The Creative Condition podcast

The full-length episode is out now!

Stephen Bliss returns to discuss his creativity and his artistic endeavours since moving on from his iconic role as lead artist at Rockstar Games, including Fear City, and 'Thumper' his new comic by Scout Comics.

We first talked a few years ago when Stephen was in the midst of his superb 'I, Frankenstein' series of artworks. (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-70-stephen-bliss-on-his-iconic-grand-theft-auto/id1038442077?i=1000385250009)

Since then, Stephen has been busy bringing his new world 'Fear City' to life, first through NFT releases, and now via 'Thumper', a comic led by a rather macabre rabbit creation.

We get into sense of self, conscious expression, comparison, and world-building among many other topics.

'Thumper' is out now on Scout Comics: https://www.scoutcomics.com/collections/fear-city-thumper

https://www.stephenbliss.com/

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

(The full-length chat can be heard on episode 70 of 'The Creative Condition'.)

Illustrator and artist Stephen Bliss moved to America to take on a job with Rockstar Games. Nobody could have envisioned the explosion of controversy that was the Grand Theft Auto video game series.
 
I met Stephen in Brooklyn to talk about his journey pre-Rockstar, how it felt to be the man behind the cult video game artwork, and his fascinating new direction since leaving the company.
 
 New York City and its wealth of ripped subway posters have provided the basis for his stunning new large-scale originals and we talk about what it means to feed off the environment around you and why New York is so unique. Creating large-scale street art is something new to Stephen and we talk about breaking away from screens and how he's successfully transitioned to work on buildings. These are fascinating insights from a man who continues to set trends and move forward fast.

'Thumper' is out now on Scout Comics:

https://www.scoutcomics.com/collections/fear-city-thumper

https://www.stephenbliss.com/

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

What we learned from Alex Paske, who is a judoka.

The full and highlights episodes are out now! 

Alex fights at the highest level against people who might want to hurt him. He must respond in real-time, seeking the flow state and forward motion. If he listens to the voices in his head, positive or negative, it could be over for him in a flash.

We sit down to discuss how 10,000 hours of the craft must be put in to stand a chance of entering the optimal performance zone and finding the flow required to succeed. Alex explores how creativity, innovation, and adaptation are key, and why there are many parallels between judo and flow states in practising an artistic form of creativity.

Mindfulness, clarity, confidence, flow, and instinct are key aspects of creativity discussed in today's episode.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

The full conversation can be heard on episode 152 of 'The Creative Condition' podcast.

When Ben Ryan, one of the most innovative coaches in world sport left his position as England rugby 7s coach, he was all set to take a comfortable role at a sports consultancy company.

Then he saw a tweet advertising a vacancy for the national Fiji rugby 7s job. With twenty minutes to accept or decline the role, he listened to his raging instincts and set out on one of the all-time great sporting stories, taking them, through countless challenges, to an Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Ben shares the mind-bending story, his valuable insights to human empowerment, tips for adapting to adversity, and why it's vital to establish the right conditions for creativity and happiness to flourish in and around us.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j 

Alex Paske is a judoka. He fights at the highest level against people who might want to hurt him. He must respond in real-time, seeking the flow state and forward motion. If he listens to the voices in his head, positive or negative, it could be over for him in a flash.

We sit down to discuss how 10,000 hours of the craft must be put in to stand a chance of entering the optimal performance zone and finding the flow required to succeed. Alex explores how creativity, innovation, and adaptation are key, and why there are many parallels between judo and flow states in practising an artistic form of creativity.

Mindfulness, clarity, confidence, flow, and instinct are key aspects of creativity discussed in today's episode.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

The full episode is also out now if you have more time to indulge!

Alex Paske is a judoka. He fights at the highest level against people who might want to hurt him. He must respond in real-time, seeking the flow state and forward motion. If he listens to the voices in his head, positive or negative, it could be over for him in a flash.

We sit down to discuss how 10,000 hours of the craft must be put in to stand a chance of entering the optimal performance zone and finding the flow required to succeed. Alex explores how creativity, innovation, and adaptation are key, and why there are many parallels between judo and flow states in practising an artistic form of creativity.

Mindfulness, clarity, confidence, flow, and instinct are key aspects of creativity discussed in today's episode.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j 

What we learned about creativity from episode 234 with digital and social media trainer Andrew Miles Davis. The full and highlights episodes are out now!

Andrew Miles Davis is a digital dinosaur - he was here, learning, seeing, mastering the social media game before most of us had even heard the cough and screech of a dial-up connection attempt.

But he's not extinct, far from it. He's an expert and trains the world's leading businesses to stay current in an ever-changing arena.

Now he joins a floundering illustrator and author to paint us a picture of the current digital and social media landscape so we can make better decisions to enable our creativity in the places we'd most love to use it.

