Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Each Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode packed with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to fuel your creative journey as the week winds down. Whether you need a quick shot of motivation or insights to carry you through, we've got you covered.

In this episode, host Katy Cowan reflects on her thought-provoking conversation with Holly Howard, who explores alternative ways for creatives to market themselves outside of social media. Holly's advice challenges us to focus on meaningful connections and slow-building relationships in a world where everyone seems to demand instant results. If you're feeling overwhelmed by social media, this is one conversation you don't want to miss.

In Creative News, we look at the UK's recent Budget and whether it has any impact on the creative sector, York's celebration as a UNESCO City of Media Arts, and the return of Wallace and Gromit in Vengeance Most Fowl.

TSpotlight features predictions from industry leaders on design trends for 2025—a year that's shaping up to be pivotal as we balance tech and humanity in design.

For our Book of the Week, we highlight Expressive Type Today by Counter-Print, a beautifully curated collection that showcases typography as more than just text—it's an expressive art form.

And in our Tip of the Week, we're celebrating the upcoming World Kindness Day with a reminder of how small acts of kindness can uplift the entire creative community.

Next Monday, Katy sits down with David Sedgwick of Studio DBD in Manchester for a heartwarming chat about creativity, resilience, and everything in between.

This week, we sit down with creative consultant Holly Howard, who discusses her recent course, Beyond the Feed, and the evolving landscape of marketing for creatives. It will be a welcome conversation for anyone sick of chasing 'likes' and not getting the same engagement we once enjoyed.

But here's the thing: Holly emphasises the importance of understanding the fundamentals of marketing and sales, not just relying on social media algorithms. She explains how, over time, social media has shifted from community-based engagement to algorithm-driven content, and many creatives have lost sight of their original goals.

Holly's approach is designed to help creatives refocus on sustainable business practices, encouraging them to build meaningful, long-term relationships with their audience and clients. She believes we can still thrive without being tethered to social platforms, highlighting how crucial it is to nurture real connections, understand audience needs, and develop strong communication skills.

Throughout our chat, she really hits home the power of personal branding and positioning oneself as a guide rather than a hero, especially when approaching potential clients. She also touches on the role AI can play in supporting creative businesses, helping them streamline tasks like project management, client communications, and marketing strategies.

For designers and illustrators feeling overwhelmed by social media fatigue – and hey, you're not alone – Holly offers insights on how to embrace alternative marketing methods and stay relevant in a world that seems to demand constant attention. Her practical advice encourages us to focus on what truly matters for our careers: strong relationships, a clear vision, and authentic, enthusiastic engagement with our work.

Holly also shares her thoughts on 'visioning' as a tool for success and how it helps us creatives clarify our goals, both professionally and personally. This episode is packed with actionable tips for freelancers and entrepreneurs alike, especially those looking to step away from the pressures of social media and the increasing "sea of sameness" to build a sustainable, fulfilling creative practice.

Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Each Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode packed with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to fuel your creative journey as the week winds down. Whether you need a quick shot of motivation or insights to carry you through, we've got you covered.

In this episode, Katy reflects on her inspiring conversation with Kwame Taylor-Hayford, the new D&AD president and co-founder of Kin. Together, they explore the impact of empathy, connection, and curiosity in creative careers and discuss D&AD's mission to support both emerging and mid-career creatives. Kwame also shares his insights on the shifting power dynamics in the industry, the role of AI, and the future of creativity. His thoughtful perspective left Katy inspired and motivated, sparking her own reflections on personal growth and career planning.

In the Creative News segment, we share the record-breaking Tim Burton exhibition at the Design Museum, a £1.7 billion investment roadmap for the Thames Estuary, and the return of Maurizio Cattelan's infamous banana art at auction.

Then, in The Spotlight, we celebrate Raw Materials' unique approach to design that led them to win D&AD's Studio of the Year. Plus, our Book of the Week showcases 1,000 Marks by Pentagram, and the Tip of the Week highlights the value of quiet confidence for creatives. Finally, in Letters to the Editor, listeners share reactions to the episode and industry insights.

Tune in next week for an inspiring chat with Holly Howard on rethinking marketing for creatives. It will be packed with actionable tips for freelancers and entrepreneurs alike, especially those looking to step away from the pressures of social media and the increasing "sea of sameness" to build a sustainable, fulfilling creative practice.

This week, we sit down with Kwame Taylor-Hayford, the new president of D&AD and co-founder of Kin in New York, to explore his mission of empowering the next generation of creative talent.

Kwame brings his extensive experience from both the agency and brand sides, having worked with industry heavyweights like Sid Lee, Saatchi & Saatchi, Anomaly, and Chobani. Our conversation delves into the challenges underrepresented groups face in the industry, the need to uplift mid-career professionals, and the power of creativity in driving meaningful change.

