The Creative Blood Podcast (Creative Blood)

The Creative Blood Podcast is for anyone who is in, or who is interested in, the creative industries at any stage of their journey and is looking to be inspired or re-inspired - the creators, the industry, the next generation and those who just want to know.

For those that want to embrace and feed their creativity. 

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

Chad Hinson is the creative leader and driving force behind the world’s most iconic denim brand, Levi's. He never, ever gives public interviews. Until now.
 
A gigantic lover of culture along with an iconic list of creative collaborators past and present, Chad’s career began at the tender age of ten when he volunteered at his mother's interior design business and discovered the magic and freedom of being able to create something out of nothing. A degree in fashion design at the University of Texas at Austin revealed that, whilst he loved fashion, he hated sewing and so he bought together a love of culture, music, architecture and art, and channelled these passions into a career that has seen him working with some of the top global retailers. And this is how he’s incorporated his passion for marketing, store design, styling, right through to art curation, music development and so much more.

This episode was created together with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios.

Come say hello:
www.instagram.com/creativebloodworld
www.creativebloodagency.com

Music by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Producer Lina Prestwood
Mixed by ORO Audio

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

Lea’s in LA wearing sliders and socks and more colour in one outfit than our host Laura has probably worn in her entire life. So far, so typical for this self-taught photographer and artist who has become one of the defining image makers of her generation.
 
The very embodiment of chutzpah, for the last decade she’s beaten her own path from unknown backstage photographer at Paris fashion week to becoming a sought-after frequent collaborator with the very biggest brands and houses in the industry.
Over the last couple of years she’s turned her back on the fashion capitals of the world and returned to her roots in Cape Town where, under Casa Colombo her trans-atlantic fine art career has gathered pace.

Rule-followers be warned: Lea insists on pulling 11 cards and boy are we glad she did - they allow us to cover about how she balances her eye-wateringly impressive commercial portfolio with her visual art and the art of setting boundaries in an always-on world and she offers up some pretty candid insights into how she navigating the next stage of her career.

Check out Lea’s instagram and 'Colours of My Body' courtesy of System.

This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios.

Say hello @creativebloodworld
Music by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Producer Lina Prestwood
Mixed by ORO Audio

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

Pauli’s in a hotel room in Edinburgh, getting ready to hit the stage with Harry Styles, the news of Tina Turner’s death has just been announced and he’s about to pull ten cards from The Creative Blood Experience deck -  so just another day for this artist drummer, musical director, composer, DJ and NASA collaborator whose creative prowess has just helped land one of the biggest tours in history and whose collaborators include Damon Albarn, Kindness, FKA Twigs, The XX, Alicia Keys and NASA.

His personal story is too lovely to share in the show notes - you’ll need to listen for that – but suffice to say it takes us from Edmonton to Times Square and, from Socrates to Skepta, Pauli’s cards take us into some unexpected and delightful creative spaces.  Word of warning - don’t let the chill vibes fool you; this man - whose own musical output as Pauli The PSM spans industrial house, R&B and ambient - knows how to bring the best out of the people he works with and himself and that it isn’t always easy - but he’s more than happy to share how he does it… because that’s just the kind of guy he is. 

Oh, and you might want to take your shoes off for this one. 

Put a wafer in this episode and check out Pauli’s Ice-cream Chronicles and follow his insta for where you can check out his fam art and get a scoop of his Monday Meditations and Motivations.

Stay tuned for Pauli's next single release Milky Way, and grab a ticket for a date on the upcoming Saucy Tour. 

This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. 

Say hello @creativebloodworld

Music by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Producer Lina Prestwood
Mixed by Rob Martland

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

With the paint barely dry on their most challenging project to date we sat down with the retro-futuristic duo behind some of the world’s most beautiful murals, Low Bros.
In our Shoreditch studio, the real-life brothers opened up in the most beautiful way about the perfectionism behind their complex, painstaking analogue work which is known for its dopamine-inducing palette and iconoclastic attitudes to consumer culture.

With a prolific output that spans painting, screen prints, super-scale murals, light installations and soon even jewellery the brothers are deeply driven by a strong values compass in their digital-esque work which is, in fact, rendered entirely by hand.

Of course, you can connect with the Bros here, on Insta and be sure to step into their “Miami sunset-hued” world (our words) here.

To bring the episode to life this is the tennis court that had them calling their agent in despair and here’s that photo of the boys as youngsters.

There’s mention of a pivotal article by Juxtapoz magazine - turns out they’ve been writing about the boys for a while!

For those - like our host Laura - who are intrigued to see what their collab with the German Post Office looks like, imagine no more.

