Explore every episode of the podcast THE CREATIVE NOWHERE LAND PODCAST
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #0034 CLAIRE RILEY - DO I MAKE YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE? | 01 Mar 2026 | 01:04:15 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. On this episode, we are joined by self-portrait artist and my mate Claire Riley. As a teenager, Claire was diagnosed with M.E and later with bipolar disorder. Claire joins us to talk about her new body of work, 'Do I make you feel uncomfortable?' Where she's exploring her own mental illness through self-portraiture. The project is, in her words, honest, brutal, surprising and maybe a little bit ugly, but it's also very real. And to me, it's incredibly brave. It's a project that Claire hopes can open up more conversations about mental health and hopefully help other people who may be going through something similar. In addition to being a practicing artist, Claire is also a marketing manager for an art gallery. Claire gets to spend her days talking about and being surrounded by art and artists, but not only that, she gets to be behind the scenes of a gallery and understand how it all works, which gives her a very unique perspective. And as a result, Claire has learned some great lessons that she kindly shares with us. Most important of which being, 'Don't let anyone tell you that your work isn't good enough if you believe in what you're doing, you've already won!' The masks are off with this one, and there is definitely no sugarcoating it! We discussed some topics that may be uncomfortable for some people, including mental illness, medication and suicide, but that's the whole point. We have to be able to have these open and honest conversations, and that's the reason why I've got Claire on the podcast. You can check out the links to Claire's social media and see the project below: Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. CLAIRE RILEY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/clairerileyfineart/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0033 GROW UP ART - CHOOSE LIFE! CHOOSE ART! | 15 Feb 2026 | 01:52:01 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose art! Well, if you're of a certain age, then that might sound a little bit familiar, but on this episode, we're joined by an artist who has done just that... they've chosen art. An artist who now uses their love of creativity, screen prints, fluorescent inks, and, in their words, potty mouth high jinks to shine a light on some of the inequalities and injustices in the world that make them angry. On this episode, we are joined by Blam from Grow Up Art. Blam grew up wanting to be an artist, but not knowing what that looked like, he found himself working as a designer within the film and music industry. And it was here that Blam helped create some of the most iconic imagery of the nineties. When a brief for the Danny Boyle film Trainspotting landed on his desk, he was asked to design the poster. Yeah, that's right! Blam designed the original Trainspotting poster, and that alone would be a great reason to have him on the podcast. But the creative journey didn't stop there. Leaving the limitations and deadlines of the design world behind him when his children were born. Blam began to pursue different avenues of creativity and, for the next 10 years, worked on his own ventures and, more importantly, on being a dad to his children. The transition from designer to artist came much later, when Blam and his eldest son, Jack, began working and creating together as Grow Up Art, producing a wide spectrum of work, all with that comedic potty-mouth edge. But now, having grown apart, Blam is riding solo, and with his influences in punk, his work has taken a slightly more political edge, using art and creativity in his words to 'Call out Cunts!' We discuss the whole journey and so much more. We talk about everything from making work that makes people spit their drinks out. The Broken Filters, Democratic Art and Blam's latest project with Atom Gallery, TrainSpotters, the exhibition. An exhibition that takes us full circle, and which celebrates the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting. Revisited and reimagined by 30 other artists, and where some of the profits will go to The Big Issue. You can check out the links to Blam's work while you're listening to the podcast, of course. But we go into so much in this one that it's probably best to leave it up to the Blam to tell the story. Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. GROW UP ART INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/grow_up_art_/ GROW UP ART WEBSITE: https://www.growupart.com/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0024 JACK QUDDUS - LIGHTING THE WAY TO SUCCESS! | 01 Oct 2025 | 01:15:16 | |
Welcome to The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. Now, one of the things I love most about doing this podcast is getting to share the stories of people who take their creativity and actually turn it into something real. And today’s guest has done that in the most electrifying way possible—literally. Jack Quddus, the founder of Neon Cow At just 23 years old, Jack has already achieved what many entrepreneurs spend decades chasing. He’s created custom neon signs for huge names like Gymshark, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Premier League football clubs, NFL teams, and even rapper Ja Rule. But Jack’s story isn’t just about building signs—it’s about building a vision. Starting out at his mum’s kitchen table, Jack taught himself everything he knows through sheer determination, curiosity, and a relentless work ethic. His entrepreneurial spark was lit long before Neon Cow, from selling sweets in the school playground to learning vital business lessons from his grandparents, Derek and Pauline, who’ve run their Birmingham corner shop for over 60 years. In this episode, we explore Jack’s journey from property finance to a solo trip to New York that changed everything, leading him to leave the corporate world behind and take the leap from side hustle into running his own creative business. We discuss what it's taken to get to where Jack is. The non-negotiables, the power of 1% marginal gains, the importance of self-belief and gratitude, and why focusing on your own path is key to long-term success. Jack’s story is a reminder that extraordinary things can start small. But if you’re willing to put in the work, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a side hustle, building a brand, or just looking for some motivation, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Check out the links below to the Neon Cow Instagram and the Website as you listen. Maybe ry their new AI NEON COW INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/neoncowco/ NEON COW WEBSITE: https://theneoncow.co.uk/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0023 DEAN MELBOURNE - THE ARTIST ADVISOR | 15 Sep 2025 | 02:06:07 | |
