find ourselves grappling with more questions than ever before, and the prospect of change feels as daunting as it is necessary.

It's something this week's guest, Graeme McGowan, knows only too well. As the creative force behind Jamhot, a Glasgow-based design studio, and the networking event Gab, Graeme has weathered economic storms and global upheavals, always emerging with new insights.

He may have started his business with the boundless energy of youth and nothing to lose, but today's responsibilities weigh heavier, adding pressure to an already high-stakes game. Through it all, Graeme champions a positive outlook, advocating that the best way to face challenging periods is with optimism and a readiness to embrace change. It's about finding the courage to do things differently and discovering that success sometimes lies in the unexpected and the uncharted.

So, how has he continued to evolve and keep his business vibrant and competitive in these turbulent times? What does success mean for a studio that has chosen to stay small on purpose? How does he manage to keep pace with a rapidly evolving industry? And why does he believe that not knowing your next step can be an advantage, especially when approached with a positive mindset?

As someone who thrives in the background, shying away from the spotlight, Graeme's journey in navigating the business world and attracting new clients is as unconventional as it is inspiring. His advice, grounded in honest experience and a positive embrace of the unknown, might just offer the fresh perspective you need.

Our conversation explores the unexpected joys of embracing life's uncertainties with a smile and reveals how staying positive in the face of the unknown can be the secret to ongoing creativity and innovation.

Change is inevitable. We all understand nothing stays the same for long. But right now, change can feel like it's happening at a terrifying rate as the world continues to surprise and shock on what feels like an hourly basis. The only thing we can be sure of is that we can't be sure of anything.

Change feels like it's been a running theme since the global pandemic, and now many of us are feeling pretty damn exhausted, fed up with everything shifting under our feet. To offer a positive slant, though, this week's guest is Metz ti Bryan, co-founder and production partner at The Or, a creative agency she launched in 2021. Part of the Mother Family, its core values are celebrating curiosity, rewarding empathy and encouraging independent thinking. And it is built on this premise – that change is something to embrace and behold.

Metz, herself, is someone familiar with change. She grew up in Latin America, later Canada and then moved to the UK in 2012, working at leading agencies such as adam&eveDDB, McCann London, and BBC Creative.

Her career has been about learning to pivot and adapt to the times. Change has been healthy for her, making her believe we should all be open to change. That adaptability is one of the most significant traits we can have to cope with the ups and downs of modern life, thrive in our careers, and even help make the world a better place.

When you leave school or university, you'll likely find yourself working at any place that will have you. And later, if you're lucky and have worked hard enough, you might enjoy the luxury of steering your own ship and finding purpose and meaning in your creative field.

That was certainly the case for this week's guest, Kirsty Minns, partner and executive creative director at Mother Design (part of the Mother family), who has shaped her entire career by choosing to only work for companies with values in line with her own.

Today, Kirsty has almost two decades of design experience in the brand-building space with the likes of The Future Laboratory, Google Creative Lab and DesignStudio, and has worked with an impressive range of clients. Her work stretches from developing award-winning experiences for Google Pixel and Selfridges, rebranding large complex components of the BBC and Facebook, to working on creative briefs for names such as Belstaff, Hunter, Baileys, Hennessy, Jamesons and Nike.

Right now, she's based at Mother, an agency with a strong purpose that she was drawn to – one that aims to create work that would "make their mothers proud". But Kirsty says it's more than that: it's about making the next generation proud, too. "It's as much about making our industry a rewarding, exciting place to work, trying to challenge what it looks like, surprising and delighting and entertaining our consumers as it is about changing the world," she explains.

But as Kirsty admits, not every brief should or can do that. Grand gestures are nice, but small steps and a little kindness can also make a huge difference to our industry and the wider world. We all have the power to speak up, suggest something better, or even adapt our own way of thinking. It all helps.

What else can Kirsty teach us about finding purpose and meaning in our creative work today? How can we ensure we're doing something worthwhile? We dive right in to get some insight.

Did you know that 900,000 women left jobs because of menopausal symptoms in 2019? That's according to research by Bloomberg that is probably only scratching the surface. And it's something this week's guest wants to make more people aware of.

