MATT JOHNSON - COMMERCIAL ARTIST.
Creating art to someone else’s brief is an art form in itself. It’s about channelling your creativity within boundaries, interpreting ideas that aren’t your own, and finding a way to bring someone else’s vision to life while still infusing it with your unique touch. For many artists, it’s both a rewarding and challenging experience, requiring a blend of technical skills and adaptability. This delicate balance lies at the heart of what it means to be a commercial artist.
Matt Johnson, aka Fuzzy Concept, is not only an extraordinary artist but also one of my best friends, Matt has spent over 15 years crafting a diverse career as a commercial artist and illustrator. From private commissions, workshops and events. But what makes Matt’s journey so interesting is how he’s carved a unique niche: using art as a tool to connect and inspire. Through his collaborations with schools, colleges and pupil referral units, Matt uses art and creativity in education, empowering students to explore self-expression, build confidence, and discover the joy of creating. He’s also the latest guest on the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.
Read More
FUCK THE CRITICS!
Creation is an act of bravery. It’s the spark that turns ideas into reality, the messy process of building something from nothing. Yet, in a world where opinions are instant and critiques come easy, the work of a creator often feels like walking a tightrope without a net—delicate, precarious, and fully exposed. Why is it sometimes so easy to criticise but hard to create.
Read More
BECKY WEIR - MIDLAND THERAPY GROUP
We've all felt the weight of mental health struggles, at some point or another. I know I have. It might not even be big stuff but sometimes life can be just a little overwhelming. Not everyone has people in their life that they can turn to in these times of stress so, they might consider turning to a professional. This is where the latest guest on The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast might be able to help. Someone who has been one of the biggest inspirations in my life, my sister, Becky Weir.
Read More
LACHLAN MONAGHAN - BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET.
When you think of ballet, you might picture the graceful poise of a principal dancer on stage, the perfect execution of every leap and pirouette. But, what you maybe don’t think about is the journey that dancer has been on to even get to that stage. The story of hours of dedication, resilience, grit, and a relentless pursuit of perfection, even though it may not even exist.
Read More
UNDERSTANDING CREATIVE BLOCKS!
I feel like we have all been there! Picture this: you’re staring down a blank page, a looming deadline, or that ambitious project you’ve been dreaming about for ages. Your imagination should be running wild, right? Instead, nothing’s there. It’s like your brain hit the pause button. The dreaded “creative block” kicks in! It’s not just about artists tussling with empty canvases—entrepreneurs, goal-setters, and anyone trying to build something new can hit this wall, too. The first step to tackling any creative blocks is understanding them. In this post, we’ll uncover what creative blocks actually are, why they show up, and what their presence might be trying to tell us.
Read More
THE TRUTH ABOUT STARTING!
We all have dreams, ideas, and things we want to create. Maybe it's a business, a book, an art project or even a podcast — something that burns inside of you. Yet, somehow, the act of starting it can feel overwhelming. Like a mountain that’s hard to climb, full of obstacles. But what if I told you that most of those obstacles aren’t real? What if the roadblocks we face are just lies we’ve been told or that we are telling ourselves?
Read More
MARK WILKINSON - ARTIST
Sometimes, you meet people and, after spending a little time with them, you realise that they’re devoted to their craft. They live it, they breathe it, and they will keep doing it no matter what! Their passion is woven into everything they do. But it’s not just what they do—it’s who they are! Whether celebrated or unnoticed, they carry on with the same intensity and drive to always be doing their ‘thing’. Artist Mark Wilkinson is one of those people and he agreed to tell us more about his journey on The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.
Read More
THE COST OF CREATIVITY!
The ‘starving artist’! It almost seems like the norm that if you’re creative, you’re likely to be less financially stable, shall we say! Now, that’s not always the case and shouldn’t have to be these days, but financial insecurity is a very real problem. One that I’ve felt it. Hell, I’ve spent most of my career feeling it. Maybe you have, too. When I polled my community on social media, 47% said that financial insecurity was a huge worry in their creative lives. Nearly half. It’s a shared weight we don’t always talk about but often carry alone. Let’s try and change that.
Read More
JOHN SEWELL - FOUNDER COSIMO.ART
As artists, many of us have heard the same story over and over again: to be "serious" about our craft, we need to suffer for it. The narrative of the “starving artist” has been romanticized for generations, leaving countless creatives feeling like they have to choose between their passion and making a living. But what if we could have both?
Read More
GABRIELLE HUNT - MAKE UP ARTIST
I love being able to shine a light on some of the people that I’m closest to, and this truly special human has been making my photographic work look good for years now! Gabrielle Hunt, an internationally acclaimed makeup artist and a former Makeup Artist of the Year winner and, more importantly, my mate! Gaby agreed to come on the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast and give us an insight into her creative world.
Read More
THE POWER OF FAILING!
Failure—just the word itself can make our hearts sink. It’s a punch to the gut, a reality check, and something we’re often taught to avoid at all costs. But what if I told you that failure is one of the most valuable tools in your creative, entrepreneurial, or goal-setting journey?