Welcome to The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. Sometimes in life, we could all do with a little advice, especially as artists and creatives. Well, on this episode, we're joined by someone who does just that, The Artist Advisor, Dean Melbourne. As a successful artist himself with multiple solo shows under his belt, Dean has gained both the knowledge and experience in the art world that he now shares with other artists and creatives to help guide them on their journey. We also talk about the grifters or snake oil salesmen in the art industry. What success looks like as an artist, identity, and imposter syndrome. Why the best way to learn is to teach, and also why it's so important to develop not just the art, but ourselves as well. Not only that, Dean kindly gives us his Top 5 Tips for Artists and Creatives that will be useful, whatever stage of the journey you are on. So get your pens at the ready, as you may want to take some notes, as this episode is full of inspiring stuff. Hope you enjoy it! Check out the links below to Dean's Website and Social Media as you listen. THE ARTIST ADVISOR WEBSITE: https://www.deanmelbourne.co.uk/ THE ARTIST ADVISOR INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the_artist_advisor/ DEAN MELBOURNE ARTIST WEBSITE: https://www.deanmelbourneartist.com/ DEAN MELBOURNE ARTIST INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/deanmelbourneartist/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0022 PJ ELLIS - WE MAKE A LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE! | 01 Sep 2025 | 02:06:32 | |
Welcome to Season 2 of the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. We've got some great guests lined up for you this season, so let's start as we mean to go on. I've always said that I want Creative Nowhere Land to be a place that inspires others to do the things that inspire them. And I was racking my brain as to who should be the first guest to start us off for season two. Should it be an artist, a poet, a musician, maybe. But after recording this episode, I knew it had to be this guest. Someone who, up until recently, probably wouldn't have even considered themselves creative, but someone who is one of the most authentic and inspiring humans that I've met in a long time...Mr. PJ Ellis. You might recognise the name as, yes, PJ was on Season 3 of the Reality TV show Big Brother, but that's not the reason why I've got him on the podcast. A lot's happened since then. Trust me! A family, a law career, a digital marketing agency, setting up and being part of multiple charities that have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for amazing causes. There are the years spent working tirelessly to champion amazing people. And now he's a radio DJ who tries to get people smiling every day. Now, if you are a 'creative', you might wonder how this is relevant to you. Well, PJ's story is one of overcoming adversity and anxiety, reinvention, fame and celebrity. The masks we wear to survive and the moments that strip them away to reveal our true purpose, and most importantly, showing up for ourselves as well as other people. They're human issues, not just creative issues that we all go through, and we go into all of them in this episode. So, if you are feeling a little stuck or uninspired, give this one a listen, as I'm sure there's something that you can take away from it that will help you on whatever journey you are on. I wanna dedicate the first episode of Season 2 of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast to PJ's mum, Marian Ellis, who is sadly no longer with us, but who, as you'll hear, has left a lasting legacy of warmth, kindness, and generosity, that is evident in everything that PJ does to lift up as many people around him as he can. PJ's journey reminds us that our most winding paths often lead to our greatest purpose, and that in a world focused on what we acquire, our legacy ultimately rests in what we give. Check out the links below to PJ's Instagram and The Mommys Boy Website as you listen. And I hope you enjoy the episode... PJ ELLIS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/pje122/ PJ ELLIS LINKEDIN: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/pjellis MOMMYS BOY WEBSITE: https://mommysboy.co.uk/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| SEASON 1 FINALE - THE CREATIVE NOWHERE LAND PODCAST | 01 Jun 2025 | 00:14:57 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. This one's a little different. No guest this time—just you and me. After 21 incredible episodes with 21 amazing guests—from artists to athletes, entrepreneurs to educators—we’ve officially wrapped up the first season of the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. Over the course of this season, we’ve reached thousands of people across 43 countries, and, more importantly, started to build something that feels like more than just a podcast. A creative community. A conversation. A place to feel a little less alone in whatever it is you’re building, making, dreaming of, or figuring out. And I couldn’t be more grateful. Grateful to our guests, to you the listeners, and to everyone who’s been part of building this growing CNL community. So, this episode is a bit of a reflection. I’ve gone back, listened again (even though hearing my own voice still makes me cringe), and noted down a few of my key takeaways. A bit of a lesson log—21 things I’ve learned from 21 brilliant guests. You’ll hear insights, like why “creativity looks different for everyone,” how “passion, and consistency” are key ingredients to success, and why you shouldn’t “pull away from the things that could change your life because of fear.” We talk about creativity, imposter