The Creative Kind

In this episode, I’m joined by Mandy Jakich—artist, educator and founder of Creative Matters & Creative Connections Podcas —to talk about the role of community in a creative life. Mandy shares how her need for connection as a self-taught artist led her to start building her own audiences early on, from hosting exhibitions at home to developing wider educational initiatives. She reflects on her...

In this episode, I sit down with Richelle Byers & Liz Fraser from Gallery De Novo in Dunedin. Richelle and Liz reflect on how a gallery space can create community and connection when it’s open, conversational, and unintimidating. We chat about the idea of community and connection and how that can be built and shared through a commercial gallery—what they look for in artists, how relationships...

n this episode, we dive into the powerful intersection of art, culture, and community with Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, the duo behind Wharenui Harikoa . From creating spaces that encourage introspection and connection, to collaborating across cultures, Lissy and Rudi share the deeply personal and healing process behind this transformative art installation. We explore the impact of Wharenui Harik...

In this episode, I chat with Melbourne-based artist Rita Stella about navigating the complexities of the emerging artist. We talk about how Rita found gallery representation through a local art prize, why she’s cautious about prints and commissions, and the value of trusting her own pace—even when the art world seems to demand more, faster. We cover the realities of finding time for art aroun...

In this episode, Carrie Scott, an art dealer, shares practical advice for emerging artists. She stresses the importance of tracking sales, clients, and works right from the start, which helps when approaching galleries down the line. Carrie also advises artists to price their work carefully and avoid pricing themselves out of their market. Carrie talks about the need for persistence in the art wor...

In this episode Fleur Wickes and Fleur Woods join me for a casual studio session. We discuss the unique challenges and costs associated with pursuing a career in the arts, such as the financial pressure of maintaining studio spaces, the impact of life changes on creative work, and the constant need to balance personal and professional boundaries. We chat about the value of perseverance, the import...

In this episode, Sarah Lubcke discusses her journey into portraiture. Sarah reflects on the many stages of her portrait journey: learning anatomy and likeness, finding a supportive community of portrait artists, and developing an eye not just for faces and skin tones, but for the emotional life inside each image. She also opens up about the challenges of painting backgrounds—and how she’s learning...

In this episode I interview Sarah Jane Moon, a UK-based painter originally from New Zealand. Sarah Jane's work explores themes of identity, gender, and connection to place, and she is known for her bold use of colour and dynamic compositions. We discuss her journey to becoming a full-time painter, her studies at Heatherley portraiture school, and her experiences working in various places including...

In this episode of The Creative Kind, I chat to artist and graphic designer Petrina Jose to discuss the importance of brand identity for artists. Petrina emphasises the personal and evolving nature of an artist's brand identity and explores the challenges of branding personal art, the role of consistency in brand elements like colour and fonts, and practical tips for artists starting out. We also...

In this episode of 'The Creative Kind', Pip Brett from Jumbled shares her insights on developing a strong and authentic brand identity. Pip discusses her journey from starting a clothing store called Igloo 18 years ago to evolving into the multifaceted brand Jumbled, which includes an art, fashion, and interior store, business retreats, and a new holiday home, Sona Molong. She emphasises the impor...

In part two of end-of-season wrap-up, I delve into the topic of overwhelm again with Laura Horn, Nic Dempster, Rach Mayne , Penny Boyd & Kylie King-Hazel from season four. The discussion covers definitions of overwhelm and burnout, personal experiences with these states, and practical strategies for managing them. We talk about the emotional and cognitive states of overwhelm, insights on findi...

In this end of season episode we hear from 5 of this seasons former guests to explore the feeling of overwhelm. The episode features candid conversations where each guest shares their personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and strategies to manage overwhelm. Guests include Fleur Wickes , Sarah Birtles , Andrew Sleeman , Cass Deller & Dr Lou Cooper , who talk about structuring time, setting b...

In this episode I talk to Cass Deller , a surface pattern designer about her unique approach to business, productivity, and creativity. Cass shares her journey of building a creative practice, she discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing multiple roles, including managing courses, licensing designs, and experimental creative work. Cass also touches on the practical aspects of running a bu...

