We continue our two-part series on the battle of beliefs. This time we are talking with artist and activist Fabian Williams, aka Occasional Superstar, about his experience in the ad world, how he became a full-time artist, and his work to promote justice which led him to take on the NFL. For more on Fabian Williams visit: www.occasionalsuperstar.com/ Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com Hosted and produced by Blake Howard Intermission music & editing by Michael Engelking Have an id...
Aug 06, 2019•43 min•Season 2Ep. 6
What do you do when asked to help a client that you don't believe in or, worse yet, fundamentally disagree with? You can certainly take the money and run (those bills aren't going to pay themselves) or stand firm on your moral high ground. Saying no is easier said than done and in this episode, host Blake Howard talks courage and convictions with Julia Zeltser, creative director and co-founder of the social impact design firm Hyperakt. For more on Julia Zeltser visit: www.hyperakt.com Special th...
Jul 23, 2019•41 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In any career, becoming a leader is often seen as the next step, but going from maker to manager in the creative field can be a tricky transition. In this episode, Blake Howard interviews author and thought leader Todd Henry, whose recent book “Herding Tigers” investigates what it means to be the advocate creatives want and the leader they need. From earning trust and developing decision-makers to nixing gossip and navigating conflict, Todd and Blake dig into the challenges creative leaders face...
Jul 09, 2019•49 min•Season 2Ep. 4
There's a high risk of tension when one creative critiques the work of another. Fortunately, it's possible for feedback to make us better instead of bitter. In this episode we hear from Armin Vit, leading design critic and co-founder of Brand New. He shares his experiences with diversifying an industry niche, pushing back against comment culture and turning fear of failure into creative fuel. For more on Armin Vit visit: https://underconsideration.com Visit the Brand New blog: https://underconsi...
Jun 24, 2019•44 min•Season 2Ep. 3
How do you keep evolving a recognizable style that's in high demand? In this episode we sit down with designer Brian Steely, whose monoline work has distinguished clients ranging from Nike to the national parks. We discuss what it means to set boundaries, battle impostor syndrome, and refresh your craft while embracing your distinctive voice. For more on Brian Steely visit his website: www.steelyworks.com Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com Recorded live at Constellations: www.constel...
Jun 11, 2019•44 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Wether small set backs or devastating defeats, we all experience loss of some kind. In this episode, painter Dr. Fahamu Pecou, talks about what to do when life falls apart and you desperately need to restart. He knows loss all to well. In 2018, Fahamu experienced a crushing fire at his studio, losing years of work, supplies, and irreplaceable relics. We learn about his resiliency to bounce back and more on the art of the restart. For more on Fahamu visit his website: www.fahamupecouart.com/ Spec...
May 28, 2019•47 min•Season 2Ep. 1
This season on The Creative Rising, we’re going to probe the boundaries of breakthrough and learn what’s required to make it to the other side of adversity. We’ll learn from some incredible creative leaders, who’ll share their insight on specific topics like bouncing back after losing it all, finding your voice, making scary career leaps, and fighting for what you believe in. We’ll explore the art of giving (and receiving) an unsolicited opinion and creating a creative culture, and we’ll hear a ...
May 21, 2019•4 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Staying fresh and full of ideas as a creative professional can be difficult. In the final episode of Season 1, we talk to street poet and artist BlackCatTips to learn how he explores the unknown, odd, and uncomfortable in the pursuit of staying lively with ideas. For more on BlackCatTips, visit www.blackcattips.com Special thanks to Matchstic , a brand identity house Recorded live at Constellations Studio Episode edited by Wes Blankenship Music by Josh Garmon Hosted and produced by Blake Howard...
Dec 11, 2018•56 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Job aspirations, decisions and questions can haunt us. We quietly wonder, am I in the right place? Am I being paid fairly? Is my title right? Is it time for me to make a change? In this episode of The Creative Rising, we talk to marketing guru, speaker, and author Chris Coleman to get her sage advice on a successful creative career. *Audio quality note: This is a recorded phone call and the sound quality isn't as great as we would want. I hope you can overlook that fact and instead hear the real...
Dec 05, 2018•43 min•Season 1Ep. 9
You’re washed up. Done for. All the good ideas are gone and the pressure is on to deliver. What does it look like to get unstuck? In this episode we talk to musician, storyteller and educator, OkCello , to learn about his creative process and learning from our own emotions to breakthrough. Listen to more OkCello here . Special thanks to Constellations Studio and Matchstic , a brand identity house. Edited by Wes Blankenship, hosted and produced by Blake Howard , and music by Josh Garmon...
Nov 27, 2018•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 8
What does it take to be a straight up boss in the board room? How do we handle the pressure when the spotlight is on? To take this challenge head on, we are going to talk with author and spoken word poet, Amena Brown about the courage required to speak with spirit. For more on Amena, check her out at amenabrown.com . Also, be sure to check out her book Broken Record where ever you get your books.
Nov 20, 2018•50 min•Season 1Ep. 7
How do you know when it’s time to cut bait? Wether a dream job, heartfelt project, or a company you created, it takes guts to say goodbye. In this episode, we will talk to author and City Planner Ryan Gravel about how he walked away (multiple times) from his brainchild, the Atlanta Beltline. For more information on Ryan Gravel, visit ryangravel.com , and check out his book, “Where We Want to Live” wherever you get books.
Nov 13, 2018•33 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Why is it so hard for us to unplug? Is it FOMO, work loads, or deadlines that fool us into seeing rest as an optional “nice to do”? We are going to talk to Creative Director, and agency-owner, José Reyes about the courage required to press pause, gain perspective, and rejuvenate our creative souls.
Nov 06, 2018•38 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Let’s be honest, there can be a real terror in telling the truth. We all know it is the right thing to do, but can we be too honest? When is the right time? How should we do it? And what if it hurts a co-workers feelings or gets you fired?! In this conversation, we learn from the Brutally Honest creative business consultant and author Emily Cohen on how to be tough truth tellers.
Oct 30, 2018•41 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Next stop: Braintown. In this episode, we are going to nerd-out on neurology with Dr. Jerome Lubbe. As a leading functional neurologist, he is going to help us better understand what's really happening when we freak out over a deadline, client meeting, or office conflict. Want to learn more about Dr. Lubbe? Check him out Thrive Neuro Health .
Oct 23, 2018•41 min•Season 1Ep. 3
What's even scarier than death? You guessed it: speaking to a room full of strangers. In this episode we are going to learn from author and speaker extraordinaire Sam Harrison to help us pacify our panic. Want to learn more about Sam Harrison or his books? Check them both out at www.zingzone.com
Oct 16, 2018•40 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Everyone wants to be brave in their creative career, but what does that practically look like? In this series intro episode, hear some of host Blake Howard's backstory and get a sneak peak of what is to come.
Sep 27, 2018•11 min•Season 1Ep. 1