Melissa Robertson is the CEO of Dark Horses in London. And she has launched an open-source menopause policy inspired by her own experience with the condition. She hopes it will open up the conversation within the workplace, not just in the creative industry, and stop so many talented women from leaving behind their careers when they're at the top of their game. The policy looks at the science behind menopause, explains the symptoms and considers how women struggle in everyday life when going through it.

Melissa has also recently become a director of Menopause Mandate, working on an all-important campaign with influential people such as Davina McCall and Mariella Frostrup to make sure women's voices are heard across the country. So, what does it feel like to go through menopause, and what can be done to normalise it so everyone understands? Melissa offers some insight.

How do the world's most successful creatives stay focused, continuously come up with new ideas, and keep getting booked for new jobs? What does it take to stay relevant in today's competitive industry? Particularly with the threat of AI hanging over all of us?

That's what we're here to find out. This week's guest is the incredibly talented illustrator and visual storyteller Christoph Niemann.

Christoph's work has graced the covers of The New Yorker, National Geographic, and The New York Times Magazine and captured the hearts of art lovers around the world. His unique ability to blend humour with poignancy and simplicity with depth makes his illustrations instantly recognisable.

In this episode, we'll explore the essential elements of Christoph's creative process. For many of you, his approach will resonate deeply as it mirrors the universal challenges and joys of creative work. Christoph believes that the process itself is an integral part of the final artwork, emphasising that the journey is just as important as the destination.

We'll also delve into what it takes to be a successful illustrator in today's competitive environment. Christoph will share his insights on how the industry has evolved over the past two decades, discussing the significant changes in publishing that have led to fewer traditional opportunities and how the demands from brands have shifted, influencing the kind of work produced.

Moreover, we'll discuss the role of AI in art and illustration. As technology continues to advance, Christoph will offer his perspective on how this impacts the field and where it might lead us. We'll consider the importance of human authenticity and how it could be the key to thriving in a world where digital and artificial creations are becoming ever more prevalent.

But while talent can spark an artist's journey, it's relentless hard work and dedication that carve out a successful career. Christoph is here to remind us that no matter the changes and challenges, continuing to push through is what makes the difference.

This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

As creative freelancers, we love what we do and enjoy being our own boss, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Burnout is sadly familiar to many of us, including this week's guest, Radim Malinic, who wants to offer other creatives some valuable help.

Taking all that he's learned from running his studio, Brand Nu, the creative director, graphic designer, and author has just released two new books, Creativity For Sale and Mindful Creative. These new titles are based on his own experiences over two decades and offer solid advice and wisdom to help you triumph as a small business and hopefully avoid making the same mistakes.

Radim talks of his struggles, of working too hard and sometimes for the wrong people. He covers the kind of juicy stuff any of us could learn from. But, more often than not, these are the moments that we have to experience for ourselves before the lesson truly sinks in. Nevertheless, Radim wants to offer some reassurance that we all suffer the same stuff, so it's better to be aware of what might go wrong to prepare us for those difficult times.

He shares the good stuff, too. And there's plenty of that. So, if you've just gone freelance or been running a business for some time, we're sure our conversation will have you nodding in agreement and give you some extra comfort that you're not alone, and these are things we all go through.

If you've been trying to keep up with social media lately, you're not alone. Twitter becomes X, and no one likes or sees our updates anymore. Instagram's engagement plummets. And then comes Threads – is that even worth the effort these days, as the excitement seems to have died down? Not to mention BlueSky, Discord, Mastodon, and what else? It's all proving to be a little overwhelming.

Here to help us make sense of it all is Brian Hollingsworth, a brand consultant and graphic designer based in London who has become passionate about social media ever since he worked for The Conservative Party in 2018 and, later, a leading urban streetwear brand. Alongside running his own design studio, DAM, he's also behind The BKH – where he helps other creatives make the most of their online brand and reputation.

We wanted to know whether social media is still worthwhile – whether we're tweeting, X'ing or threading – how we can stand out amongst the noise without burning ourselves out, and where we are best focusing our time and attention to get the best possible return.