This is Studio Cult the jewellery brand the Low Bros are collaborating with - we’ve seen it, we’ve held it; it’s incredible.

And, finally, we’ve asked our very own Director of Operations and AI artist John Noi to render a screenshot of [the Low Bros perfume ad that never was].

This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios.

Say hello @creativebloodworld

Music by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Producer Lina Prestwood
Mixed by Rob Martland

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

Over twenty years Jesse Simon built a MASSIVE career managing the careers of some of the biggest models in fashion including David Friend, Ethan James and Gabriette Bechtel via the leading magazines and fashion houses, including YSL, Dior, Dazed, i-D and Vogue.

Considered one of the most innovative talent agents Jesse built a reputation at Ford Models LA for seeing that the future was in killer brand strategy and by redefining the terms of what ‘talent’ truly means. Then, two years ago, he jacked it all in to officially transform Other People’s Children, the art collective he’d been co-running since 2017 as a side project into a living, breathing management company, representing a roster of musicians, writers, directors, and artist who are excited to help bring creative solutions to the table, in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes. 

Recorded in his office, with the OPC team working around him, mere hours before our plane back to London was due to take off, Jesse pulled these cards from The Creative Blood Experience question deck.

Follow OPC and Jesse on instagram

Jesse’s on a mission to make grappling an Olympic sport and has launched The Grappling Network which is now available to watch wherever you are - P.s. no, we didn’t know what grappling was either and so glad we weren’t afraid to ask! 

This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. 

Say hello @creativebloodworld

Music by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Producer Lina Prestwood
Mixed by Rob Martland

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

Arielle dropped out of school aged 15 to sail across the Atlantic in a vintage boat - an unpopular decision with the grownups in her life and also the dawn of an incredible creative career as a multimedia artist and filmmaker that has seen her exhibit alongside the likes of Nan Goldin, Wolfgang Tillmans and collaborate with rock royalty. 

We caught up with the polymath in a rare still moment at her home in Venice, California where she was nursing a broken shoulder (rather than surfing, kayaking, taking photos, painting or making music videos) to pull ten cards from The Creative Blood Experience deck.

In the episode Arielle references Julian Schnabel’s outdoor studio  which you can see in this film by Nowness, one of her favourite photographers Bill Henson who she connected with on his socials and the Language Transfer App she’s using to learn Italian at speed.

And take a leaf out of Arielle’s playbook and connect with her on Insta.

After you’ve listened (or even whilst!) take a closer look at her Archipelago series, the first ever show at LA’s renowned fashion and art space, Just One Eye.

This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. 

Say hello @creativebloodworld

Music by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Producer Lina Prestwood
Mixed by Rob Martland

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

Travelling the world with just three briefcases, a backpack and his enormous canvases, Samuel de Saboia is considered by many to be a contemporary art prodigy. We caught up with the Brazilian creative nomad in the middle of an art residency in Italy where he was surrounded by birds and statues of deities from around the world. 

Samuel’s multimedia paintings and sculptures are huge, swirling, colourful odes to Afro-Presentism. His first major solo show in New York, aged just 20 was called Beautiful Wounds and was about the deaths of five of his friends over a period of just six months. 

He has since exhibited in Zurich, Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Marrakesh, Mexico City, and all over Brazil and has close ties with the world of fashion and design; he’s painted the cover for the September issue of Vogue, Brazil, been the cover star of Harper’s Bazaar Art issue  and Comme des Garçons named him their Artist of the year in 2022. 

Where on earth is Samuel this month? Check out his insta.  

During our conversation Samuel mentioned curator Alayo Akinkugbe whose work as ABlackHistoryofArt can be explored here and Osei Bonsu, the Curator of International Art at Tate Modern, London. 

Want to delve further into Samuel’s art? Try this i-D article.
This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios. 

Say hello @creativebloodworld

Music by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Producer Lina Prestwood
Mixed by ORO Audio

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

Last year Max Osinski had barely touched a soccer ball in his life. Now, thanks to his turn in Ted Lasso as spiritual diva and football legend Zava, he’s a fully playable character on FIFA.

Born in an Austrian refugee camp, raised in Chicago and now living in London Max’s approach to auditions, preparing for a role being on set and working with legends such as Tom Hanks has seen him in Marvel’s Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Walking Dead: World Beyond as well as the movies “In Time” and “Love and Other Drugs”.

This Summer, he came into our Shoreditch Studio, and pulled ten cards from The Creative Blood Experience deck and in the process, revealed the art of navigating the uncertainty of the acting profession whilst maintaining not just resilience, but a sense of wonder and awe along the way.
 
