In the season finale of The Creative Kind , we’re joined by Sarah Jane Moon , Rita Stella , Petrina Jose , and S arah Lubcke , who all share their perspectives on understanding and identifying an audience., We chat about the nuances of ‘audience’ versus ‘market,’ the importance of showing up in person, and how social media and online platforms fit in. We talk about how we each navigate our creative paths while thinking about who connects with our work and how we communicate our work effectively....
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 5Ep. 61
In this Studio session I’m joined by Jenny Stringleman and Amanda Billing for another casual and varied discussion. We talk about our evolving work routines, differences in working styles, and the concept of chronotypes. We touch on online art criticism, & explore the impact of social media on artists and the differences, connections and reasons behind the art we create and the art we collect. Recommendations : Bianca Bosker's book ' Get the Picture ' The contemporary British Contemporary Po...
Jun 23, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 60
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 time at Auckland Art Gallery, the role of the Muriwai Artists Collective, and the evolution of her ...
Jun 18, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 59
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 form between artists, gallerists and collectors, and how taste, instinct and storytelling shape the ...
Jun 16, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 58
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 Harikoa as a vessel for emotional release, where visitors share their most intimate wishes—a practice tha...
Jun 10, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 57
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 around parenting and work, learning to define success on your own terms, and how to tune out the noise and jus...
Jun 03, 2025•52 min•Season 5Ep. 56
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 world, emphasising that success doesn’t happen overnight. She also highlights the importance of knowing...
May 27, 2025•44 min•Season 5Ep. 55
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 importance of adaptability, and the various ways we have tailored and changed practices to fit our evolvin...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 54
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 to consider the whole composition, not just the figure. Sarah also touches on the importance of bui...
May 20, 2025•49 min•Season 5Ep. 53
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 New Zealand, Japan, and London. The conversation delves into Sarah Jane's process, the challenges a...
May 13, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 52
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 discuss the balance between authentic self-representation and maintaining professional cohesion, and...
May 06, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 51
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 importance of staying true to oneself and one's passions, rather than trying to please everyone. Pip touc...
Apr 29, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 50
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 finding solace in creative work amidst chaos, the importance of taking breaks and setting boundaries &...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 49
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 boundaries. the challenges of balancing multiple projects, dealing with external pressures, mental ex...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 4Ep. 48
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 business, such as using administrative help, leveraging social media organically, and trialing new mar...
Apr 10, 2025•49 min•Season 4Ep. 47
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 conversation highlights the value of thinking big, simplifying ideas, and breaking them down into manageable ta...
Apr 07, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 46
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 Australia, the risks and rewards of participating in them, and how she selects which artists and artwor...
Apr 01, 2025•47 min•Season 4Ep. 45
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 aspects of participating in these events. Nic also shares practical advice for artists, including t...
Mar 25, 2025•47 min•Season 4Ep. 44
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-doubt and the importance of mentorship. Kylie highlights the transformative role of AI in her work a...
Mar 18, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 43
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 challenges she faced, including physical injuries and she also reflects on the freedom of being self-taught...
Mar 11, 2025•57 min•Season 4Ep. 42
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, and therapy can help. We touch on issues of imposter syndrome, the impact of social media on self-esteem, a...
Mar 06, 2025•59 min•Season 4Ep. 41
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 the creative process, differentiating between helpful and debilitating anxiety, and the role of com...
Mar 02, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 40
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 personal projects in driving commercial success, and the value of continuous exploration and confidence ...
Feb 23, 2025•48 min•Season 4Ep. 39
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 the role of business in her creative journey. We discuss the importance experimenting has played with...
Feb 16, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 38
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 shows, and how the art maths never seems to work around getting things done on time. We also explore ...
Feb 13, 2025•23 min•Ep. 37
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 family life. We discuss the role of mindset, it’s role in making art a personal priority and the many ways ...
Feb 09, 2025•45 min•Season 4Ep. 36
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 dig into the raw, real side of the artistic process and chat to past and future guests from the pod...
Jan 13, 2025•39 min•Ep. 35
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 always asking my guests to do the same! A big thank you to Mandy Jakich interviewing me and allowing me to...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 34
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, the value of gallery relationships and email databases, the influence of music and other art forms on cr...
Dec 08, 2024•37 min•Ep. 33
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 years, or a lifetime as well as how they generate and explore new ideas. I thought this would be a pa...
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 32