With everything that's been happening lately, you'd think things are getting worse, not better. But here's the thing. Despite these challenging times, life has improved for the vast majority of people – from lower levels of crime to higher life expectancy around the world. It's encouraging stats like these that form the basis of Stefan Sagmeister's new book, Now is Better, and the focus of this week's episode.

One of the world's most celebrated living designers, Sagmeister's exploration of human progress through the ages was inspired by a pessimistic conversation with a friend. Like many of us, his pal believed life was better in the "good old days" and that everything's got gloomier since then. But actually, that's simply not true. If you look at the facts, the world is more prosperous, people are living longer, and generally, things are better than they used to be.

Sagmeister took it upon himself to prove his friend wrong in his latest creative project and used historical art and data visualisation to paint a rosier picture of how far we've come. "I found the phenomenon of a highly educated person, so influenced by the daily news cycle that he carries a completely wrong view of the world, fascinating," says Stefan. "From a communication-design point of view, it seemed an interesting direction to tackle."

In showing us a more optimistic angle, he urges us to choose gratitude and positivity over pessimism and despair. And that's important, not just for our happiness and mental well-being but our drive and energy to create, too.

Sagmeister formed the New York-based Sagmeister Inc. in 1993 and has since designed for clients as diverse as the Guggenheim Museum, the Rolling Stones, and HBO. His work is in museum collections worldwide, and he teaches in the graduate department of the School of Visual Arts in New York. We hope today's conversation with Sagmeister inspires you to think about the future with much-needed hope.

What does the future of graphic design look like? And how can today's emerging designers stay relevant in a fast-paced world? These are just some of the questions we posed to Paula Scher, one of the world's most influential graphic designers, as we kick off season six of The Creative Boom Podcast.

Described as the "master conjurer of the instantly familiar", Scher straddles the line between pop culture and fine art in her iconic work, which can be seen just about everywhere you look. From the New York Public Theatre and MoMa to Tiffany & Co, Coca-Cola and Microsoft Windows, as well as iconic album covers for The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, and Bob Dylan – Paula has had a phenomenal career thus far and continues to push boundaries as a partner at Pentagram.

In a typical project in 2012, Scher created a new logo for Windows 8 that took it back to its roots as a window. We touch on this during our chat and discover how she helped the global brand re-imagine its older four-colour symbol as a more modern geometric shape. It's typical of her no-nonsense approach to graphic design, which continues to be in huge demand today. And it's something any of us can learn from.

In fact, Paula has just released a new course for BBC Maestro, simply titled Graphic Design. It promises to explore the techniques central to successful visual communication, drawing on her own experiences in the field and offering exclusive insight into both her singular vision and innovative practices that have shaped today's industry.

But we also wanted to know her thoughts on self-promotion, why she has never liked social media, and – most importantly – where she thinks AI is heading and how it might shape the future of graphic design.

It's been two years and nearly a hundred episodes since we launched The Creative Boom Podcast. With 2023 fast approaching, we thought a Christmas Special might be in order. One that celebrates how far we've come and pays tribute to the people who helped us get here but also allows us to look ahead and consider what's next.

What better way to do so than return to our very first guest? And that's Malcolm Garrett. The esteemed graphic designer and creative director also happens to be one of the co-founders of Design Manchester, an annual festival in our home city and one that holds a special place on the international design calendar.

It's actually where we headed last month to meet Malcolm but also catch up with other former guests of our show plus meet some new names. It seemed particularly fitting to make our Christmas Special during Design Manchester, as this year's theme is about Legacy – something that honours the late great Professor David Crow of the Manchester School of Art, who was one of the champions and supporters of the festival.

Held in the Benzie Building of the esteemed art school, the event meant that everyone was reflecting on the legacy of Design Manchester as well as their own creative journeys, and how that legacy plays into the future. It was an honour to capture some of that reflection for Creative Boom – much of which we'll share now. And to just add a little fun, we asked everyone for their own Christmas memories – a time of year that means something different from one person to the next. But whether good or bad, it was agreed that the festive season brings people together. And I also asked about new year resolutions and how they feel about 2023.