syndrome, resilience, and why the hardest part is often just starting. I also reflect on what this podcast has taught me—about listening, creating, and pushing through self-doubt. It’s been humbling and hugely inspiring to reflect back, and I hope that in this episode, you’ll find something that resonates with your own creative or personal journey. So, if you’re curious about creativity, craving a bit of inspiration, or just want to know what 21 conversations can teach you about persistence, purpose, and passion—this one’s for you. Whether you’ve been here from episode one or just joined us, thanks for being here. Thanks for listening. Thanks for making Creative Nowhere Land what it is—and what it’s becoming. None of this works without you. Season two is already in the works, but for now, take a moment, tune in, re-listen to your favourite episode and maybe reflect on your own creative path. You've got this! See you next season! And until next time... EXPLORE. INSPIRE. CREATE. CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0021 ALASTAIR GILL - DESIGN THE LIFE YOU WANT! | 15 May 2025 | 01:50:59 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. Now, I've always wanted the Creative Nowhere Land podcast to be a useful resource for people. So it seems fitting that on this episode, we're lucky to be joined by an expert in people, professional thinker, problem solver, leadership advisor, and coach, Alastair Gill of Alchemy Labs. Al uses his creativity in a very different way, juxtaposing his creative degree with a seemingly unrelated master's in hr, Al has gone on to do groundbreaking work in his industry, disrupting and changing the way that huge companies like giffgaff, Beavertown, and Just Eat to name just a few, optimise and get the best out of their people. You might be thinking, How does that all apply to me? Well, Al's knowledge and skillset aren't just for high-powered CEOs or big businesses. It can be useful for you as well, whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or anyone for that matter, looking to get unstuck. Take control of your life and achieve any of your goals. In this episode, we discuss Al's incredibly interesting journey, and even better than that, Al gives us a powerful list of things that any of us can implement into our lives to try to be the best or better versions of ourselves. So if you've got a goal that you wanna achieve and to 'put a dent in the universe' as Al puts it, then you might wanna take some notes, as Al is about to explain why you already have the tools to design your own life. And you can paint your picture layer by layer. You can either make an excuse or you can make it happen. Check out the links below to Al's Instagram and The Alchemy Labs Website as you listen. ALCHEMY LABS LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alchemylabs/ AL GILL LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-gill ALCHEMY LABS WEBSITE: https://www.alchemylabs.co.uk/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0020 MIKE BULLARD - FROM POT WASHER TO PRIVATE CHEF! | 01 May 2025 | 01:37:22 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. On this episode, we're joined by someone from a different field of creativity, Executive Chef to the Stars and my friend, Mike Bullard. In this episode, we discuss all of this and much more. Mike's journey to food becoming his passion, and that passion leading to exploring different flavours, cuisines, and experimenting with dishes to master his craft. Never afraid to try something new in order to learn and develop his passion. Check out the links to Mike's social media while you're listening to the podcast, and we hope you enjoy this episode! MIKE BULLARD INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/chef_mike_bullard/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0019 SHELBY BILLINGHAM - THE MUSE, THE MUSIC AND THE MOVIES! | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:58:31 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast. On this episode, we're joined by international model, music producer, and all-round creative force, Shelby Billingham. Shelby Billingham defies the stereotype most people might have about models. Far from being "just a pretty face," this international fashion model has spent a decade building an impressively diverse creative career through sheer determination and an unwavering belief in her own potential. Shelby’s modelling career started at just 17 when she signed with global agency IMM, but her creative drive began long before that — from performing with the English Youth Ballet to playing guitar and throwing herself into all things expressive. Over the last 10 years, she’s worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Gucci, Flannels, Boohoo, and Wella, and built her reputation as a model. In this episode, Shelby gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the fashion world — not just the glossy highlights, but the tough moments too. We talk about the resilience, hustle, and adaptability it takes to stay grounded and keep pushing in such a high-pressure environment. But Shelby’s journey doesn’t stop at modelling. We also get into her passion for music production and DJing, where she’s already making waves, performing at events in Dubai and Ibiza. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s now stepping into the world of acting — with roles in the latest Mission Impossible film and an upcoming BBC drama (she’s not allowed to say which one yet…). Shelby’s story took a harrowing turn when a chemical burn from a skincare product landed her in hospital on a ventilator and could have ended her career. But what followed was a powerful comeback — rebuilding her confidence, rediscovering her creativity, and proving just how strong the human spirit can be. Shelby's philosophy of opening doors for yourself and never putting all your eggs in one basket offers a masterclass in adaptation and perseverance for anyone navigating creative industries or feeling stuck in their career. So enjoy and we hope it inspires you in some way! Check out the links below to Shelby's Instagram as you listen. SHELBY BILLINGHAM INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shelbybillingham/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0018 IMBUE - THE MAD PROFESSOR OF ART! | 01 Apr 2025 | 01:42:01 