Creative Twist (Sally Vanderpump)

What are your creative dreams? Would you love to be an artist but doubt your talent? Do you long to be an actor but think you should get a 'proper' job? Maybe you've got a novel tucked away but are riddled with imposter syndrome. I've been there and so have my guests but we've all rediscovered creativity after a break or taken some twists and turns to make it work.

In this introductory episode I’ll tell you more about me, plans for the podcast and upcoming guests. I hope it might inspire you to get creative too.

Artist Jeweller Ella Fearon-Low had a career in international development but after the birth of her second daughter in 2012, she began making jewellery and a business was born at the end of 2016. With influences as varied as 17th-century glassware, postmodern architecture and Roman jewellery, Ella’s designs won Goldsmiths’ Awards in 2018 and 2020 and she’s been tipped as one of Vogue’s “ones to watch”.

In this episode we talk about how daytime TV led her to prioritise creativity, why it can be hard to break through the pain barrier to get back in after a break, and the power of a good teacher’s push.

Find out more about Ella's wonderful work here: https://www.ellafearonlow.co.uk/

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO

Vicky Arlidge has been composing for television, theatre, musicals and radio for more than 25 years. Her albums of music for young children are streamed more than 30 million times worldwide each year and her comedy videos have garnered more than 70,000 views on YouTube. Today she joins me on Creative Twist podcast to talk about how the humour she found in motherhood led her to take a leap into comedy. 

We talk about the power of practice, why women need the confidence to keep knocking on doors and how Vicky is planning to make her own entrance onto the West End musical scene.

I’m delighted to say that Vicky also composed the music for Creative Twist. Find out more about her here: http://www.vickyarlidge.com/

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO

After burning out in advertising, Andy Poplar discovered that he could take iconic items of glassware and bring them to life with the tools of typography, wit, wordplay and a slightly askew way of looking at the world. From apothecary jars to laboratory glass, nostalgia filled milk bottles to one-off vintage pieces, it never fails to amaze him that you can now find pieces of Vinegar & Brown Paper on bookshelves everywhere, from York to New York.

We talk about how he’s used creativity to help himself and others through this challenging year, the sweet spot between self-doubt and self-belief, and why the penny drop of inspiration is worth more than a million pounds.

Visit Andy's website here: https://vinegarandbrownpaper.co.uk/

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO 

If you’ve ever wanted to get into acting but wonder if you’ve left it too late, this episode is for you. Michelle Jeram and I discuss the benefits of coming to acting with a wealth of life experience and a different career under your belt. 

Michelle had a 23-year career as a police officer until she was medically retired after an assault on duty. Rather than sit back and relax, she decided to learn all she could about acting during lockdown and on her 52nd birthday she stepped onto set of a BBC drama Granite Harbour to play series regular DS Montrose. 

Michelle explains how embracing her experience of procedure and discipline has fuelled her new career and how she uses a forensic approach to script work and her process on set. It’s a fascinating episode, full of top tips for actors. 

Michelle mentions her coach Emma Crompton of the Casting Feed https://www.thecastingfeed.com/ and the book The Golden Rules of Acting by Andy Nyman, which can be found on the Creative Twist booklist here: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/creative-twist

And we talk about Ross Grant and the brilliant Act on This, of which we are both members. Find out more or join with my affiliate link here: https://www.actonthis.tv/a/10071/yZbq5gz2  

Granite Harbour will be shown on BBC Scotland, BBC1 and iPlayer and you can follow Michelle on Twitter @MichelleJeram

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO

Have you ever thought about taking a leap but somebody else has tried to put you off? When Ben Haynes wanted to leave his job in NHS communications and go full-time in music production, he was met with a lot of opposition. But it only served to spur him on.

From his early days playing drums on saucepans to taking the plunge and leaving his comfortable job in communications for the NHS, Ben’s always been a dreamer. His dream job has been his reality for the last 11 years. As the Captain Sensible song goes, "if you don't have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true?"

If you’re interested in how to make a change even when the naysayers are telling you not to and how to sustain a successful business without losing your passion for creativity, this episode is for you. 