We kicked things off with Malcolm but then also chatted with former Creative Review editor Patrick Burgoyne, creative director and stylist Harris Elliott, graphic designer and artist Ian Swift aka Swifty, graphic artist Anthony Burrill, designer and artist Sarah Boris, artist and illustrator Stanley Chow, designer and digital whizz Zoë Hitchen, material and performance artist and artistic director Naitiemu Nyanjom, designer and illustrator Jane Bowyer, designer Ian Anderson of The Designers Republic, and Sir Misha Black Awards Chairman and Arts University Bournemouth Honorary Fellow, Mary V Mullin.

That's it for Season Five of The Creative Boom Podcast. We're going to take a short break, but we will be back in 2023 with lots of new guests, covering many different themes – topics important to you as a creative professional. Until then, from myself and everyone at Creative Boom, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful New Year.

It's our final guest of season five. Angela Roche is a graphic designer and creative director who runs Manchester studio, Love & Logic.

We've been trying to get Angela on the show for quite some time. Disclaimer alert: we're great friends and once shared an office when she was running Design By Day – a brand and digital agency that had tremendous success, working for clients such as the NHS, Barnardo's, and Brother.

We fondly remember leaning out of the window of our Northern Quarter base, watching the world go by as we helped each other figure out all the challenges of running a business. Or when we had swivel chair races across the floor. Or create fun videos for her agency's Instagram feed. Or when we dressed one of our team as a 'hipster', complete with a fixie bike, turned-up jeans and a little hat. They were great times and great people: Sami, Jonathan, Rob (whom we've also had on the podcast), Parham and many more that followed. Angela looked after them all, offering a great place to work and grow.

But after 12 years – 16 months spent during the pandemic – Angela found herself at a difficult crossroads. After much soul-searching, which we can imagine wasn't easy for someone we know who cares hugely about other people, Angela decided running an agency wasn't for her anymore. And so, she closed Design By Day and launched her solo venture, Love & Logic.

In this episode, we'll talk about building a design agency and its many challenges, and we'll hear of Angela's experience of closing it down, despite its success. We'll cover themes of the fear of failure, confronting gut feelings, and opting for difficult choices when you know they involve more than just you.

Our next guest is Meredith Schomburg, a Brooklyn-based illustrator originally from North Carolina. Today, we'll be hearing about the interesting twists and turns of Meredith's career thus far. Like many of us, she was told as a child that art wouldn't make a living, so she went down the more "constructive" graphic design route.

After graduating in the field from North Carolina State University in 2015, she secured an internship at IDEO in Boston, which led to her first full-time job at a small creative shop before landing the role of Experience Designer at Airbnb in San Francisco a year later.

In 2019, she joined Koto in LA as a senior designer. It was during her time at that studio when the pandemic hit, which proved to be especially difficult for Meredith but also valuable. She realised she really did want to pursue a career in art, turning to illustration as her full-time gig. Well, it's been almost a year since she went freelance, all is going well, and she's just been signed by the agency, Jelly.

In this episode, we talk about Meredith beginning her journey as a fully-fledged illustrator, having previously worked in-house at some of the world's leading brands and design studios. We hear more of how she found herself in a bit of a bad patch during lockdown and why she decided to move away from a full-time design role. And then we get to grips with how she made that happen, how she found her optimistic and colourful style, and how she kept going. And how her voice has finally taken shape.

We even talk about all that practical but necessary business stuff. Because, as a freelancer, no one really tells you what it takes to work for yourself, so she was keen to share what she's learnt on that and much more.

This week's guest is Lyndsay McLaren – account director at All Conditions Media and founder of Neighbourhood Skate Club.

Lyndsay has spent the past decade in marketing and creative communications for action sports, outdoors, fashion and lifestyle brands worldwide. We're talking Patagonia, Go Pro, Adidas, Arc’teryx, Yeti and many more. Originally from Scotland, she graduated in Corporate Communication from Robert Gordon University in 2008. But then went to the States to study Performing Arts at the University of Florida, where she discovered a passion for skateboarding.