Here’s Max on insta and his partner in art + life, wife Dichen Lachman.
This profile in Vanity Fair gives more insight into the Ted Lasso experience.
Improve your own accent game in the The International Dialects of English Archive
And join Max (sort of) on the sofa and try Idris Elba’s Hijack.

This episode was created in partnership with the brilliant humans here Creative Blood and Scenery Studios.

Say hello @creativebloodworld

Music by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Producer Lina Prestwood
Mixed by Rob Martland

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

A self-confessed studio nerd, Georgia Barnes began her career drumming for Kwes, Kae Tempest and Micachu before signing with Domino records and releasing her self-titled debut album in 2015 to critical acclaim. She earned a Mercury nomination for her second album, Seeking Thrills, and has since gone on to collaborate with everyone from Years and Years’ frontman Olly Alexander and Gorillaz to Shania Twain and Vampire Weekend.

We joined the deeply down-to-earth, multi-talented musician for an intimate chat in her home studio. During the episode, Georgia shares the female music influences who’ve shaped her career from Kate Bush to Missy Elliott, waxes lyrical about the joys of analogue, explains how a 9-5 approach can be surprisingly conducive to creativity, and spills the T on how Shania Twain takes her tea, and that’s not even the half of it!

“I started out with an idea that I wanted to be this one thing. Over the years, I’ve had to let that go, and I’ve got so much I can offer in different areas”

This episode is an audio goldmine of creative insights, personal reflections and industry anecdotes from the mind of an artist who eats, sleeps and breathes music. Has Georgia euphoria rubbed off on us? Absolutely.

Check out Georgia's latest single, Too much, too little.

Follow Georgia @GeorgiaUK

What did you think of this episode? Drop us a DM @creativebloodworld

EPISODE INSIGHTS

• Why overnight success is an industry myth
• Why women need to start occupying the engineering space
• How taking your time can pay off
• Why knowledge is an affirmative power that creates resilience
• The importance of being open to different creative paths
• Why routine can be good for creativity

EPISODE CREDITS

• Hosted by Laura Conway
• Produced by Scenery Studios
• Show music by Ben Tarrant-Brown

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

Over twenty years Becky Smith has become a renowned figure within the intertwining worlds of fashion and beauty.
 
Her edgy, powerful and feminine vision and keen eye for new talent has led to her becoming one of London’s most sought-after creative directors, working with leading fashion magazines and major brands including Stella McCartney, Nike, Prada and Balenciaga among many many others.

“Figure out who you are and what you want to achieve. Once you've found that, everything else will click into place."

In 2009, she founded Twin Magazine, a biannual hardback set up to showcase disobedient, rebellious and visionary creative voices through art and cultural features, and creative agency Twin Studio. Constantly breaking new ground, she’s recently turned her attention to visual art, with her new Surrey-based Gallery 13.

During this episode, Becky remembers how she got her foot in the door at i-D Magazine, the experience of working with top-tier talent (check out one of her favourite shoots, Michelle Yeoh x La Mer) and reveals how she tells the difference between a good photographer and a great one. 

Prepare for a no-nonsense masterclass in decision-making within a high-pressure environment, getting noticed in a crowded industry and why being able to execute your vision, from moodboard to reality, is essential.

EPISODE INSIGHTS

• How to get noticed in a saturated industry
• Why you should trust and follow your gut instincts
• Applying a ‘less is more’ approach to choosing projects
• Why nurturing creativity has its own rewards
• Advice for photographers trying to break into the industry

Follow @Twin.studio

What did you think of this episode? Drop us a DM @creativebloodworld

EPISODE CREDITS
Hosted by Laura Conway
Produced and mixed by Scenery Studios
Show music by Ben Tarrant-Brown

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

Globally renowned for creating iconic hairstyles on famous names and faces across music, film, fashion and art – from supermodels to Hollywood A-listers – session hair stylist Raphael Salley has amassed an awe-inspiring roll-call of devoted clients and collaborators during his expansive career.

We’re talking Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, Helena Bonham Carter, Charlotte Tilbury, Givenchy, The Vampire's Wife, Versace, Agent Provocateur, Isabel Marant, Juergen Teller, Harley Weir, Nick Knight and Edward Enninful…as well as fashion publications – Dazed, AnOther Magazine and Vogue.

From serendipitously bumping into fashion hair legend Eugene Souleiman in make-up mecca Screen Face in West London, to getting approached by global creative talent agency Streeters, to this Dazed and Confused shoot that would lead to hair consultancies for Hollywood directors Jane Campion and Matthew Vaughn, Raph tells us about the moments that shaped his career and lets us in on his secrets for getting the best out of a subject in the styling seat.