Ben's website can be found here: https://www.haynesmusic.com/ 

His beautiful music in the name of Smoky is on Spotify, including his most popular song, Penarth Pier https://open.spotify.com/track/7wD904p1RznL1Mvp3Z3qFq

Ben recommends the book Who Moved My Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson which is available on the Creative Twist booklist: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/creative-twist

He also mentions Clannad and Paper Kites.

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO

Think you can only sustain a creative career by compromise? Ivan Weiss doesn't agree. He's built his photography business by relentlessly following his own vision.

We talk about how two days with the right mentor helped crystallise his decision to take the leap and leave his corporate career, loving the tech and the gadgetry but focusing on feelings, and how as soon as you ask the question, "am I ready to do this full-time," you're ready.

Born with a camera pointed at him, Ivan grew up surrounded by photography. His interest in portraiture was influenced by 12 years living in Florence. By 2011 he began transitioning out of a corporate career in media into photography. He creates images that reflect a fascination with classical composition, a delight in the technical possibilities afforded by modern equipment and techniques, and a sensitivity for human emotion.

Find out more about Ivan Weiss here: https://ivanweiss.london/

He mentions Light, Science and Magic by Steven Biver, Paul Fuqua and Robin Reid and Start With Why by Simon Sinek, both of which can be found on the Creative Twist booklist: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/creative-twist

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO

Sasha classes herself as a writer, doubter and doer. Even though she's been writing since the age of eight, she only started calling herself a writer last year - a rebellious act against her self-doubting nature. She's an avid journaller and lover of words, who wants to use them to challenge the negative narratives that women can have about themselves. She does this through what she calls #RemindHers, little notes of thought dotted around the internet to remind women of what has always been there - our internal North Star, its light somewhat shrouded by responsibility, shoulds, engrained narratives and self-doubt. 

We talk about unlearning self-doubt, living with “less force and more ease” and how sharing the “messy in between” of a creative process can inspire others.

Find out more about Sasha here: https://frankandfeel.com/

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO 

How can it be more than a year since the last series of Creative Twist? I'm Sally Vanderpump and I've been busy acting, writing and recording voiceovers. And in between occasionally wondering whether to get a 'normal' job. So here I am, back with season two, talking to people who have taken a twist in their career path and returned to creativity.

I know from experience that it's not always easy to follow your creative dreams, but it is worth it. So this season I'm determined to find out more about comeback creatives who are making it work and offer encouragement and inspiration to anyone keen to get or stay creative.

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO

How do you tackle the challenge of being a full-time creative after years of structured work?

That's the question Tindara Sidoti-McNary is wrangling with after leaving teaching to return to a full-time art practice. After all, timing is everything - a chance encounter meant soon after moving to Margate she had met fellow artist Catrin Osborne and embarked upon an exciting journey with the Arts Council-funded show, This Is What The Menopause Looks Like.

We talk about her supportive boss in her architecture and engineering job who backed her decision to do an MA and even read her dissertation, a shared family obsession with film and why body image is a big theme in her work.

Born in London to parents who moved to the UK from Sicily in 1968, Tindara has been fascinated by art and film since childhood. She makes video art and films exploring issues such as body image and menopause. She is a socialist, feminist and fat activist who loves cats, Spurs and hip hop. 

If you're into the joy of combining different art forms and collaborations and how creativity leads to connection and community, this episode is for you.

You can find Tindara on Twitter and Instagram as @olivemcdoti and watch her films here:

Making bodies

https://youtu.be/60QUnpyAJC8

Making the change 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX5pus0WS2w

Tindara is an associate artist of https://osborneandwhat.co.uk/

Read the Creative Twist booklist here: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/creative-twist

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO

Happy listening!

Creative coach and "born-again illustrator" Kerry Lyons burnt down everything so you don’t have to.

After rising to the top of a career in graphic design, she realised her heart was not in it and left everything behind to rediscover what really inspired her. She's on a mission to help high-achieving creatives who've lost their mojo, to stop compromising on what they want out of fear, and instead recover their true creative call. If you're on the brink of starting something creative or are in a creative career that no longer feels like the right fit, then give this episode a listen.

Kerry talks about "a global crisis of unfulfilment" and why it's a rebellious act to seek out the joy of creativity and share it with the world. We discuss how to turn comparisons into inspiration and fuel and allow yourself to play. Join us to hear all about Kerry's illustration adventure.

