The Creative Kind

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...

Happy new year! Welcome back to The Creative Kind, Today’s episode is a little different — instead of interviewing someone else, I’m sharing an interview that I recently did for the wonderful Creative Matters podcast. I’ll admit, it feels a bit strange to put myself in the spotlight here, but I think it’s a great opportunity to let you in on some of my personal journey, especially since I’m a...

In this episode we’re celebrating the end of the year with the first-ever Creative Kind Secret Santa! This episode is about the simple magic of exchange and talk within a creative community. Through a Secret Santa format, various guests from the past three seasons share questions and answers, covering topics such as the impact of large and small artworks, unique techniques like paint carving,...

To round out the season I'm talking to almost all of this seasons guests again, with Danielle Krysa , Jordan Barnes , Susan Nethercote , Lisa Doust , Anita De Soto & Rosie Holt coming back to share their thoughts on endings and beginnings. We talk about how these artists see the end of an artwork, the end of a body of work, the cyclical nature of themes and work that can carry over into many y...

What a way to end the year! In the last interview episode of the season I talk to Danielle Krysa the woman behind The Jealous Curator about imposter syndrome. Danielle candidly discusses how imposter syndrome has shown up for her, some of the strategies she has used to overcome it and quieten down her inner critic. We chat about the importance of self-discovery and perseverance and being ok with f...

In this episode, I sit down with Australian artist Susan Nethercote to chat about her decision to pursue a Master’s in Fine Art. We discuss some of the differences in further art education in Australia, the evolving relationship between her artistic practice and her art business, and the complicated juggle between creativity and commerce. We talk about the importance of reflection and reflexi...

In this episode I talk to Anita De Soto about her experiences of getting her MFA and also teaching in the MFA program. Anita and I discuss how a master’s program can provoke critical thinking and creative practice. We chat about the value of a community within master’s programs, where collaboration and exchange of ideas foster a supportive network that can last well beyond graduation. Anita talks...

In this episode, we dive deep into the business side of creativity with Rosie Holt. Rosie is a business coach who delivers coaching, masterclasses, community and speaking events to business owners and creative entrepreneurs. We chat about how to make informed choices in your creative practice, avoid burnout, and approach long-term growth in a sustainable way. Rosie emphasises that success doesn't...

In this episode of The Creative Kind I talk to Lisa Doust, an Australian journalist and art manager, about the importance of business skills for artists. We discuss Lisa's experience in managing the business side of her sister Melanie Vugich's art career, the creation of The Astute Artist course with Willy Russo, and essential business practices for artists such as being media-ready, having clear...

In this episode I Interview Jordan Barnes, a New Zealand artist, singer, songwriter, and actor, about his sources of inspiration. Jordan explains that his inspiration comes from within and is often fuelled by visuals and life experiences. He talks about finding inspiration in various forms—whether through observation of the world around him, personal relationships, emotional experiences, or s...