Kwame shares insights from his own journey, reflecting on an upbringing that spanned Ghana, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, and New York, which instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and a considered approach to leadership. We discuss the importance of creating work cultures that prioritise people's well-being, embracing diversity, and the role of travel in broadening perspectives.

In our chat, we touch on the shifting dynamics of the creative industry, where employee power is on the rise, and examine the implications of AI on creativity. Despite the increasing digitalisation of our world, Kwame emphasises why human connection remains essential. He also opens up about his journey, revealing thoughts on life balance, career aspirations, and his 20-year vision for the future.

Ultimately, this episode offers a glimpse into the mind of a creative leader who is shaping the future of D&AD and striving to make the industry more inclusive, resilient, and purpose-driven. After this fascinating conversation, it feels like a much brighter future is on the horizon.

Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Each Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode packed with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to fuel your creative journey as the week winds down.

This week, we reflect on our conversation with Lisa Smith, global executive creative director at JKR in New York. Lisa was open and honest, sharing her experiences in the creative industry, the challenges faced by women, and the value of hard work. We discussed the importance of community, cultural differences in design, and what it takes to reach the top. If you haven't listened yet, download the episode—it's a brutally honest chat with which many of you will resonate.

For this week's creative news highlights, marketing budgets are on hold. The latest IPA Bellwether Report reveals a pause in UK marketing budget growth due to uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Budget, marking the first stall in 14 quarters.

We also shared cosy games for mental health. Games like Animal Crossing and Pokémon are helping players cope with anxiety and depression, offering a soothing escape and a sense of community.

And Bluesky surges in popularity. Jack Dorsey's decentralised social network, Bluesky, is now a top-five social app following changes at X (formerly Twitter), driving users to seek alternatives.

This week's Spotlight article on Creative Boom tackles a question that many creatives face: where's the best place to work as a creative—agency, in-house, or freelance? It explores the pros and cons of working in these different scenarios. It's a must-read for anyone considering a change or starting out in the industry.

Our Book of the Week is Legal Roadmap for your Creative Business by Kiffanie Stahle. This guide simplifies the legal side of running a creative business, offering clear steps to protect your assets without getting lost in jargon.

Choosing the right fonts can make or break a design. Here's a quick rundown: match the font to the brand's personality, prioritise readability, consider technical aspects, and always test across different media. For more tips, check out the full article on Creative Boom.

On Monday, Kwame Taylor-Hayford, the new D&AD president and co-founder of Kin, will join us. We'll discuss his mission to empower the next generation of creatives, his global upbringing, and the evolving role of creativity in an AI-driven world. We even catch him in a reflective mood and discover some of the things on his mind lately. Don't miss this inspiring conversation.

This week's guest on The Creative Boom Podcast is Lisa Smith, global executive creative director at JKR, whose leadership has shaped some of the most recognisable brands in the world.

In this candid conversation, Lisa shares her journey through the creative industry, discussing her experience leading major rebranding efforts for global giants like Burger King, Mozilla and Chobani. She also delves into the complexities of navigating cultural differences in design across the Atlantic. Lisa opens up about the challenges women face in leadership, emphasising the crucial role of building a supportive community in a competitive industry, and how authenticity and hard work have fuelled her success.

We explore the significance of brand ideas as the core driver for business growth, the cultural nuances that shape how design is perceived, and the ongoing challenge of balancing personal identity with professional demands.

Lisa shares some hard truths about whether we can truly "have it all" and what it takes to build a successful career — the late nights, sacrifices, and barriers that still need breaking.

If you're a creative professional looking for insights into leadership and community or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at someone at the forefront of design, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour, and powerful takeaways.

Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Each Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode packed with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to fuel your creative journey as the week winds down. Whether you need a quick shot of motivation or insights to carry you through, we've got you covered.

We reflected on this week's interview with Luigi Carnovale, in which we focused on the art of reinvention. Luigi shared his insights on navigating new tech, client demands, and personal evolution as a creative. His message? Business is about people, and we are in control of our own paths. If you've been feeling stuck, his words will inspire you to embrace change, just as he has.

In this week's Creative News roundup, D&AD's 2024 Annual Showcase highlights the best creative campaigns and trends, such as fandoms and textural evolution, to inspire the next generation. Headspace introduced Ebb, a generative AI chatbot to support mental health with personalised real-time conversations. Finally, teenage gamer Michael Artiaga made history by resetting Tetris after reaching the highest level. Gosh, it's an amazing feat. I can hear the music in my head now. How it didn't drive him mad, I'll never know. But, understandably, he confessed he'll never play it again.