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast. On this episode, we're lucky to be joined by Contemporary Artist and Mad Professor of Art, Imbue. Imbue and his work have been featured in The Guardian, Art Net and in Forbes Magazine. But, to really understand it, you need to see it for yourself! And when you see it, you'll understand why I call him the Mad Professor of Art. He creates everything from screen prints to chocolate machine guns. He's stolen a statue from The Louvre and has even made art from £1 million worth of shredded cash! In his first ever long-form interview, we talk about his creative journey and his work. Which is sometimes hard for even him to put into one particular box. Some might call it Pop Art? Often not conforming to any particular medium but always playing with familiar, repurposing and subverting the recognisable. With no formal training and just, in his words, a 'give it a go' attitude and a willingness to experiment with ideas, Imbue has turned the art that he creates into a thriving business through unique limited edition pieces and other clever ideas like a 24 Hour Art Club. There's so much interesting and inspiring information in this episode. So let's dive down the rabbit hole and into the imaginative world of Imbue! Check out the links below to explore Imbue's work as you listen. IMBUE WEBSITE: https://imbuesource.com/ IMBUE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/imbue/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0017 BOXI TRIXI - PURSUING PEACE THROUGH CREATIVITY! | 15 Mar 2025 | 01:52:24 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast. On this episode, we're joined by Boxi Trixi. Originally from Argentina, Boxi grew up around skateboarding and the hardcore punk music movement of the 1990s. Here, he developed his love of music and the 'give it a go' attitude that would shape one hell of a creative journey. Most well known for his distinct Neo Primitive style of art and paste up characters, that can be seen in cities all over the world. Boxi creates power figures or totems that he hopes the viewer builds a relationship with and can inspire them in their lives. And, despite prolifically producing art and being a major contributor to the global paste up scene for over 20 years, Boxi would still say that he doesn't consider himself an artist. He would say he's definitely not a Chef either. Despite spending years working in some of the best restaurants in both Argentina and Spain. And he would say he's not a Musician. Despite discovering a revolutionary new instrument, which opened doors allowing him to perform all over the world and collaborate with famous musicians for more than 15 years. So how does Boxi describe himself? Well, in this episode we go into his remarkable journey from Argentina to the UK through caves, kitchens, and concert halls. His story reveals that no creative path needs to be linear, and pursuing what brings you peace can create ripples of positive energy to everyone you encounter. This episode is full of stories of resilience, adaptability, sacrifice and a little bit of luck along the way. So enjoy and we hope it inspires you in some way! Check out the links below to explore some of Boxi's work as you listen. BOXI TRIXI INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/boxitrixi/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0016 TIM BRET DAY - CAPTURING LEGENDS & CREATING LEGACY! | 01 Mar 2025 | 02:22:23 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast. On this episode, we're joined by photographer Tim Bret Day. Tim is an incredibly talented photographer that I've admired my whole career and someone whose work speaks for itself. Advertising, portraiture, celebrity, books, art. You name it, he's done it. He's a natural storyteller, and we discuss everything from Tim's dreams of becoming Led Zepplin's next drummer, to his route into the world of photography, our mutual love of Helmut Newton, art and surrealism, Agent Provocateur and creating complex tableau images for their advertising campaigns. And also what it was like to work with icons like David Beckham, Grace Jones and David Bowie, to name just a few. And... who, out of all of those celebrities has been his favourite person to shoot with. Amongst all the chat about A-listers and glamorous campaigns, we go deeper and talk about inspiration and much more personal stories about family, legacy, and the work that will be in Tim's Magic Tin. Don't worry; I promise that will all make sense once you've listened. This episode is packed with stories, and we dance around a lot in this one, so strap in, hold on tight and enjoy some of the stories of The Dark Prince of Acton, Mr. Tim Bret Day. Be sure to check out the links below to explore Tim's work as you listen. TIM BRET DAY WEBSITE: https://www.timbretday.com/ TIM BRET PRINT SALES: https://timbretdayart.myshopify.com/ TIM BRET DAY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/timbretdayphoto/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0032 MR EDWARDS - ART IS SHIT! OR IS IT? | 01 Feb 2026 | 01:48:08 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. Art is shit! Or is it? On this episode, we are joined by Artist, Mr Edwards, who describes his work as a Pop Dada Party filled with a cast of characters, all of his own making. As long as it makes him laugh, anything is fair game when it comes to him creating. You can check out the links to Mr Edwards' work while you're listening to the podcast, of course. But we go into so much in this one that it's probably best to leave it up to the self-confessed troublemaker and Justin Bieber lookalike, Mr Edwards, to tell the story. Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. MR EDWARDS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/misteredwards/ MR EDWARDS SHOP: https://www.etsy.com/shop/misteredwards CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0015 MUKAH ISPAHANI - NO BORDERS TO CREATIVITY! | 15 Feb 2025 | 01:18:11 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast. In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly talented artist and illustrator, Mukah Ispahani. Originally from Cameroon and now based in the UK, Ispah has won awards and gained international recognition for his exceptional work. While his artistic skills span multiple mediums, his intricate portraits, meticulously crafted using just a ballpoint pen, caught my attention and led me to invite him onto the podcast. We discuss Ispah's creative journey and explore how he developed his unique style. From growing up in Cameroon, where Ispah discovered his passion for art at a very young age, navigating a cultural landscape where the role of artists is often undervalued. Nurturing his talent and pushing the boundaries of his creativity until his art received global acclaim. Following the perceived 'safe route' with his education but still having art as his main goal. Our conversation takes a deeper look at the challenges of maintaining creativity amidst civil unrest, providing a compelling insight into the resilience needed to keep creating when the world around you is in turmoil. Ispah also shares the inspiring story of how he and his friends worked to foster a love for art among young people in Cameroon, demonstrating the power of art as a tool for community building and cultural expression. We also discuss Ispah's journey to the UK and his aspirations of building a sustainable art career in his new home. From overcoming obstacles to finding a place where his art can flourish, Ispah’s story is one of determination, hope and finding joy in creating. This episode is packed with inspiration and showcases the power of creativity to transcend borders, culture, and ethnicity and transform lives. Be sure to check out the links below to explore Ispah’s captivating work as you listen. MUKAH ISPAHANI WEBSITE: https://mukahispahani.com/ MUKAH ISPAHANI INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ispah_art/ MUKAH ISPAHANI FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ispaart/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0014 CLARE GARRAD - AN ABSTRACT JOURNEY TO FULFILMENT! | 01 Feb 2025 | 01:42:41 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast. CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0013 MATT JOHNSON - CREATING ART TO A BRIEF! | 15 Jan 2025 | 01:11:30 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast! CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0012 BECKY WEIR - GIVE YOURSELF A FIGHTING CHANCE! | 01 Jan 2025 | 01:05:33 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast! CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0011 LACHLAN MONAGHAN - BREAKING THE BOUNDARIES OF BALLET! | 15 Dec 2024 | 01:51:27 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast! In this episode, I was lucky enough to sit down with Lachlan Monaghan, the male principal lead dancer from the Birmingham Royal Ballet. CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0010 - MARK WILKINSON - A LIFE DEVOTED TO ART! | 01 Dec 2024 | 01:42:24 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. In this episode, we go into Mark's creative journey. From his early days living in, his words, abject poverty in his studio, making art and music, but very happy, to his band almost being signed by EMI, having all of his art dreams nearly come true, moving to Serbia to run artist colonies, falling in love, falling out of love, moving back to England and getting a quote-unquote normal job, consistently creating and trying to get better as an artist. CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0009 JOHN SEWELL - COMBAT STARVING ARTIST SYNDROME! | 15 Nov 2024 | 01:26:10 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast! Check out the links to the Cosimo website, and social media. John and the team at Coismo are trying to do away with the 'Starving Artist' narrative and give every creative the opportunity to make their passion into something more sustainable. CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0008 GABRIELLE HUNT - A PASSION FOR FACES! | 01 Nov 2024 | 01:02:40 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast! Gaby's journey began with a love for art and a passion for painting and drawing faces. Influenced by YouTube tutorials and the iconic Lisa Eldridge, she transformed her passion into a successful career. We explore the challenges and benefits of testing, the ups and downs of being self-employed in the creative industry, and the joy of working alongside like-minded creative individuals. Check out the links to Gaby's YouTube channel, website, and social media. Gaby is not only incredibly talented but also a legendary figure who has made my photographic and video work shine for years. Listen now to be inspired by Gabrielle Hunt's incredible journey and expert insights. CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0007 DEAN GORDON - DRIVE, DISCIPLINE & DETERMINATION! | 15 Oct 2024 | 01:48:36 | |
Welcome to another episode of the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast! In this episode, Dean shares the origins of his incredible drive and determination, which propelled him from being a freelance designer creating iconic cover art for video games like Resident Evil, FIFA, and Harry Potter, to founding and running the successful design and digital agency, Media Beast. Dean navigates the delicate balance between creativity and business acumen, breaking through barriers with sheer self-belief. We also delve into how an unconventional trip in 2017 inspired Dean's latest project, Bloco. Bloco aims to be a transformative platform, fostering communities that are accessible to everyone and driving real change and impact. Dean's journey is a testament to the power of self-belief and perseverance, and his story will undoubtedly inspire you. Be sure to check out Media Beast and Bloco through the links in the show notes while you listen to this engaging episode. Join us on the Creative Nowhere Land podcast for an enriching conversation that explores the intersection of creativity, business, and community building. Let's get on with it! CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0006 AVA KHERA - THE EMOTIONS BELOW THE SURFACE! | 01 Oct 2024 | 01:31:25 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. Ava's journey to becoming a full-time artist is both fascinating and inspiring. She initially carved out a successful career as a fashion designer in London and China, working with premium brands. However, a pivotal moment reignited her passion for painting, leading her to bravely leave the fashion industry and pursue her dream as an artist. