The Creative Condition podcast

HIGHLIGHTS of episode 241: Sara Prinsloo on roots, personality, and telling an authentic story

The full-length version of episode 241 is also available now.Sara Prinsloo tells stories across many different mediums. She's an artist who draws upon her working-class roots and personality and is not afraid to use her flaws to blistering creative effect.From 'trashy Barbie' installations to sculpture and drawing, we discuss the links between her personality and this spectrum of work, and why pride in who you are and your people is a golden source of inspiration.Sara also balances full-time work in teaching, as a technician, and conducts workshops to help young people by helping them connect to their creativity.https://www.saraprinsloo.co.uk/https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookSponsored 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_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uaHosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/https://www.youtube.com/@_TheCreativeCondition

Ep 241: Roots, personality, and telling an authentic story with multidisciplinary artist Sara Prinsloo

Sara Prinsloo tells stories across many different mediums. She's an artist who draws upon her working-class roots and personality and is not afraid to use her flaws to blistering creative effect.From 'trashy Barbie' installations to sculpture and drawing, we discuss the links between her personality and this spectrum of work, and why pride in who you are and your people is a golden source of inspiration.Sara also balances full-time work in teaching, as a technician, and conducts workshops to help young people by helping them connect to their creativity.https://www.saraprinsloo.co.uk/https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookSponsored 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_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uaHosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/https://www.youtube.com/@_TheCreativeCondition

Ep 240 part 2: Dirty Energy

In the last episode, 'The Power of Naughty', I explored the benefits of chaos energy well channeled. But what do we do with the little f**kers? In this episode, I read the 'Dirty Energy' chapter of The Creative Condition book, in which several teachers, community workers, and professionals share thoughts on how we provide better tools for embattled young people to express themselves, and tap into a unique form of creativity.https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookSponsored 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_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uaHosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/https://www.youtube.com/@_TheCreativeCondition

Ep 240 part 1: The Power of Naughty

Following on from the brilliant historian Professor Carl Chinn, I wanted to paint a layered picture of what it means to be working class, and the challenges we face in the arts in 2024. It is not a new phenomenon, but it is a problem that has been exacerbated over the 14 years from 2010-2024 under a Conservative government that preferred to heighten police powers and cut away arts and youth funding during a mental health crisis.As we move toward a glimmer of hope with a new Labour government, I read the 'Power of Naughty' chapter from The Creative Condition book, which better illustrates the nature of this beast than I could in a rambled monologue.  Part 2, 'Dirty Energy' is coming next.https://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookSponsored 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_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uaHosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

What we learned about creativity from: Historian Professor Carl Chinn (MBE)

You can also enjoy the full-length and highlights episode now.Here's what we learned from Professor Carl Chinn discussing the working class and the arts in the 21st century.History has rarely been kind to the working class. Nor has the arts. Too often, those of us who make it into the creative industry and sustain careers do so despite our background and the class ceiling, not because of it.Professor Carl Chinn grew up in working-class Birmingham, surrounded by family, hearing stories that would prove his inspiration to become a successful historian. His work covers the history of Birmingham, the original peaky blinder gangs, and the urban working class and he earned the honour of MBE while still facing prejudice and skepticism because of his roots.We discuss the sharpened imposter syndrome felt by many working-class people, the ongoing battle for an egalitarian, democratic society that values the energy brought by the working class, and the role of community spaces in healing the terminal despondency tangible among working people.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_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-carl-chinn-mbe-7577441b4?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.birminghambooks.co.uk/carl_chinnHosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

Ep 239: Being working class! Historian professor Carl Chinn on the class ceiling in the arts and society

You can also enjoy the shorter highlights episode now.History has rarely been kind to the working class. Nor has the arts. Too often, those of us who make it into the creative industry and sustain careers do so despite our background and the class ceiling, not because of it.Professor Carl Chinn grew up in working-class Birmingham, surrounded by family, hearing stories that would prove his inspiration to become a successful historian. His work covers the history of Birmingham, the original peaky blinder gangs, and the urban working class and he earned the honour of MBE while still facing prejudice and skepticism because of his roots.We discuss the sharpened imposter syndrome felt by many working-class people, the ongoing battle for an egalitarian, democratic society that values the energy of the working class, and the role of community spaces in healing the terminal despondency tangible among working people.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_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-carl-chinn-mbe-7577441b4?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.birminghambooks.co.uk/carl_chinnHosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

HIGHLIGHTS of ’Being working class!’ Historian Professor Carl Chinn (MBE) on the class ceiling in the arts and society

You can also enjoy the full-length episode now.History has rarely been kind to the working class. Nor has the arts. Too often, those of us who make it into the creative industry and sustain careers do so despite our background and the class ceiling, not because of it.Professor Carl Chinn grew up in working-class Birmingham, surrounded by family, hearing stories that would prove his inspiration to become a successful historian. His work covers the history of Birmingham, the original peaky blinder gangs, and the urban working class and he earned the honour of MBE while still facing prejudice and skepticism because of his roots.We discuss the sharpened imposter syndrome felt by many working-class people, the ongoing battle for an egalitarian, democratic society that values the energy brought by the working class, and the role of community spaces in healing the terminal despondency tangible among working people.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_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-carl-chinn-mbe-7577441b4?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.birminghambooks.co.uk/carl_chinnHosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

What we learned about creativity from: Ragged Edge founder Max Ottignon

Here are the takeaway creativity tips from London branding agency Ragged Edge founder Max Ottignon live in conversation at D&AD New Blood Festival. Both the highlights and the full episode with Max are available now!Ragged Edge founder Max Ottignon voices his concern over the trappings of algorithms, and the flattening of creativity and culture as we chase engagement and online attention. But he also highlights the huge opportunity to stand out in the sea of same with brave acts of creativity.With soul, personality, love of craft, and putting ideas above aesthetics we designers, illustrators, artists, and others leading with creativity can make a huge difference.This chat between Ben Tallon and Max took place live at D&AD New Blood Festival.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_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uahttps://raggededge.com/https://rb.gy/qszexqhttps://www.dandad.org/Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

HIGHLIGHTS of Ragged Edge founder Max Ottignon live at D&AD New Blood Festival

You can also hear the full-length episode 238 now!Ragged Edge founder Max Ottignon voices his concern over the trappings of algorithms, and the flattening of creativity and culture as we chase engagement and online attention. But he also highlights the huge opportunity to stand out in the sea of same with brave acts of creativity.With soul, personality, love of craft, and putting ideas above aesthetics we designers, illustrators, artists, and others leading with creativity can make a huge difference.This chat between Ben Tallon and Max took place live at D&AD New Blood Festival.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_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uahttps://raggededge.com/https://rb.gy/qszexqhttps://www.dandad.org/Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4

Ep 238: The creative opportunity in the age of convergence! Ragged Edge founder Max Ottignon live at D&AD Festival

The highlights of episode 238 are also available for those with less time!Ragged Edge founder Max Ottignon voices his concern over the trappings of algorithms, and the flattening of creativity and culture as we chase engagement and online attention. But he also highlights the huge opportunity to stand out in the sea of same with brave acts of creativity.With soul, personality, love of craft, and putting ideas above aesthetics we designers, illustrators, artists, and others leading with creativity can make a huge difference.This chat between Ben Tallon and Max took place live at D&AD New Blood Festival.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_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uahttps://raggededge.com/https://rb.gy/qszexqhttps://www.dandad.org/Hosted by Ben Tallon https://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28rwnz18j4