For The Spotlight, we looked at the independent type foundries set to shine in 2025. From Jessica Walsh's emotionally driven Type of Feeling to Grilli Type's standout creations, these foundries offer fresh, experimental fonts that push boundaries. And the best part? We had nothing to do with the final cut; it was all down to you, the creative community, as you shared your favourites.

Our Book of the Week is Never Play It Safe by Chase Jarvis, a manifesto for creatives looking to embrace intuition and risk-taking. Drawing from his experiences as an award-winning photographer and entrepreneur, Jarvis offers practical strategies for breaking out of our comfort zone, pursuing bold ideas, and building a fulfilling life rooted in personal passion. Doesn't it feel appropriate, given this week's conversation with Luigi? We thought so.

In our Tip of the Week, we look at how to differentiate yourself. And one way to stand out in a crowded creative industry is by embracing vulnerability. Share your authentic experiences—audiences connect more deeply with honesty than perfection. There's lots more advice on this theme in the article on Creative Boom, so be sure to check it out.

We received different responses from listeners about recent podcast episodes for our Letters to the Editor this week. Mike, an illustrator from Leeds, shared how Seema Sharma's discussion on AI completely changed his perspective, leaving him more optimistic while affirming that the human touch remains irreplaceable. On the other hand, Amara, a creative director from London, expressed concern about AI, cautioning against over-reliance on machines at the risk of losing the originality that defines creativity. Another letter from James, based in Devon, reflected on Luigi's experiences in the design industry. James related to Luigi's decision to leave the city, sharing how his move from London to his hometown led to unexpected creative opportunities while maintaining connections in the capital.

What about you? What do you think? We'd love to hear from you! If you have any thoughts on this episode or anything else from the show, drop us a line at [email protected], and we might feature your email in next week's episode of The Spark.

On Monday, Lisa Smith, global executive creative director at JKR, will join us. She will share hard-hitting insights on leadership, creativity, and building a career at the top. Don't miss it!

In this engaging episode, Luigi Carnovale, creative director at Design LSC, joins us to discuss how to stay ahead in the design industry, adapt as we grow older, and maintain the passion and energy that drive creativity. With three decades of experience and a portfolio that spans brand identity, art direction, and print production, Luigi shares his journey of navigating change in a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry.

Luigi and Katy explore how he has remained connected to the industry while working closely with younger designers, emphasising the importance of giving back and mentoring the next generation of creatives. Luigi reflects on how engaging with fresh talent has helped him stay grounded and energised, even as the industry and tools around him have shifted. He highlights the balance between staying true to your core passions and embracing new technologies like video and social media platforms, which have become essential in today's creative landscape.

As a creative leader, Luigi also discusses the value of maintaining strong personal connections. For him, people are at the heart of design and business longevity. He offers thoughtful insights on the importance of building authentic relationships within the industry and why this, more than any trendy tool or technique, remains the key to sustained success.

The conversation takes a reflective turn when Katy and Luigi discuss the challenges of reinventing oneself later in a career. Luigi opens up about the significance of stepping back from the fast-paced city life and finding peace in a more grounded, focused approach to work, ultimately leading him to rediscover the joy in crafting thoughtful, print-based design solutions.

Luigi's reflections on adapting while staying true to one's creative roots offer a relatable, inspiring message to all listeners. He encourages creatives of any age to keep testing themselves and embrace both change and the wisdom gained over time.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that touches on everything from mentorship and personal reinvention to the enduring value of connection in the creative world.

Welcome to The Spark, your creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode to give you that midweek boost of inspiration. From creative news to practical tips and book recommendations, The Spark has everything you need to keep your creative energy flowing. Whether you’re looking for a quick shot of creativity or insights to carry you through the week, we've got you covered.

In this episode, we looked back at Monday’s insightful interview with Seema Sharma, a creative director from the Netherlands and co-author of The New Creatives. Seema’s unique collaboration with AI sparked a fascinating conversation about how technology is changing the future of creativity. One key takeaway? As AI grows more prevalent, the need for human connection and authenticity in design has never been stronger.

In Creative News, we covered the big headlines, starting with the news that Rankin's agency The Full Service has filed for bankruptcy. Rankin pointed to the challenges of reduced budgets and the rise of AI, which are changing the traditional advertising landscape. In gaming, 343 Industries has officially rebranded as Halo Studios, signalling new projects ahead, all developed with Unreal Engine 5. Meanwhile, Epic Games has announced Unreal Engine 6 to power the next wave of metaverse experiences. Finally, Google has launched a new feature that lets users search the internet by simply recording a video—AI is certainly transforming how we search online.