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of art, discussing the obsession that drives us, the challenges of bravery and burnout, and why being a full-time artist involves much more than just painting. We explore the concept of perfectionism, the idea that a painting is never truly finished, and the notion that being understood is often overrated. Don't miss the valuable insights shared in Ava's blog, "The Painter's Pathway: Navigating a Career in Arts," which is packed with useful information for aspiring creatives. Be sure to check out Ava's stunning work on her social media and website, linked in the show notes, as you listen to this inspiring episode. Join us on the Creative Nowhere Land podcast for a journey into the heart of creativity, where we uncover the stories and experiences that shape the art world. Let's get into it! CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0031 LOLO - DARKNESS, CONNECTION AND THE ART OF BEING! | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:46:32 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. Casual and meaningless are everywhere right now, but real connections are rare, and finding those connections in a world that seems increasingly disconnected is what the podcast is all about. It's what I'm all about! It's a little unusual, but when you feel that connection, sometimes you just have to act, and this episode is the epitome of that idea. But this episode isn't about the work as such. It's more about two people connecting through vulnerability, honesty, and openness. We discuss living in the moment, resilience and how we have to keep going no matter what happens in life because we are the art! There's no such thing as a coincidence, and the universe put us together when we needed to meet. Two like-minded souls, finding connection through art and experiences. And that's what the podcast is all about. He doesn't call himself an artist. He's an expressor, and his name is Lolo. Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. LOLO INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/l0_l0s/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0005 WIZZ SELVEY - STAND OUT, MARKET YOURSELF AND MAKE MONEY! | 15 Sep 2024 | 01:24:02 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast! Driven by her passion for new challenges, Wizz transitioned from Selfridges to Soho House before launching her own consulting company, Wizz&Co., in 2018. Her company boasts a diverse client list ranging from emerging startups to established multi-million-pound brands like Unilever, Next, and Ocado. Recognized as one of the top retail experts of 2024, Wizz is a sought-after speaker on stages and panels worldwide. In this episode, Wizz shares her inspiring journey and provides invaluable insights with her top five tips to stand out, market yourself, and make money. Whether you're an artist, creative, or any other type of entrepreneur, Wiz's expert advice is sure to inspire and guide you. Don't forget to check out the show notes for links to the Wizz&Co. website and their social media. CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0004 PAUL STRINGER - WHY POETRY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD! | 01 Sep 2024 | 01:16:06 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast! Paul shares his inspiring story of starting as a jobbing photographer, hustling to turn his creativity into a career. Discover how a random ad on Gumtree, a trip to Bosnia, and a poetry night became pivotal moments, shaping his understanding of the profound impact of visual storytelling on public perception. Delve into Paul's exploration of the deeper elements of human life and his passion for storytelling, leading to his discovery of poetry. He instantly connected with this powerful medium, believing in its potential to change the world. Paul's dedication to documenting and promoting poets and their unique storytelling methods led to the creation of the Arts Council-funded exhibition, The City That Spoke To Me. Continuing his advocacy, Paul launched Crate Poetry, a digital platform featuring high-quality poetry performance sets. His mission to bring poets and their work to a global online audience is both inspiring and impactful, earning him the nickname "Mr. Poetry." Join us as Paul recounts his journey, from discovering his passion for documenting poetry to his ongoing efforts to support and promote poets. Check out the show notes for links to Crate Poetry and all of Paul's other remarkable projects. Tune in now and be inspired by Paul's compelling story! CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0003 ARRAN GULLIVER - ATTACK YOUR GOALS LIKE A PRO ATHLETE! | 01 Aug 2024 | 01:25:56 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast! Arran’s path to elite sport is a testament to perseverance and courage. Growing up with dreams of being an athlete, Arran found himself working a regular job, with a mortgage and a fiancée (now his wife), thinking his chance at professional sports had passed. Everything changed when he saw an Instagram ad that reignited his passion. Taking a leap of faith, he quit his job and dedicated himself to rigorous training, ultimately achieving his dream of becoming a professional bobsleigh athlete. In this episode, Arran shares the incredible journey of his transition from everyday life to racing down mountains at 90 miles an hour, winning medals, and making history. We explore the life of a professional athlete, discussing the mental resilience, sacrifices, and battles with setbacks and imposter syndrome. We delve deeper into the importance of taking risks, striving for improvement, and believing in oneself to accomplish any goal. Arran’s story is not just about sports; it’s about the universal pursuit of dreams. His discipline and determination, whether in becoming a top athlete or climbing Mont Blanc unguided, provide valuable lessons for everyone aiming to achieve their goals. Be sure to check out the links to Arran and his team's social media in the show notes, while you listen to this inspiring episode. Arran’s journey is a powerful reminder that with hard work and dedication, we can all achieve greatness. Join us on the Creative Nowhere Land podcast for an insightful discussion that will motivate you to chase your dreams with the discipline of a professional athlete. Let's get into it! CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0002 DANIEL LOPEZ - FINDING YOUR CREATIVE LANGUAGE! | 01 Aug 2024 | 01:22:10 | |