Kerry mentions Bonnie Christine's Immersion programme, https://bonniechristine.com/learn we both recommend Andy J Pizza https://www.andyjpizza.com/ and mention books by Jon Acuff, Start and Do Over

So as this season of Creative Twist comes to an end, here’s to starting something.

Find out more about the wonderful world of Kerry Lyons on Instagram @iamkerrylyons or on her website, https://www.kerrylyons.com/

And there's more about Creative Twist on mine, https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/

If listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO

If you’re procrastinating, juggling multiple projects or feeling the fear of taking a leap or sharing your work, this episode will help. We talk about how to build a life and a model of success that works for you. I know I will be coming back to it.

Corrie Legge is a multi-passionate artist and productivity coach for creatives. As an actor and voiceover artist, she has appeared in many independent films, national commercials, animation, video games, audiobooks, and more. She's also a filmmaker with several short films under her belt, and multiple feature scripts in the works.

As a coach, Corrie hosts Your Creative Life, a creative community designed to help multi-passionate actors take control over their dreams and build thriving creative careers without sacrificing the fulfilled life they deserve.

Join me and Corrie as we talk about how she switched from a Biology major to acting and the various ways she has woven herself a creative life that uniquely reflects her many different passions. Combining creativity and organisational skills, Corrie has some top tips for creatives who struggle to prioritise.

We mention The Artist’s Way (of course!) by Julia Cameron, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield, and Sara Pyszka https://www.sarapyszka.com/about.html Several of the books can be found on the Creative Twist booklist: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/sallyvanderpump

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO

If you’re struggling with growing your creative business, Martin Whiskin has some top tips.

Actively seeking to be helpful, promoting and connecting other creatives and setting up the Creative Collective with Ben Bowles has grown Martin’s voiceover business. 

We talk about the power of connection, the importance of community and how great it feels when you realise it’s working and you don’t have to go back to the office job.

Give it a listen and check out Martin's work here: https://www.martinwhiskin.co.uk/

https://thecreativecollectivenetworking.co.uk/

Buy the books mentioned from https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/creative-twist

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO

What's it like to rediscover your creative passion when you haven't done it for years? How do you overcome the fear and doubt to get past the blank canvas or page? Hit subscribe to join me as I talk to some great guests - from painters and writers to comedians and actors - about what it's like to rediscover creativity after a break.

Find out more at https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/creativetwistpodcast

Louise Breckon-Richards is a playwright and actress. She trained at The Guildhall School of music and drama. She has appeared in TV shows including We Hunt Together, Temple, Coronation Street, Cuckoo, Doctors and Sherlock. She has performed at The National Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse and with the English Shakespeare company among many others.

When she experienced vocal problems Louise turned to writing and painting to express herself and her plays include: Four O’Clock Flowers, In the Mouth of the River, Trace, and The Cloak of Visibility, a one-woman show in which I play Amy, at the Space Arts centre in June 2021. We talk about how much we have missed the shared experience of theatre in lockdown, how collaboration is essential and about how to bring the joy of creativity to everyday life.

Check out Louise and her work here: http://louisebreckonrichards.co.uk/

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO

Nitin Ganatra’s long and distinguished career in acting began after he graduated from the University of Bristol with a BA Honors in Drama, Film and Television and went on to study with experimental theatre maestro, the late Jerzy Grotowski. He has worked alongside some highly accomplished actors and directors such as Sam Mendes, Tim Burton, Ray Winstone, Richard Gere, Donald Sutherland and John Malkcovic. Currently balancing a film career alongside popular television shows, Nitin has also recently returned to the theatre, winning rave reviews for The End of the Pier and God’s Dice. 

Nitin shares some powerful insights for actors about body language and the ego. We talk about how hitch-hiking across Italy to work with Grotowski changed his life and how after an 18-year absence he has reconnected with his passion for painting and art.

Since recording, Nitin has been busy acting and painting and you can now buy his work via his website: https://nitinganatra.com/

You can find out more about me and book me for voiceover via my website https://www.sallyvanderpump.com/ and if listening has got you feeling creative and ready to learn, why not get a month off Skillshare's amazing variety of creative courses using my affiliate link: https://skillshare.eqcm.net/YgzKgO