That's where she stayed for a while, securing her first step on the career ladder at Bern Helmets in Boston before returning to the UK in 2014 to further her career in the outdoor and action sports world. It's been a whirlwind adventure ever since. She spent five or six years in London, where she continued her love of skating and also launched Neighbourhood Skate Club, which aims to create more opportunities for women in the UK to skate, connect and community-build. It's also designed to address issues such as consent, street harassment, domestic violence, sexual harassment, catcalling and male violence against women - while offering support to survivors and victims. 

Today, Lyndsay is based in Leeds after the pandemic forced her to take stock and realise she needed to leave the capital. It's where she continues to run the Club and work for All Conditions Media, immersing herself in the production and marketing world of extreme and outdoor sports. 

Her new project and short film, A Land For Everyone, is something she's also recently been involved with – it aims to show skateboarding in a new light while breaking down some of the barriers that exist within the sport - and in fact, action sports and the outdoor industry in general. We sat down with Lyndsay to discuss all of this and discover why – despite everything she's been through – she's hopeful for the future.

This week's guest on is Dyneisha Gross, an American graphic designer based in Washington DC, currently working at Ogilvy, one of the most respected creative agencies in the world.

Dyneisha describes herself as someone who loves to tell stories, spark conversations and solve problems, starting with paper and a good writing utensil. Her punchy and colourful work reflects her bubbly and outgoing personality. And it was also one of the things that got her noticed after university, leading to awards and recognition that put her work in front of Ogilvy and landed her that dream job.

A graduate of Graphic Design from the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, Dyneisha spent her final year in the depths of the global pandemic, trying to navigate the "new normal" and finish her degree. She began a side venture to keep herself sane during that time, creating and selling greeting cards in her distinct lettering style. These cards feature many positive messages that she admits act as affirmations for living a good life.

In this episode, we talk about the struggles she's overcome, the lessons of lockdown, and what she's found has helped her get noticed and succeed in her current career. We talk about social media and how it can be a blessing and a curse. We delve into the content she creates, which shows how she loves to spread some love and positivity, helping others in a similar position to succeed.

We also talk about diversity in the industry and how she feels about the future of design. It's always great to hear from those at the beginning of their creative careers, and Dyneisha doesn't hold back.

What gives a brand its spark? That little bit of magic that no one else has? Is it even possible for a brand to be unique anymore? As the world becomes ever more connected, the art of branding has never been more critical or more challenging.

This week, we are talking about brand strategy with G Torto, senior director at Koto in Sydney, Australia. G, originally from London and now a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, helps ambitious companies stand up, stand out, and scale smartly. He's a founding member of Koto's fifth studio, bringing a wealth of experience in branding for tech and Software as a Service businesses.

In this episode, we explore how strategic thinking and creative innovation blend to create some of the most iconic brands today. From the difficulty of maintaining originality in a saturated market to integrating new technologies like AI in work processes, G gives us a Koto insider's view on what it takes to create lasting value in the fast-paced world of brand strategy these days.

This season is sponsored by MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Visit MPB.com to find out more.

This week, our guest is Michael Freimuth – the co-founder and creative director of Franklyn, a respected design studio in New York City.

If you find yourself on Michael's personal website, you immediately get a sense of his character. There's a whole heap of humour and a dose of humility. He doesn't take himself too seriously but is passionate about the people and causes he gets behind. Whether he's focused on branding, design or illustration – collaboration and play are at the heart of everything he does.

A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Michael's already enjoyed much recognition during a varied and rewarding career. He received the ADC Young Guns and New Visual Artists awards early on, recognising the world's top creatives under 30. A decade later, he's happily still at the helm of Franklyn, but much has changed since the pandemic and, more recently, since becoming a father.

In this episode, we get quite nostalgic, talking about Michael's childhood in Chicago and how his time spent with friends and growing up watching John Hughes movies inspired how he is today. With collaboration being so important to him, it almost feels as though that '80s innocence of bike rides, tree climbing and scratched knees, and occasional shenanigans with friends has never really left him.

