Hidden Layers: Diversity in Design.

In this episode of Hidden Layers: Diversity in Design, David sits down with Hust Wilson, a graphic designer and lettering artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, to explore the evolution of his creative journey. Hust shares how he began drawing as a child, moved from hyper-realistic black-and-white portraits into lettering, and built a style shaped by typography, tattoo culture, dance, and exp...

What happens when you reject expectations and create entirely on your own terms? In Episode 16 of Hidden Layers , we sit down with Maxime Manga , a self-taught multidisciplinary artist from Cameroon whose journey from drawing manga as a child to creating emotionally charged collage artworks is a masterclass in authenticity, resilience, and fearless self-expression. Maxime shares how he walked away...

What separates artists who get noticed from those who get remembered? In Episode 15, we sit down with Cape Town-based multidisciplinary artist Russell Abrahams, better known as @yay_abe, to explore how developing a distinctive visual language became the catalyst for transforming his creative career. From illustration and murals to sculpture and international exhibitions, Russell shares how consist...

Step into the boundary-pushing world of Troy Browne, a UK-based multimedia artist whose collage work blends emotion, experimentation, and storytelling in bold new ways. In this episode, Troy opens up about his unconventional journey into the creative industry, from lacking confidence as a young artist to becoming a respected freelancer known for combining collage, animation, 3D, and illustration i...

Explore the vibrant world of Kush, a British Asian illustrator whose art celebrates culture and defies convention. In this episode, Kush shares her journey from a creatively rich childhood to finding her unique voice through bold, detailed visuals. Her work blends fantasy, fashion, and cultural storytelling, challenging stereotypes and embracing individuality. Kush discusses the importance of comm...

In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Belleau, an executive coach and culture consultant turned abstract painter. Vanessa shares her journey from dance to art, revealing how burnout led her to discover painting as a powerful creative outlet and new path forward. We explore the challenges of navigating the art world as a Black artist and the importance of authenticity, representation, and commu...

In this episode, we sit down with Wumi Olaosebikan (aka @wumzum), a London-born creative who refuses to follow a single artistic lane. Wumi shares how blending Afro influences with manga and Japanese culture shaped his path from a childhood passion in London into mural work, comics, 3D art, and game design. We explore how anime like Samurai Champloo and Ghost in the Shell helped shape his visual l...

In this episode, we focus on Savanah Shannalee Thorpe, a.k.a. Nalee, and her journey as a brand designer. She shares her experiences in the design industry, her educational background, and her passion for integrating music into her branding work. Nalee discusses the challenges of finding her niche and the importance of community and networking in the creative field. The conversation also touches o...

Most photographers focus on technical mastery, but Shack’s story reveals why authenticity and community are the real game changers. Based in East London, he shares how he went from experimenting with a camera during lockdown to developing a distinctive style rooted in emotion, culture, and storytelling. This conversation explores what it truly means to build a creative career in a world increasing...

In this episode, we uncover Emily’s unexpected journey, from studio artist to thriving shop owner and how a lockdown pivot transformed her path from graphic design into independent printmaking and entrepreneurship. Emily shares how embracing her South London roots and trusting her creative instincts helped her turn a happy accident into a full-time career, without following the conventional route....

In this episode, we dive into the creative journey of Kieron Boothe, exploring how his early love for comics and illustration evolved into a dynamic career that blends visual art and music. Kieron shares how curiosity, experimentation, and a passion for storytelling helped him navigate multiple disciplines, from drawing to producing music influenced by hip-hop and jazz. We explore the challenges a...

In this episode, we dive into Max’s creative journey, from childhood doodles to becoming a professional digital artist exploring graphic design, 3D art, and NFTs . Max shares how curiosity, self-teaching, and mentorship helped him develop his craft and navigate the evolving art world. We explore the changing perception of art as a viable career in Nigeria, the growing opportunities in digital exhi...

In this episode, we dive into Mumbi’s creative journey, from early childhood influences, inspired by her father’s drawing skills, to building a freelance career rooted in celebrating Black joy, heritage, and identity. Mumbi shares how she developed her unique illustration style through self-teaching, online tutorials, and experimentation, while navigating the realities of working in the creative i...

The conversation explores the diverse paths individuals take to enter the creative industry, the challenges faced in the creative world, the power of collaboration and diversity, the impact of parenthood on a creative career, and the importance of sharing experiences and learning from others in the industry. The conversation delves into Kieron's early public speaking experience, the importance of...

The conversation covers Jannah's early career start and the challenges of being of mixed heritage. It also delves into the topic of diversity in design and the experience of navigating the design industry as a person of color. The conversation explores the importance of diversity and inclusion in the design industry, highlighting the challenges faced by black and brown designers due to systematic...

The conversation delves into the instinctual nature of art as a form of expression and the value of consistency in creative endeavours. It also explores the importance of rest, self-perception, and the perception of art in Nigerian culture. The discussion concludes with a focus on the value of art and the importance of self-perception in the creative process. The conversation delves into the natur...

In our very first episode of Hidden Layers: Diversity in Design , we sit down with Hashmukh Kerai , Motion Designer and 3D Artist, to explore what it means to build a creative voice in spaces where representation isn’t always visible.