Explore every episode of the podcast Radio DADA

From Admin to PhD: The Journey of Kate O'Leary In this interview, former photography student turned digital privacy advocate, Kate O'Leary, shares her remarkable journey from working as an admin assistant to receiving multiple accolades for her work in online privacy. Kate’s story highlights the importance of transferable skills and storytelling in career development. Discover how Kate overcame industry bias, proposed impactful privacy courses, and eventually pursued a funded PhD. This conversation delves into topics like digital footprints, user research, and the evolving landscape of online privacy. 00:00 Introduction and Context 00:52 Kate's Background and Initial Contact 02:09 The Privacy, Security, and Trust Class 03:02 Impact and Recognition 03:43 Interview with Kate 05:07 Kate's Privacy Class Details 15:38 Kate's PhD Journey 18:26 Transferable Skills and Career Advice 24:40 Current Role and Reflections 38:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this super revealing interview, Imogen Wall shares her journey from aspiring photographer to becoming a successful photographer's agent. From University and the realisation that she didn't want to be a photographer, we follow the steps she took to find her route to fulfilling her passion for photography. She provides valuable advice on the importance of building a strong portfolio, collaborating on test shoots, and the intricacies of working with advertising agencies. Imogen also elaborates on the roles and responsibilities of a photographer’s agent, from pitching and producing shoots to managing intricate set designs and logistical challenges. This episode is a must-watch for emerging photographers and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes world of professional photography.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:41 Imogen's Journey into Photography

01:58 Realising Camera-Operator Wasn't Her Path

03:03 Work Experience with Jennifer Patterson

06:14 Pursuing a Career as a Photographer's Agent

12:03 The Role of a Photographer's Agent

16:54 Building a Photographer's Portfolio

23:18 Case Study: Virgin Atlantic Campaign

30:39 The Evolution of the Brief

31:22 Casting and Wardrobe Decisions

32:23 Props and Pre-Shoot Preparations

32:51 Production Responsibilities and Team Dynamics

33:34 Lighting and Technical Setup

36:29 Cost and Logistics of a Big Shoot

37:00 Personal Experiences and Career Beginnings

38:17 Rates and Roles in Photography

41:26 Producing a Studio Shoot

42:58 Usage Rights and Contract Details

46:40 Styling and Final Preparations

51:20 Advice for Aspiring Photographers

52:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Join Stephen Mayes, a seasoned photographer, editor and creative director, as he shares his unconventional journey from accidental beginnings in photography and on through the world of visual storytelling. In this insightful conversation, Stephen discusses the evolution of photography, the ethical implications of imagery, and the transformative power of AI in creative processes. Alongside host Jonathan Worth and product designer Ian Campbell Cole, the conversation delves into the future of stock photography, the importance of adaptability in careers, and the profound impact of visual communication in the digital age. Perfect for creatives, photographers, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, art and visual storytelling.

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:38 Early Career and Photography

03:06 Transition to Editing and Commercial Work

07:44 Insights on Stock Photography

12:36 Creative Direction and Art Commerce

24:46 Generative AI and Product Design

39:48 Conclusion and Takeaways

Photographic icon Andy Earl reflects on a career spent creating era-defining photographs of music legends from Pink Floyd to Johnny Cash, from Madonna to Prince, the Rolling Stones, Annie Lennox, Robbie Williams and it all started at his NTU graduation with that commission from Malcolm McLaren..... #NottPhot 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Diving into Andy Earl's Photography Journey 15:52 Exploring the Creative Process and Inspirations 25:50 The Art of Embracing Accidents in Photography 28:11 Iconic Album Covers and the Stories Behind Them 37:14 Exploring the Art of Lighting in Photography 37:38 The Magic of Flash Photography and Surreal Effects 40:42 The Evolution of Photography: From Analogue to Digital 41:42 Capturing Iconic Moments: The Johnny Cash Shoot 49:14 Navigating the World of Professional Photography 01:01:59 Creative Challenges and Unplanned Successes 01:10:55 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Photographers

Nick Sousanis, a comic maker and professor at San Francisco State University, shares his journey from young comics enthusiast to academic and creator leveraging comics in education. He discusses his early fascination with comics, his detour through mathematics and tennis, and his return to comics which led to his doctorate and the creation of his dissertation as a comic book, 'Unflattening'.