During the episode, Raph also opens up to us about how he rebuilt his confidence and his career after overcoming a life-changing trauma and the lessons he learned along the way. 

“Once the trust is gained with the artist, once that person is feeling comfortable in your chair, you can pretty much do anything! They'll say, yeah, go for it”.

Wondering what that book of healing poetry Raph mentioned a certain actor read to him was? Wonder no further. 

EPISODE INSIGHTS

• Developing long-lasting relationships with A-list clients
• The importance of seeing an opportunity and taking it
• Rebuilding a career in the wake of physical trauma
• Stories from an illustrious career

Find out more about Raph @raphaelsalley

We’d love to know what you thought of the episode @creativebloodworld

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosted by Laura Conway
Produced by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Music by Ben Tarrant-Brown

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of 50 question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

New York-based Casey Brooks began her visual career shooting stills of friends in her dance community, and as her photographic technique developed so did her keen eye for movement and motion. 

She’s gone on to collaborate with some of the greatest talent in the dance world. To give a flavour: Beyoncé’s choreographer Dana Foglia, MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Michelle Dorrance, Emma Portner, Soraya Lundy, and principal dancers from The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Shen Wei, and Cedar Lake Ballet.

In this episode, Casey explains how she navigates between creative and commercially viable projects, the importance of an awe-inspiring outdoor location and what’s next on her artistic agenda. She reveals the preparation, communication and creative pragmatism that goes into getting a job done on schedule and within budget – from ensuring shots are set up precisely to playing your part in a team.


EPISODE INSIGHTS

• How early experiences can make an impression and shape a career
• Why having collaborators who are just as invested as you is crucial
• How to get the best out of a performer
• Subverting the ‘suffering artist’ stereotype

Find out more about Casey @caseybrooks_

Thoughts on the episode? Drop us a DM @creativebloodworld

Hosted by Laura Conway
Produced by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Music by Ben Tarrant-Brown

Creatively Down and Dirty is our new podcast series where we deep-dive with one creator into one project. Prepare to hear it all, from what sparked the initial idea from the high-highs to the low-lows during the making of it and ultimately, how it got released out into the wide world.

What began as a commission for a tour documentary turned into Antony Crook’s debut feature film, and all because of a global pandemic! In this very special episode, we caught up with Antony amidst the madness of SXSW, where he premiered If the Stars had a Sound, celebrating legendary Scottish band Mogwai.

Originally from Manchester and now based in Upstate New York with his family, Antony started out as a photographer, and has shot icons from David Hockney to Snoop Dogg. He then made the leap into filmmaking with a music video for his friend’s band, Mogwai, which went viral on Nowness over a decade ago. Now he’s come full circle with this film that reflects the personal relationships, integrity and creativity that went into the making of it, and it’s been perfectly summarised by The Austin Chronicle as “A true underdog story and a breathtaking look at community-building”.

From throwing out the rulebook to being given Mogwai’s music stems, from sifting through days of GoPro footage to sourcing funding to inviting fans to be part of the journey…Antony reveals the depth, detail and devotion it takes to get a project of this scale off the ground and into the world.

“I didn't want the film to be like anything else out there. Mogwai have always done their own thing, their way, and this film had to be consistent with that”

If the Stars had a Sound is a must-watch and screens later this month at various festivals, including Sheffield DocFest and Raindance Film Festival. Follow @AntonyCrook and @Mogwaiband for the latest! 

EPISODE INSIGHTS

• Transforming obstacles into opportunities
• Why relationships matter in the business of creativity
• How throwing out the rulebook can reignite possibility
• How subject matter can inform the creative approach
• Why mood trumped chronology in the edit

Thoughts on the episode? DM us @creativebloodworld 

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosted by Laura Conway
Produced by Scenery Studios

Creatively Down and Dirty is our new podcast series where we deep-dive with one creator into one project. Prepare to hear it all, from what sparked the initial idea from the high-highs to the low-lows during the making of it and ultimately, how it got released out into the wide world.

For anyone considering making a brave and bold leap into new territory, welcome to the perfect case study! In this episode, we delve into the story behind Proshine—a portable, natural, high-shine body oil that Ciara, and, as it turned out, the industry, was missing.

“I needed a solid body oil. I needed it to be portable, I needed it to be natural, I needed it to be high-shine under direct light. No shimmer, no glitter, no colour…I had such a clear idea”

From fear of failure to huge personal financial risks, to the passion, persistence and tenacity needed to reap the rewards, Ciara describes with fierce candour the organic journey she went on to get her product made and onto the shelves. She talks us through how she landed on the idea, perfected the formula, navigated branding and marketing, right through to getting stocked — and all while juggling a demanding career.