For The Spotlight, we explored the future of audio-visual design in our feature article Key Trends in Audio-Visual Design: What’s Next for 2025. We dive into immersive AR and VR experiences, AI-generated visuals, and the growing emphasis on emotional intelligence in audio design. Brands are getting smarter at using sound to connect with audiences on a deeper level, and we’re excited to see where this trend takes us.

Our Book of the Week is a biography of the iconic Lee Miller, a trailblazing photographer and inspiration behind the upcoming film Lee, starring Kate Winslet. Written by her son Antony Penrose, The Lives of Lee Miller gives an intimate look at her many lives—from Vogue cover girl to war correspondent—and features some of her finest work. A must-read for anyone passionate about creativity and history.

In honour of National Work-Life Week, our Tip of the Week is all about balancing your career and creativity. From setting clear boundaries to making time for personal projects, we shared practical strategies for avoiding burnout. One great tip? Use "calendar blocking" to allocate time for work, creative pursuits, and relaxation to keep your life in balance.

For our Letters to the Editor this week, we heard from Christine Smith of Warfield Smith Design, who shared her thoughts on Tom Cunningham’s article about "blue collar designers." Christine reflected on her own journey from big NYC and LA agencies to working directly with decision-makers in upstate New York—a path that, she says, has been refreshing and rewarding.

What about you? What do you think? We’d love to hear from you! If you have any thoughts on this episode or anything else from the show, drop us a line at [email protected], and we might feature your email in next week’s episode of The Spark.

In this thought-provoking episode, Seema Sharma joins us to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the creative industry. With AI advancing at an incredible pace, it's clear that the tools we use and the roles we play as creatives are evolving. We discuss how AI is helping streamline workflows, generate new ideas, and even open doors to previously unimaginable innovations. But along with these opportunities come significant challenges.

A creative director and author of The New Creatives, Seema reflects on the critical balance between efficiency and authenticity in an era when algorithms are increasingly driving creativity. She emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence—an irreplaceable human trait—as technology takes on more of the tasks that were once the domain of creatives. Together, we explore how AI can enhance creativity without replacing the soul and originality behind the work.

The discussion also dives into the ethical concerns with AI, particularly around intellectual property and the potential risks of over-automation. As companies rely more on technology to meet demands, the traditional agency model is being redefined. Seema shares her thoughts on how small studios and freelancers might benefit from this shift, allowing them to take on larger projects without needing massive teams. Yet, she also emphasises the importance of maintaining creative integrity in a time when so much can be automated, reassuring us about the future of our work.

Seema's insights on the future of creative roles offer hope and practical advice for anyone feeling uneasy about the changes brought on by AI. She encourages creatives to embrace these tools while staying true to what makes their work meaningful and impactful. The conversation also explores how the creative industry must adapt to remain relevant and why authenticity will always be at the core of great creative work, regardless of the tools we use.

This episode offers a deep, candid conversation about the future of creativity, touching on everything from the rise of AI to the enduring importance of human connection in an ever-changing landscape.

Welcome to The Spark, your creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode to give you that midweek boost of inspiration. We’ll share creative news, practical tips, book recommendations, and even some emails from our listeners. Whether you’re looking for a quick shot of creativity or need some insights to carry you into the weekend, The Spark has got you covered.

In this episode, we looked back on Monday’s interview with Brian Cannon and the incredible listener feedback we received about the golden days of designing for Oasis in the '90s. Plus, we teased our next guest, Seema Sharma, and the fascinating conversation we’ll have about creativity and AI—exploring what it means for the industry, and whether AI is a friend or foe.

In Creative News, we discussed Mozilla's new retro-inspired brand identity designed by JKR, and Meta's latest AI innovations, including celebrity-voiced chatbots and AR glasses. Closer to home, Factory International's creative skills training in Manchester is making waves in local venues. And we revealed the UK creative industries' impressive £124.6 billion contribution to the economy.

In The Spotlight, we shone on Shaping Tomorrow, a groundbreaking new podcast series produced by Hear Art that amplifies the voices of deaf creatives in the industry.

Our Book of the Week, The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop, is a memoir that goes beyond acting to explore resilience, women's rights, and personal triumphs.

For Tip of the Week, we had a mental health reminder from Liam Hopkins of Lazerian Studio on nurturing your mind and embracing rest as a creative tool.

Finally, in Letters to the Editor, we shared thoughtful listener emails about balancing work, managing perfectionism, and why it’s refreshing to have platforms that don’t always focus on the bigger industry names.

If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, or any from our show, send your thoughts to [email protected], and we'll do our best to read them out during next week's The Spark.