Sousanis explores the significance of comics as a medium for expressing complex ideas, their historical context, and the pedagogical advantages they offer in teaching and learning. Highlighting student examples, he demonstrates how comics can facilitate nuanced thinking and storytelling, even among those with no background in drawing.

The narrative underscores comics' potential to break boundaries, encourage multidisciplinary thinking, and redefine scholarship.

Music: Insatiable Toad by Blue Dot Sessions CC-BY-NC

00:00 Meet Nick Sousanis 00:44 The Journey to Comics and Education 01:09 Bridging Comics, Mathematics, and Art 02:06 Rediscovering Comics for Political and Educational Purposes 03:18 The Doctoral Journey with Comics 04:33 A Diverse Career: From Tennis to Comics 10:37 Exploring the Power of Comics in Storytelling 15:26 The Evolution of Comics and Their Impact 18:09 Understanding Comics: Time, Space, and Narrative 35:10 Student Works: Demonstrating the Power of Comics 39:04 Concluding Thoughts on Comics as a Medium

Advertising strategist Ali Zein Kazmi discusses the opportunities and challenges he faces from his base in Shanghai. Reflecting on two decades of experience in the advertising industry in China, he describes the shift towards consumer-driven brand identity and highlights the role of technology and artificial intelligence in reshaping advertising. The narrative then shifts to discussing China's technological advancements, its societal implications and the opportunities for creatives. This interview was recorded early in 2023 for a mixed nationality Master's Class at Nottingham Trent University. It opens in Mandarin and then after 2 mins it transitions into English. Music: Insatiable Toad by Blue Dot Sessions CC-BY-NC 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background [Mandarin] 01:31 Journey in the Advertising Industry [English] 02:23 The Impact of AI and Technology on Advertising 06:33 The Evolution of Brand Ownership and Consumer Engagement 10:31 The Role of Technology in Shaping Future Advertising 12:49 China's Technological Advancements and Global Influence 16:53 Encouraging Engagement with Chinese Culture and Technology

Maarten, former Deputy Director and Head of Education at the World Press Photo Foundation, discusses his journey in leveraging photography and education to empower local storytellers around the world, particularly focusing on a project for a UN foundation on climate mobility in Africa. With a career that began with a love for photography and moved towards educational and capacity-building work, Maarten eventually found himself working on the African Climate Mobility Initiative. This project aimed to map the consequences of climate change on mobility in Africa through advanced research and data visualizations, highlighting the need for local storytelling to bring these issues to life.

Maarten emphasises the project's approach to communication, the importance of local engagement, and the challenges of conveying the urgency of climate change. He also touches on practical and relational aspects of creative projects, urging for a shared understanding and the building of relationships with clients and collaborators.

The conversation concludes with Maarten issuing a challenge to the audience to think about innovative ways of communicating about climate mobility.

Music: Insatiable Toad by Blue Dot Sessions CC-BY-NC 00:00 Meet Maarten: A Journey from Documentary Photography to Climate Mobility 00:41 The Genesis of a Global Climate Mobility Project 01:22 Empowering Local Voices in Photojournalism 03:11 Tackling Climate Mobility in Africa: A Complex Challenge 04:50 Communicating Complex Climate Data: Strategies and Challenges 07:33 The Power of Visual Storytelling in Climate Communication 08:45 Local Solutions to Global Climate Issues 12:53 The Importance of Shared Understanding in Creative Projects 16:31 Navigating Client Relationships and Team Dynamics 23:37 A Personal Challenge to the Audience

In this comprehensive discussion, Jude Amponsah, a storyteller who engages in photography, graphic design, and music, shares insights into his creative journey, the importance of storytelling in his work, and the challenges of defining oneself in the creative industry.

Joined by Photographer Jonathan Worth and Graphic Designer Hannah Halliday, Jude discusses the significance of building relationships, remaining adaptable, and the value of physical artifacts in a digital age. He emphasizes the need for creatives to trust the process, engage inmeaningful projects, and maintain the joy of creating. Furthermore, Jude reflects on the impact of societal issues on his work, the importance of physical experiences over digital consumption, and provides advice to emerging creatives on establishing their careers and staying true to their passions.