Originally from Tipperary, Ireland, Ciara has worked with Madonna, Liv Tyler, Millie Bobby Brown, and Alexa Chung, to name a few! Plus brands from J.W. Anderson and Ralph Lauren to Miu Miu and Agent Provocateur, with her work featured on covers for Perfect, Dazed & Confused, Vogue, POP and LOVE magazines.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the graft behind the glamour, and a rare insight into bringing a product to life!

Follow @ciaradoesmakeup / @proshine_by_cdm for stockists

EPISODE INSIGHTS

• Balancing an established career with a new, all-consuming enterprise
• The importance of of activating your own network
• Navigating the dos and don’ts of social media for business
• How a practical need inspired a practical solution
• Why nothing happens unless you accept the challenge and go on the journey

Thoughts on the episode? Drop us a DM @creativebloodworld

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosted by Laura Conway
Produced by Scenery Studios

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of fifty question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

Originally from the gritty favelas of São Paulo, Brazil, Emerson Miller moved to Los Angeles to chase his dream of becoming a photographer. While working at a car wash on Hollywood Blvd, he had a chance encounter with Nicole Muirbrook – the wife of Taylor Sheridan, creator of smash-hit TV show Yellowstone – which landed him the gig as the show’s on-set photographer, rapidly transforming dream into reality.

Since then, he’s shot everyone from Angelina Jolie to Kevin Costner to Dame Helen Mirren and Sam Elliott, with his work appearing in Vogue, GQ and Elle and on billboards all over the world.

The job of an on-set photographer is a little-known, but integral role for any TV show and film, with their photographs used across everything promotional – including billboards, social media, magazines, you name it! Here, Emerson shares his personal experience of how he works on set (spoiler: it may involve interrupting Kevin Costner’s reverie!), how he picks his moments between takes, plus, the charisma, talent and nerve needed to get that shot.

“Angelina Jolie said to me “buddy your job here is literally 99% of the marketing and if you want me to climb a tree, I probably will, because we are helping each other””

Follow Emerson @emersonmiller

EPISODE INSIGHTS

• A window into life working on a smash-hit show
• Learning on the job (fast) and on-set etiquette
• How to identify and capture ‘the moment’
• The value of a mentor
• How personal reinvention can take you where you want to be
• Why a photographer’s job is to remain open to the creative process

Thoughts on the episode? Drop us a DM @creativebloodworld

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosted by Laura Conway
Produced by Scenery Studios
Show music by Ben Tarrant-Brown

Welcome to the Creative Blood Experience. One culture-defining creative guest… One passionate host… And a deck of fifty question cards designed to yield incredible creative tips, real life experiences and untold stories from the artists working across the creative industries today!

Shantell Martin is not your average artist. She’s also a public speaker, cultural facilitator, curator, choreographer, songwriter, performer and mentor. And it’s this all-embracing, boundary-blurring approach to creativity and artmaking that forms the basis of this episode.

“For those of us who didn’t grow up going to museums and galleries, the art around us is what people are wearing. For us, the museum is the postcard on your fridge, it’s the t-shirt you’re wearing, it’s the sneakers you’re wearing”.

Originally from Thamesmead in South East London – the iconic brutalist housing estate where A Clockwork Orange was famously filmed – and now based in LA, Shantell is known for her signature, stream-of-consciousness line drawings, murals and ‘who are you?’ slogan. Her kaleidoscopic CV has seen her collaborate with brands including Max Mara, The North Face, Tiffany and Co., as well as institutions MIT, The Whitney and Boston Ballet (where she also choreographed) and establish her own podcast series What’s the Point? She even has her own open source font ‘Shantell Sans’! And that, if you can believe it, that’s just for starters!

Having navigated her way through the murky waters of the ‘art’ world and got to a place where she now has the creative freedom to explore, in this episode she generously and candidly shares her experiences, learnings and insights picked up along the way. From why every artist needs a cocktail of skills, to what feedback to ignore, Shantell shines a light on the practical, proactive mindset needed to thrive within an opaque system.

Follow Shantell @shantell_martin 

EPISODE INSIGHTS

• What you don’t get told about the artists who’ve “made it” (and the hustling involved)
• Why you need to trust in your own vision
• The value of peer support, mentorship, patronage and anyone fighting your corner
• Why art can exist everywhere, beyond the museum walls and traditional spaces
  
  

Thoughts on the episode? DM us @creativebloodworld

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosted by Laura Conway
Produced by Scenery Studios
Show music by Ben Tarrant-Brown

When Emma Westenberg landed the job directing the music video for Janelle Monae’s track, PYNK, it opened a Narnia-like door to a whole new world of creative possibility. The video – which featured Monae wearing those iconic vulva trousers – went viral, clocking up more than 16M views to date, earning Emma both a Grammy and MTV Music Video Award-nomination, and perhaps best of all, being described as “a Queen” by Janelle herself.