I know, I know—no one wants to fail. But here's the thing: failure is, somewhat, inevitable, and it’s packed with hidden benefits that can actually move you forward in ways success alone never could.
Read More
DEAN GORDON - CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR
Dean Gordon is an award-winning creative and entrepreneur. Dean is a remarkable, creative mind and one of the most driven, disciplined, and determined individuals. He is constantly working towards building and achieving his goals and has inspired me for the last 20+ years since we first met at university.
Read More
AVA KHERA - OIL PAINTER
In the latest Creative Nowhere Land Podcast episode, I’m excited to feature Ava Khera, a talented self-taught oil painter and runner-up in last year's Women in Art Prize. Known for her evocative portrayals of women and their deep connection to the natural world, Ava's artwork resonates with viewers, inviting them to explore the hidden narratives woven into her pieces below the surface.
Read More
IMPOSTER SYNDROME - PROOF YOU'RE GROWING!
Ever find yourself doubting your abilities? Or feel like you're not qualified or experienced enough for what you're doing? Whether you’re a creative, an entrepreneur, or someone working toward a big goal, imposter syndrome is a universal experience. And here’s the surprising part: it’s a good thing. Yes, you read that right! Imposter syndrome could actually be proof that you’re pushing your limits, growing and evolving. Let’s dive into why.
Read More
WIZZ SELVEY - BRAND & RETAIL STRATEGIST
Discover the secrets to scaling your brand and making money with Wizz Selvey, of Wizz&Co. An expert strategist with 20 years of experience and a client list of the who’s who of brands. Recognised as one of the top retail experts of 2024, Wizz is a sought-after speaker on stages and panels worldwide, and she agreed to come on to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast to give us some of her valuable insights.
Wizz unpacks her journey from creative beginnings in textile design, to shaping some of the biggest names in retail while working as Head of Buying for Selfridges, and now working to help brands build and scale. With a blend of creativity and sharp business insight, she offers actionable advice that will leave you inspired and help get you ready to elevate your brand.
Read More
WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?
So, what’s your problem? Let’s talk about the real stuff. The messy stuff. The kind of stuff that makes you question yourself and doubt why you even started in the first place. Well, if you’re a creative, entrepreneur, artist, or even an ambitious goal-setter, chances are you’ve faced more roadblocks than you care to admit along your journey. But here’s the kicker: to solve any of these problems you face, you have to identify them first!
Read More
PAUL STRINGER - FILMMAKER & PHOTOGRAPHER
In the latest Creative Nowhere Land Podcast episode, I’m thrilled to feature, my good friend, Paul Stringer. An award-winning documentary filmmaker, photographer, and now studio owner who has carved a unique niche in his love for poetry and social impact storytelling. Paul's journey from an eager media student to a socially conscious storyteller exemplifies the transformative power of seizing opportunities and pursuing your passion.
Read More
CREATIVITY WITH A CAPITAL 'C'!
Are you one of those people that thinks that creativity is just for those artsy types—the painters, the musicians, the writers holed up in coffee shops with their vintage typewriters? If so, it’s time to throw that notion out the window, along with any self-doubt about your own creative skills. Creativity with a capital ‘C’ isn’t just about art it’s about life, innovation, and unlocking a world of possibilities in every corner of our everyday experiences.
Curious? Let’s dive into what this whole "Creativity with a capital 'C'" thing is all about and how it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to live a more fulfilling, adventurous, and inspired life. Spoiler alert: this includes you!
Read More
ARRAN GULLIVER - PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE
If anyone knows how to achieve goals it’s Arran Gulliver. An all-around inspiring guy and also a professional athlete and member of the record-breaking British bobsleigh team. Who, in 2023, Arrans's debut season, made history by winning gold at the European Bobsleigh Championships and silver at the World Championships.
Arran and his teammates Brad Hall, Greg Cackett and Taylor Lawrence, have excelled as a team and finally ended an 84-year wait for a four-man bobsleigh world championship medal for Great Britain. But any road to greatness requires you to overcome challenges, be determined and most importantly be disciplined.
Read More
DANIEL LOPEZ - ARTIST
Daniel Lopez is a versatile visual artist renowned for his work across multiple disciplines, including ceramics and watercolour. Born in Andalusia, Spain, Daniel's artistic path was profoundly influenced by his mother, a professional printer, and his creative upbringing. His journey from Spain to England, via Cuba, and his subsequent artistic rebirth is a testament to his dedication, versatility, and unwavering passion for art.
Daniel is celebrated for his ability to traverse multiple artistic disciplines with ease. Finding the right medium to express his creative language. Daniel’s work in ceramics and watercolour exemplifies his diverse skill set and his capacity to innovate within traditional mediums. Each piece, whether it’s a dramatic watercolour painting or a finely crafted ceramic sculpture of a cardboard box, showcases his meticulous attention to detail and his profound understanding of form, technique and colour.
Read More