We get into algorithms, AI, stories, authenticity, the basics and ever-presents of digital marketing, and why it took us 8 years to finally make this chat happen.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Andrew's superb podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/cz/podcast/in-a-i-nutshell/id1707611102

Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmdavis/

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

Andrew Miles Davis is a digital dinosaur - he was here, learning, seeing, mastering the social media game before most of us had even heard the cough and screech of a dial-up connection attempt.

But he's not extinct, far from it. He's an expert and trains the world's leading businesses to stay current in an ever-changing arena.

Now he joins a floundering illustrator and author to paint us a picture of the current digital and social media landscape so we can make better decisions to enable our creativity in the places we'd most love to use it.

We get into algorithms, AI, stories, authenticity, the basics and ever-presents of digital marketing, and why it took us 8 years to finally make this chat happen.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Andrew's superb podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/cz/podcast/in-a-i-nutshell/id1707611102

Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmdavis/

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

The full-length version of episode 234 is available now for those with more time to listen!

Andrew Miles Davis is a digital dinosaur - he was here, learning, seeing, and mastering the social media game before most of us had even heard the cough and screech of a dial-up connection attempt.

But he's not extinct, far from it. He's an expert and trains the world's leading businesses to stay current in an ever-changing arena.

Now he joins a floundering illustrator and author to paint us a picture of the current digital and social media landscape so we can make better decisions to enable our creativity in the places we'd most love to use it.

We get into algorithms, AI, stories, authenticity, the basics and ever-presents of digital marketing, and why it took us 8 years to finally make this chat happen.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Andrew's superb podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/cz/podcast/in-a-i-nutshell/id1707611102

Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmdavis/

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

A highlights edition of episode 75 of The Creative Condition (Arrest All Mimics at the time).

Sir John Hegarty, one of the most imaginative, innovative minds the creative industry has ever welcomed, provides advice and insights into the power of creativity that have grown more relevant since we recorded this conversation.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

Sir John's new course: https://www.businessofcreativity.com/

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

How a sequence of unforeseen events including an illustration commission for The Guardian newspaper, an AI and creativity discussion panel, and a live podcast at D&AD New Blood Festival came together to renew much of my confidence in human creativity despite the rise of the machine.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/03/zadie-smith-on-hope-trepidation-and-rebirth-after-14-years-of-the-tories

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

What we learned about creativity from Brandon Consultants’ founder Richard Taylor:

Roots grow deep. Origin stories matter. 

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to innovate

Considered candour saves everyone time and frees up creativity

Helping the human in front of you sets the foundations for great work

If someone works hard and is good at what they do, get out of the way

The full episode 232 in long and highlights form is out now!

Richard Taylor has spent over 30 years in the design industry, working across branding, visual identity, packaging, and much more. For the past 12 or so years, he'd headed Brandon:

"In a chaotic world, great brands can be ignored. We’re here to help.

We switch brands on by understanding how they connect with people. Some call it research; we call it rigorous naivety. Exploring without arrogance or assumption to build a genuine picture of the real world.

So we can unearth insights that help awaken brand potential."

Richard shares his learnings, observations, beliefs, and evidence of achievements in commercial creativity.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://www.brandon-consultants.com/about

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

The full length episode is also available now!

Richard Taylor has spent over 30 years in the design industry, working across branding, visual identity, packaging, and much more. For the past 12 or so years, he'd headed Brandon:

"In a chaotic world, great brands can be ignored. We’re here to help.

We switch brands on by understanding how they connect with people. Some call it research; we call it rigorous naivety. Exploring without arrogance or assumption to build a genuine picture of the real world.

So we can unearth insights that help awaken brand potential."

Richard shares his learnings, observations, beliefs, and evidence of achievements in commercial creativity.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://www.brandon-consultants.com/about

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

The highlights episode is also available now!

Richard Taylor has spent over 30 years in the design industry, working across branding, visual identity, packaging, and much more. For the past 12 or so years, he'd headed Brandon:

"In a chaotic world, great brands can be ignored. We’re here to help.

We switch brands on by understanding how they connect with people. Some call it research; we call it rigorous naivety. Exploring without arrogance or assumption to build a genuine picture of the real world.

So we can unearth insights that help awaken brand potential."

Richard shares his learnings, observations, beliefs, and evidence of achievements in commercial creativity.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://www.brandon-consultants.com/about

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

What we learned about creativity from UNICEF's Office of Innovation's Elinor Samuelsson.

Nature’s systems run through everything – adopt them!

Boredom is an abundant source of creativity, imagination, and understanding ourselves

Studying and observing our feelings enables us to own them for a happier life

Enabling true creativity requires great organisation and preparation

Language can cast spells!

AI is still evil, but there are beautiful uses of it

Elinor Samuelsson lets us inside the work of UNICEF's Office of Innovation, which uses imagination, innovation, invention, and play to create across complex global systems.