Since then, her career has accelerated in all directions—from a Super Bowl ad spot featuring Zoe Kravitz, to music videos for Troye Sivan, Princess Nokia and Rico Nasty, to commercial work for clients from ASOS to Vogue, to directing a feature starring celebrated Scottish actor, Ewan McGregor (OBE!) and his real-life daughter Clara in Bleeding Love—and it doesn’t stop there!

No matter what the scale and nature, Emma brings her distinctly witty and whimsical aesthetic to every project, and, in this beautifully candid episode, she talks us through some of the challenges, lessons and moments of magic along the way—from working with tricky collaborators under pressure, to the simple joy of making art for art’s sake.

“I think only the crazy ideas are the brilliant ones. I like things that are unexpected, or offbeat, or that rattle you in some way. You want art to do that, to show you something new or exciting” — Emma Westenberg

Follow Emma @emma.westenberg

EPISODE INSIGHTS

• How perseverance and rising to the challenge can reap huge rewards
• The water-off-a-duck’s-back mindset needed to stay focused and resilient
• Why tapping back into the joy of art-making is essential
• How projects that feel chaotic in the making can turn out to be the best in the edit

Thoughts on the episode? Drop us a DM @creativebloodworld

EPISODE CREDITS

Episode hosted by Laura Conway
Produced by Scenery Studios
Show music by Ben Tarrant-Brown
Video by Nicola Collins

From his ‘Orgasm Portraits’ for Lars von Trier’s Nymphomaniac to shooting the likes of Harry Styles, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe and Kirsten Dunst (to name a few), Danish-born Casper Sejersen is known for creating iconic visuals for brands including Alexander McQueen, Gucci and Burberry, and editorial platforms such as Dazed, and Beauty Papers… as well as publishing zines, directing a TV series, and that’s just for starters!

In this episode, we journey into his psycho-visceral world, as he shares how he found his photographic feet in commercial photography before transitioning into fashion editorial, cinema and fine art, where he found creative freedom. You’ll also hear about the poetry and pianist that inspires him, the deeply personal reason why he began taking more risks, and how – with meticulous preparation and by allowing them to share in his artistic vision – he gets the best out of his creative collaborators – both behind and in front of his lens.

“When I shoot Cate Blanchett with, you know, a banana, she's still wearing Gucci. And for me, that kind of cultural icon with the reference to Andy Warhol’s Velvet Underground cover — that’s fashion to me”

Until next time, Farvel!

Follow @caspersejersenstudio
And a big thank you to Julia at MAP for bringing us all together!

EPISODE INSIGHTS

• How a well-prepared, safe space leads to beautiful ‘mistakes’
• Why having plans A, B, and C is key when working with clients
• The reward of pitching bold ideas to the right people
• How commercial, editorial, and personal work all feed into each other

Thoughts on the episode? DM us @creativebloodworld

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosted by Laura Conway
Produced by Scenery Studios
Episode music by Ben Tarrant-Brown

Welcome inside the world of Lee Williams, the creator behind two of London’s photographic institutions- Rapid Eye Darkrooms & the Photobook Cafe - both of which we are proud to say are our neighbours, right here in the heart of Shoreditch. 

Typically, you’d find our guest for this episode, Lee Williams, behind the scenes, coming up with ideas that foster community and natural habitats for creative humans working in fashion, advertising and film- alongside (unknowingly) being recognised as a mentor to them. 

In this episode, we’re taking you even deeper into Lee’s personal story and how he’s turned his passion into not one, but two thriving businesses. 

From leaving his native Wales and working weekends in an East London darkroom,  to receiving a £250 grant from the Princes Trust that led to him setting up his very own, Lee exposes his ambition behind a beloved community institution. And then right back to the present day - on why he encourages photographers to talk about their work during the printing process at Rapid Eye, and how his interest in the concept of  “third spaces”  led to the creation of the Photobook Cafe…

It’s also important to mention the two powerhouse women at the helm of both Rapid Eye and Photobook Cafe, making it all actually happen - Lee’s wife Sebi & London nightlife legend Farika Holden. A massive shout-out to you both!

Consider this episode your warm and cosy entrance into Lee’s roots, mindset and above all, passion for photography. It’s a truly rare insight into his photographic universe. 