In this episode I interview Laura Horn, an artist, podcaster, YouTuber, and teacher, discussing organisational tools and mindsets. Laura emphasises the importance of a flexible approach and learning from both successes and mistakes. She shares her experiences in building systems for her business, including the use of virtual assistants to streamline tasks and free up creative time. The conversatio...

In this episode I speaks with Sarah Birtles , an art dealer and the founder of Sarah Birtles Art and Advice . With over a decade of experience in commercial and public galleries, Sarah has built a business that connects individuals and businesses with original artworks through art fairs, online sales, and in-home consultations. Sarah shares her insights into the different tiers of art fairs in Aus...

In this episode of The Creative Kind, I sit down with Nic Dempster , a painter from Ōtepoti Dunedin, New Zealand, to discuss NZ art fairs. Nic shares his journey of entering the art fair scene, providing insights into how he chooses which fairs to attend and some of the challenges he’s faced. We discuss the different types of art fairs in New Zealand, the importance of exposure, and the logistical...

n this episode I have a great conversation with K ylie King-Hazel, a self-taught artist from Pōneke, Wellington. Kylie shares her experiences and motivations behind her art, which is deeply influenced by her personal journey and her desire to represent the beauty of Te Ao Māori for her Māori husband and children. We discuss the challenges of being a self-taught artist, including dealing with self-...

In this episode I chat to Penelope Boyd, a self-taught painter from Canberra. Penny discusses how she came to develop her unique style and the self-reliance and determination it took to get there. She talks about early exposure to blogs and online resources and a long history of trial and error and how this helped her to refine and discover what works for her. Penny talks about some of the challen...

In this episode of 'The Creative Kind,' I’m joined by Rachael Mayne , a psychologist and painter based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, to discuss the intersection of anxiety and art. Rachael explains that anxiety is a normal, protective mechanism but can become problematic when it impacts daily functioning. We explore how anxiety manifests for artists, and how tools like journaling, mindfulness, an...

In this episode I talk to Dr. Lou Cooper, psychologist, host of the Emotion Focused Podcast and head of training at the Australian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy. We discuss the relationship between creativity and anxiety, exploring if artists really do experience more anxiety compared to others. Lou provides insights into recognising, managing, and normalising anxiety, balancing emotions in...

In this episode I’m joined by Dublin-based artist Mark Conlan , known for his expressive and whimsical work across various mediums, including digital art, illustration, and hand-painted pieces. We discuss the evolution of Mark's career, from his days as a graphic designer to becoming an illustraton artist and how his style and techniques have adapted over time. We talk about the importance of pers...

In this episode I talk to Fleur Wickes, a New Zealand artist, writer, photographer, and master's student. Fleur discusses her evolution from a photographer to a multifaceted artist, sharing insights about her creative process, which focuses on emotional connections and human experiences. Fleur also talks about the significance of imperfection in her art, the transition away from photography, and t...

In this studio session of The Creative Kind, I catch up with previous guests Claire Te Au and Frank Gordon , both talented painters from Ōtepoti, Dunedin. We dive into a chat about finding some routine again after the holidays, current projects, the creative processes they follow, and the unique challenges and joys of balancing art with life. We discuss some thoughts around planning for upcoming s...

In this episode of The Creative Kind, I chat with Brisbane-based artist and teacher Andrew Sleeman about how he juggles his full-time job teaching and his art practice. Andrew shares his strategies for setting a non-negotiable schedule,  what happens when this schedule is inevitably interrupted, setting goals, and maintaining consistency in his creative work alongside having a busy work and f...

Today, I’m introducing a new style of episode that I’m calling Studio Sessions . These aren’t the usual interviews you’re used to hearing here. Instead, they’re more laid-back conversations with one or two other artists about art, creativity, life, and how these things combine and collide. I’m not entirely sure how often these episodes will happen—it’s a bit of an experiment. They’re d a chance to...