There’s something to be said about trying to make art and creativity your purpose in life. There will always be hurdles and barriers, but if you want something enough, you’ll always find a way of making it happen. If you don’t believe me, then maybe the story of the latest Creative Nowhere Land Podcast guest might change your mind.
Read MoreSo… this happened! The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast has been nominated and made it through to the finals for a We Are Creative Award. Which, honestly, is kind of wild considering this podcast is still in its infancy. At the time of nomination, we had only released 12 episodes, so we’re still finding our way and learning all this as we go. And yet—here we are.
Read MoreCreating 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 MoreWe'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 MoreWhen 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 MoreSometimes, 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 MoreAs 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 MoreI 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 MoreDean 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 MoreIn 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 MoreDiscover 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 MoreIn 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 MoreIf 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 MoreDaniel 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 MoreIn this blog, I am excited to introduce Sophie Rose Walters, an incredibly talented artist whose work is deeply influenced by traditional Japanese art and the captivating stories of Geisha culture, despite being a Brummie artist with Italian roots.
Sophie’s work blends traditional Japanese art with more modern techniques and a hell of a lot of colour. Unlike much of the original Japanese art. Sophie’s style is vibrant and bold. But finding your style can be tough for any creative. For Sophie, it was through extensive exploration and experimentation that she discovered hers. By trying out different techniques and styles, she was able to find what resonated with her.
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