Follow @rapideye.darkroom & @photobookcafe

EPISODE INSIGHTS

• Why following your curiosity can lead to everything falling into place
• Why analogue photography is more relevant than ever
• How personal projects feed passion and help build community

Thoughts on the episode? DM us @creativebloodworld

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosted by Laura Conway

Produced by Scenery Studios

Show music by Ben Tarrant-Brown

“I’ve always been authentic and that’s always served me well. I remember Eddie Murphy being very amused by my banter.”

When Oprah says, “People get to where they want to go because they know where they want to go,” how do you even begin to answer that? Especially when you’re a Mancunian-born actor who’s spent over two decades living and working in Hollywood. That’s exactly what we asked Marsha Thomason in this candid, access-all-areas conversation—recorded from a slightly seismic LA (seriously, listen out for the tremor in the second half!).

With infectious enthusiasm, ambition and off-the-charts charisma, Marsha has built an extraordinary career on screen, holding her own alongside legends like Helen Mirren, Richard Griffiths, Terence Stamp, and Eddie Murphy. From Better Things and Las Vegas to Lost, The Haunted Mansion, and ITV’s The Bay, she’s done it all, on both sides of the pond—winning lead roles in major TV shows and Hollywood hits while navigating the industry’s twists and turns.

In this episode, Marsha gives us the raw, inside track on how she made it to Hollywood: from cutting her teeth on a Saturday morning kids’ show to how she landed her first US role, to bouncing back from a box office flop (released in the wake of 9/11). You’ll hear all about the chutzpah, resilience, and sheer delusion needed to get ahead and stay the course. 

Follow Marsha @iammarshathomason

WHAT TO EXPECT 

• The joy of working with an auteur (Pamela Adlon)
• Unforgettable career pinch-me moments
• The importance of representation in front of and behind the lens 
• The power of collaboration between cast and crew
• How timing can make or break a show’s success

Thoughts on the episode? We’d love to hear them—DM us @creativebloodworld

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosted by Laura Conway

Produced by Scenery Studios

Show music by Ben Tarrant-Brown

On April 29th, Creative Blood launches a new podcast. Genuine conversations with the artists, entrepreneurs and creative minds who know no boundaries. If you’ve ever wanted a backstage pass into the world of creativity from the best in the business, this one’s for you!

What started as a passion project has quickly become all about bringing together a global community of like-minded thinkers – so we’d love you to join the conversation on Instagram and tell us where you’re listening from. 

In this first episode of the Creative Blood podcast host Laura Conway sits down with legendary pianist Mike Garson from his home studio in Los Angeles. Best known as David Bowie’s pianist, Mike insists that the starting point for every artist must be with doing your homework, and boy, has this guy done his! He shares how he lives his life like a piano improvisation, why he believes that your self and your art should be one and the same and how getting a random call from Bowie led to him finding his home in rock’n’roll. As for turning down Frank Sinatra, walking away from a Buddy Rich audition and why he loves to “pay it forward" - it’s all in there. Mike's passion for music and life will ooze through your speakers as he shares his incredible ride of creative highs and lows, with a tonne of heart and soul. 

Say hello on Instagram @creativebloodworld

Learn more about Mike via his site. 

Emmy award-winning artist and filmmaker Alex Prager invites you into her creative universe and shares why her fiercely focussed boxer mindset is so necessary. During this intimate conversation with Creative Blood podcast host, Laura Conway, Alex reveals the moment that set her on a mission to create, how every art show leaves her a changed woman and why we should all follow our intuition. As for being a child actor in the famed ‘Tales of the Crypt’ and loving life’s eccentricities – it’s all in there. If this episode doesn’t encourage you to follow your intuition, feel the fear and do it anyway in the name of creativity – drinks are on us! 

Say hello on Instagram @creativebloodworld

Learn more about Alex via her site. 

Turn your speakers up to eleven as Oscar nominated film producer Orian Williams shares his Hollywood world with infectious enthusiasm. Speaking to host Laura Conway ahead of his directorial debut on the biopic of iconic musician Jeff Buckley, Orian’s jaw-dropping stories will ignite your senses. From his unique casting approach for the award-winning film ‘Control', to tequila shots with legendary movie producer Robert Evans, this is the backstage pass to Hollywood you’ve been waiting for, and a unique window into Orian's extraordinary world that he’s created by making the impossible, possible. Get ready – this episode is a rock’n’roll masterclass in passion and persistence!

Say hello on Instagram @creativebloodworld

Learn more about Orian @orianw. 