Language barriers, cultural differences, lack of technology, missing ambition, and access to vital services are just a few of the challenges that form puzzle-like project briefs for Elinor and her team when they seek to establish the children most in need of support. Creativity, design, and innovative systems can help to transform layered and ubiquitous information into directions to make a huge difference, and Elinor takes us through how this all works.

This is a beautiful and awe-inspiring example of why creativity must take its rightful place in global education systems when we face myriad challenges to our way of life.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://www.unicef.org/innovation/

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

(The highlights of this episode are also out now, for those with less time or patience to listen to my waffling!)

Elinor Samuelsson lets us inside the work of UNICEF's Office of Innovation, which uses imagination, innovation, invention, and play to create across complex global systems.

Language barriers, cultural differences, lack of technology, missing ambition, and access to vital services are just a few of the challenges that form puzzle-like project briefs for Elinor and her team when they seek to establish the children most in need of support. Creativity, design, and innovative systems can help to transform layered and ubiquitous information into directions to make a huge difference, and Elinor takes us through how this all works.

This is a beautiful and awe-inspiring example of why creativity must take its rightful place in global education systems when we face myriad challenges to our way of life.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://www.unicef.org/innovation/

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

This is the crunched edition of episode 231 for those with less time or patience for my prattling! The full-length episode is also out now.

Elinor Samuelsson lets us inside the work of UNICEF's Office of Innovation, which uses imagination, innovation, invention, and play to create across complex global systems.

Language barriers, cultural differences, lack of technology, missing ambition, and access to vital services are just a few of the challenges that form puzzle-like project briefs for Elinor and her team when they seek to establish the children most in need of support. Creativity, design, and innovative systems can help to transform layered and ubiquitous information into directions to make a huge difference, and Elinor takes us through how this all works.

This is a beautiful and awe-inspiring example of why creativity must take its rightful place in global education systems when we face myriad challenges to our way of life.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://www.unicef.org/innovation/

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

'Invisible Hands' was a term American writer and professor Joseph Campbell used to describe the sense of flow in the right direction when creating purely, when following our bliss.

I've become fascinated by it, and explore the idea in this episode.

Logic is often king in our frightened brains, but when we commit to what instinct and the wellspring of our being suggest is right for us, and create accordingly, it's amazing how doors open, and people who can help us emerge in our lives.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://mkgeeknight.co.uk/

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

https://baycroftpublishing.wixsite.com/baycroft

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

Seemingly overnight, Meta, Adobe, and Squarespace, among others, have issued robust terms to users that would see creative industry professionals surrender their work to train Artificial Intelligence models.

This is a ramble from a confused illustrator who would rather not hit the big red button on Instagram, and would rather not have to quit Photoshop for the last time. But what does it mean to accept such an invasion of privacy, and how do we all feel?

It's a worrying precedent and a corporate play that suggests the tightening of the net in late-stage capitalism.

Here are some thoughts that might move the discussion forward between designers, artists, illustrators, photographers and many more visual communicators.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://hbr.org/2023/04/generative-ai-has-an-intellectual-property-problem

https://www.creativeboom.com/resources/everyones-talking-about-cara-but-is-it-any-good/

The AI Artist Audit: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-194-the-artist-ai-audit-art-automation-is-here/id1038442077?i=1000618735470

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

This week's episode HIGHLIGHTS for those who can't spare the time for the long-form FULL episode. Enjoy!

Radio remains a timeless and unique medium in the age of abundant TV and film streaming services. There's an intimacy and a human quality that has seen it endure despite countless technological advances, and it invites the imagination of the listeners in a way no TV broadcast ever could.

Football commentary represents arguably the most passionate form of commentary, but what of the creativity of the people whose trained voices take us as close to the action as possible without stepping foot in stadiums? How does it work, how do we get into such a career, and what makes for a great sports broadcaster?

BBC Radio 5's Alistair Bruce-Ball is best known for his football commentary and work as the host of the Fantasy 606 podcast. He joins me to discuss why radio is enduringly popular among football fans. What is its place in the 21st century? We also talk golf commentary, Alistair's career path, opportunities in the modern broadcasting industry, personality's role in success, and unlikely highlights covering more obscure sports.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Alistair will be covering Euro 2024 on the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_five_live

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

The first in a new series of takeaway episodes in which I distill 5 key takeaway tips about creativity from this week's guest conversation.

The full conversation is available now on episode 229, and you can see the video version of this podcast on The Creative Condition Youtube channel.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Alistair will be covering Euro 2024 on the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Radio remains a timeless and unique medium in the age of abundant TV and film streaming services. There's an intimacy and a human quality that has seen it endure despite countless technological advances, and it invites the imagination of the listeners in a way no TV broadcast ever could.