This recording was made for use in a mixed discipline Master's Class for Creatives at Nottingham Trent University's School of Design and Digital Arts (D&DA). 00:00 Meet the Creatives: Introductions and Backgrounds 01:09 The Essence of Storytelling in Creative Careers 02:35 Navigating the Creative Industry: Challenges and Insights 06:42 The Journey of a Multidisciplinary Creative: From Student to Professional 13:43 Collaboration and the Multifaceted Role of a Creative 18:06 Reflecting on Personal Projects and Ethical Dilemmas 21:12 The Power of Expression and Challenging the Status Quo 27:10 Navigating Professional Challenges and Social Issues 28:25 The Power of Speaking Up in the Creative Industry 32:56 The Importance of Relationships in Career Advancement 39:31 Embracing Physicality in a Digital World 47:48 Future Directions and the Role of Art in Society 00:00 Meet the Creatives: Introductions and Backgrounds 01:09 The Essence of Storytelling in Creative Careers 02:35 Navigating the Creative Industry: Challenges and Insights 06:42 The Journey of a Multidisciplinary Creative: From Student to Professional 13:43 Collaboration and the Multifaceted Role of a Creative 18:06 Reflecting on Personal Projects and Ethical Dilemmas 21:12 The Power of Expression and Challenging the Status Quo 27:10 Navigating Professional Challenges and Social Issues 28:25 The Power of Speaking Up in the Creative Industry 32:56 The Importance of Relationships in Career Advancement 39:31 Embracing Physicality in a Digital World 47:48 Future Directions and the Role of Art in Society

Phil Howarth, creative director at a leading VFX company The Mill, discusses the evolving landscape of advertising and audience engagement. He outlines the shift from traditional content-based advertising to immersive, interactive experiences that leverage emergent technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

Howarth highlights the importance of "interactivity as the new content", referring to how younger generations, having grown with games and technology, demand this shift. He explores the idea of making advertising engaging by making the audience the centerpiece of communication, contrasting it with the traditional approach of ads chasing the audience.

Howarth also touches on the potential applications of these technologies in addressing global issues like climate change through innovative solutions like AR glasses that can visualise climate data.

This was recorded in February 2023 for use in a Master's Class at Nottingham Trent University school of Design and Digital Arts (DADA).

Music: Insatiable Toad by Blue Dot Sessions CC BY-NC

00:00 Introduction to Phil Howarth and The Mill

02:54 Exploring the Evolution of Advertising and Content Creation

07:00 The Shift Towards Interactive and Immersive Experiences

08:07 The Future of Technology and Its Impact on Society

13:20 Innovative Approaches to Tackling Climate Change

Rebecca Giblin, a law professor and director of the Intellectual Property Research Institute of Australia at the University of Melbourne, detailing her unlikely route to becoming an academic and author. Giblin shares personal anecdotes about growing up under her commercial artist grandmother's drawing table, struggling with ADHD, and her voracious reading habits fed by library visits and charity shop bargains.

Giblin's story progresses through her challenging school years, her unique methods of studying, and her early career failures in law, which eventually led her towards an academic path. Alongside novelist Cory Doctorow, she co-authored a book addressing the challenges facing creative labor markets due to 'chokepoint capitalism.'

The narrative culminates in their collaborative efforts to propose remedies for the skewed dynamics between creators, consumers, and powerful intermediaries in various creative industries.

00:00 Meet Rebecca: A Journey from Law Professor to Intellectual Property Crusader

00:58 Childhood Inspirations: Under the Drawing Table and Beyond

02:59 The Struggle for Education and Self-Discovery

04:04 Navigating the Legal World: Challenges and Realizations

09:29 A New Path: From Legal Battles to Academic Triumphs

11:40 Choke Point Capitalism: A Revolutionary Idea is Born

16:59 Taking on the Giants: The Fight Against Choke Point Capitalism

22:42 Solidarity and Change: The Power of Collective Action

24:43 A Call to Arms: Advocating for Structural Solutions

The conversation was recorded in January 2023 for a Masters Class run at Nottingham Trent University's School of Design and Digital Arts (DADA). #NottPhot #ChokepointCapitalism

Music: Insatiable Toad by Blue Dot Sessions CC BY-NC