Fearlessly supporting over 800 employees inside global digital agency, VaynerMedia, is where you’ll find our guest Claude Silver. There’s nothing in the world of advertising that this Chief Heart Officer hasn’t seen or experienced in her 20+ year career, and the candid anecdotes she shares are familiar, for sure! Consider this episode career coaching for your soul as Claude fills your creative boots with her game changing approach to putting people first in business, why it’s our responsibility to teach others and how to give creatives the opportunity to thrive. If you're curious, love what you do and want to be better, this Creative Blood podcast is for you! If you’ve got bigger questions about next chapters and how to navigate them, lean in. As Claude says, us humans can be messy - but couple that with her unwavering belief that we can be better, she’s one in a million and all yours for the next 34 minutes!

Say hello on Instagram @creativebloodagency

Connect with Claude on Instagram and LinkedIn

In the latest episode of the Creative Blood podcast, host Laura Conway jumps on a Zoom with the founder of Not Just A Label, Stefan Siegel, who’s parked up in a field in MARFA, Texas. When most people found comfort in their homes during the pandemic, Stefan found comfort packing up his world in LA, hitting the road in a 27ft Airstream, driving across the United States and sleeping under the stars. He is refreshingly transparent around the highs and lows of his extraordinary life decisions, explains why he believes they put him on “the fringes of society” and describes how his super power of persistence has been a key ingredient to NJAL's global success. Rewind to him training to be a jet fighter pilot in the Italian Navy, walking away from a lucrative career at investment bank Merrill Lynch (ignited by his lucky escape from a near fatal car accident) and you’ll likely be asking what this entrepreneur hasn't done in this life! Stefan's unique combination of strategic mind and creative soul will leave you with the powerful reminder that we get one shot on this planet - so turn your headphones up and make it count!

Say hello on Instagram @creativebloodworld

Learn more about Stefan via his site 

In a time when we’re scrolling content platforms all day every day for inspiration (yikes!)... grab a brew and get ready to breathe a sigh of relief as we talk to Dutch Photographer and Filmmaker Vincent van de Wijngaard.

With unwavering warmth and humility, Vincent shares how his investigative commitment to craft, coupled with a dedication to supporting next gen photographers has been part of his bigger picture from day one. He passionately describes his roots in street photography, his collaborations with partner Saskia De Brauw and playfully shares with host Laura Conway his pre-shoot “practicalities” – it’s a candid and rare insight into this celebrated artist's mind – and for that, we are most grateful. From fashion photographer to international creative collaborator, and everything in-between, the layers to Vincent’s world are right here to be found… and we’re going in!

Say hello on Instagram @creativebloodworld

Learn more about Vincent @vincentvandewijngaard 

If you’re a movie lover, creative thinker, aspiring actor or even perhaps considering how you make it out the other side of this festive break, this guy has you covered.

He is Academy Award nominated actor Chris Sarandon, and seeing as the holidays are upon us, we should make the connection that you’ll probably know him as the speaking voice of loveable Jack Skellington in Tim Burton’s, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Eureka!

In this episode, Chris shares refreshingly candid anecdotes from a lifetime in entertainment and how his professional and personal growth have always gone hand in hand.

We’re talking empathy, collaboration, the art of “the process” and what happens when a notoriously tricky Director leaves you with only one option…

These days, Chris prefers to focus on his legacy as a human as opposed to his IMDB credentials – however, with everyone from Hollywood royalty such as Al Pacino and Goldie Hawn, through to cult and animation classics in the mix, we’ll happily take that baton and shout from the rooftops for him! Ladies and gentleman, please press play for the incomparable, Mr Chris Sarandon.

Say hello on Instagram @creativebloodworld
Learn more about Chris via his Instagram @theofficialchrissarandon.

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Keep your eyes and ears peeled on Chris’ social's for the launch of his very own podcast in the new year celebrating his love of food, and a special thank you to recording artist Aaron David Gleason for connecting us with Chris.

Back in April, David Bowie’s pianist and collaborator, Mike Garson gave us too much material for one episode (yes, a first world problem!), so we decided a bonus episode dedicated to his Bowie anecdotes was the only way to go...

You’re about to hear stories about a friendship that only those who were in the room at the time can share. Yes, Bowie was a game changer for us artists and music lovers, and he was also an innovator, with bigger questions around creativity just like we all have. This episode is a huge gift from Mike and is dedicated to our Creative community, just as Bowie himself would have wanted.

As the holidays are upon us, we would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a peaceful festive period and a rock’n'roll year ahead. And To my friend, Mike Garson, A gigantic thank you. YOU ROCK.

Say hello on Instagram @creativebloodworld

Learn more about Mike via his site.