It's this optimism that shines through his personality and his work. We've mentioned how he feels about "play", which comes across in his illustration practice – but whilst he mostly pokes fun at the world around him, he simultaneously highlights important issues.

Here, he gives us a wonderful insight into studio life beyond New York City, the difficult balance of career and fatherhood, and the legacy he wants to leave for his son. And we discover why he might just make a short film with childhood friends, inspired by those seemingly simpler times.

Our next guest is Tom Geismar, the acclaimed American graphic designer famous for creating some of the world's most recognisable and enduring brands.

Tom is a founding member of Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv (formerly Brownjohn, Chermayeff & Geismar and Chermayeff & Geismar), the highly respected design firm in New York, which he began with friends Ivan Chermayeff and Robert Brownjohn in 1957. Together, they became renowned for their fresh and creative approach to companies such as Pan Am, Chase Bank, and PBS – which paved the way for the design industry we know today.

During his incredible career, Tom has created outstanding designs across print, packaging and environmental. There are many highlights, including his impactful work for Xerox, which created a new standard for design in corporate communications. There was also his special relationship with Mobil over 35 years and his unique take on exhibitions, bringing together many creative disciplines to create stand-out designs for The Statue of Liberty Museum, Ellis Island Museum, and many more. It's no wonder he's considered a pioneer in the field.

In this episode, we talk about those early days in New York City when a tremendous cultural shift was afoot, and the design industry was a completely different landscape back then. We hear of their first office: a tiny bedroom which featured a desk – an old door propped up on makeshift legs – of which Tom sat across from his then partner and mentor Brownjohn.

There's some insight into some of his favourite projects, and we learn of some of his regrets. How his practice has changed over the decades, and why they have kept their design firm deliberately small. We hear what he thinks of new technology like DALL-E and how he feels about graphic design today.

For someone described as a "sweetheart" by New York's design community, Tom is a brilliant mind that has won many awards and continues to enjoy being part of his practice today, even after 65 years in the business.

Our next guest is Rebecca Harrison, a brand designer and creative director at global agency Loveblood Creative.

Today, Rebecca is based in The Lakes, where she grew up. It's a small village with close family and a tight-knit community. But quite typically, when someone has enjoyed a quieter life as a child, she wanted to experience a different adventure in a big city. And so she packed her bags in 2004 and moved to London, where she studied Fine Art at Central Saint Martins.

During university, Rebecca admits it was the first time she became aware of her accent and how different she felt compared to others. And deep down, there was this knawing feeling she couldn't shake, which she would later realise was homesickness. In fact, she spent a considerable amount of time and energy trying to feel more at home in London, but it wasn't quite cutting it. Her career, meanwhile, had taken a slight detour as creative jobs were hard to come by, and Rebecca instead found a job and "home" working as a funeral director in North London. It was an experience she believes was the most foundational and inspirational of her career.

During that time, she began freelancing on the side, working in graphic design and illustration. On the surface, all was well. But home was calling. She was about to return to the North when she met her now-partner James and moved to Brighton in 2010. That's where they stayed for the next eleven years, and it was where Rebecca cut her teeth at Brandwatch, moving from junior designer to Design Director.

Then the pandemic hit – a time that forced many of us to reassess our lives. And so Rebecca and James decided to move back to the Lakes, where she grew up. And that's where she's now happily based, working remotely as part of the team at Loveblood Creative. It's where I travelled north to meet Rebecca in a thriving art and community centre on the outskirts of Penrith.

In this episode, we talk about leaving home as a working-class woman and moving to London – how it impacts; the positives and downsides. We talk about the journey many of us embark on to find ourselves and what "home" really means. We discuss how we might become lost, forget our identity and try and be something else to "fit in" and get ahead in our careers. But Rebecca rejoices in the recent epiphany that she no longer needs to comply. She explains, "The creative industry, in many ways, told me that I needed to change to succeed. To be in a certain city or live a particular way of life. I realised how ridiculous these predefinitions are and what we are missing out on as an industry due to our own biases."

We discover why she's now choosing to challenge the status quo, shake up what it means to be a successful creative director and why she's instead embracing what's right for her, leaning into her culture and being proud of who she is and what she has to offer.