Football commentary represents arguably the most passionate form of commentary, but what of the creativity of the people whose trained voices take us as close to the action as possible without stepping foot in stadiums? How does it work, how do we get into such a career, and what makes for a great sports broadcaster?

BBC Radio 5's Alistair Bruce-Ball is best known for his football commentary and work as the host of the Fantasy 606 podcast. He joins me to discuss why radio is enduringly popular among football fans. What is its place in the 21st century? We also talk golf commentary, Alistair's career path, opportunities in the modern broadcasting industry, personality's role in success, and unlikely highlights covering more obscure sports.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Alistair will be covering Euro 2024 on the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_five_live

Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Perfectionism can be extremely damaging to creativity. We live in the age of data, in which the bottom line creates a culture of fear. Here uncertainty is the enemy, and algorithmic creativity is causing a dramatic level rise in the sea of same.

In the creative industry, this could be a death sentence, so I spoke to Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, and author of 'Flawed' Greg Chasson at length about the neuroscience and effects of perfectionism.

As a man with a career built on imperfection, it was a joy to hear it so expertly articulated by Greg.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

Flawed book: https://www.flawedbook.com/

https://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/faculty/gregory-chasson-phd

https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Abby Lucas teaches drama and English at secondary/high school level in the midst of a growing mental health crisis.

She sees the the positive impact it has on young people, their wellbeing, their communication skills, their learning, and their ability to take control of their lives.

But she is only able to teach it within the curriculum for one hour each week.

We discuss the tragic educational and wellbeing omission that is drama, the benefits of expanding its presence in the curriculum, and our frustrations in depth.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

It took me a long time to acknowledge the shame of being caught shoplifting. At age 13, I stole an Ian Wright football figurine and got caught, earning me a UK-wide ban from Woolworth's department store.

It took years to own this one, but when I did, I saw so many lessons in the importance of the shadow self, what such missteps can teach us about our personality, and its value in our creativity.

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Multidisciplinary artist and designers Abi Everett (Evergooood) and Steph Martin (Stuff) are close friends and regular collaborators. They join me in conversation about the dangers of (conscious or unconscious) gatekeeping, which underpins 'More Than One Seat', their new project created to encourage collaboration, and not the kind of gatekeeping Steph became aware of while working in the advertising industry.

This a great example of the joys of being a champion for another, in encouraging growth, and collaborative play, which leads to great ideas and optimal creativity.

You can find out more about 'More Than One Seat' here: https://www.morethanoneseat.com/

and follow Abi: https://www.studioeverett.com/about

and Steph: https://stuffstudio.net/

On socials: 

https://www.instagram.com/evergooood/

https://www.instagram.com/stuffcreativestudio

Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024

and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.ua

https://bentallon.com

https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Arizona State University professor in psychology Athena Atkipis joins me as her new book 'A Field Guide to the Apocalypse' hits the bookshelves.Athena's smart and fun zombie apocalypse approach to encouraging and supporting us in facing our fears during wild times carves out her beautiful niche in the field of psychology.We discuss why we've always felt like we're on the brink as a species, and, whether the worst happens, or a pipe simply bursts and floods your house, preparing for greater resilience in wild times can be fun, exciting, and a great route to happiness and optimal creativity.It's also publication day for 'The Creative Condition' book tomorrow, April 11th!As ever the show is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X: illustrationx.comand the Ukrainian Institute. You can help a wonderful organisation by supporting the Ukrainian creative community as they struggle to keep making during the horrific war: ui.org.ua/https://www.athenaaktipis.org/Athena's book: https://shorturl.at/tIOQXThe Creative Condition book is available to pre-order now at: https://www.bentallonwriter.com/shop/p/the-creative-condition-understanding-and-embracing-human-creativity-signed-paperback-pre-order-april-11th-releasehttps://bentallon.com

Here are five things we learned about creativity from Stephen Bliss.

Illustrator and artist Stephen Bliss moved to America to take on a job with Rockstar Games. Nobody could have envisioned the explosion of controversy that was the Grand Theft Auto video game series. 

I met Stephen in Brooklyn to talk about his journey pre-Rockstar, how it felt to be the man behind the cult video game artwork, and his fascinating new direction since leaving the company. 

New York City and its wealth of ripped subway posters have provided the basis for his stunning new large-scale originals and we talk about what it means to feed off the environment around you and why New York is so unique. Creating large-scale street art is something new to Stephen and we talk about breaking away from screens and how he's successfully transitioned to work on buildings. These are fascinating insights from a man who continues to set trends and move forward fast.

http://stephenbliss.com

https://illustrationx.com

http://instagram.com/stephen_bliss

http://twitter.com/iamstephenbliss

https://www.facebook.com/stephenblissart/

http://www.ba-reps.com/https://www.rockstargames.com/