Welcome back to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast! Daniel’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication and versatility. He honed his craft through extensive studies in Spain and Cuba, developing a unique creative language that captivated audiences. His hard work paid off, with his art being showcased in museums and galleries, and collected by private art enthusiasts. At a crucial juncture, Daniel had the opportunity to study under one of Spain's top ceramicists but chose a different path. He moved to England to learn English, a brave decision that took him away from his art practice for three years and required him to restart his career in a new country. Now based in Birmingham, Daniel shares his experiences of starting anew and his unwavering dedication to art. He emphasizes the importance of bravery, adaptability, and stepping out of comfort zones to discover new possibilities, enhance skills, push boundaries, and find beauty in the creative process. Daniel's inspiring story highlights the essence of artistic growth and the joy of conscious creativity. Be sure to check out Daniel's impressive body of work through the links in the show notes while you listen to this captivating episode. Join us on the Creative Nowhere Land podcast for an enriching conversation that will motivate you to embrace change, challenge norms, and find beauty in your creative journey. Let's get into it! CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0001 SOPHIE ROSE WALTERS - IT'S A MAD THING BEING AN ARTIST! | 01 Aug 2024 | 01:15:42 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast! Dive deep into the research process and inspiration behind Sophie’s work as she shares her commitment to cultural respect while infusing each piece with her recognizable flair. Sophie opens up about the challenges artists face, including balancing a full-time job with creative pursuits, emotional attachment to artwork, overcoming creative blocks, and the importance of bravery and proactivity in the artistic journey. Join us as Sophie’s positive energy and passion for success shine through, offering inspiration and motivation to artists and creatives everywhere. Don't forget to check out the show notes for links to Sophie's stunning artwork and more. CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| TRAILER - THE CREATIVE NOWHERE LAND PODCAST | 25 Jul 2024 | 00:02:33 | |
Unlock the secrets of creativity and achieving your goals with inspiring stories from extraordinary individuals. CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0030 HANNAH MILLER - WHAT'S YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE? | 01 Jan 2026 | 01:12:01 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. Now, this might seem like a massive question, but are you living your life with purpose? Maybe it's something that you haven't even thought about until right now, or maybe you think it's about finding that single grand calling or once-in-a-lifetime revelation that's reserved for the lucky few who have just managed to get it all worked out well. Studies have shown that having a clear sense of purpose improves not only our mental and physical health but also boosts our wellbeing, lowers our stress levels, and even increases life expectancy. So Hannah's here to help. By explaining why purpose isn't just reserved for the select few and why it's not about a single grand calling, but that finding our purpose can happen for anyone in any situation, as long as we're willing to do the work. We discuss how purpose is something that builds, something that evolves and shifts over time when we understand who we are as people and our values. It's something that's already within us based on our talents, personalities, and experiences. But I get it. It all probably still sounds a bit daunting, right? But that's why we also go into some of the practical and actionable steps in Hannah's book, 'The Purpose Pursuits: Eight Steps to the Life You've Been Searching For.' Steps that we can all use to try and uncover or build a sense of purpose in our lives. That's shaped by our own unique strengths and passions. You can check out the links to all of Hannah's platforms, including the link to buy the book, while you're listening to the podcast, of course. But for now, sit back and let Hannah explain why purpose isn't just about discovering what you are here to do, but actually about who you are here to be. Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. BUY IT NOW: 'The Purpose Pursuits: Eight Steps to the Life You've Been Searching For.' HANNAH MILLER WEBSITE: https://www.hellosidekick.co/ HANNAH MILLER INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/hellohannahmiller/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0029 CLAIRE HILTON - CREATE ART NO ONE SEES! | 15 Dec 2025 | 01:13:01 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. What's the difference between art therapy and having a creative practice that feels therapeutic? As it turns out, quite a lot—and in this episode, art psychotherapist and practising artist Claire Hilton helps us understand those differences. Claire has always been creative and understood the benefits of creating from a young age as a way of processing some of the feelings related to her father being diagnosed with a brain tumour. For many of us, art is a way to express something or communicate a feeling, often with a finished piece in mind. But art therapy isn’t about creating a final outcome. It’s about connecting with ourselves, exploring what’s happening beneath the surface, and focusing on the process. As an art psychotherapist, Claire witnesses that process and helps join the dots of what may be going on internally for her clients. In this episode, we talk about Claire's creative journey, her path to becoming an art psychotherapist, and how she balances that with her own art practice. We also explore why there’s no such thing as good or bad art, why people with an existing creative practice may struggle with art therapy, the bravery it takes to create, and the value of making art no one else ever sees. Claire also shares tips for beating creative block and, a big one for many of us, how to overcome the fear of things not being perfect. Check out the links below to both Claire's psychotherapy work as well as her personal artwork while you're listening to the podcast, of course! But for now, get comfortable and let's find out why maybe we all need a little bit of therapy. Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. CLAIRE HILTON ART THERAPY WEBSITE: https://www.creatingspacesessions.com/ CLAIRE HILTON ART THERAPY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacesessions/ CLAIRE HILTON ART INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/misshiltonink/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0028 CASEY BAILEY - WORDS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE! | 01 Dec 2025 | 01:58:10 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. On this episode, we're joined by Poet, Writer, Educator, and Performer Casey Bailey. Casey is a storyteller and, from a young age, realised the power of words to influence people in both a positive and sometimes negative way. Things could have easily gone very differently for Casey though. Growing up in an environment of crime, poverty, and gang culture, Casey had to try and balance two lives, one studying for university, and one in and around the streets. A balance that nearly cost him his life. While trying to diffuse a situation, Casey got stabbed, a life-changing moment that could have gone either way. In this episode, we discuss Casey's journey from being kicked out of English class to becoming Birmingham's Poet Laureate. Being stabbed and balancing two lives, forgiveness, and not being defined by our mistakes. Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. CASEY BAILEY WEBSITE: https://caseybailey.co.uk/ CASEY BAILEY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/casey_bailey/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0027 EMMA WOOLLEY - FACES BECOME MEMORIES! | 15 Nov 2025 | 01:38:27 | |
Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. Faces become vessels of lingering memory. The world falls away, but the human remains. Beautiful Right? Well, these are just some of the poetic ways that our latest guest uses to describe her work. No longer neglecting herself as an artist, painting has been at the forefront for the last few years, and she's been prolific. Emma has produced multiple bodies of work, including 'The Wonder Series' and 'The Space Between Us'. She's been shortlisted for the Women in Art Prize, there's been a solo exhibition and also a beautiful 72-page hardback book, 'Paint Lingers', which acts as a time capsule or kind of visual diary of Emma's journey back to painting. Everything from Emma finding her style and, in her words, painting in mid fidelity, to what it's like to balance being an art director with being an actual artist. Check out the links below to see Emma's work while you're listening to the podcast, of course! Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. EMMA WOOLLEY WEBSITE: https://www.emma-woolley.co.uk/ EMMA WOOLLEY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emma_woolley_artist/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0026 SOPHIE DERRICK - WHAT MAKES A 'PROPER' ARTIST? | 01 Nov 2025 | 01:38:06 | |
Welcome to The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. When do you get to call yourself a 'proper' artist? Is it when you sell your first piece of work? Is it when you've done a master's degree? Is it when you've exhibited internationally, had sellout shows, and amassed a huge social media following? Or is it when your work is recognised by huge art world names like the Saatchi Gallery or The Royal Academy? Sophie is a portrait artist, often using herself as the subject and the canvas. Who plays with the dualities of photography and painting, the real and the abstract, tactile paint and the flat image to create work that is both bold and in your face, and also kind of hidden and intriguing. But we also talk about, in Sophie's words, her best body of work and solo show 'Close to Nothing'. And most impressively, what it looks like when trying to create. Follow your passion and be a quote-unquote 'proper' artist, while being a busy mom of three young children. No, easy task, as I'm sure you can imagine! Check out the links below to see Sophie's work while you're listening to the podcast, of course! Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. SOPHIE DERRICK WEBSITE: https://www.sophiederrickart.com/ SOPHIE DERRICK INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sophiederrickart/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||
| #0025 CARL STIMPSON - DON'T OVERTHINK IT, MAKE IT! | 15 Oct 2025 | 01:39:13 | |
Welcome to The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. On this episode, we're joined by East London-based artist, painter, and printmaker Carl Stimpson. Growing up in a small town, Carls' influences weren't the classic art from the big galleries because, well, it just wasn't easily accessible. His major art influences came from the stuff around him, the comic books, the cartoons, the magazines, and the advertising, all of which have helped define Carl's distinct style of work. Despite battling terrible shyness, Carl's creative talents were recognised by his father. Who encouraged him to pursue a more creative life and go and study fine art at university, which set the wheels in motion to a life dedicated to creating. In this episode, we discuss Carl's creative journey from perfecting his craft as a painter and a colourist, to overcoming the hurdles of being painfully shy and instead of talking, using his art as a means of communicating ideas and emotions to people. We also talk about Carl's multiple solo shows, including a pretty crazy one in Russia, selling a painting to Noel Gallagher from Oasis, and how social media is actually great for building your network as an introvert. We also talk about how, in the purest way possible, as long as Carl can create, it doesn't matter what it takes. It's all about creating! Check out the links below to see Carl's work while you're listening to the podcast, of course! Hope you enjoy this episode of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. CARL STIMPSON WEBSITE: https://www.carlstimpson.com/ CARL STIMPSON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/carl.stimpson/ CNL WEBSITE: https://www.creativenowhereland.com/ | |||